Last updated: April 22, 2025
May in Quebec, Canada offers a vibrant transition into late spring, showcasing a striking temperature range from -3°C (28°F) to a scorching maximum of 33°C (91°F). The average temperature hovers around a comfortable 12°C (54°F), making it a time of blossoming flora and increasing outdoor activities. However, residents and visitors should prepare for the possibility of rain, with 99 mm (3.9 in) of precipitation over approximately 14 days, leading to a relatively high humidity level of 79%. Whether you're engaging in spring festivals or exploring the lush scenery, May’s weather in Quebec presents a delightful mix of warmth and refreshing showers.
As May unfolds in Quebec, temperatures begin to shift dramatically, heralding the arrival of warmer days after a long, frigid winter. The month starts with a chilly minimum of -3°C (28°F) but quickly warms to an average of 12°C (54°F), ultimately peaking at a balmy 33°C (91°F). This significant leap from April’s milder conditions showcases May as a transition period, where the lingering chill of spring gives way to early summer warmth. As the days lengthen and the sun begins to assert itself, locals and visitors alike can enjoy a vibrant burst of outdoor activities under increasingly sunny skies, marking May as a true turning point in Quebec’s climate.
May in Quebec brings an average precipitation of 99 mm (3.9 in), marking a notable step down from the significantly wetter April, which saw 122 mm (4.8 in). The month is characterized by 14 days of precipitation, hinting at a more settled weather pattern as spring takes hold. This trend of consistent rainfall continues into June, but May stands out as a transitional phase where the burgeoning foliage drinks in the moisture, preparing for the lush summer ahead. As the landscape transforms, May’s rain showers play a vital role in supporting the region's vibrant ecosystems while offering a refreshing respite from the lingering chill of earlier months.
As spring unfolds in Quebec, May brings a noticeable change in humidity levels, dipping to 79%—a marked decline from the heavier, chillier months of winter. This decrease reflects the gradual warming that accompanies the season, as temperatures rise and the air begins to dry out. April's humidity of 87% signals the transition, while June further decreases to 73%, indicating a steady trend towards more comfortable summer conditions. Interestingly, the humidity levels during the summer months of July and August stabilize around 81%, illustrating a shift as warmer air interacts with local weather patterns. Overall, May serves as a pivotal point in Quebec's humidity cycle, bridging the cool, crisp air of early spring with the warm, lush summer ahead.
As May arrives in Quebec, Canada, residents experience a significant surge in the UV Index, jumping to a formidable 9, categorized as very high. This marked increase signals a shift from the more moderate levels of earlier months, pushing burn time down to just 15 minutes. In comparison, exposure levels early in the year were much lower, with January peaking at a 2 (low) and showing only 45 minutes of burn time. The trend is clear: as spring transitions into summer, UV radiation intensifies, necessitating greater sun protection and caution for outdoor activities. It’s essential to stay informed about these changes through resources like the Quebec UV Index to enjoy the sunny days safely while minimizing skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
As May unfolds in Quebec, the landscape is bathed in an impressive 304 hours of sunshine, marking a significant leap from the colder months. This surge in daylight is a delightful prelude to the summer, following a gradual increase from 111 hours in January to 226 hours in April. May stands out not only for its vibrant floral displays but also for its radiant skies, setting the stage for the warmest months ahead, particularly June and July, which boast the highest sunshine totals of the year, peaking at 349 hours. The steady climb in sunlight hours from the sluggish winter to the exuberance of late spring reflects the exhilarating transition of Quebec’s seasons, inviting residents and visitors alike to soak up the sun and embrace the warmth.
As May approaches in Quebec, Canada, the likelihood of basking in sunny weather holds steady at 41%, mirroring the somewhat optimistic outlook of April. This consistency marks a turning point in the year, as the chance of sunshine in May is significantly higher than the winter months, where January and February linger around 33% and 39%, respectively. Interestingly, while the sunny days in May may not surpass those of the more summer-centric months like August, they provide a refreshing break from the lingering chill of spring, setting the stage for warmer days ahead. As the year progresses into June and July, the probability of sunny weather dips slightly, reminding us that May is a golden opportunity to appreciate the blossoming outdoor scenery before summer's heatwaves.
As May unfolds in Quebec, residents delight in a significant increase in daylight, basking in 15 hours of sunshine each day—a welcome shift from the shorter days of winter. This month marks a pivotal transition, showcasing a rapid growth from 13 hours in April, and leading into the consistent brightness found in June. The trend reveals not only a gradual escalation from the 9 hours of daylight in January to peak durations in the summer months but also serves as a reminder of nature's rhythm, ushering in longer evenings perfect for outdoor activities. However, as summer wanes towards August, daylight begins its subtle decline, transitioning the region into a dynamic interplay of light and darkness that characterizes the changing seasons throughout the year.
In May, Quebec experiences a gentle average wind speed of 3.0 m/s (7 mph), which mirrors the calming patterns of spring as the region transitions from the chill of winter. Following a slight uptick in March, where winds reached 3.8 m/s (9 mph), the speed dipped in April to 3.4 m/s (8 mph), hinting at a brief respite before the summer months. This slight decline in wind speed continues into June, holding steady at 3.1 m/s (7 mph). Over the course of the year, it's notable that the wind typically peaks in the early spring months, with April and March leading the way, while the summer months generally bring calmer conditions. The consistent winds of May serve as a reminder of the seasonal changes, inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy the emerging warmth and fresh air of the season.
The weather in Quebec 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 Quebec and find detailed weather information for every month.
In May, temperatures range from a minimum of -3°C (28°F) to a maximum of 33°C (91°F), with an average of 12°C (54°F). The month typically sees 99 mm (3.9 in) of precipitation over about 14 days, with humidity averaging 79%. In contrast, January experiences much colder weather, with temperatures ranging from a low of -31°C (-23°F) to a high of 10°C (50°F), and an average temperature of -10°C (15°F). This month, though slightly drier with 91 mm (3.6 in) of precipitation over 12 days, has a much higher humidity of 95%. For more detailed insights into January's climate, you can visit Quebec weather in January.
May and February present distinctly contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -3°C (28°F) to a warm maximum of 33°C (91°F), with an average of 12°C (54°F). In comparison, February is significantly colder, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of -25°C (-14°F) and rising only to a maximum of 8°C (46°F), averaging -8°C (17°F). Precipitation levels are somewhat similar, with May receiving 99 mm (3.9 in) over 14 days and February having 87 mm (3.4 in) over 13 days. The humidity is also higher in February at 93%, while May has a humidity level of 79%. For more details about February weather, visit Quebec weather in February.
In comparing the weather of May and March, it is evident that May experiences much milder temperatures, with an average of 12°C (54°F) and a maximum reaching up to 33°C (91°F). In contrast, March is still lingering in the grips of winter, featuring an average temperature of -4°C (26°F) and dipping as low as -25°C (-13°F). Both months see a similar amount of precipitation, with May receiving 99 mm (3.9 in) over 14 days and March slightly less at 94 mm (3.7 in) over just 10 days. Additionally, while May's humidity is relatively moderate at 79%, March suffers from higher humidity levels at 90%, contributing to a more chill-inducing atmosphere. For a detailed look at the specifics of March weather, you can check Quebec weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, it’s clear that May experiences a significant warming trend, with average temperatures rising from April's 4°C (39°F) to a more comfortable 12°C (54°F). The maximum temperature in May can reach as high as 33°C (91°F), while April peaks at 20°C (69°F). Although May has slightly less precipitation at 99 mm (3.9 in) over 14 days compared to April's 122 mm (4.8 in) over 13 days, it does come with a higher humidity level at 79% versus April's 87%. For a more detailed look at April weather, you can check Quebec weather in April.
May and June exhibit distinct differences in weather patterns, despite sharing similar maximum temperatures. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of -3°C (28°F) to a maximum of 33°C (91°F), with an average of 12°C (54°F). The month sees about 99 mm (3.9 in) of precipitation over 14 days and experiences a higher humidity level at 79%. In contrast, June features a slightly improved minimum temperature of 2°C (35°F), with an average temperature rising to 17°C (63°F), while still reaching the same maximum of 33°C (91°F). Precipitation increases to 125 mm (4.9 in), maintaining the trend of rainfall over 14 days, but with a drop in humidity to 73%. For more detailed weather information, check out Quebec weather in June.
In comparing the weather between May and July, May tends to start cooler with minimum temperatures dropping to -3°C (28°F), while July experiences a more comfortable minimum of 8°C (47°F). The average temperature in May is 12°C (54°F), significantly lower than July's 20°C (69°F), although both months can reach maximum highs that are quite similar—33°C (91°F) in May and 34°C (93°F) in July. Precipitation is relatively comparable, with May receiving 99 mm (3.9 in) and July slightly higher at 104 mm (4.1 in), both across 14 days, and humidity levels are also similar, standing at 79% for May and 81% for July. For more details on July weather, you can check out Quebec weather in July.
In May, Quebec experiences a broader temperature range, with minimums dipping to -3°C (28°F) and maximums soaring up to 33°C (91°F). The average temperature settles around 12°C (54°F), accompanied by 99 mm (3.9 in) of precipitation over 14 days, resulting in a humidity level of 79%.
In contrast, August brings milder temperatures, with minimums starting at 7°C (45°F) and maximums reaching 31°C (88°F). The average temperature rises to 19°C (67°F), and while precipitation increases slightly to 119 mm (4.7 in) over the same number of days, humidity also sees a slight uptick to 81%. For more detailed information, check out Quebec weather in August.
May and September exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a low of -3°C (28°F) to a high of 33°C (91°F), with an average temperature of 12°C (54°F). The month also sees around 99 mm (3.9 in) of precipitation over approximately 14 days, along with a humidity level of 79%. In contrast, September offers milder conditions, with minimum temperatures of -2°C (29°F), an average of 15°C (58°F), and a maximum of 30°C (86°F). This month experiences slightly less rainfall at 93 mm (3.7 in) spread across about 10 days and a humidity of 81%. For more information on September weather, check out Quebec weather in September.
May and October present distinctly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures can range from a chilly minimum of -3°C (28°F) to a warm maximum of 33°C (91°F), with an average temperature of 12°C (54°F). The month sees a total precipitation of 99 mm (3.9 in) over 14 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 79%. In contrast, October experiences cooler conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -7°C (20°F) to a maximum of 22°C (72°F) and an average of 8°C (47°F). The precipitation increases to 134 mm (5.3 in) over the same number of days, with humidity rising slightly to 87%. For more detailed insights, feel free to visit Quebec weather in October.
May and November present strikingly different weather patterns. May features a broader temperature range, with lows around -3°C (28°F) and highs soaring up to 33°C (91°F), averaging 12°C (54°F). This month sees a moderate amount of precipitation at 99 mm (3.9 in) over about 14 days, accompanied by relatively high humidity levels of 79%. In contrast, November is much chillier, with temperatures ranging from a frigid -18°C (0°F) to a milder max of 20°C (68°F), averaging just around 0°C (32°F). It also experiences higher precipitation at 132 mm (5.2 in) across 13 days and elevated humidity levels at 89%. For more insights into the weather in November, you can visit Quebec weather in November.
In May, the weather in Quebec experiences a significant transformation, with temperatures ranging from a chilly minimum of -3°C (28°F) to a warm max of 33°C (91°F), resulting in an average of 12°C (54°F). The month sees approximately 99 mm (3.9 in) of precipitation over about 14 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 79%. In contrast, December presents a starkly different climate, where temperatures plummet to a minimum of -26°C (-15°F) and peak at only 13°C (56°F), averaging a frigid -7°C (20°F). Precipitation levels rise slightly to 105 mm (4.1 in) over 12 days, with humidity reaching a higher average of 92%. The dramatic differences between May and December reflect the distinctive seasonal changes in Quebec. For more detailed insights, check out Quebec weather in December.
As spring deepens in May, Quebec transforms into a vibrant tapestry of weather extremes, contrasting sharply with the chilly remnants of winter and the mugginess of summer that follow. The temperature fluctuations this month can be significant, offering warm days that can reach up to an impressive 33°C while still allowing for unexpectedly cool nights that dip below freezing. While the average temperature settles comfortably around 12°C, precipitation is not unusual, with about 99 mm expected over approximately two weeks. This blend of conditions creates an atmosphere rich in humidity, hovering around 79%, making May a unique transition month. To fully grasp how these dynamics play out throughout the year, check out the detailed insights available at Quebec Climate.