Last updated: August 21, 2025
In May, Changsha, China experiences a significant climate shift, with temperatures reaching a maximum of 36°C (97°F) and an average of 24°C (76°F). The month is characterized by considerable humidity at 85%, contributing to a warm and often muggy atmosphere. Despite the heat, May sees precipitation totaling 207 mm (8.2 in) across 17 days, providing much-needed moisture to the region. This juxtaposition of warmth and frequent showers makes May a vibrant and dynamic month in Changsha, ideal for experiencing the lush beauty and cultural richness of the season.
In May, Changsha transforms into a vibrant canvas of warmth as temperatures rise significantly, reflecting the onset of summer. The month begins with a minimum of 12°C (54°F), showcasing a pleasant start to the season, while the average climbs to a comfortable 24°C (76°F). By midday, expect the mercury to soar, with highs reaching 36°C (97°F)—a clear indication that summer is just around the corner. This upward shift is a noticeable trend from the earlier months, as May marks a transition from the mildness of April to the sweltering heat of June, inviting both locals and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities in the sun-drenched streets of this bustling city.
May marks a notable peak in precipitation in Changsha, China, receiving 207 mm (8.2 in) of rainfall over 17 days. This increase is part of a broader trend, as May follows a series of rising precipitation levels that began in January with a mere 48 mm. Each subsequent month has shown a significant uptick, culminating in the lush and wet conditions of May that serve to lushly green the region. As the city transitions into its rainy season, the volume of rainfall further escalates into June, which typically sees even heavier downpours. This pattern underscores the shift from drier winter months to a more saturated, vibrant spring and early summer, making May a climactic point in Changsha's annual weather cycle.
In May, Changsha experiences a significant rise in humidity, peaking at 85%, which marks one of the highest levels in the year. This spike follows a steady ascent from 66% in January and 70% in February, highlighting the gradual shift towards the hot and sticky summer months ahead. As April finishes with a solid 76%, May's notable increase suggests that residents should prepare for a muggy atmosphere, setting the stage for the even more humid conditions of July at 87%. This trend illustrates a clear pattern of rising humidity as the year progresses, with May acting as a bridge between the milder spring months and the sweltering summer that follows.
As May rolls into Changsha, the UV Index skyrockets to 13, marking it as an extreme exposure month. This increase continues the trend from March and April, both of which also recorded a high Index of 11. With a burn time of just 10 minutes, it's essential for residents and visitors alike to take precautions against harmful UV rays. Following May, summer brings similarly intense conditions with July and August also peaking at 13. This consistency suggests a need for sun protection strategies throughout this season. For those planning outdoor activities, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial—find more details here: Changsha UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
May emerges as a radiant highlight in the sunshine calendar of Changsha, China, boasting an impressive 284 hours of sunshine. This marks a significant leap from previous months, with April providing a solid foundation at 226 hours. As spring transitions into summer, the city basks in increasing daylight, signaling a vibrant burst of life and activity. The upward trend continues into the summer months, peaking in July at 313 hours, before gradually tapering off as autumn approaches. With its delightful May sunshine, Changsha sets the stage for leisurely outdoor activities and a rejuvenating atmosphere, making it a truly enchanting time of year.
In Changsha, China, the likelihood of sunny weather experiences a striking decline as Spring transitions into Summer. Notably, May sees the sun only 17% of the time, making it one of the less sunny months in the year. This is a significant drop from the earlier months, such as January and February, where the chance of sunshine is relatively high at 67% and 54%, respectively. As the colder months give way to the warmer ones, the trend shifts towards more overcast conditions, peaking in April with a still modest 26% chance. By the time summer arrives in June, the prospects dim further to just 14%. So, if you're planning a sunny getaway in May, you might want to consider other months when Changsha is bathed in brighter skies.
As May approaches in Changsha, China, the city basks in an invigorating 13 hours of daylight, marking a noticeable shift toward longer, sunnier days. Observing the annual trend, daylight duration gradually increases from 10 hours in January to a peak in May and June, before gently tapering off again through the summer months. This pattern highlights a beautiful transition from the short, chilly days of winter to the vibrant, warm expanses of late spring and early summer. By July, daylight remains abundant at 13 hours, but as August rolls in, a subtle decrease begins, guiding the region back toward the cooler, shorter days of autumn. This rhythmic cycle of daylight not only shapes the daily lives of Changsha's residents but also heralds the vibrant natural beauty that characterizes this time of year.
In May, Changsha enjoys gentle breezes with an average wind speed of 2.1 m/s (5 mph), mirroring the consistent winds felt in both January and March. As the city transitions from spring to early summer, this mild airflow enhances the pleasant weather, providing a refreshing ambiance for outdoor activities. Notably, while May's winds are steady, they pale in comparison to the slightly stronger gusts anticipated in October, which sees a peak of 2.4 m/s (5 mph). This trend indicates a cyclical pattern where wind speeds rise in spring and autumn, creating a delightful balance that characterizes Changsha's climate throughout the year.
Weather in Changsha varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Changsha, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January present strikingly different weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a mild 12°C (54°F) to a scorching high of 36°C (97°F), with an average of 24°C (76°F). This month experiences notable humidity at 85% and considerable precipitation of 207 mm (8.2 in) spread across 17 days. In contrast, January offers a much cooler climate, with temperatures ranging from a low of -3°C (26°F) to a comfortable high of 25°C (78°F) and an average of 10°C (51°F). The precipitation is significantly lower at 48 mm (1.9 in) over only 6 days, and the humidity drops to 66%. For more details, see Changsha weather in January.
May and February present a striking contrast in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) to a scorching maximum of 36°C (97°F), with an average of 24°C (76°F). The month is also marked by higher humidity at 85% and significant precipitation of 207 mm (8.2 in) over 17 days. In contrast, February experiences much colder conditions, with temperatures dipping as low as -3°C (26°F) and peaking at 28°C (83°F), averaging 12°C (53°F). This month sees considerably less rainfall at 90 mm (3.6 in) across 9 days and a lower humidity level of 70%. For more on February weather details, you can visit Changsha weather in February.
In a comparison of weather between March and May, May presents significantly warmer temperatures, with minimums of 12°C (54°F) compared to March's 4°C (39°F), and an average temperature of 24°C (76°F) versus March's 17°C (62°F). May can reach maximums as high as 36°C (97°F), while March peaks at 31°C (88°F). Precipitation levels are higher in May at 207 mm (8.2 in) over 17 days, compared to March, which has 157 mm (6.2 in) over the same number of days. Additionally, May's humidity is notably higher at 85%, compared to March's 77%. For more detailed information on March weather, you can visit Changsha weather in March.
In comparing the weather patterns of April and May, it is clear that May experiences warmer temperatures overall, with a minimum of 12°C (54°F) and an average high reaching up to 36°C (97°F), compared to April's range of 6°C (43°F) to a maximum of 32°C (91°F). Additionally, May sees increased precipitation, totaling 207 mm (8.2 in) over 17 days, while April has slightly less rainfall at 171 mm (6.7 in) across 16 days. The humidity also rises in May, averaging 85%, in contrast to April's 76%. For more details about April's weather, you can visit Changsha weather in April.
May and June showcase a noticeable shift in weather patterns. In May, temperatures vary more significantly, with a minimum of 12°C (54°F) and an average of 24°C (76°F), while June sees a warmer minimum of 18°C (65°F) and an average of 27°C (81°F). Although both months can reach a maximum of 36°C (97°F in May and 96°F in June), June is generally more humid, albeit slightly less than May, with humidity levels at 80%. Rainfall also increases in June, with 267 mm (10.5 in) expected over 18 days, compared to May's 207 mm (8.2 in) over 17 days. For a detailed overview, check out Changsha weather in June.
May and July present distinct weather patterns that reflect the transition from spring to summer. In May, temperatures range from a cool minimum of 12°C (54°F) to a warm maximum of 36°C (97°F), with an average of 24°C (76°F). This month is marked by significant rainfall, totaling 207 mm (8.2 in) over 17 days, combined with high humidity levels at 85%. In contrast, July experiences consistently warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 21°C (71°F) and a maximum reaching 39°C (103°F), averaging 29°C (85°F). Precipitation drops to 78 mm (3.1 in) over 11 days, while humidity rises slightly to 87%. For more detailed insights into how July weather varies, check out Changsha weather in July.
In comparing the weather between May and August, one can observe significant differences in both temperature and precipitation. May features a wider temperature range with a minimum of 12°C (54°F) and a maximum of 36°C (97°F), averaging around 24°C (76°F). This month also experiences considerable rainfall, totaling 207 mm (8.2 in) over 17 days, and a relatively high humidity level of 85%.
In contrast, August presents warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 22°C (72°F) to a maximum of 40°C (104°F), and an average temperature of 29°C (85°F). Precipitation decreases to 121 mm (4.8 in) over 16 days, while humidity slightly lowers to 84%. For more detailed insights into August weather, you can visit Changsha weather in August.
May and September present notable differences in weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) to a maximum of 36°C (97°F), with an average of 24°C (76°F). The month is characterized by high humidity levels at 85% and significant precipitation of 207 mm (8.2 in) over 17 days, making it one of the wetter months. In contrast, September typically experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of 17°C (62°F), an average of 27°C (81°F), and a maximum of 39°C (103°F). The month sees drastically reduced precipitation at 82 mm (3.2 in) over 12 days, combined with lower humidity levels of 61%. For more details, you can check the Changsha weather in September.
May and October in Changsha present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) to a peak of 36°C (97°F), with an average temperature of 24°C (76°F). This month sees significant rainfall, with 207 mm (8.2 in) spread across 17 days and a high humidity level of 85%. In contrast, October offers milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 37°C (98°F), averaging at 22°C (71°F). Precipitation dramatically decreases to just 40 mm (1.6 in) over 8 days, and the humidity drops to a more comfortable 62%. For more detailed insights, check out Changsha weather in October.
May and November present quite contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) to a scorching maximum of 36°C (97°F), with an average temperature of 24°C (76°F). The month is also characterized by high humidity at 85% and substantial rainfall, totaling 207 mm (8.2 inches) over 17 days. In stark contrast, November experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 4°C (39°F) and an average of 17°C (62°F), peaking at 32°C (89°F). This month sees much less precipitation, with only 59 mm (2.3 inches) spread over 7 days and a lower humidity level of 67%. For more detailed insights, you can check Changsha weather in November.
May and December present stark contrasts in weather conditions. May boasts warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 12°C (54°F) and an average of 24°C (76°F), peaking at 36°C (97°F), coupled with significant rainfall totaling 207 mm (8.2 in) over 17 days and high humidity at 85%. In contrast, December is much cooler, featuring a minimum temperature of 0°C (32°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F), reaching a maximum of 27°C (81°F). Precipitation is considerably lower in December, with only 34 mm (1.3 in) falling over 6 days and a reduced humidity level of 74%. For more details on December's weather, check out Changsha weather in December.
As May unfolds in Changsha, it brings a noticeable shift in weather compared to the cooler, drier months that precede it. Bask in the warmth of highs reaching up to 36°C (97°F), contrasting sharply with the cool breezes of early spring. However, don’t forget your umbrella! With approximately 17 days of rain and a humidity level soaring to 85%, May can feel quite steamy. This blend of warmth and moisture marks the true arrival of summer, making it a time of lush greenery and vibrant outdoor life. For a deeper understanding of how May fits into the broader weather patterns, check out Changsha Climate.