Iceland Airwaves Festival
On its way to its 20th edition in 2019 Iceland Airwaves is a festival you need to visit once in your life. Everything from lagoons and bookstores to bars and concert halls is filled with music.
Reykjavík in May sees low temperatures, with highs around 11°C (52°F) and overnight lows of 4°C (39°F). Rainfall is fairly high at around 97 mm (3.8 in) on average, so pack waterproofs just in case.
If you prefer enjoying temperate temperatures and rain-free days, June and July typically offer the best circumstances. If you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather somewhere else in the world, our weather planner can help you explore other options.
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Reykjavík - and find the best time to visit.
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Reykjavík typically rise from around 7°C (45°F) at the start of May to approximately 11°C (52°F) by the end. Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from 2°C (36°F) to 6°C (43°F).
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Browse day-by-day weather records for Reykjavík spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Based on weather observations in Reykjavík between 1976 and 2026, these are the recorded extremes during May.
Find out more about the weather in Iceland and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Iceland in May →
Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).
The weather can be unpredictable in May, so pack clothes you can easily mix and match. You could bring jeans, other long pants, and a few t-shirts. A light jacket or light sweater will be pleasant for the cooler moments. High rain levels are expected, so pack waterproof gear and an umbrella or poncho. The water temperature sits at about 8°C (46°F), which is too chilly for most people to enjoy swimming. Leave the swimsuit at home unless you love cold water. Don't forget sun protection, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. These are all good ideas with this much sunshine.
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full Reykjavík climate overview or explore weather in Iceland.
Where to go in May - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
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