Garðabær Weather in May
Thinking of visiting Garðabær in May? Expect low temperatures reaching 11°C (52°F) during the day, dropping to 4°C (39°F) at night, and note that quite a bit of rainfall is likely.
Rainfall in Garðabær in May
Typically, about 16 days will experience rainfall, with an average of 98 mm (3.9 in) for the month. A fairly balanced picture this month, some wet days but nothing too extreme in terms of intensity.
Temperature in Garðabær in May
May in Garðabær sees highs of 11°C (52°F) and lows of 4°C (39°F) overnight. Cold conditions persist throughout the day, so warm clothing is important from the moment you head outside. With lows around 4°C (39°F), nights are cold. The upside is that cool, crisp nights are often the best for a deep sleep.
Sunshine in Garðabær in May
The month enjoys around 201 hours of sunshine, creating mostly sunny days despite the cool temperatures.
Wind Speed in Garðabær in May
Wind speeds average 5 m/s (10 knots) during May. At this speed, gentle to moderate breezes make small trees sway and the wind creates whitecaps on water bodies. Daily variations range from moderate winds to stronger breezes, creating excellent conditions for sailing, kite flying and wind sports.
Average water temperature in May
The water sits at 8°C (46°F) this month, which is well below what most people consider swimmable. Wetsuits help, but expect it to still feel cold.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.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Iceland, check out our Garðabær's climate page.
Garðabær Temperature in May
Min Temperature
4°C (39°F)
Max Temperature
11°C (52°F)
Water Temperature
8°C (46°F) *
Chance of Rain
53%
Precipitation
98 mm (3.9 in)
Rainy days
16 days
Humidity
76% *
Windspeed
5 m/s (10 knots) *
Sunshine
201 hours *
Percentage Sunshine
35% *
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Garðabær 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).
Average temperatures in May
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in May
Historical weather for Garðabær in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Garðabær spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Garðabær historical weather extremes in May
The extremes listed below come from historical weather data collected in Garðabær from 1976 through 2026.
- Garðabær recorded its highest May temperature of 21°C (70°F) on May 18, 2025.
- The coldest May day was on May 3, 1982, with a maximum of -2°C (28°F).
- The lowest overnight temperature recorded in May was -7°C (19°F) (May 5, 1982).
Best Places in Iceland in 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
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tolerable
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What to Wear in Garðabær in May
Pack for changing conditions in Garðabær in May. Bring a mix of short and long sleeves, a warm layer like a hoodie or light jacket, and comfortable pants. The key is being able to add or remove layers as the days goes by. Prepare for significant rainfall with proper waterproof clothing and shoes. With water temperatures around 8°C (46°F), the water is quite cold for swimming. You can skip the swimwear unless you're particularly tough. You'll definitely want to pack sunglasses and sunscreen. There will be plenty of bright sunshine this month.What To Do in Garðabær in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Iceland, check out our Garðabær's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full Garðabær climate overview or explore weather in Iceland.
