May weather forecast
Iceland

May in Iceland signifies the onset of late spring and pre-summer conditions. The weather becomes milder, with average temperatures ranging from 6°C (42.8°F) to 10°C (50°F), and coastal areas such as Reykjavik often experience slightly warmer temperatures due to the warming influence of the ocean. Fluctuations in weather are still common, with bright, sunny days potentially followed by periods of rainfall.

One of the key features of May is the dramatic increase in daylight hours. By the end of the month, Iceland experiences almost 24 hours of daylight due to the phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun. The sun rises around 4 am and sets close to midnight, leading to long twilight hours where the sky is never entirely dark. This significant increase in daylight allows for extended outdoor activities and sightseeing.

The shift towards milder temperatures in May also brings a significant reduction in snowfall. Snow is typically limited to the higher altitudes and the northern parts of the country, while lower elevations and coastal regions mainly experience rain. Precipitation averages between 40mm (1.57") to 60mm (2.36"), with most occurring in the southern and western coastal regions.

Despite the shift in season, the wind remains a characteristic feature of Iceland's weather, with wind speeds averaging 15km/h (9.3mph) in May. The effect of the wind chill is less pronounced due to warmer temperatures, but conditions can still feel cooler, especially when winds are strong.

May is a delightful time to visit Iceland as the country is in full bloom with the arrival of migratory birds adding to the vibrant spring scenery. The chance of witnessing the Northern Lights is minimal due to the long daylight hours. However, the combination of warmer temperatures, abundant daylight, and a landscape coming alive with spring vegetation makes May an attractive month for outdoor exploration and activities such as bird watching, hiking, and sightseeing.

---

• Reykjavík - May »
  In Reykjavík in May, it is raining for 15.5 days, with typically 32mm (1.26") of accumulated precipitation. On the first day of May sunrise is at 04:56 and sunset at 21:51.
• Kópavogur - May »
  Beware when you're in 7.2°C (45°F) waters; 13°C (55.4°F) is chilling and anything below 10°C (50°F) could cause breathing hindrance and a sudden cold shock, given your physical condition. In Kópavogur the average seawater temperature in May is 7.2°C (45°F).
• Akureyri - May »
  Throughout the year, in Akureyri there are 122.6 snowfall days, and 2565mm (100.98") of snow is accumulated. In Akureyri during May, the rain falls for 15 days and regularly aggregates up to 44mm (1.73") of precipitation.
• Akranes - May »
  In Akranes during May, the rain falls for 15.5 days and regularly aggregates up to 32mm (1.26") of precipitation. In Akranes, during the entire year, snow falls for 41.1 days and aggregates up to 309mm (12.17") of snow.
• Selfoss - May »
  On the last day of the month, in Selfoss sunrise is at 03:22 and sunset at 23:20 GMT. In Selfoss, Iceland, during the entire year, snow falls for 61.9 days and aggregates up to 825mm (32.48") of snow.
• Ísafjörður - May »
  May in Ísafjörður brings a slight increase in the average high-temperature, progressing from a cold 4.7°C (40.5°F) in April to a frosty 7.9°C (46.2°F). In Ísafjörður, Iceland, the average seawater temperature in May is 5.2°C (41.4°F).
• Vestmannaeyjar - May »
  In Vestmannaeyjar, during May, the rain falls for 13.5 days and regularly aggregates up to 105mm (4.13") of precipitation. In Vestmannaeyjar, during the entire year, the rain falls for 190 days and collects up to 1588mm (62.52") of precipitation.
• Grindavik - May »
  January through May, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index in Grindavik, Iceland. In Grindavik in May, it is raining for 16.4 days, with typically 58mm (2.28") of accumulated precipitation.
• Seltjarnarnes - May »
  On the first day of May in Seltjarnarnes sunrise is at 04:57 and sunset at 21:52. On the first day of May in Seltjarnarnes, sunrise is at 04:57 and sunset at 21:52.
• Borgarnes - May »
  In Borgarnes during the entire year, snow falls for 41.1 days and aggregates up to 309mm (12.17") of snow. The least humid month in Borgarnes, Iceland, is May, with an average relative humidity of 75%.