May Weather in Halifax, Canada

Last updated: April 22, 2025

May in Halifax, Canada ushers in a blend of spring warmth and occasional rain, with temperatures swinging from a brisk -3°C (26°F) at night to a pleasant 27°C (82°F) during the day, averaging around 9°C (49°F). This month also sees 93 mm (3.7 in) of precipitation spread over 13 days, resulting in a humidity level of 82% that adds to the lush, vibrant landscape. As nature fully awakens, locals and visitors alike can expect a delightful mix of sunny days and refreshing showers, perfect for exploring the beauty of this charming coastal city.

May Temperature in Halifax

In Halifax, Canada, May marks a significant turning point as the lingering chill of winter gives way to the warmth of spring. With minimum temperatures hovering around -3°C (26°F) and average highs reaching 27°C (82°F), the month showcases a delightful range, inviting both locals and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities. This upward trend in temperature from the preceding months is evident, as May brings milder conditions compared to the crisp winds of April. As days grow longer and sunnier, Halifax transforms into a vibrant setting for leisurely strolls by the waterfront and community events, solidifying May as a perfect time to bask in the refreshing coastal air.

May Weather in Halifax: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates May temperature patterns in Halifax, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec272731414959666761514132
Data source: Temperature data for Halifax generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

May Precipitation in Halifax

In May, Halifax experiences a moderate precipitation total of 93 mm (3.7 in), making it one of the drier months as it transitions into summer. This amount falls slightly behind April's 122 mm, yet it maintains a consistent rainfall pattern with 13 precipitation days. Interestingly, while May sees a slight dip in rainfall compared to its preceding months, the overall trend shows that Halifax remains wet, with only a few months, like August and July, recording less precipitation. This steady pattern plays a crucial role in supporting the lush greenery that the region is known for, marking May as a vibrant month amid the gradual warming of the year.

May Precipitation Trends in Halifax

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Halifax, with values for each month alongside May's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how May's conditions compare to those of other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9712210312293999177104109149127
Data source: Precipitation data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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May Humidity in Halifax

In May, Halifax, Canada, maintains a consistent humidity level of 82%, mirroring the conditions of the previous months from January to April. This steady humidity creates a refreshing atmosphere as the city transitions into late spring. Following May, humidity begins to rise, peaking in the summer months, with July reaching a noticeable 86%. Overall, the data suggests that while spring remains relatively stable in terms of humidity, the summer months bring a significant increase, enhancing the vibrant marine climate that Halifax is known for.

May Average Humidity in Halifax

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Halifax, with May's data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, allowing you to see how May's humidity levels compare to other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec82%83%82%82%82%84%86%85%83%83%85%83%
Data source: Humidity data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

May UV Index in Halifax

As the days get longer and warmer in May, Halifax experiences a significant uptick in the UV Index, soaring to a striking 9, classifying it as very high. This means that sun exposure can lead to skin damage in just 15 minutes, urging residents and visitors alike to adopt protective measures. The trend from earlier months reveals a steady increase: from a low 2 in January to a moderate 5 in March, and subsequently jumping to a high 7 in April. May's peak emphasizes the importance of vigilance against UV rays, as the warmth of summer begins to set in. For more detailed information on UV levels throughout the year, visit Halifax UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Halifax for May

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Halifax in May, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2457910987532
Data source: Halifax May UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

May Sunshine in Halifax

As May unfolds in Halifax, Canada, the city basks in a delightful surge of sunlight, reaching 285 hours that month. This remarkable increase is a continuation of the sunny trend seen since the late winter months, where daylight hours began to rise from January's mere 110 hours. Following the gradual progression through February and March, with 176 and 246 hours respectively, April's 235 hours set the stage for May’s brightness. As summer approaches in June, the sunshine continues to intensify, peaking at 301 hours in June. This upward trajectory not only enhances the vibrancy of Halifax’s landscapes but also allows residents and visitors alike to revel in the warmth of longer days, leading into the peak of summer with 317 hours in July, showcasing the city’s transition into its sunniest season.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Halifax: May Highlighted

The May sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Halifax experiences direct sunlight during the month of May, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of May with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec110h176h246h235h285h301h317h325h265h223h152h142h
Data source: Halifax May Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Halifax During May

As spring transitions into summer, May in Halifax, Canada offers a 36% chance of sunny weather, marking a slight increase from the cooler months. This uptick follows a more variable April with a 31% chance, hinting at the arrival of longer, brighter days. Interestingly, May's likelihood of sunshine is higher than in both January and February, yet it lags behind March, which enjoys a sunny chance of 50%. As we look to the coming months, June presents a promising 39%, suggesting that while May may still have its share of unpredictable weather, the trend indicates a gradual move towards sunnier days ahead.

Percentage of Sunny Days in May in Halifax

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Halifax throughout the year, with May highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Halifax experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec21%28%50%31%36%40%24%32%41%40%35%34%
Data source: Halifax May chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Halifax in May

As spring blossoms into summer, May heralds a delightful increase in daylight hours in Halifax, Canada, offering 14 hours of radiant sunshine. This marks a noticeable leap from 13 hours in April, continuing the upward trend established earlier in the year. Following the gradual ascent from 9 hours in January through each month, residents are now embraced by longer days that invite more outdoor activities and communal gatherings. This brightening pattern persists into June, where daylight peaks at 15 hours, before gently tapering back in the fall. The transformation from the shorter, winter months serves as a reminder of nature's rhythms, enhancing the vibrant ambiance of the city as it fully awakens in May.

Average Daylight Hours in Halifax for May

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Halifax throughout the year, with May highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9h 14m10h 26m11h 57m13h 30m14h 49m15h 29m15h 7m13h 57m12h 27m10h 55m9h 33m8h 51m
Data source: Halifax daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

May Winds in Halifax

In May, Halifax experiences a gentle shift in its wind patterns, with an average wind speed of 3.9 m/s (or 9 mph), marking a notable decrease from the breezier spring months of April and March. This decline continues into June, where the winds soften further to 3.8 m/s (8 mph), suggesting a transitional phase as the city moves towards the calm of summer. Interestingly, following the mild May winds, September sees a resurgence to 3.9 m/s, reflecting a recurring seasonal trend. The consistent fluctuations from 3.4 to 4.7 m/s throughout the year indicate a dynamic wind environment, yet May stands out as a gentle prelude to the stillness of summer, inviting both residents and visitors to enjoy the budding beauty of the season.

Average May Wind Speed in Halifax

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Halifax, with values for each month shown alongside May's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how May's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec4.34.44.64.73.9 m/s3.83.43.13.93.54.44.5
Data source: Halifax May wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How May Weather in Halifax Compares to Other Months

The weather in Halifax 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 Halifax and find detailed weather information for every month.

In comparing the weather of May and January, we observe significant differences in temperature and overall conditions. May sees a much milder temperature range, with minimums around -3°C (26°F) and maximums reaching up to 27°C (82°F), resulting in an average of 9°C (49°F). In contrast, January is notably colder, with temperatures dipping as low as -18°C (0°F) and an average of -3°C (27°F) and maximums only reaching 15°C (58°F). Both months experience similar precipitation levels, with May receiving 93 mm (3.7 in) over approximately 13 days and January slightly higher at 97 mm (3.8 in) across about 10 days. Interestingly, both months share the same humidity level of 82%, but the stark differences in temperature highlight the seasonal contrast. For more detailed insights on January weather, refer to Halifax weather in January.

May and February showcase contrasting weather patterns in Halifax. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -3°C (26°F) to a pleasant maximum of 27°C (82°F), with an average of 9°C (49°F). The month sees about 93 mm (3.7 in) of precipitation over 13 days, coupled with a humidity level of 82%. In stark contrast, February experiences much colder conditions, with temperatures dropping as low as -20°C (-4°F) and only peaking at 12°C (53°F), resulting in an average of -3°C (27°F). February receives a higher total precipitation of 122 mm (4.8 in) across 11 days, maintaining similar humidity levels at 83%. For more details, check out Halifax weather in February.

When comparing the weather in May and March, it's clear that May offers milder and more variable conditions. May features a minimum temperature of -3°C (26°F) and reaches a comfortable average of 9°C (49°F), with a maximum of 27°C (82°F). In contrast, March experiences much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -18°C (0°F), an average of 0°C (32°F), and a maximum of only 16°C (61°F). Precipitation levels are relatively high in both months, with May receiving 93 mm (3.7 in) over 13 days, while March sees 103 mm (4.1 in) over just 11 days. Interestingly, both months share the same humidity level of 82%. For more details about the weather conditions in March, you can explore Halifax weather in March.

When comparing the weather in May to that of April, May typically offers slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of -3°C (26°F) and an average of 9°C (49°F), reaching a maximum of 27°C (82°F). In contrast, April experiences cooler conditions, with a minimum of -7°C (19°F), an average of 5°C (41°F), and a maximum of 18°C (65°F). Additionally, while both months see precipitation on 13 days, April has a higher total rainfall of 122 mm (4.8 in) compared to May's 93 mm (3.7 in). Despite the differences, humidity remains consistently high in both months at 82%. For more detailed information, check out Halifax weather in April.

May and June in Halifax exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -3°C (26°F) to a comfortable maximum of 27°C (82°F), with an average temperature of 9°C (49°F). The month sees about 93 mm (3.7 in) of precipitation over 13 days, with humidity levels around 82%. In contrast, June offers a warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -1°C (30°F) to a maximum of 30°C (87°F) and an average of 15°C (59°F). While June receives slightly more precipitation at 99 mm (3.9 in) over just 11 days, humidity rises modestly to 84%. For more detailed information on June weather in Halifax, visit Halifax weather in June.

When comparing the weather in May and July, notable differences can be observed. May sees colder temperatures with a minimum of -3°C (26°F) and an average of 9°C (49°F), while July enjoys much milder conditions, starting at a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and averaging 19°C (66°F). The maximum temperature in May reaches 27°C (82°F), which is quite comparable to July's high of 32°C (90°F). Additionally, both months have similar precipitation levels, with May recording 93 mm over 13 days and July slightly lower at 91 mm over 10 days. Humidity also increases in July with levels at 86%, up from 82% in May. For a closer look at July’s weather patterns, visit Halifax weather in July.

In May, the weather exhibits a wider temperature range, with minimums dipping as low as -3°C (26°F) and maximums reaching up to 27°C (82°F), averaging around 9°C (49°F). The month also sees significant rainfall, accumulating to 93 mm (3.7 in) over 13 days and maintaining high humidity levels at 82%. In contrast, August typically enjoys milder conditions, with minimum temperatures around 9°C (48°F) and maximums averaging 30°C (86°F), leading to a more temperate average of 20°C (67°F). Precipitation is slightly lower at 77 mm (3.0 in) over 10 days, with humidity remaining relatively high at 85%. For more details, check out Halifax weather in August.

May and September present contrasting yet mild climates, with both months experiencing a range of temperatures. In May, temperatures can dip as low as -3°C (26°F) but average around 9°C (49°F), while reaching a maximum of 27°C (82°F). This month sees about 93 mm (3.7 in) of rainfall over approximately 13 days, and the humidity is relatively high at 82%. In contrast, September enjoys a milder minimum temperature of 2°C (36°F) and a more comfortable average of 16°C (61°F), peaking at 28°C (83°F). Although September receives slightly more precipitation at 104 mm (4.1 in) over only 8 days, it maintains a similar humidity level at 83%. For more details on the typical conditions during this month, you can check out Halifax weather in September.

When comparing the weather in May and October, we can observe some notable differences. May experiences a wider temperature range with minimums dropping to -3°C (26°F) and maximums reaching 27°C (82°F), whereas October's temperatures are slightly milder, with minimums around -2°C (28°F) and maximums peaking at 23°C (73°F). Precipitation levels are also higher in October, with a total of 109 mm (4.3 in) over 9 days, compared to May's 93 mm (3.7 in) spread across 13 days. Both months have similar humidity levels, with May at 82% and October at 83%. For more specifics on October weather, you can visit Halifax weather in October.

May and November present contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a chilly -3°C (26°F) at night to a warm 27°C (82°F) during the day, with an average of 9°C (49°F). The month experiences about 93 mm (3.7 in) of precipitation over 13 days, and humidity hovers around 82%. In contrast, November sees lower temperatures, with nighttime lows plummeting to -11°C (12°F) and daytime highs reaching only 20°C (69°F), averaging at 5°C (42°F). Rainfall increases significantly to 149 mm (5.9 in) across the same number of days, and humidity rises slightly to 85%. For more detailed weather information, check out Halifax weather in November.

May and December in Halifax present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a chilly -3°C (26°F) at night to a pleasant 27°C (82°F) during the day, with an average of 9°C (49°F). The month experiences about 93 mm (3.7 in) of precipitation over 13 days and maintains a relatively high humidity of 82%. In contrast, December is much colder, with temperatures fluctuating between -15°C (5°F) and a maximum of 15°C (60°F), averaging 0°C (32°F). Precipitation increases to 127 mm (5.0 in) over 12 days, and humidity remains slightly higher at 83%. For more detailed insights on December weather, check out Halifax weather in December.

Compare Halifax's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From May Weather in Halifax

As May unfolds in Halifax, the weather showcases a refreshing departure from the chill of earlier months, with mild temperatures making outdoor activities more inviting. The average temperature begins to rise, providing a welcomed shift that rejuvenates the landscape, though it can still surprise with the occasional crisp day. Despite a fair share of rainy days, the overall warmth and increasing humidity hint at the approaching summer. This dynamic month serves as a bridge between the cold of spring and the warmth of summer, making it a vital time to enjoy the blossoming beauty of the region. For a deeper dive into what ensures Halifax remains a unique climate, visit Halifax Climate.