May weather forecast
Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

As May surfaces, Longyearbyen basks in the luxury of continuous daylight for the first time this year. The frozen landscape starts to ebb, revealing a mosaic of yellows and greens as the town blooms into the midnight sun phenomenon. The high temperature traces its climb to a milder 3°C (37.4°F), rendering the month among the comfortable ones in Longyearbyen. Despite the preservation of snowfall over 16 days, rainfall outpaces it for 13 days, the first occurrence in this calendar year. May's weather stands as a testament to the city's incredible transition into the Arctic summer.

Temperature

In May, the meteorological conditions in Longyearbyen change with the average high-temperature moving from a freezing cold -9°C (15.8°F) in April to a still subzero cold -3°C (26.6°F). During the nights of May, the average low-temperature in Longyearbyen holds at a still subzero cold -7°C (19.4°F).

Rainfall

The month with the least rainfall is May, when the rain falls for 4 days and typically collects 13mm (0.51") of precipitation.

Snowfall

Months with snowfall are January through December. In Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, during May, snow falls for 16 days. Throughout the year, in Longyearbyen, there are 176 snowfall days.

Sea temperature

In Longyearbyen, in May, the average water temperature is 2°C (35.6°F).
Note: For swimming, this is considered life-threatening and very dangerous. The water feels painfully cold, and hyperventilation quickly occurs. A specialized swimsuit is mandatory to reduce thermal damage.

Daylight

The months with the shortest days are January, May through July, November and December, with an average of 0h and 0min of daylight.

Sunshine

The month with the most sunshine is May, with an average of 8.2h of sunshine.

UV index

The months with the highest UV index are May through July, with an average maximum UV index of 2. A UV Index of 2, and less, symbolizes a low threat to health from unsafe exposure to UV radiation for ordinary individuals.
Note: The maximum UV index of 2 during May leads to these instructions:
Most individuals face no major issues with lengthy exposure to the sun, but children, infants, and individuals with fair skin always require protection. Protect yourself from the midday Sun's peak UV radiation by minimizing exposure. To best shield against UV radiation, choose sun-safe garments and dependable sunglasses. Alert! The snow's reflection can amplify the UV radiation of the Sun nearly twice.