Last updated: August 21, 2025
In May, São Paulo experiences a delightful transition into cooler weather, characterized by a maximum temperature reaching a pleasant 29°C (85°F) and an average temperature of 18°C (65°F). As the month progresses, the minimum temperatures can dip to a brisk 5°C (42°F), creating an inviting atmosphere for outdoor activities. Rainfall is moderate, with an average of 48 mm (1.9 in) over approximately 6 days, contributing to a lush, vibrant landscape. The humidity level sits at 79%, adding a subtle warmth to the air, making May a uniquely refreshing month in this bustling Brazilian metropolis.
May marks a significant transition in São Paulo's climate, as temperatures begin to dip compared to the preceding months. With a minimum of 5°C (42°F) and an average of 18°C (65°F), the weather takes on a cooler demeanor, yet still features a pleasant maximum of 29°C (85°F). This month stands out for its comfortable midday warmth, inviting outdoor activities, while the cooler evenings suggest it's wise to layer up. The shift from the warm summer months to this milder climate sets the stage for one of São Paulo's most enjoyable seasons, as the city balances warm sunshine with refreshing breezes.
In May, Sao Paulo experiences a notable decrease in rainfall, with only 48 mm (1.9 in) of precipitation spread across just 6 days. This marks the continuation of a trend observed from April's relatively dry conditions, contrasting sharply with the previous summer months that saw much heavier rainfall—most notably in January, which averaged 177 mm (7.0 in) over 20 days. As the city transitions into the winter months, both precipitation amounts and rainy days further decline, with June following closely behind with a mere 45 mm (1.8 in) on similar rainy day counts. This gradual tapering in rain serves as a precursor to the drier part of the year, offering a brief respite from the lush wetness that defines earlier months.
In May, São Paulo experiences a noticeable shift in humidity, dropping to 79% from the higher levels of the previous months. This decrease reflects the transition from the humid summer months of January through April, where humidity hovered around the mid-to-high 80s. As autumn progresses, the city begins to enjoy a more comfortable atmosphere, signaling the approach of the dry season. Following May, June and July bring even lower humidity levels of 77% and 72%, respectively, indicating a gradual relief from the sticky heat and a shift towards fresher air. As the year unfolds, a trend emerges where humidity continues to decline, leading to significantly drier conditions by October, with values plummeting to just 50%. This rhythmic ebb and flow of humidity not only defines São Paulo's climate but also influences the vibrant lifestyle of its residents.
As the seasons shift, May in Sao Paulo marks a noticeable transition in the UV Index, with a reading of 8 categorized as very high. This is a drop from the extreme levels seen earlier in the year, particularly in January through April, where the UV ratings hovered between 11 to 16. However, the potential for skin damage remains significant, especially with a burn time of just 15 minutes compared to the sizzling 10 minutes of the earlier months. Looking ahead, June brings a slight relief with a UV Index of 6, moving into the high exposure category, making May a critical month for sun safety. For more detailed insights on UV levels throughout the year, visit Sao Paulo UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
As May unfolds in São Paulo, the city enjoys a delightful 281 hours of sunshine, maintaining a healthy level of brightness that's typical for this time of year. The trend from earlier months suggests a gradual transition from the peak sunlit days of March at 310 hours to the slightly softer glow of May. This gentle decline is accompanied by more balanced daytime temperatures, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. Following May, the sunshine hours dip further in June to 259 hours, hinting at the onset of the cooler, cloudier winter months ahead. This consistent pattern throughout the year showcases São Paulo's vibrant climate, where each month offers its unique charm under the Brazilian sun.
In May, São Paulo enjoys a relatively mild 35% chance of sunny weather, nestled comfortably between the increasing probabilities of the earlier months, with April peaking at 43%. This transitional period hints at the onset of the more favorable winter months, as June and July see a significant rise to 36% and 57% respectively. Notably, May stands out as a month when the likelihood of sunshine begins to stabilize before stepping into the more consistently bright days of mid-year, providing a perfect opportunity to bask in the city's vibrant atmosphere as the rainy season slowly recedes.
In São Paulo, Brazil, daylight duration exhibits a distinct seasonal pattern throughout the year. January and February bask in approximately 13 and 12 hours of daylight respectively, providing long, vibrant days that gradually shorten as March and April settle into 12 and 11 hours of daylight. By May, the days reach their shortest point at 10 hours, a trend that continues through June and July, giving the city a subdued ambiance. However, as winter wanes into late August, daylight begins to return, with 11 hours of bright sky, peaking again in November and December with a resurgence to 13 hours. This cyclical shift not only marks the passage of time but also paints a dynamic tapestry of light that influences the lifestyle and culture within the bustling metropolis.
In May, Sao Paulo experiences a pleasantly moderate average wind speed of 2.6 m/s (6 mph), slightly higher than the previous month. This gentle breeze sets the tone for the transition into winter, with wind speeds gradually increasing as the year progresses. Notably, the city’s winds pick up momentum in the following months, reaching 3.6 m/s (8 mph) by October. The trend observed from January through May illustrates an overall consistency, punctuated by slight fluctuations, hinting at the dynamic interplay between seasonal changes and local climate patterns. As the month unfolds, residents can enjoy the refreshing winds that complement the vibrant atmosphere of Sao Paulo during this time of year.
Weather in Sao Paulo varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Sao Paulo, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January exhibit contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a mild minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a pleasant average of 18°C (65°F), peaking at a maximum of 29°C (85°F). This month experiences light precipitation, totaling 48 mm (1.9 in) over just 6 days, accompanied by a moderate humidity level of 79%. In contrast, January boasts a much warmer climate with minimum temperatures around 15°C (59°F) and averaging 23°C (74°F), hitting maximums as high as 34°C (93°F). However, this warmth comes with significantly higher rainfall, with 177 mm (7.0 in) of precipitation over 20 days, leading to a humidity level of 88%. This comparative overview highlights the warmer and wetter conditions typical of January in the region. For more details, check Sao Paulo weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, it's clear that February tends to be warmer and wetter. February features minimum temperatures of 15°C (59°F) and can reach highs of 35°C (95°F), with an average temperature of 23°C (73°F). In contrast, May offers cooler temperatures, ranging from a low of 5°C (42°F) to a high of 29°C (85°F), with an average of 18°C (65°F). Additionally, February experiences significantly more rainfall, with 158 mm (6.2 in) over 17 days, compared to May's 48 mm (1.9 in) across just 6 days. Humidity levels are also higher in February at 88%, compared to May’s 79%. For more details on February's weather, you can visit Sao Paulo weather in February.
In comparing the weather of May and March, it is evident that March experiences warmer temperatures, with daily averages reaching up to 23°C (73°F) compared to May's average of 18°C (65°F). While May sees a mild maximum temperature of 29°C (85°F), March can go as high as 33°C (91°F). However, March also has significantly more precipitation, totaling 135 mm (5.3 in) over 16 days, while May has much less rainfall at 48 mm (1.9 in) over just 6 days. Additionally, March carries a slightly higher humidity level at 87% compared to May's 79%. For those interested in the details of March weather, you can find more information here: Sao Paulo weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, we see notable differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. April tends to be slightly warmer, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 11°C (52°F) to a maximum of 31°C (89°F), and it experiences more rainfall, totaling 55 mm (2.2 in) over 9 days. In contrast, May features cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (42°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F), along with a reduced precipitation amount of 48 mm (1.9 in) across just 6 days. Humidity levels are also slightly lower in May at 79% compared to 84% in April. For more detailed information on April's weather, you can refer to Sao Paulo weather in April.
In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a maximum of 29°C (85°F), with an average temperature of 18°C (65°F). The month sees approximately 48 mm (1.9 in) of precipitation over six days, accompanied by a relatively high humidity of 79%. In contrast, June temperatures begin slightly warmer, with a minimum of 8°C (47°F) and a maximum of 28°C (82°F), while the average remains steady at 18°C (64°F). Precipitation decreases slightly to 45 mm (1.8 in) over the same six days, and humidity drops to 77%. This comparison highlights a gradual warming trend and slightly more stable weather patterns from May to June. For more details, check out Sao Paulo weather in June.
May and July exhibit notable differences in weather, despite sharing similar maximum temperatures of 29°C (85°F). May typically experiences a wider temperature range, with minimums of 5°C (42°F) and an average of 18°C (65°F), while July has lower minimums at 2°C (36°F) and an average of 17°C (62°F). Additionally, May sees more precipitation, with 48 mm (1.9 in) over 6 days, compared to July's more moderate 25 mm (1.0 in) spread over just 2 days. Humidity levels are also higher in May at 79%, compared to July's 72%. For more details on July weather, you can visit Sao Paulo weather in July.
In comparing the weather between May and August, we see some notable differences. May exhibits a broader temperature range with a minimum of 5°C (42°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F), while August has slightly warmer extremes, ranging from 6°C (42°F) to a high of 32°C (89°F). However, the average temperatures are quite similar, with May averaging 18°C (65°F) and August at 17°C (63°F). Precipitation is a bit higher in August, totaling 57 mm (2.2 in) over 7 days compared to May's 48 mm (1.9 in) across 6 days. Additionally, the humidity in May is higher at 79%, whereas August experiences a more comfortable humidity level of 65%. For more detailed insights into August weather, you can refer to Sao Paulo weather in August.
May typically marks the transition into warmer months with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C to a maximum of 29°C, averaging around 18°C. The humidity is notably higher at 79%, accompanied by 48 mm of precipitation spread over six days. In contrast, September experiences milder temperatures with a minimum of 9°C and a maximum of 35°C, averaging 20°C. The humidity drops to 58%, and the month sees slightly less rainfall at 40 mm over the same number of rainy days. For more details on the weather conditions in September, you can visit Sao Paulo weather in September.
In comparing the weather of May and October, notable differences emerge. May typically sees a range of temperatures from a cool minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a pleasant maximum of 29°C (85°F), while October's temperatures are warmer, with a minimum of 12°C (53°F) and a high reaching up to 37°C (99°F). Additionally, May experiences relatively low precipitation, averaging 48 mm (1.9 in) over about six days, whereas October is much wetter, with 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain spread across 16 days. Humidity levels also differ, with May's humidity at 79%, making it feel more humid compared to October's lower humidity at 50%. For more details on October conditions, you can refer to the source: Sao Paulo weather in October.
In May, the weather is characterized by a cool to warm climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a maximum of 29°C (85°F) and an average of 18°C (65°F). During this month, rainfall is relatively low, with about 48 mm (1.9 in) of precipitation spread over 6 days, and humidity levels averaging around 79%.
Conversely, November experiences warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (53°F), an average of 21°C (69°F), and a high of 35°C (96°F). However, it also brings significantly more rainfall, totaling 116 mm (4.6 in) over 15 days, accompanied by slightly lower humidity at 75%. For a detailed overview of November's weather, you can check Sao Paulo weather in November.
In comparing the weather of May and December, we see distinct differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. May generally experiences milder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a maximum of 29°C (85°F), with an average of 18°C (65°F) and relatively low precipitation of 48 mm (1.9 in) over about 6 days. In contrast, December is much warmer and more humid, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), and an average of 22°C (72°F). However, December also sees significantly more rainfall, totaling 143 mm (5.6 in) spread across 21 days. The humidity levels are similar, hovering around 79% in May and slightly increasing to 80% in December. For more detailed information, you can check Sao Paulo weather in December.
As May arrives in São Paulo, the weather begins to shift, bringing a delightful transition from the warmth of summer to a cooler, more temperate climate. Average temperatures hover around a comfortable 18°C, with occasional peaks reaching up to 29°C, offering a pleasant respite from the higher heats of previous months. However, the city also experiences an increase in humidity, sitting at 79%, and a noticeable rise in precipitation, with about 48 mm of rain spread across approximately six days. This combination of factors makes May a unique time to explore the city, as the warmth is balanced with refreshing rain, contrasting sharply with the drier, hotter months preceding it. To delve deeper into São Paulo's climatic trends, visit Sao Paulo Climate.