May weather forecast
Iceland

May in Iceland signifies the onset of late spring and pre-summer conditions. The weather becomes milder, with average temperatures ranging from 6°C (42.8°F) to 10°C (50°F), and coastal areas such as Reykjavik often experience slightly warmer temperatures due to the warming influence of the ocean. Fluctuations in weather are still common, with bright, sunny days potentially followed by periods of rainfall.

One of the key features of May is the dramatic increase in daylight hours. By the end of the month, Iceland experiences almost 24 hours of daylight due to the phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun. The sun rises around 4 am and sets close to midnight, leading to long twilight hours where the sky is never entirely dark. This significant increase in daylight allows for extended outdoor activities and sightseeing.

The shift towards milder temperatures in May also brings a significant reduction in snowfall. Snow is typically limited to the higher altitudes and the northern parts of the country, while lower elevations and coastal regions mainly experience rain. Precipitation averages between 40mm (1.57") to 60mm (2.36"), with most occurring in the southern and western coastal regions.

Despite the shift in season, the wind remains a characteristic feature of Iceland's weather, with wind speeds averaging 15km/h (9.3mph) in May. The effect of the wind chill is less pronounced due to warmer temperatures, but conditions can still feel cooler, especially when winds are strong.

May is a delightful time to visit Iceland as the country is in full bloom with the arrival of migratory birds adding to the vibrant spring scenery. The chance of witnessing the Northern Lights is minimal due to the long daylight hours. However, the combination of warmer temperatures, abundant daylight, and a landscape coming alive with spring vegetation makes May an attractive month for outdoor exploration and activities such as bird watching, hiking, and sightseeing.

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• Reykjavík - May »
  On the last day of the month, in Reykjavík, sunrise is at 03:24 and sunset at 23:25 GMT. In Reykjavík, during the entire year, snow falls for 41.1 days and aggregates up to 309mm (12.17") of snow.
• Kópavogur - May »
  Even a few minutes in 13°C (55.4°F) water is uncomfortable, and swimming below 10°C (50°F) may cause total loss of breathing control and cold shock, depending on a person's physique. On the first day of May in Kópavogur, sunrise is at 04:59 and sunset at 21:49.
• Akureyri - May »
  In Akureyri in May, snow falls for 7.2 days, with typically accumulated 93mm (3.66") of snow. In Akureyri during May, the rain falls for 15 days and regularly aggregates up to 44mm (1.73") of precipitation.
• Akranes - May »
  May is the least humid month in Akranes with an average relative humidity of 75%. In Akranes in May, during 15.5 rainfall days, 32mm (1.26") of precipitation is typically accumulated.
• Selfoss - May »
  In Selfoss in May, during 17.4 rainfall days, 63mm (2.48") of precipitation is typically accumulated. During 1.3 snowfall days, in May, Selfoss aggregates 10mm (0.39") of snow.
• Ísafjörður - May »
  With the onset of May, Ísafjörður experiences a subtle temperature shift, with the average high-temperature moving from a cold 4.7°C (40.5°F) in April to a chilly 7.9°C (46.2°F). An average minimum temperature of 2.2°C (36°F) is recorded in Ísafjörður during the month of May.
• Vestmannaeyjar - May »
  In Vestmannaeyjar, during May, the rain falls for 13.5 days and regularly aggregates up to 105mm (4.13") of precipitation. On the last day of May, in Vestmannaeyjar, sunrise is at 03:29 and sunset at 23:07 GMT.
• Grindavik - May »
  January through May, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index in Grindavik, Iceland. In Grindavik during May, the rain falls for 16.4 days and regularly aggregates up to 58mm (2.28") of precipitation.
• Seltjarnarnes - May »
  Swimming in 6.9°C (44.4°F) feels unbearing at 13°C (55.4°F) and can be life-risking below 10°C (50°F), causing breathing issues and cold shock, depending on a person's capacity. On the last day of May, in Seltjarnarnes, sunrise is at 03:24 and sunset at 23:26 GMT.
• Borgarnes - May »
  With an average relative humidity of 75%, May is the least humid month in Borgarnes, Iceland. In Borgarnes, Iceland, in May, during 15.5 rainfall days, 32mm (1.26") of precipitation is typically accumulated.