2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Reykjavík — May

It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.

Climate Overview

May is a wet time to visit Reykjavík. Expect cold weather with temperatures around 10°C during the day. This is one of the wettest months—waterproof gear is essential. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds.

6.1
GoTripzi Score Good

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

10°C

Avg Low

5°C

Rainy days

18days

Daylight

18.3h

Feels like 6°C / 1°C — wind chill makes it feel cooler

Rainfall

109mm

Sunshine

11.4h/day

Humidity

78%

Humid
Sun Strength

6.9

High
Wind

21 km/h (gusts 46)

Is May a good time to visit Reykjavík?

It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.

Now

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Feels like --
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Local time

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Quiet
  • Travel Costs Shoulder Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

04:17

Sunset

22:32

18.3h daylight

Visiting Reykjavík in May: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun
  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals
  • Long daylight hours maximize sightseeing time

Cons

  • Frequent rain may disrupt outdoor activities

Things to Do in May

Recommended for This Weather

🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Reykjavík Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 2°C -2°C 17d (129mm) 1.3h
81% Very Humid
0.2 Low
Wet
Feb 3°C -1°C 18d (127mm) 3.4h
81% Very Humid
1 Low
Wet
Mar 4°C 0°C 18d (125mm) 6.5h
78% Humid
2.8 Moderate
Wet
Apr 7°C 2°C 14d (94mm) 8.8h
79% Humid
4.8 Moderate
Wet
May Current 10°C 5°C 18d (109mm) 11.4h
78% Humid
6.9 High
Wet
Jun 12°C 7°C 15d (90mm) 10.8h
81% Very Humid
7 High
Excellent
Jul 14°C 9°C 13d (70mm) 10.4h
84% Very Humid
6.5 High
Excellent
Aug 14°C 9°C 15d (94mm) 8.5h
84% Very Humid
4.8 Moderate
Excellent
Sep 11°C 6°C 18d (133mm) 7.2h
83% Very Humid
3.1 Moderate
Wet
Oct 7°C 3°C 16d (109mm) 4.7h
83% Very Humid
1.3 Low
Wet
Nov 5°C 1°C 15d (96mm) 2h
81% Very Humid
0.4 Low
Wet
Dec 3°C -1°C 15d (102mm) 1.1h
80% Very Humid
0.1 Low
Wet

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5
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Your Best MonthAprScore: 6.3

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Reykjavík – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

Reykjavík

Gateway to otherworldly landscapes, including geothermal pools like the Blue Lagoon, Hallgrímskirkja Church, the midnight sun, and northern lights.

View Full Destination Guide

What to Pack for May

Bundle up with a warm coat, scarf, and closed-toe shoes. Thermal layers underneath give flexibility as you move between indoors and outdoors. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent.

Cool Quiet

🎒Personalized Packing List

Tell us about your trip and we'll create a custom packing list based on the weather.

Your Packing List

📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Reykjavík?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is May a good time to visit Reykjavík?
May is typically wet for visiting Reykjavík, with average highs of 10°C and around 18 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Reykjavík in May?
Nights in Reykjavík during May are cool at around 5°C. Bring a jacket or sweater for evenings, especially if you plan to dine outdoors or take evening walks. The temperature drop from day to night can be noticeable.
What should I pack for Reykjavík in May?
With highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C in May, we recommend: Layerable clothing, Light jacket, Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Reykjavík in May?
Reykjavík typically sees around 18 rainy days in May. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in Reykjavík in May?
In May, Reykjavík gets approximately 18.3 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is May peak season in Reykjavík?
No, May is not peak season in Reykjavík. Expect better value on accommodation, shorter queues at attractions, and fewer tourists at popular spots. This is an excellent time to experience the city like a local and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Atlantic/Reykjavik)

Last Updated: February 2026