Reykjavik weather in May
“Cool and moody. Best paired with warm rooms and long lunches.”
Roughly 19 rainy days across the month, on average.
May in Reykjavik brings mild spring conditions with average highs of 8.7°C (48°F) and lows of 3.7°C (39°F). You'll experience around 122mm of precipitation spread across roughly 18 rainy days, so wet weather is common. The real highlight is daylight—with nearly 9.4 hours of sunshine daily, you're entering Iceland's season of extended daylight, setting the stage for the midnight sun experience ahead.
This is shoulder season in Reykjavik, with fewer crowds than summer but noticeably more visitors than winter. May sees local festivals and the start of the tourist season, though prices haven't peaked yet. The city has a refreshed, energetic vibe as Icelanders emerge from winter and outdoor activities resume. Expect a pleasant mix of locals and travelers exploring the capital.
For 2026 travel, May is ideal if you want milder weather than winter but prefer avoiding peak summer crowds and prices. Pack layers and waterproof gear—the cool, damp conditions are typical. This month offers excellent value and a genuine Icelandic spring atmosphere without the intensity of July or August.
What to pack for Reykjavik in May
May weather demands layering and waterproofing. Temperatures hover just above freezing, and rain is frequent, so pack versatile pieces that work together. Bring a light base layer for warmth, a mid-weight fleece or wool sweater, and a waterproof outer shell. Waterproof pants and sturdy boots are essential for exploring outdoors.
- Waterproof rain jacket (breathable shell)
- Merino wool base layer (thermal long-sleeve)
- Fleece or wool sweater (mid-weight insulation)
- Waterproof hiking pants
- Insulated waterproof boots (ankle or higher)
- Warm beanie and gloves
What to pack for Reykjavik in May
- →Lightweight fleeceAmazon · shop this
- →Merino travel socksAmazon · shop this
- →Packable rain jacketAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Waterproof dry bagAmazon · shop this
- →Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50Amazon · shop this
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Where to stay in Reykjavik
We don't review individual hotels — plenty of people do that well. What we do is send you to compare rooms in Reykjavik across trusted platforms.
Compare hotels on Booking.com→Things worth doing
Golden Circle day tour, whale watching from Old Harbor, hiking in Þingvellir National Park, explore colorful street art and cafés in downtown Reykjavik.
Other places with a similar climate right now
Reykjavik in May — FAQ
Q01Is May a good time to visit Reykjavik?
Is May a good time to visit Reykjavik?
It is a fair time to visit — expect variable conditions and plan flexibility. In May, Reykjavik averages a high of 9°C (48°F) and a low of 4°C (39°F), with 122mm of rainfall across roughly 19 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in Reykjavik in May?
What is the average temperature in Reykjavik in May?
The average high temperature in Reykjavik during May is 9°C (48°F), with an average low of 4°C (39°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does Reykjavik have in May?
How many rainy days does Reykjavik have in May?
Reykjavik averages approximately 19 rainy days in May, with a total monthly rainfall of about 122mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for Reykjavik in May?
What should I pack for Reykjavik in May?
For Reykjavik in May, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05How crowded is Reykjavik in May?
How crowded is Reykjavik in May?
Tourist crowds in Reykjavik during May are typically moderate. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.