What is the weather like in Iceland in May?

Reykjavík has a normal high of 10.1 °C, a mean of 6.7 °C and a normal low of 4.0 °C. Normal precipitation is 52.6 mm.

How much daylight does Iceland have in May?

Around the middle of May, Reykjavík has 18h 22m of daylight. Sunrise is 04:13 and sunset is 22:35.

Can northern lights be seen in Iceland in May?

May falls outside the typical September to April northern lights range. Northern lights require darkness.

When to visit Iceland

Iceland in May

A quieter shoulder month with bright nights and puffin season starting.

View every month

At a glance

Temperature

High 10.1 °C, low 4.0 °C, mean 6.7 °C

Precipitation

52.6 mm across 10.8 rainy days

Sunshine

209.0 sunshine hours

Mid-month daylight

18h 22m, sunrise 04:13, sunset 22:35

These figures are Reykjavík normals for 1991-2020, sourced from Icelandic Meteorological Office (Veðurstofa Íslands). North, East and highland areas run colder than Reykjavík. Iceland remains on GMT and UTC throughout the year without daylight saving.

What it is like

May is a quieter shoulder month. Puffins are typically present from around mid-May, while the sky stays bright through the night from roughly late May.

Whale watching is typically at its best from April to October.
Puffins are typically present from around mid-May.
Northern lights are not visible because the sky does not get dark.
North and East Iceland enter their preferred late spring to autumn period.

What to do

These tour hubs match activities and regions that operate or are typically accessible during May.

Planning notes

Pack warm layers and a waterproof, windproof shell; Icelandic conditions change quickly in any season. Use the Iceland packing list for a structured checklist.

Check other dates and locations with the Iceland daylight tool.

Frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Iceland in May?: Reykjavík has a normal high of 10.1 °C, a mean of 6.7 °C and a normal low of 4.0 °C. Normal precipitation is 52.6 mm.
How much daylight does Iceland have in May?: Around the middle of May, Reykjavík has 18h 22m of daylight. Sunrise is 04:13 and sunset is 22:35.
Can northern lights be seen in Iceland in May?: May falls outside the typical September to April northern lights range. Northern lights require darkness.