Mornings sit near the overnight low around 13°C with clear, cooler light — best for outdoor photos before crowds build.
United States Weather in May
Everything you need to know about United States weather in May
Updated September 10, 2026
United States · United States
United States Weather in May
May in United States is mild, clear and pleasantly walkable. Expect daytime highs around 20°C (68°F), mild nights around 13°C, long sunny stretches, and the city at its most magical and most crowded Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
- Avg high / low
- 20°C / 13°C
- 68F / 55F
- Precipitation
- 80mm
- 10 wet days
- Daylight
- 14.5 hrs
- mid-range daylight
United States average temperatures through the year
MayRest of the year
5°
6°
10°
15°
20°
25°
29°
28°
23°
17°
11°
6°
JAN
8 wet
FEB
7 wet
MAR
8 wet
APR
9 wet
MAY
10 wet
JUN
11 wet
JUL
10 wet
AUG
9 wet
SEP
8 wet
OCT
7 wet
NOV
7 wet
DEC
8 wet
Daytime highs in Celsius with wet days per month for United States. May sits at 20°C with 10 wet days.
The short answer
May falls in United States's spring. Daytime highs average 20°C (68°F) with nights near 13°C (55°F). Precipitation totals about 80mm across roughly 10 wet days. Settling snow is uncommon. Visiting works well if you plan for high crowds Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
May climate in United States
Monthly averages for United States, United States.
- Day high
- 20°C
- 68°F
- Night low
- 13°C
- 55°F
- Precipitation
- 80mm
- 3.1 in
- Wet days
- 10
- rain or drizzle
- Sunrise
- 4:45am
- mid-May
- Sunset
- 7:15pm
- mid-range daylight
- Daylight
- 14.5 hrs
- 8 hrs sunshine
Averages based on long-run monthly climate normals. Last updated September 10, 2026.
Real weeks swing around the 17°C mean. Early May often sits near 20°C while the final week lands closer to 20°C. Pack a spare layer for that 1° drift rather than dressing only for the monthly average Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Rain and drizzle usually arrive in pulses across the 10 wet days. Dry stretches between systems feel clearer and colder overnight. Use those gaps for outdoor sightseeing and keep indoor backups for the wetter clusters Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
What is the average temperature in United States in May?
The average temperature in United States in May is around 17°C (63°F), combining daytime highs of 20°C (68°F) with night lows of 13°C (55°F). The month cools steadily: the first days average highs near 20°C, while the final week typically tops out around 20°C with nights of 13°C.
Average daily high and low through May. The month cools by roughly 1 degrees start to finish.
How much does it rain in United States in May?
United States gets around 80mm (3.1in) of precipitation in May, spread over roughly 10 wet days. Wet spells typically last a day or two and clear to drier stretches in between Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
64
56
64
72
80
88
80
72
64
56
56
64
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Average precipitation by month in millimetres. May's 80mm sits near the annual rhythm.
Average precipitation by hour of day in United States
May precipitation in United States falls fairly evenly around the clock, with a mild overnight and early-morning peak. There is no predictable afternoon-downpour pattern — check the day's forecast rather than timing outings by the clock Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
12am6am12pm6pm12am
Relative share of May precipitation by hour of day. The distribution is fairly flat, with a mild overnight peak.
When is sunrise and sunset in United States in May?
May daylight in United States averages about 14.5 hours, mid-range daylight. Sunrise drifts from 4:45am to 4:35am across the month, while sunset holds near 7:15pm before edging toward 7:23pm. Plan outdoor sightseeing in the brighter midday window Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Sunrise and sunset through May. The shaded band is daylight Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
How humid is United States in May?
Relative humidity in United States in May averages around 62 percent. At 20°C that usually feels manageable outdoors. Temperature and wind still drive packing more than humidity alone Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
60
58
55
58
62
68
70
68
62
58
55
58
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Average relative humidity by month. May sits near 62%.
What is the weather like in United States the rest of the year?
United States moves from cooler months near 5°C highs through a warmer peak near 29°C. The best-weather stretch usually aligns with April and May. May sits in the spring arc with 20°C highs Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Average high (coral) and low (navy) by month. The shaded band is the typical daily range; MAY is marked.
Is May a good time to visit United States?
Yes — if you accept high crowds. Here is the honest trade-off.
OverallGreat for pleasant travel
WeatherCool and clear
CrowdsHigh
PricesHigh
Budget (per night)$220 to $350
Book ahead6 to 8 weeks
May in United States is defined by ideal sightseeing weather and 20°C days. Stays often land in the $220–$350 range with high season demand. The smartest move is to book about 6–8 weeks ahead and keep outdoor blocks in the brighter midday window Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Pros
- 20°C highs suit pleasant days in United States
- 8h average sunshine for daytime plans
- High crowds shape the May pace
- High season rates for stays and flights
Cons
- 10 wet days can pause outdoor sightseeing
- Humidity at 62% can feel heavier than the air temp
- Hotel rates climb fast mid-month
- Daylight near 14.5 hrs shortens evening walks
Travelling to United States in May?
Book lodgings about 6–8 weeks ahead, then visit the busiest central sights right at opening on a weekday to skip the mid-afternoon crush first-timers always hit Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues. Compare months on our Best Time to Visit United States guide.
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What May actually feels like
May is United States's spring in lived terms: ideal sightseeing weather. Most days feel cold, dry and often clear, with damper grey stretches arriving in bursts rather than settling in for the whole month Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
The underestimated variable is clustered wet days. It truncates outdoor evenings and pushes dinner earlier. Build one indoor spare block every day Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Early May often starts near 20°C while the final week trends toward 20°C. That 1° drift is enough to change coat weight mid-trip. Recheck the forecast before packing day seven Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Afternoons reach 20–21°C before an early sunset near the 14.5-hour daylight limit — plan open-air stops then.
Evenings cool quickly toward 13°C; shift to indoor dining and illuminated streets once the light drops.
May in United States, week by week
Crowds and prices move more than the thermometer.
May 1–7
20°C (68°F)- Crowds
- High
- Prices
- High season
- Best for
- Quieter weekday exploring
May 8–14
20°C (68°F)- Crowds
- High
- Prices
- High season
- Best for
- Balanced weather window
May 15–21
20°C (68°F)- Crowds
- High
- Prices
- Peak season
- Best for
- Festive peak atmosphere
May 22–31
20°C (68°F)- Crowds
- High
- Prices
- Peak season
- Best for
- Late-month flexible plans
Temperatures are United States monthly averages split across each window. Individual years vary by several degrees.
What to pack and wear for United States in May
Layers for swingy days
Pack for United States in May around the 20°C / 13°C swing. The governing rule is stack thin layers. The one item worth buying before you fly is a compact rain shell Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Essential
- Light jacket
- Comfortable walkers
- Compact umbrella
- Merino mid-layer
Smart additions
- Packable rain shell
- Quick-dry trousers
- Zip pouch for maps
- Thin gloves
Leave behind
- Thick parkas
- Wool sweaters
- Snow boots
Top places to visit in United States in May
Outdoor icons with shade breaks
City centre · Free
United States landmark walk
Go early on weekdays for quieter photos and softer light.
Add to your planWaterfront · Free
Harbour or river promenade
Golden hour is the calmest window Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planMuseum quarter · Paid
Flagship museum morning
Weekday openings beat weekend queues and wet-day backups.
Add to your planOld town · Free
Historic streets loop
Late morning light helps cold stone feel less harsh.
Add to your planPark · Free
Central green escape
Shade and benches make longer walks realistic Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planCovered market · Free
Indoor food hall backup
Ideal when wet days interrupt outdoor plans Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your plan
Top places to stay in May
Base near the sights that matter in May
Best overall
Central core
Walkable to main sights with easier 14.5-hour daylight logistics Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Best value
One transit stop out
Lower rates than the core while staying close for high evenings.
Local feel
Neighbourhood streets
Quieter nights and easier restaurant bookings than the busiest tourist blocks.
Top restaurants to visit in May
Breezy rooms and light seasonal plates
Downtown · Classic
United States lunch counter
Hearty midday stop when outdoor plans run short on daylight.
Add to your planOld town · Cosy
Neighbourhood bistro
Low light and early dinners match short sunset windows Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planMarket · Casual
Covered market stalls
Fast warm food without a reservation on wet afternoons Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planRiverside · Scenic
Waterfront cafe
Daylight seating works best before the evening chill Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planArts district · Modern
Gallery-side kitchen
Pairs well with museum days when weather turns Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planResidential · Local
Corner noodle or soup spot
Simple, hot bowls that suit cold or humid evenings Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
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United States weather by month
How May compares. Every month links to its full weather guide.
| Month | Avg high | Wet days | Crowds | Cost | Overall | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5°C (41°F) | 8 | Low | Budget | Avoid | Very cold, short days |
| February | 6°C (43°F) | 7 | Low | Budget | Okay | Cold but fewer crowds |
| March | 10°C (50°F) | 8 | Medium | Mid | Okay | Still chilly, early spring |
| April | 15°C (59°F) | 9 | High | High | Great | Mild spring weather |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 10 | High | High | Great | Pleasant — this guide |
| June | 25°C (77°F) | 11 | High | Peak | Great | Peak tourist season |
| July | 29°C (84°F) | 10 | Very High | Peak | Okay | Hot and crowded |
| August | 28°C (82°F) | 9 | High | High | Okay | Warm, occasional storms |
| September | 23°C (73°F) | 8 | Medium | Mid | Great | Comfortable temperatures |
| October | 17°C (63°F) | 7 | Medium | Mid | Great | Crisp autumn days |
| November | 11°C (52°F) | 7 | Low | Budget | Okay | Cool and quiet |
| December | 6°C (43°F) | 8 | Medium | Mid | Okay | Holiday season, cold |
Temperatures shown as United States monthly averages.
May vs April: May averages 17°C versus 12°C in April — a 5°C warm-up. Crowds shift from High to High while pricing moves into high season. Pick May if you want ideal sightseeing weather Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
May vs June: June trends to 22°C, 5°C warmer than May. Expect high crowds and peak season rates. Pick June if you prefer peak tourist season Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Want May sun instead?
Need more sun than United States offers in May?
- 20°C
New York City in May
A change of scene with comparable May weather. United States vs New York City →
- 25°C
Los Angeles in May
Milder highs near 25°C and easier outdoor days. United States vs Los Angeles →
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United States in May FAQ
Everything you need to know about United States weather in May
Daytime highs average 20°C (68°F) and nights fall near 13°C (55°F). The monthly mean sits around 17°C. Expect a 1° swing from early to late May Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
How we work this out
Temperature and rainfall figures are 30-year meteorological averages. Crowd levels come from national tourism arrival data. Price bands reflect mid-range accommodation and economy flights from major long-haul cities, sampled quarterly.
Last updated September 10, 2026 · Written by the Holicay travel team