Last updated: April 22, 2025
In Vancouver during May, residents and visitors can expect a delightful mix of temperatures, featuring a maximum of 27°C (80°F) and a mild average of 12°C (55°F), with minimums dipping to 3°C (38°F). While the city basks in spring warmth, it also sees 99 mm (3.9 in) of precipitation over 11 days, contributing to its lush landscapes. The humidity levels hover around a comfortable 81%, creating a refreshing atmosphere perfect for outdoor activities amid vibrant botanical scenery.
As May arrives in Vancouver, the city experiences a delightful transition towards warmer days, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a pleasant maximum of 27°C (80°F). This month boasts an average temperature of 12°C (55°F), marking a significant rise from the chill of earlier months. The steady climb in temperatures from April's mild conditions signals the onset of spring in full bloom, drawing locals and visitors alike outdoors to enjoy the lush landscapes and vibrant flora. With the refreshing warmth and longer daylight hours, May offers a perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures, making it a favorite time for exploration in this stunning Canadian gem.
May in Vancouver brings a refreshing break from the heavier rainfall of spring, with precipitation totaling 99 mm (3.9 in) over just 11 days. This marks a significant dip compared to the preceding months, where January's 320 mm (12.6 in) and April's 174 mm (6.8 in) set a wetter tone. As spring transitions into summer, the reduced rainfall in May hints at longer stretches of clearer skies, allowing residents to enjoy the city's blooming gardens and outdoor activities. The trend continues into June, where precipitation remains low with 96 mm (3.8 in), emphasizing Vancouver's characteristic fluctuating climate.
In May, Vancouver experiences a pleasant shift in humidity, dropping to 81% from the consistently high levels of 86% seen in the earlier months. This slight decrease signals the onset of warmer weather, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. As spring blossoms, Vancouver's relative humidity begins to stabilize, remaining in a comfortable range that continues into June and July at 83% and 84%, respectively. This trend of moderate humidity enhances the city’s vibrant natural scenery, allowing residents and visitors alike to fully enjoy the fresh blooms and lush greenery that define the season.
As spring transitions into summer, Vancouver's UV Index in May peaks at an impressive 8, marking a shift into the very high exposure category. This is a notable increase from April's UV Index of 6, which pushed the burn time down to just 25 minutes. With May's intensified sunlight, residents and visitors alike should be vigilant, as the recommended burn time further shortens to only 15 minutes. This trend highlights the importance of UV protection as we approach the sunnier months; a reminder that while the warmth is inviting, safety from harmful rays is paramount. For more details on UV levels throughout the year, check out Vancouver UV Index.
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As spring blooms into summer, May brings a delightful surge of sunshine to Vancouver, contributing a splendid 330 hours of bright daylight, significantly more than the preceding months. Following the gradual increase from January's modest 82 hours to April's 236 hours, May showcases the city's transition into its sunlit season, setting the stage for the even sunnier days of June and July, which boast 341 and 385 hours respectively. This remarkable shift highlights a vibrant trend of increasing sunshine as the year progresses, inviting both residents and visitors to fully embrace the charm of outdoor activities against the backdrop of stunning Pacific Northwest scenery.
As spring gives way to early summer, Vancouver's weather begins to show a noticeable shift toward sunnier skies. By May, the chance of sunny weather reaches 40%, reflecting a promising increase from the 52% chance found in April. This uptick suggests a delightful climate as residents and visitors alike embrace the warmer days. While the sunny outlook in May may fall short of the peak summer months—where July boasts a striking 70% likelihood of sun—it's a significant improvement from the gloominess of winter months like January and February, when the odds of sunshine barely break the 20% mark. Thus, May serves as a charming bridge, heralding the sunnier days that lie ahead.
In May, Vancouver revels in a blooming 15 hours of daylight, a lovely transition from the shorter winter days. As the year progresses from January's modest 8 hours, daylight steadily increases, peaking in June with 16 hours of sunlight. This upward trend creates a vibrancy in the city, fostering outdoor activities and blooming parks. By the time summer hits, daylight begins to slightly recede, but the lingering warmth and light of May set an enchanting stage. The gradual ebbing from June to August showcases a comforting rhythm of nature, reminding residents that longer days are a seasonal gift to cherish before the cycle begins anew with shorter days in the fall and winter months.
In Vancouver, May brings a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 2.0 m/s (4 mph), marking a continuation of the softening winds that have been present since early spring. As the city transitions into summer, it's interesting to note a gradual decline in wind intensity from the higher speeds of January and February, both at 2.7 m/s (6 mph). This trend reflects the calm before the summer heat, where wind speed remains steady at 2.0 m/s in both May and June, hinting at a serene atmosphere perfect for enjoying outdoor activities. Overall, May stands out as a month where the winds whisper rather than roar, inviting residents and visitors alike to relish the mild climate before the summer months roll in.
The weather in Vancouver 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 Vancouver and find detailed weather information for every month.
May and January present striking contrasts in weather. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 27°C (80°F), with an average of 12°C (55°F). The month experiences about 99 mm (3.9 in) of precipitation over 11 days, accompanied by a relatively comfortable humidity of 81%. In contrast, January features a much colder climate, with temperatures dipping as low as -10°C (15°F) and peaking at only 10°C (51°F), leading to an average temperature of just 3°C (38°F). This month sees significantly more rainfall, totaling 320 mm (12.6 in) across 17 days, and a higher humidity level of 86%. For more details on January weather, visit Vancouver weather in January.
May and February present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a comfortable maximum of 27°C (80°F), with an average of 12°C (55°F). The month sees about 99 mm (3.9 in) of precipitation over 11 days, accompanied by a relatively high humidity of 81%. In stark contrast, February is much colder, with temperatures dipping as low as -11°C (12°F) and only reaching a maximum of 12°C (53°F), resulting in an average of just 2°C (37°F). This month experiences significantly more rain, totalling 193 mm (7.6 in) over 18 days, while humidity is slightly higher at 85%. For a detailed overview, you can check Vancouver weather in February.
In comparing the weather between March and May, May generally offers milder temperatures, with a significant average increase from March's 5°C (42°F) to 12°C (55°F). March can start quite chilly, dipping as low as -3°C (26°F), whereas May's minimum temperature is a more comfortable 3°C (38°F). Despite May being the warmer month, it experiences less precipitation overall, with 99 mm (3.9 in) falling over 11 days compared to March's heavier total of 214 mm (8.4 in) over 17 days. Additionally, humidity remains relatively high in both months, but it's slightly lower in May at 81% compared to March’s 86%. For a more detailed look at March weather, check out Vancouver weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, May tends to be warmer, with average temperatures rising from April's 8°C (47°F) to 12°C (55°F), and maximums reaching up to 27°C (80°F). April, however, experiences cooler minimum temperatures, dipping to -1°C (31°F). Precipitation in April is significantly higher, with 174 mm (6.8 in) over 17 days, compared to May's 99 mm (3.9 in) spread across 11 days. Additionally, humidity levels remain slightly elevated in April at 86%, while May sees a decrease to 81%. For more detailed information on weather specifics during April, you can check Vancouver weather in April.
When comparing the weather in May and June, we see a noticeable shift in temperatures and humidity levels. May experiences a minimum temperature of 3°C (38°F) and an average of 12°C (55°F), while June sees a higher minimum of 6°C (43°F) and an average of 15°C (60°F). The maximum temperatures also rise significantly, with May reaching 27°C (80°F) compared to June's peak of 37°C (99°F). Precipitation is fairly similar in both months, with May receiving slightly more at 99 mm (3.9 in) over 11 days, while June has 96 mm (3.8 in) across 13 days. Humidity is slightly higher in June at 83%, compared to May's 81%. For more details on June weather, you can refer to Vancouver weather in June.
In comparing the weather patterns of May and July, we see notable differences in temperature and precipitation. May experiences a cooler range, with minimum temperatures around 3°C (38°F) and average highs reaching 27°C (80°F). However, it also sees more rainfall, totaling 99 mm (3.9 in) over about 11 days, contributing to a higher humidity of 81%. In contrast, July boasts warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (49°F) and average highs around 31°C (88°F). Rainfall is significantly less in July, totaling just 41 mm (1.6 in) over 5 days, while humidity slightly increases to 84%. For more details on July's weather specifically, you can check Vancouver weather in July.
In May, temperatures in Vancouver range from a cool 3°C (38°F) to a pleasant high of 27°C (80°F), with an average of 12°C (55°F). The month is characterized by significant rainfall, totaling 99 mm (3.9 in) over approximately 11 days, and humidity levels are elevated at 81%. In contrast, August offers warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 33°C (92°F), averaging around 18°C (65°F). The month experiences less precipitation, accumulating only 46 mm (1.8 in) over 7 days, and slightly lower humidity at 77%. For more detailed insights on August weather, check out Vancouver weather in August.
In May, the weather is characterized by mild temperatures, with a minimum of 3°C (38°F) and an average of 12°C (55°F), while sunny days can reach highs of 27°C (80°F). The month sees around 99 mm (3.9 in) of precipitation spread over approximately 11 days, contributing to a higher humidity of 81%. In contrast, September brings slightly warmer conditions with minimum temperatures around 6°C (44°F) and an average reaching 15°C (59°F), peaking at 30°C (86°F). However, September is notably wetter, with 205 mm (8.1 in) of precipitation expected over 14 days, and lower humidity at 76%. For more details on September's climate, check Vancouver weather in September.
May and October showcase contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a pleasant 12°C (55°F) on average, peaking at 27°C (80°F) but dipping as low as 3°C (38°F). The month experiences around 99 mm (3.9 in) of precipitation over 11 days, with a humidity level of 81%. In stark contrast, October has a cooler average of 9°C (49°F), with temperatures falling to -2°C (29°F) and reaching a maximum of 22°C (71°F). It is significantly wetter, with 279 mm (11.0 in) of precipitation spread across 17 days and slightly higher humidity at 88%. For more detailed information, check out our link on Vancouver weather in October.
May and November showcase stark contrasts in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a mild 3°C (38°F) to a warm 27°C (80°F), with an average of 12°C (55°F). The month experiences approximately 99 mm (3.9 in) of rainfall over about 11 days, and humidity levels sit at 81%. In contrast, November brings colder conditions, with temperatures dipping from -4°C (24°F) to a maximum of 15°C (58°F), averaging around 6°C (44°F). This month sees a substantial increase in precipitation, totaling around 411 mm (16.2 in) over nearly 20 days, accompanied by a higher humidity level of 87%. For those interested in a detailed overview, check out Vancouver weather in November.
May and December present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 27°C (80°F), with an average of 12°C (55°F). The month experiences about 99 mm (3.9 in) of precipitation over 11 days, with humidity at 81%. Conversely, December sees much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -16°C (4°F) and a maximum of 11°C (52°F), averaging around 3°C (38°F). This month is significantly wetter, receiving 324 mm (12.8 in) of precipitation over 19 days, and a higher humidity level of 87%. For more detailed information on December weather, you can refer to Vancouver weather in December.
As May unfolds in Vancouver, the city experiences a distinct shift from the cooler, rain-soaked days of early spring to more pleasant and mild conditions. With maximum temperatures reaching up to 27°C (80°F) and an average of 12°C (55°F), it's a refreshing month that encourages outdoor activities. However, don't forget your umbrella—the city sees approximately 11 days of precipitation, contributing to the overall 99 mm (3.9 in) of rainfall, while humidity levels hover around a notable 81%. This blend of warm temperatures and lingering showers sets May apart, making it a transitional month that beautifully straddles the line between spring and summer. Discover more about what to expect throughout the year at Vancouver Climate.