Reykjavik

What’s the weather like in Reykjavik in May?

May is a very pleasant time to visit Reykjavik and has the most daily sunshine than any other month of the year. It’s not as cold as winter, but you’ll still need to wear a jacket to stay warm in the cool weather conditions.

Geographical influences

Reykjavik weather in May is influenced by the city’s location near the coast in southwest Iceland. The subarctic climate brings cooler weather to the region with regular gusts of wind blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean. The sea isn’t warm enough for swimming, so it’s best to stay clear of it if you’re enjoying a day exploring the nearby peninsulas and coves along the coast.

Averages

Temperatures range from lows of 3°C to highs of 9°C during the day. The average is around 6°C, which means you’ll need to pack a warm coat, scarf, and gloves for your visit. There are six hours of sunshine each day, which gives you plenty of time to get out and enjoy yourself before the sun goes down. You can expect an average rainfall of 40mm which spreads over 21 days of the month.