Iceland · May
Low seasonIceland · Europe
Max Temp
8.9°C
Min Temp
3.9°C
Sunshine
8.3 h/day
Rain Days
10 days
Water Temp
7.7°C
Rainfall
70.4 mm
Humidity
76%
Avg Temp
6.5°C
Still off-season — flights and hotels significantly cheaper than in June.
May in Iceland at 9°C is too cool for a beach holiday, but suitable for sightseeing and hiking. The best travel months are June, July, and August.
Temperatures reach a maximum of 9°C during the day and drop to 4°C at night — warm layers recommended. The sun shines an average of 8 hours per day; there are 10 rain days with 70 mm total. At 8°C, the water is still quite cool in May — a wetsuit may be useful.
Pack warm clothing and sturdy footwear. Cool temperatures make hiking and cultural trips enjoyable — beaches are off the agenda.
Packing list for Iceland in May
- Warme Jacke
- Pullover und warme Lagen
- Lange Hosen
- Wärmende Schuhe
- Sonnencreme LSF 50
- Sonnenbrille
- Sonnenhut
- Leichter Regenschirm oder Regenponcho
- Reiseapotheke
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is May a good time to visit Iceland?
- May is not an optimal month for Iceland (Score: 56/100), but it is manageable. For better conditions, consider June, July, and August.
- How warm is it in Iceland in May?
- In May, Iceland sees daily highs of 9°C. Nights cool to 4°C, with a daily average of 7°C.
- How much rain falls in Iceland in May?
- In May, Iceland receives an average of 70 mm of rain over 10 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
- How many sunshine hours does Iceland get in May?
- Iceland averages 8 sunshine hours per day in May — above the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Iceland in May?
- Water temperature in Iceland in May averages 8°C — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.
