What May feels like in Reykjavik
May is late spring in Reykjavik. The daytime air has a chill to it, though it is rarely bitter. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights are cold and the temperature hardly changes after dark. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Reykjavik in May
May is persistently wet here: some rain falls on about every other day. A rainy day brings about 6 mm (0.2 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. That is close to Reykjavik's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 7.2 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in May
In mid-May, sunrise is at about 4:15 am and sunset at about 10:32 pm (local time) — 18 h 17 min of daylight. Since mid-April the day has gained 3 h 19 min. About 59% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, sun and cloud share the day.
How May compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, May comes out as the 5th warmest month in Reykjavik. Against April, the average high is 3.2°C (5.8°F) higher, with 16 mm less rain. The warm-up continues into June. June averages a high of 12.2°C (54°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
- Hiking: less ideal — trails are cool.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Reykjavik in May
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Reykjavik in May?
Afternoons average 9.3°C (48.7°F) and nights about 3.7°C (38.7°F) — chilly by most people's standards. It is the 5th warmest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Reykjavik in May?
Quite a lot — 102 mm spread over about 17 days.
What should I wear in Reykjavik in May?
Pack rain protection, warm layers and sunglasses. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is May or June better for visiting Reykjavik?
June, clearly: it ranks #1 of 12 among Reykjavik's months, against #4 for the other. June is warmer and has fewer rainy days.