South Iceland Weather in May

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in South Iceland, Iceland in May.

Planning a journey to South Iceland, Iceland this May and curious over the weather conditions to await? Your essential details are found on this page, answering your query:

What to Expect in South Iceland in May

South Iceland, Iceland is a region in Iceland. May in South Iceland generally has cold temperatures, with precipitation levels ranging from moderate to high.

Temperatures

The average maximum temperatures are cold and range from 7°C (45°F) in Solheimahjaleiga to 12°C (54°F) in Hella. Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 5°C (41°F) in Hella and 3°C (37°F) in Solheimahjaleiga.

For a closer look at conditions across South Iceland, Iceland, refer to the map below.

Precipitation

In May, precipitation varies across different areas. From moderate rainfall in Sprengisandur with an average of 78 mm (3.1 in) to high rainfall in Solheimahjaleiga with 160 mm (6.3 in). Going by our weather data, this month in Höfn usually has the least rain, making it the driest month of the year.

Average sunshine

Sunshine is moderately available across various locations. In Höfn, you can expect around 172 hours of sunlight in May, which gives a pleasant combination of sun and shade. For those who want maximum sunshine, our weather planner can point you toward the sunniest places on Earth.

Explore South Iceland by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in South Iceland — and find the best time to visit. (based on Vík í Mýrdal)

Best Places to Visit in South Iceland in May

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across South Iceland.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

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).

Popular Destinations in South Iceland

What is the weather like in May for some of the most popular destinations in South Iceland, Iceland?

Temperature range in South Iceland (May)

Precipitation variation in South Iceland (May)

Höfn

In May Höfn generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 8°C (46°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 3°C (37°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
5°C (41°F)
8°C (46°F)
10°C (50°F)
Min temperature
1°C (34°F)
3°C (37°F)
6°C (43°F)
Monthly sun hours
142 hours
172 hours
147 hours
Monthly rainfall
152 mm (6 in)
107 mm (4.2 in)
112 mm (4.4 in)
Monthly rainy days
13 days
13 days
14 days
Weather conditions

Selfoss

In May Selfoss generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 11°C (52°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 5°C (41°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
8°C (46°F)
11°C (52°F)
14°C (57°F)
Min temperature
1°C (34°F)
5°C (41°F)
8°C (46°F)
Monthly sun hours
165 hours
201 hours
173 hours
Monthly rainfall
118 mm (4.6 in)
105 mm (4.1 in)
89 mm (3.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
17 days
15 days
17 days
Weather conditions

Hella

In May Hella generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 12°C (54°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 5°C (41°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
8°C (46°F)
12°C (54°F)
15°C (59°F)
Min temperature
1°C (34°F)
5°C (41°F)
8°C (46°F)
Monthly rainfall
119 mm (4.7 in)
108 mm (4.3 in)
97 mm (3.8 in)
Monthly rainy days
16 days
15 days
17 days
Weather conditions

Hveragerði

In May Hveragerði generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 11°C (52°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 4°C (39°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
7°C (45°F)
11°C (52°F)
14°C (57°F)
Min temperature
0°C (32°F)
4°C (39°F)
7°C (45°F)
Monthly sun hours
165 hours
201 hours
173 hours
Monthly rainfall
119 mm (4.7 in)
107 mm (4.2 in)
92 mm (3.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
17 days
16 days
18 days
Weather conditions

Laugarvatn

In May Laugarvatn generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 10°C (50°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 3°C (37°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
6°C (43°F)
10°C (50°F)
13°C (55°F)
Min temperature
-1°C (30°F)
3°C (37°F)
6°C (43°F)
Monthly sun hours
165 hours
201 hours
173 hours
Monthly rainfall
129 mm (5.1 in)
117 mm (4.6 in)
104 mm (4.1 in)
Monthly rainy days
16 days
15 days
17 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in South Iceland, in Iceland.

Popular cities in May

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in South Iceland in May.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Vík í Mýrdal 8°C (46°F) 4°C (39°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Höfn 8°C (46°F) 3°C (37°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Selfoss 11°C (52°F) 5°C (41°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Hella 12°C (54°F) 5°C (41°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Hveragerði 11°C (52°F) 4°C (39°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Laugarvatn 10°C (50°F) 3°C (37°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)

South Iceland weather in May: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in South Iceland, Iceland in May?

In May, South Iceland, Iceland generally has poor weather conditions. Höfn sees daytime temperatures near 8°C (46°F), with nights cooling to roughly 3°C (37°F).

What is the average temperature in South Iceland, Iceland in May?

In Höfn, the average daytime high in May is 8°C (46°F), while nighttime temperatures drop to around 3°C (37°F).

Does South Iceland, Iceland get a lot of rain in May?

South Iceland, Iceland sees substantial rainfall in May. Höfn typically averages about 107 mm (4.2 in), a mix of wet and dry days, but bring an umbrella.

Is May a Good Time to Visit South Iceland, Iceland?

In our opinion, May may not be the ideal time to visit South Iceland, Iceland due to the typically poor weather in Höfn.

Generally speaking, provide poor weather in Höfn.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in South Iceland.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to Iceland? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in Iceland.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

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