Vatnajökull National Park

Vatnajökull National Park Weather in May

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland in May.

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Höfn Kirkjubæjarklaustur Skaftafell

Considering a trip to Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland this May and wondering about the expected weather conditions? Find all the crucial information you need right here, addressing your question:

What to Expect in Vatnajökull National Park in May

Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland is a region in Iceland. May in Vatnajökull National Park generally has cold temperatures, with high precipitation.

Temperatures

The average maximum temperatures are cold and range from 7°C (45°F) in Skaftafell to 11°C (52°F) in Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 4°C (39°F) in Kirkjubæjarklaustur and 1°C (34°F) in Skaftafell.

To learn more about the conditions in specific areas of Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland, check out the map below.

Precipitation

In May, precipitation varies across different areas. From high rainfall in Höfn with an average of 107 mm (4.2 in) to high rainfall in Skaftafell with 144 mm (5.7 in). Based on our climate data it is the driest month of the year in Höfn.

Average sunshine

Sunshine levels are moderate in most locations. Höfn typically sees 172 hours of sunlight, creating comfortable conditions that aren't too bright or too dim. Looking for something sunnier? Our weather planner helps you discover destinations with more reliable sunshine.

Explore Vatnajökull National Park by month

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Best Places to Visit in Vatnajökull National Park in May

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across Vatnajökull National Park.

Conditions Temperatures Precipitation
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 Vatnajökull National Park

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

Temperature range in Vatnajökull National Park (May)

Precipitation variation in Vatnajökull National Park (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.

« April
May
June »
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
poor
poor
poor
Climate in Höfn →

Kirkjubæjarklaustur

In May Kirkjubæjarklaustur 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.

« April
May
June »
April
May
June
Max temperature
8°C (46°F)
11°C (52°F)
14°C (57°F)
Min temperature
1°C (34°F)
4°C (39°F)
7°C (45°F)
Monthly sun hours
130 hours
164 hours
146 hours
Monthly rainfall
159 mm (6.3 in)
126 mm (5 in)
126 mm (5 in)
Monthly rainy days
18 days
17 days
18 days
Weather conditions
poor
poor
unpleasant
Climate in Kirkjubæjarklaustur →

Skaftafell

In May Skaftafell generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 7°C (45°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 1°C (34°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

« April
May
June »
April
May
June
Max temperature
4°C (39°F)
7°C (45°F)
10°C (50°F)
Min temperature
-2°C (28°F)
1°C (34°F)
5°C (41°F)
Monthly sun hours
130 hours
164 hours
146 hours
Monthly rainfall
188 mm (7.4 in)
144 mm (5.7 in)
142 mm (5.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
17 days
17 days
18 days
Weather conditions
poor
poor
poor
Climate in Skaftafell →

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

Popular cities in May

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in Vatnajökull National Park in May.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Höfn 8°C (46°F) 3°C (37°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Kirkjubæjarklaustur 11°C (52°F) 4°C (39°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Skaftafell 7°C (45°F) 1°C (34°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)

Vatnajökull National Park weather in May: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland in May?

In May, Vatnajökull National Park, 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 Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland in May?

Daytime temperatures in Höfn peak at roughly 8°C (46°F) in May, dropping to about 3°C (37°F) overnight.

Does Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland get a lot of rain in May?

Vatnajökull National Park, 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 Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland?

In our view, May might not be the best time to travel to Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland with often poor weather in Höfn.

On average, the best time to visit Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland is in with generally poor weather in Höfn.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Vatnajökull National Park.

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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