Late spring · Weather & things to do
Reykjavík in May
Reykjavík warms up: highs climb to 48°F (9°C), from 42°F in April, with lows of 39°F (4°C) and about 3.7 in (93 mm) of rain.
It scores 49/100 for comfort, 4th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 48°F (9°C)
- Avg low
- 39°F (4°C)
- Rain
- 3.7 in (93 mm)
- Humidity
- 83%
- Cloud cover
- 80%
- Daylight
- ~17 h 57 min
- Comfort score
- 49/100 · Fair
What May feels like
Cool days top out near 48°F (9°C), better for brisk walks than lingering outside.
Nights cool to an average low of 39°F (4°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.7 in (93 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 80%.
With about 17 h 57 min of daylight, evenings stay light late.
Plan around May
May is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (June – August).
- Comfort improves from 37/100 in April to 49/100.
- Our Iceland Ring Road route recommends Jun – Sep, so May falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for May
- Insulated jackethighs only 48°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Reykjavík in May
A mixed month: these picks balance outdoor stops with indoor fallbacks.
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
Harbor hot-dog stand open since 1937.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 48°F.
National Museum of Iceland
Settlement-to-today history of Iceland in one clear permanent exhibit.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 48°F.
Harpa
Concert hall with a glass facade by Olafur Eliasson on the harbor.
Kaldi Bar
Laugavegur bar pouring Kaldi beer from northern Iceland.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Sægreifinn (The Sea Baron)
Old harbor fish shack known for lobster soup and fish skewers.
Why now A cozy break on a 48°F day.
Nearby in May
- Vík in May~103 mi · highs 46°F, 4.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Jökulsárlón in May~172 mi · highs 42°F, 4.3 in rain · 3°C (6°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Mývatn in May~177 mi · highs 40°F, 2.8 in rain · 5°C (8°F) cooler by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Reykjavík in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Reykjavík?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 49/100 against a best of 64 in June – August. Expect highs of 48°F (9°C) and 3.7 in (93 mm) of rain. Our Iceland Ring Road route recommends Jun – Sep, so May is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Reykjavík in May?
Average highs are 48°F (9°C) and average lows 39°F (4°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Reykjavík in May?
Some: about 3.7 in (93 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 2nd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 64.5 in (1638 mm).
What should I pack for Reykjavík in May?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 48°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Reykjavík
Planning Reykjavík in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.