Weather in Iceland in May

Search

Best
Best
Best
Best
Sea
 
Sea
 
Sea
 
Sea
 
Sea
 
Sea
 
Sea
11°
 
Sea
11°
 
Sea
10°
 
Sea
10°
 
Sea
 
Sea
 

Visiting Iceland in May

May is one of the best months to visit Iceland for the best beach weather. It has the most sunshine and best sunbathing and swimming conditions of the year.

The weather in May is marginally warmer than the previous month and temperatures continue to rise slightly into June. May has average maximum temperatures of 4°C (40°F) which is too cold for sunbathing. The sunshine percentage is 44% making it quite sunny but with regular periods of cloudy and overcast skies. There are 8.2 hours of sunshine per day.

May has total rainfall of 0.5cm (0.2inches) making it mostly dry but with short lived occasional showers. There are only 13.4 days with some rainfall so you can still enjoy the beach on the majority of days.

Sea temperatures are a cold 7°C (45°F). May is too cold for swimming in Iceland for any length of time, unless you have a wetsuit. The sea temperature in May is marginally warmer than the previous month and temperatures continue to rise slightly into June.

Also consider visiting Iceland in one of the other best months of June, July, August, for the best beach weather. Also consider one of our other suggestions for May.

Can you sunbathe in Iceland in May?

No, May is not a good time for sunbathing in Iceland.

May has average maximum temperatures of 4°C (40°F) which is too cold for sunbathing. The sunshine percentage is 44% making it quite sunny but with regular periods of cloudy and overcast skies. There are 8.2 hours of sunshine per day. May has total rainfall of 0.5cm (0.2inches) making it mostly dry but with short lived occasional showers. There are only 13.4 days with some rainfall so you can still enjoy the beach on the majority of days.

More about May temperature and sunshine.

Can you swim in Iceland in May?

No, May is too cold for swimming in Iceland for any length of time, with the sea water at 7°C (45°F), unless you have a wetsuit.

More about May sea temperatures.

Is May a good time to holiday in Iceland?

No, May is not a good time for a holiday in Iceland.

May has average maximum temperatures of 4°C (40°F) which is too cold for sunbathing. The sunshine percentage is 44% making it quite sunny but with regular periods of cloudy and overcast skies. There are 8.2 hours of sunshine per day. May has total rainfall of 0.5cm (0.2inches) making it mostly dry but with short lived occasional showers. There are only 13.4 days with some rainfall so you can still enjoy the beach on the majority of days. Sea temperatures are a cold 7°C (45°F). May is too cold for swimming in Iceland for any length of time, unless you have a wetsuit.

More about the May temperatures and sunshine.

Is Iceland warm in May?

No, Iceland is too cold for sunbathing in May.

The average maximum temperature in Iceland in May is 4°C (40°F). The average maximum temperature is 3°C (37°) in the previous month and 6°C (42°F) in the next month.

The average temperature in Iceland in May is 3°C (38°F). The average temperature is 2°C (36°F) in the previous month and 5°C (40°F) in the next month.

More info about the May temperatures and sunshine.

How sunny is Iceland in May?

The average day light hours per day in Iceland in May are 18.6. The sunshine percentage is 44% making it quite sunny but with regular periods of cloudy and overcast skies. There are 8.2 hours of sunshine per day.

More about May sunshine.

Temperature in Iceland in May

The weather in May is marginally warmer than the previous month and temperatures continue to rise slightly into June. The average maximum temperature in Iceland in May is 4°C (40°F). The average maximum temperature is 3°C (37°F) in the previous month and 6°C (42°F) in the next month.

The average temperature in Iceland in May is 3°C (38°F). The average temperature is 2°C (36°F) in the previous month and 5°C (40°F) in the next month.

The average minimum temperature in Iceland in May is 3°C (37°F). The minimum temperature is 1°C (35°F) in the previous month and 4°C (39°F) in the next month.

Sunshine in Iceland in May

The days in May are significantly longer than the previous month and the days continue to get longer into June. May has more hours of sunshine than the previous month and hours of sunshine continue to rise quickly into June. During May the average day light hours are 18.6 per day in Iceland. The sunshine percentage is 44% making it quite sunny but with regular periods of cloudy and overcast skies. There are 8.2 hours of sunshine per day.

The ultraviolet index in Iceland in May is typically 4.1 during May. An ultraviolet index reading of 3 to 5 indicates there is a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Keep out of the sun during the strongest hours around midday when unprotected skin risks burning in less than 30 minutes. For the sensitive wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating. Tanning for hours is possible with the right application of sun cream. Watch out for relections from water that may increase ultraviolet exposure.

Sea Temperature in Iceland in May

The average sea water temperature in Iceland in May is 7.3°C (45.1°F) which is extremely cold and not suitable for swimming. Taking a dip at this temperature would risk hypothermia. The sea temperature in May is marginally warmer than the previous month and temperatures continue to rise slightly into June.

Rainfall in Iceland in May

May weather is slightly drier than the previous month. May has a few more days of rain than the previous month. The average total rainfall in Iceland in May is 0.5cm (0.2inches) and on average there are 13.4 rainy days in May making it a pretty wet time to visit the beach.

Humidity in Iceland in May

The maximum dew point (an indicator of humidity) in Iceland in May is 2°C (36°F) which is a bit dry for some. The dew point is 1°C (34°F) in the previous month and 4°C (4°F) in the next month.

The average maximum relative humidity in Iceland in May is typically 42.2%. The maximum relative humidity is 42.4% in the previous month and 45.1% in the next month.

The average relative humidity in Iceland in May is typically 37%. The average relative humidity is 36.8% in the previous month and 40.9% in the next month.

Wind Speed in Iceland in May

The average maximum wind speed in Iceland in May is typically 32KM/H (20MPH). The average maximum wind speed is 36KM/H (22MPH) in the previous month and 29KM/H (18MPH) in the next month.

The average wind speed in Iceland in May is typically 22KM/H (14MPH). The average wind speed is 25KM/H (15MPH) in the previous month and 20KM/H (12MPH) in the next month.

The average wind direction in Iceland in May is from the North.

Monthly Averages

Suggested Beaches in May

Need Inspiration?

Beaches recommended for you today, this weekend, in the next 2 weeks or in any month of the year.

Booking.com Search FlightsImage

Need Inspiration?

Beaches recommended for you today, this weekend, in the next 2 weeks or in any month of the year.