Reykjavik in May: Weather Guide
“Cool and moody. Best paired with warm rooms and long lunches.”
Roughly 19 rainy days across the month, on average.
The clocks tick into May and Reykjavik leans into a raw chill that settles into stone; you feel it first around Perlan's dome. Averages sit around 8.7°C (47.7°F) by day and 3.7°C (38.7°F) after dark, with rainfall near 122 mm across roughly 18.5 rainy days — a persistent presence that reshapes the pavements. Daylight runs about 9.4 hours per day, a good working length of light, and the season stamps its signature on details like the northern lights over Faxaflói Bay.
On the ground, cold shapes the timing. Time around Perlan's dome shows best in mid-morning light before the chill deepens; warm interiors — cafés, museums, shops near the Old Harbour — carry the middle of the day. Evenings run short outdoors and long indoors, which suits the local rhythm rather than fighting it.
Reading across 11 complete years (2015–2025), May in Reykjavik has trended less predictable in recent seasons, with the last few years pushing daytime highs and rainfall patterns modestly away from the older normals. The 2026 signal so far tracks the recent shape rather than the long-run midpoint — meaning what you see above is weighted to how this month has actually been running, not a smoothed 30-year picture that masks the shift.
For travellers planning around 2026, this profile is the honest baseline. Match the packing list to the numbers — not to the month name — and you avoid the classic mismatch of arriving with the wrong shell, the wrong shoes, or the wrong daylight assumptions. The rest of this page breaks down what to wear, what to do, and how the season tends to run for Reykjavik visitors in 2026.
Reykjavik has 130000 people and everyone knows everyone; ask about anyone and get their genealogy back to Ingolfur Arnarson. Skip the Blue Lagoon on airport days when everyone else goes; go to local pool Vesturbaejarlaug at 7am when Reykjavikings actually swim. Braud & Co on Frakkastigur has the cinnamon buns; skyr is not yogurt and hakarl fermented shark is a fear factor stunt, not food. The 66 North logo means real weather gear; Icewear is tourist.
What to pack for Reykjavik in May
With highs only near 8.7°C and lows around 3.7°C, cold-weather kit is non-negotiable, especially for long walking days. Waterproofing matters this month — expect meaningful rain and plan around it.
- an insulated waterproof parka
- thermals
- insulated waterproof boots
- insulated gloves
- a beanie
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
We may earn a small commission on any purchase — it doesn't change the price you pay.
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→Estimated May trip to Reykjavik
Shoulder-season pricing — a balance of price and conditions. Rule-based estimates from a couple based in London — actual prices vary.
We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no cost to you. Estimates use rule-based averages; check partner sites for live pricing.
Delayed flight to Reykjavik?
Reykjavik sees frequent aurora-season flight delays. If yours is 3+ hours late, you may be entitled to €600. EU regulations cover flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK.
Check compensation eligibility →Free check · Only pay if you get paid · Powered by Compensair.
Plan your Reykjavik trip
Handpicked services from partners we trust. One tab for everything you'll need after the flight is booked.
Compare rooms in Reykjavik on Booking.com.
Skip-the-line tickets, day trips, food walks and guided tours.
Compare fares with cashback on every booking.
Instant data on arrival — no roaming charges, no SIM swap.
Flexible monthly coverage for trips of any length.
Compare 900+ rental brands with free cancellation.
Book a driver in advance — fixed price, no queue.
We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no cost to you.
Things worth doing
Best-fit activities include volcano tours, Blue Lagoon soaks, Golden Circle drives, and northern-lights hunts — a mix suited to the month's daylight and weather pattern.
Other places with a similar climate right now
Read more about Reykjavik
Solar cycle 25 is at peak in 2026. The five best aurora destinations compared with 11-year weather data — cloud cover, cost, KP odds.
The best time to visit Iceland depends on what you want — northern lights, midnight sun, or empty roads. A data-driven month-by-month guide.
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. Late September Northern Lights season starts with 12-hour dark nights while last berries fill highland meadows and F-roads to Landmannalaugar still open.
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 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, 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. October-December rain sideways at 100kmh combined with dark; F-roads closed since September, and the Ring Road N1 sees whiteout closures weekly.
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 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. Wind-proof over-trousers and merino base layer: sideways rain penetrates any regular waterproof and cotton kills in Icelandic wind.
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. Reykjavik has 130000 people and everyone knows everyone; ask about anyone and get their genealogy back to Ingolfur Arnarson. Skip the Blue Lagoon on airport days when everyone else goes; go to local pool Vesturbaejarlaug at 7am when Reykjavikings actually swim. Braud & Co on Frakkastigur has the cinnamon buns; skyr is not yogurt and hakarl fermented shark is a fear factor stunt, not food. The 66 North logo means real weather gear; Icewear is tourist.