May · Iceland
Best time to visit Reykjavik in May Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Reykjavik in May
Average temperature 7°C, 138 mm of rain, about 17 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 86% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
May score
6.3/10
Ranked #3 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 7°C
- Rainfall
- 138 mm
- Humidity
- 86%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 17
- Crowd Density
- Moderate Crowds
- Average Expenses
- $$ · Moderate Cost ($$)
May in Reykjavik scores 6.3/10 for nature and wildlife travel - one of the top 12-month picks (#3). Expect around 7°C, 138 mm of rain, and roughly 17 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Northern lights nearby and geothermal days peak in the bright June-August window.
May in Reykjavik — middling scores, decent value
May averages 7°C (44°F) — jacket weather. Comfortable for walking and museums, too cool for anything water-based.
At 138 mm this is a genuinely wet month: about 17 days with 6+ hours of sunshine in total, and outdoor plans need an indoor fallback.
It scores 6.3/10 here, 3rd of 12 months, against 7.6/10 in the destination's best month.
Pack a mid-weight jacket, long sleeves and shoes you can walk 15 km in, a proper rain shell rather than an umbrella, footwear you can get muddy.
Figure on mid-season pricing, with crowds are moderate.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Reykjavik in May?
- In May, Reykjavik averages 7°C, 138 mm of rain, and about 17 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 6.3/10.
- Is May a good time to visit Reykjavik?
- May earns a 6.3/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Reykjavik in May?
- Expect about 138 mm of rain in May. Average humidity is 86% and there are about 17 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Reykjavik
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Reykjavik, Iceland. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.