Iceland · May
Best travel monthTravel seasonIceland · Europe
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, ↑ warmestØ day↑ warmest | 3° (37°)8° (46°) | 4° (39°)8° (46°) | 4° (39°)8° (46°) | 7° (45°)11° (52°) | 9° (48°)13° (55°) | 12° (54°)15° (59°) | 14° (57°)19° (66°) | 13° (55°)17° (63°) | 11° (52°)13° (55°) | 7° (45°)11° (52°) | 5° (41°)9° (48°) | 3° (37°)8° (46°) |
Ø night, ↓ coldestØ night↓ coldest | -1° (30°)-8° (18°) | 0° (32°)-7° (19°) | 0° (32°)-7° (19°) | 2° (36°)-4° (25°) | 4° (39°)0° (32°) | 8° (46°)4° (39°) | 9° (48°)6° (43°) | 9° (48°)5° (41°) | 7° (45°)2° (36°) | 3° (37°)-2° (28°) | 1° (34°)-5° (23°) | -1° (30°)-8° (18°) |
☀️Sunshine | 1h UV 0 | 3h UV 1 | 5h UV 3 | 7h UV 4 | 9h UV 5 | 8h UV 5 | 8h UV 5 | 7h UV 4 | 5h UV 3 | 4h UV 2 | 2h UV 1 | 1h UV 0 |
🌊Water Temp | 5° (41°) | 5° (41°) | 5° (41°) | 6° (43°) | 8° (46°) | 10° (50°) | 12° (54°) | 12° (54°) | 11° (52°) | 9° (48°) | 7° (45°) | 6° (43°) |
🌧Rain Days | 14d106mm (4.2") | 12d91mm (3.6") | 12d91mm (3.6") | 10d79mm (3.1") | 10d70mm (2.8") | 7d52mm (2.1") | 8d57mm (2.2") | 9d80mm (3.1") | 14d124mm (4.9") | 14d120mm (4.7") | 12d98mm (3.8") | 13d100mm (3.9") |
Best travel time current monthØ = average · ↑ warmest day · ↓ coldest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel season — mid-range prices, good availability.
May is one of the best months to visit Iceland — with 9 sunshine hours per day and pleasant highs of 9°C (48°F).
Temperatures reach a maximum of 9°C (48°F) during the day and drop to 4°C (39°F) at night — warm layers recommended. Peaks reach around 13°C (55°F), the coldest nights around 0°C (32°F). The sun shines an average of 9 hours per day; there are 10 rain days with 70 mm (2.8 in) total. At 8°C (46°F), the water is still quite cool in May — a wetsuit may be useful.
Layer up — warm days and cool evenings alternate. Perfect timing for hikes and sightseeing.
The Icelandic summer: 9 to 14°C (48 to 57°F), but light almost around the clock. The F-roads into the highlands open in June, puffins nest on the cliffs, and the Ring Road is busy — Iceland takes most of its annual visitors in these weeks.
Packing list for Iceland in May
- Warm jacket
- Jumpers and warm layers
- Long trousers
- Warm shoes
- SPF 50 sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Light umbrella or rain poncho
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is May a good time to visit Iceland?
- Yes — May is one of the best months to visit Iceland (Climate Score: 56/100). Pleasant temperatures (9°C (48°F)), good sunshine (9 h/day), and few rain days (10) make it one of the most recommended months.
- How warm is it in Iceland in May?
- In May, Iceland sees daily highs of 9°C (48°F). Nights cool to 4°C (39°F), with a daily average of 7°C (45°F). Peaks reach around 13°C (55°F), the coldest nights around 0°C (32°F).
- How much rain falls in Iceland in May?
- In May, Iceland receives an average of 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain over 10 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
- How many sunshine hours does Iceland get in May?
- Iceland averages 9 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 (46°F) — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.
