Last updated: August 21, 2025
In May, Xi'an experiences a vibrant transition into summer, marked by a maximum temperature peaking at 33°C (91°F), while the average hovers around a comfortable 23°C (73°F). Visitors can expect cool evenings, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of 11°C (52°F). However, the month is also characterized by significant precipitation, with 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain falling over approximately 23 days. The air is notably humid, with levels around 84%, creating a lush, green landscape that showcases the rich cultural heritage of this ancient city. Prepare for a mix of warmth and wet weather, perfect for exploring Xi'an's historical wonders.
In May, Xi'an transitions into a lively warmth that perfectly sets the stage for outdoor exploration. With temperatures ranging from a pleasant 11°C (52°F) at night to a balmy 33°C (91°F) during the day, the month boasts an average of 23°C (73°F), making it one of the most favorable times to visit. As the city shakes off the cooler spring chill, the days grow longer and sunnier, enticing locals and tourists alike to discover its rich history and vibrant culture. This upward trend in temperature not only marks the arrival of summer, but also offers an invigorating atmosphere filled with opportunities for adventure amid Xi'an's famous ancient landmarks.
In May, Xi'an experiences a noteworthy precipitation total of 219 mm (8.6 in), marking a significant downpour that continues the trend established in the previous months of spring. With rain falling on 23 days, May is characterized by persistent wet conditions, aligning closely with the high levels recorded in March and April. Though slightly less than the March peak of 277 mm (10.9 in), this month still reflects the region's transition into summer, with rainfall remaining abundant as temperatures rise. As the city moves into June, the pattern of high precipitation continues, suggesting that May's showers help cultivate the lush landscapes Xi'an is known for during warmer months.
May in Xi'an, China, ushers in a noticeable shift in humidity, reaching 84%, making it one of the more humid months of the year. This increase follows the slight dip in April's 70% and stands in stark contrast to the drier months of October and November, where humidity levels drop to 59% and 66%, respectively. As the city transitions from spring to summer, humidity continues to rise, peaking in July at 89% before gradually decreasing in September. This upward trend in humidity from April through July not only enhances the warmth of the season but also indicates a lush, vibrant environment typical of Xi'an's summer climate.
As May rolls into Xi'an, China, the UV Index reaches a striking 13, marking it as extreme and necessitating careful sun protection. This intensity is part of a rising trend throughout the spring and summer months, where the UV Index maintains a consistent level of 13 from May through August. The reduced burn time of just 10 minutes during this period underscores the importance of vigilance against harmful UV rays, especially as April and March also exhibited extreme levels—though at slightly lower indices of 12 and 11, respectively. As the season progresses, residents and visitors alike should stay informed and take precautions. For more details and to stay updated, check the Xi'an UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
May brings joyous sunlight to Xi'an, shining brighter than any other month with an impressive 258 hours of sunshine. This radiant burst marks a delightful transition from the cooler spring months, where February begins with only 199 hours and steadily gains ground. As winter fades, April warms up with 195 hours, paving the way for May's gradual ascent to its peak. Following this golden month, summer dives into full swing, boasting even more sunshine in June and July, where the totals reach 241 and 305 hours, respectively. The trend indicates that as spring blossoms into summer, Xi'an basks in a growing embrace of sunlight, enriching both its vibrant culture and outdoor activities.
In Xi'an, China, the likelihood of sunny weather in May dips to 14%, reflecting a trend of diminishing sunshine as spring transitions to summer. Following a relatively bright January, where the chances of sun are a more promising 58%, the months leading up to May—February through April—see a steady decline, culminating in one of the lowest probabilities of the year. Despite the arrival of warmer temperatures in May, cloud cover often prevails, leaving residents and visitors alike yearning for clearer skies. Interestingly, this pattern shifts dramatically as summer approaches, with July boosting sunny chances to 35%. Thus, while May can feel less than sunny, the promise of brighter days is just around the corner.
In Xi'an, China, the duration of daylight gradually increases as the year unfolds, peaking at 13 hours during the vibrant summer months of May through July. As spring blossoms in April, residents begin to bask in an extra hour of sunlight compared to the previous month, setting the stage for longer days ahead. This trend towards extended daylight hours not only marks a shift into warmer weather but also enhances outdoor activities and cultural festivities. However, as the seasons transition into late summer and autumn, daylight gradually recedes back to 12 hours in August and further dwindles to 10 hours by December, closing the cycle until the return of longer days each spring.
In May, the average wind speed in Xi'an, China, gently settles at 1.9 m/s (4 mph), reflecting a delicate balance in the air as the city transitions into warmer months. While this speed is slightly higher than the calmness of April's 1.7 m/s, it indicates a trend of increasing breeziness as the year progresses. The wind speeds in Xi'an generally fluctuate, peaking at 2.5 m/s (6 mph) in October, suggesting the arrival of autumn tends to bring with it a notable increase in wind activity. Overall, May's mild winds create a pleasant atmosphere, ideal for outdoor exploration and enjoying the city's vibrant spring scenery.
Weather in Xi'an varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Xi'an, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January showcase striking differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 11°C (52°F) to a scorching maximum of 33°C (91°F), with an average of 23°C (73°F). This month is characterized by high humidity at 84% and significant rainfall, totaling 219 mm (8.6 in) over 23 days. In stark contrast, January features a chilly climate with temperatures dipping as low as -2°C (28°F) and peaking at 22°C (71°F), averaging only 8°C (47°F). Precipitation in January is much lighter, accumulating 84 mm (3.3 in) over about 10 days, and the humidity is notably lower at 62%. For more details on January weather, you can check Xi'an weather in January.
May and February present stark differences in weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 11°C (52°F) to a maximum of 33°C (91°F), with an average temperature of 23°C (73°F), indicating a warm and pleasant month. However, it is also quite wet, with 219 mm (8.6 in) of precipitation spread over 23 days and a high humidity level of 84%. In contrast, February experiences much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -2°C (28°F) and a maximum of 26°C (79°F), along with a much cooler average of 10°C (50°F). Precipitation is also lower at 155 mm (6.1 in) over 13 days, and humidity is considerably lower at 66%. For a detailed view of February weather specifics in Xi'an, you can refer to Xi'an weather in February.
When comparing the weather in May and March, we observe significant differences in temperature and precipitation. May boasts a warmer climate with minimum temperatures around 11°C (52°F) and average highs reaching 33°C (91°F), while March has cooler temperatures, starting at a minimum of 4°C (39°F) and peaking at 28°C (83°F). Although May experiences slightly less rainfall at 219 mm (8.6 in) compared to March's 277 mm (10.9 in), both months share a similar number of rainy days, with precipitation occurring on 23 days. Additionally, May tends to be more humid with 84% humidity compared to March's 73%. For a more detailed look at March's weather, you can visit Xi'an weather in March.
In comparing the weather of April and May, it is evident that May tends to be warmer and more humid. While April's temperatures range from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F), May boasts a temperature increase with a minimum of 11°C (52°F) and a peak of 33°C (91°F). However, April experiences slightly more precipitation, totaling 243 mm (9.6 in) over 21 days compared to May's 219 mm (8.6 in) over 23 days. The humidity also rises in May, averaging 84% compared to April's 70%. For a closer look at April's weather specifics, visit Xi'an weather in April.
In comparing the weather between May and June, both months exhibit warm temperatures, but June tends to be slightly warmer overall. May has a minimum temperature of 11°C (52°F) and an average of 23°C (73°F), while June starts with a higher minimum of 16°C (61°F) and an average of 25°C (78°F). Interestingly, both months experience a maximum temperature of 33°C (91°F).
However, June sees an increase in precipitation, with 297 mm (11.7 in) of rain, compared to May's 219 mm (8.6 in), and both months have rain on 23 days. Humidity levels remain similar, with May at 84% and June slightly lower at 83%. For more details, you can check Xi'an weather in June.
In May, the weather features a wide temperature range with minimums of 11°C (52°F) and maximums reaching 33°C (91°F), resulting in an average temperature of 23°C (73°F). The month is marked by significant precipitation, totaling 219 mm (8.6 in) across 23 days, and an average humidity of 84%. In contrast, July sees milder temperature variations with a minimum of 20°C (69°F) and a maximum of 35°C (95°F), averaging 27°C (81°F). Precipitation decreases to 152 mm (6.0 in) over 19 days, and humidity rises slightly to 89%. For more detailed insights about the weather in July, you can visit Xi'an weather in July.
In May, the weather typically ranges from a minimum of 11°C (52°F) to a maximum of 33°C (91°F), with an average temperature of 23°C (73°F). The month sees considerable precipitation, averaging 219 mm (8.6 inches) over 23 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 84%. In contrast, August experiences warmer conditions with minimum temperatures of 20°C (68°F) and maximums reaching up to 36°C (97°F), while maintaining an average temperature of 27°C (81°F). Although August has less rainfall at 152 mm (6.0 inches) over 19 days, the humidity is slightly higher at 87%. For more detailed information on weather conditions, you can refer to Xi'an weather in August.
May and September present contrasting weather patterns, reflecting the shift from spring to late summer. In May, temperatures range from a cool 11°C (52°F) to a hot 33°C (91°F) with an average of 23°C (73°F). The month experiences significant rainfall, with 219 mm (8.6 in) of precipitation spread over 23 days, resulting in high humidity levels of 84%. In contrast, September offers warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 15°C (60°F) and a maximum of 36°C (97°F), averaging around 25°C (78°F). The precipitation is considerably lower at 130 mm (5.1 in) over just 15 days, accompanied by a drop in humidity to 63%. For more details on the weather during this month, visit Xi'an weather in September.
May and October present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 11°C (52°F) to a maximum of 33°C (91°F), with an average of 23°C (73°F), and the month experiences significant rainfall of 219 mm (8.6 in) over 23 days, alongside high humidity levels at 84%. In contrast, October features cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and an average of 19°C (67°F), while still reaching a maximum of 33°C (92°F). The precipitation drops significantly to 75 mm (3.0 in) over only 9 days, and the humidity also decreases to a more comfortable 59%. For more details, you can check Xi'an weather in October.
May and November present quite contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 11°C (52°F) to a maximum of 33°C (91°F), with an average of 23°C (73°F). This month also sees significant rainfall, totaling 219 mm (8.6 in) across 23 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 84%. In contrast, November features cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (42°F), an average of 15°C (59°F), and a maximum of 27°C (82°F). Precipitation drops notably to 97 mm (3.8 in) over just 11 days, and humidity is lower at 66%. For more details on the weather in November, visit Xi'an weather in November.
May and December present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a mild 11°C (52°F) at night to a scorching 33°C (91°F) during the day, accompanied by high humidity levels of 84% and substantial rainfall averaging 219 mm across 23 days. Conversely, December sees a dramatic drop in temperatures, with a minimum of -2°C (29°F) and a maximum of 24°C (75°F), leading to an average of only 9°C (49°F). Precipitation is significantly lower, at 61 mm over just 11 days, and humidity decreases to 69%. For more details, you can check Xi'an weather in December.
As May unfolds in Xi'an, the weather marks a significant transition from the cooler spring months to the warmth of summer. With maximum temperatures reaching up to 33°C (91°F), this month introduces a tangible heat, yet the average temperature remains comfortably mild at around 23°C (73°F). However, the high humidity of 84% can make it feel warmer, while frequent rain, totaling 219 mm (8.6 in) over 23 days, adds a refreshing touch but also challenges outdoor plans. Compared to the dryer and cooler months preceding it, May is a blend of warmth and moisture, making it a month to revel in nature's vibrancy amidst those occasional refreshing showers. For deeper insights into the climate of this fascinating city, visit Xi'an Climate.