Last updated: March 17, 2025
In May, Akureyri, Iceland experiences a dynamic transition into spring, marked by a maximum temperature reaching 17°C (63°F), balanced by an average of 3°C (37°F) and dipping to a minimum of -9°C (17°F) at night. With precipitation amounting to 64 mm (2.5 in) across 14 days, the weather brings a refreshing, if somewhat damp, ambiance to the region. Coupled with a humidity level of 88%, this month perfectly showcases Iceland's unique charm, inviting visitors to explore its stunning landscapes while preparing for the occasional showers that characterize this vibrant season.
In May, Akureyri, Iceland begins to shake off the winter chill, with temperatures showcasing a marked transition towards milder conditions. The minimum temperatures rise to a breezy -9°C (17°F), while the average climbs to a refreshing 3°C (37°F), perfectly setting the stage for outdoor adventures. The maximum temperature can reach a pleasant 17°C (63°F), offering a taste of the warmth that summer will soon bring. This month serves as a bridge between the harsh winter and the lush summer, making it an ideal time to explore the natural beauty of this northern gem, as both flora and fauna start to awaken after the long cold months.
In May, Akureyri experiences a gradual shift in precipitation, with a total of 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain falling over 14 days. This marks a slight decrease from April, which saw 67 mm (2.7 in), continuing the trend of milder precipitation as spring unfolds. With the temperatures rising and daylight extending, the city transitions into a drier period, setting the stage for a lush summer. This peak in May precipitation contributes significantly to the vibrant landscapes that characterize the region, offering a refreshing reprieve before the wetter months of September and October. Overall, May serves as a gentle reminder of nature's rhythm as it balances the influx of moisture with the promise of warmer days ahead.
As spring unfolds in Akureyri, Iceland, May brings a subtle shift in humidity levels, dipping to a moderate 88%. This marks a notable decline from the consistently high 96% seen in the winter months, creating a refreshing feel as the region transitions toward summer. While the humidity gradually rises again in June, returning to 89%, May stands out as a brief interlude of drier air, inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy the vibrant landscapes without the heavy mugginess typical of the more humid months. This trend of decreasing humidity during spring is accompanied by the promise of increased warmth, establishing an appealing atmosphere for outdoor activities and exploration.
As summer approaches in Akureyri, Iceland, the UV Index rises sharply in May, peaking at a notable 6, which falls into the high exposure category. This marks a significant increase from the moderate levels seen in April and indicates that residents and visitors should be more cautious when outdoors, with a burn time of only 25 minutes. The trend toward higher UV levels continues into June, reinforcing the need for sun protection during this time. As the days grow longer and sunnier, it's essential to stay informed and take the necessary precautions to enjoy the beautiful Icelandic landscapes safely. For more details on UV levels throughout the year, check the Akureyri UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
As the days stretch longer in May, Akureyri, Iceland, basks in a delightful 295 hours of sunshine, marking it as one of the sunniest months of the year. The transition from winter to spring is striking, with the sunshine picking up significantly from just 18 hours in January to a remarkable 255 hours in April. This upward trend continues into late spring, as May's radiant days pave the way for the summer months. Interestingly, June follows closely with 285 hours, while July reaches its peak at 298 hours, offering the best opportunity to soak in the vibrant landscapes. As the year progresses, the sun begins to fade again, dropping to 160 hours by September and dwindling to a mere 6 hours by December, reminding us of the fleeting beauty of sunshine in this northern paradise.
As spring unfolds in Akureyri, the likelihood of sunny weather steadily increases, with May showing a notable jump in sunshine potential at 29%. This marks a significant improvement from the earlier months, where January, February, and March linger around a mere 10-13% chance of sun. April's moderate 23% sets the stage for May's brighter outlook, leading into the summer months where the chances peak, reaching 31% in July. This trend highlights May as a transitional month, offering a promising start to the summer season, making it an enticing time to experience the beautiful landscapes of Iceland under the sun.
As the year progresses in Akureyri, Iceland, the dramatic increase in daylight is a striking feature of its unique climate. Starting from a mere 4 hours in January, the days gradually lengthen, with February seeing a leap to 8 hours. By March, daylight reaches 11 hours, heralding the arrival of spring. April brings a significant boost to 15 hours of daylight, setting the stage for the vibrant month of May, where 19 hours of sunshine are enjoyed. This trend peaks in June with an impressive 22 hours, allowing for almost round-the-clock daylight. However, as summer fades, daylight begins to decrease, with July offering 20 hours, followed by August at 16 hours. The transition to autumn sees a steady decline, with September at 12 hours and October at 9 hours, culminating in the stark contrast of just 3 hours in December. This cycle not only highlights the polar contrast of Icelandic seasons but also plays a significant role in shaping the local culture and lifestyle.
In May, Akureyri experiences its calmest winds of the year, with an average speed of just 1.6 m/s (4 mph). This gentle breeze is a soft transition from the slightly breezier months of spring, which witness average winds ranging from 1.7 m/s in February to 2.2 m/s in March. As summer approaches, the winds begin to pick up again in June, reaching 2.3 m/s, creating a pattern where the winds tend to fluctuate between calm months and those with a bit more character. Overall, May’s mild winds offer a serene backdrop to the stunning landscapes of northern Iceland, inviting both locals and visitors to enjoy the budding flora and fresh air.
The weather in Akureyri changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of May's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Akureyri and find detailed weather information for every month.
May and January present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a chilly -9°C (17°F) to a pleasant 17°C (63°F), with an average temperature of 3°C (37°F). The month sees a moderate level of precipitation at 64 mm (2.5 in), covering about 14 days, with humidity around 88%. In contrast, January is much colder, with temperatures dipping as low as -20°C (-3°F) and peaking at 9°C (48°F), averaging -4°C (26°F). The winter month also experiences higher precipitation at 105 mm (4.1 in) over 17 days, and humidity is noticeably higher at 96%. For more details on January's weather, you can visit Akureyri weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, significant differences emerge. May sees milder temperatures, with an average of 3°C (37°F) and a maximum of 17°C (63°F), while February is much colder, with an average of -4°C (26°F) and a maximum of only 8°C (46°F). While February has a higher precipitation level at 118 mm (4.7 in) over 18 days, May experiences less precipitation at 64 mm (2.5 in) across 14 days. Humidity levels are also higher in February, reaching 96% compared to May’s 88%. For more detailed information about the February weather, you can visit Akureyri weather in February.
When comparing the weather in May and March, it's clear that May experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of -9°C (17°F) and an average of 3°C (37°F), reaching up to a maximum of 17°C (63°F). In contrast, March tends to be colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -15°C (5°F), an average of -3°C (27°F), and a maximum of 6°C (44°F). While May sees a more moderate precipitation level of 64 mm (2.5 in) over 14 days, March is significantly wetter with 106 mm (4.2 in) of precipitation occurring across 18 days. The humidity is also slightly lower in May at 88% compared to 95% in March. For more detailed information, check out Akureyri weather in March.
In comparing the weather of May and April, it is evident that May offers a noticeable improvement in temperatures and overall conditions. While April recorded minimum temperatures as low as -13°C (9°F) and an average of 0°C (32°F), May sees a milder minimum of -9°C (17°F) and an average rising to 3°C (37°F). The maximum temperatures also reflect this shift, with May reaching up to 17°C (63°F) compared to April's peak of only 9°C (49°F).
Although both months experience similar levels of precipitation, with April at 67 mm (2.7 in) and May at 64 mm (2.5 in), the humidity remains high in both months, hovering around 88% in May and 90% in April. For more details on April's weather conditions in Akureyri, you can check Akureyri weather in April.
May and June exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -9°C (17°F) to a maximum of 17°C (63°F), with an average temperature of 3°C (37°F). The month sees around 64 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation spread over 14 days, alongside a high humidity level of 88%. In contrast, June brings milder conditions with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -3°C (27°F) to a maximum of 21°C (70°F) and an average temperature of 8°C (46°F). Although June experiences more precipitation, totaling 89 mm (3.5 in) over 18 days, the humidity remains similar at 89%. For a detailed look at the weather trends, visit Akureyri weather in June.
In May, temperatures in Akureyri range from a chilly minimum of -9°C (17°F) to a comfortable maximum of 17°C (63°F), with an average of 3°C (37°F). The month experiences frequent precipitation, totaling 64 mm (2.5 in) over 14 days, and high humidity levels at 88%.
In contrast, July offers a warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) to a maximum of 22°C (72°F) and an average of 10°C (51°F). However, it also sees increased precipitation, accumulating to 98 mm (3.8 in) over 16 days, and even higher humidity at 95%. For more about July’s weather, you can check Akureyri weather in July.
May and August present distinct weather contrasts in terms of temperature and precipitation. In May, the average temperature hovers around 3°C (37°F), with a minimum of -9°C (17°F) and a maximum of 17°C (63°F), making it a chilly month. However, August offers a relative warmth with an average temperature of 9°C (49°F), ranging from 0°C (32°F) to a pleasant 22°C (72°F). Additionally, May experiences 64 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over 14 days, while August sees more rainfall at 99 mm (3.9 in) across 17 days, contributing to a higher humidity level of 95%. This increase in humidity, compared to May's 88%, can make August feel quite muggy. For more details on August weather in Akureyri, visit Akureyri weather in August.
May and September in Akureyri present distinct weather patterns. May features average temperatures ranging from a chilly -9°C (17°F) at night to a maximum of 17°C (63°F) during the day, with overall milder conditions as the month progresses. In contrast, September sees slightly cooler temperatures, with averages from -5°C (22°F) to 19°C (67°F), reflecting the transition into autumn.
Precipitation levels also differ notably; May receives 64 mm (2.5 in) over approximately 14 rainy days, while September is far wetter, accumulating 160 mm (6.3 in) across 21 days. Humidity is higher in September at 96%, compared to May's 88%, making for a more damp atmosphere as the seasons change. For a detailed look at what to expect during this month, visit Akureyri weather in September.
May and October present quite distinct weather patterns, reflecting the transition from spring to autumn. In May, temperatures typically range from a minimum of -9°C (17°F) to a maximum of 17°C (63°F), with an average of 3°C (37°F). The month experiences about 64 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over 14 days, accompanied by relatively high humidity at 88%.
In contrast, October sees colder temperatures, with minima plunging to -17°C (2°F), an average temperature of 1°C (34°F), and a maximum of only 11°C (52°F). This month witnesses more precipitation, totaling 163 mm (6.4 in) across 21 days, and even higher humidity at 96%. For a deeper dive into what to expect, you can check Akureyri weather in October.
May and November showcase contrasting weather patterns, with May presenting a milder climate as temperatures range from a minimum of -9°C (17°F) to a maximum of 17°C (63°F), averaging around 3°C (37°F). Precipitation in May totals 64 mm (2.5 in) over approximately 14 rainy days, accompanied by a relative humidity of 88%. In contrast, November experiences colder conditions, with temperatures dropping to a minimum of -16°C (4°F) and peaking at 9°C (49°F), averaging -3°C (27°F). This month is significantly wetter, with precipitation reaching 115 mm (4.5 in) over 17 days and a higher humidity level of 96%. For more details, check out Akureyri weather in November.
May and December present a stark contrast in weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of -9°C (17°F) to a maximum of 17°C (63°F), with an average temperature of 3°C (37°F). The month experiences moderate precipitation of 64 mm (2.5 in) over approximately 14 days, accompanied by relatively high humidity at 88%. In contrast, December is much colder, with temperatures dipping as low as -19°C (-2°F) and peaking at just 8°C (46°F), for an average of -3°C (26°F). This month also sees significantly more rainfall, with 168 mm (6.6 in) of precipitation across 21 days, and even higher humidity at 96%. For more detailed information, you can visit Akureyri weather in December.
As May unfolds in Akureyri, the transition from the cold grip of winter begins to emerge, bringing warmer temperatures and a notable shift in the landscape. While the month can still experience chilly mornings and nights, average temperatures rise significantly, offering a welcome contrast to the harsher conditions of earlier months. The precipitation, although present, tends to be less intense than in spring's earlier weeks, allowing for more sunlit days amidst the lingering showers. With humidity levels remaining high, the air carries the refreshing scent of blooming flora, hinting at the vibrant summer just around the corner. For those looking to explore the evolving beauty of this northern gem, understanding the nuances of May's weather is essential; you can learn more at Akureyri Climate.