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.
Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options
10°C
5°C
18days
18.3h
Feels like 6°C / 1°C — wind chill makes it feel cooler
109mm
11.4h/day
78%
Humid6.9
High21 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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Air Quality
Travel Context
- CrowdsQuiet
- Travel Costs Shoulder Rates
Daylight
04:17
22:32
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
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 |
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.
🎒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
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🧴Toiletries & Health
Planning a trip to Reykjavík?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is May a good time to visit Reykjavík?
Does it get cold at night in Reykjavík in May?
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Does it rain a lot in Reykjavík in May?
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Is May peak season in Reykjavík?
More Reykjavík Guides
Best Time to Visit
Coming soon
Things to Do
Coming soon
Where to Stay
Best neighborhoods and hotel recommendations
Cost & Budget
Daily costs, money-saving tips, and budget breakdown
Itineraries
Coming soon
Overview
Complete travel guide for Reykjavík: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.