Last updated: August 21, 2025
In Nanjing, China, May typically ushers in a blend of warmth and humidity, with maximum temperatures soaring to a sweltering 34°C (94°F) and an average temperature resting comfortably at 24°C (75°F). However, the month also presents a cooling relief with minimum temperatures dropping to 11°C (53°F). Rainfall is common, as evidenced by 19 rainy days contributing to a total precipitation of 171 mm (6.7 in), leading to an impressive humidity level of 85%. This combination of heat and moisture creates a vibrant atmosphere that characterizes Nanjing's bustling May, making it an enticing yet challenging time for both residents and visitors.
In May, Nanjing experiences a delightful transition into warmer weather, with temperatures reflecting the vibrant life of the city. The month opens with a minimum of 11°C (53°F) and peaks with a maximum of 34°C (94°F), resulting in a pleasant average of 24°C (75°F). This steady increase from the cooler days of April signals the arrival of summer, inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy outdoor activities amidst blossoming scenery. As May progresses, the warmth serves as a precursor to the sweltering heat of June, making it a perfect time to explore the rich culture and history of Nanjing before the temperatures soar.
In Nanjing, May marks a significant transition in precipitation patterns, with 171 mm (6.7 in) of rainfall occurring over 19 days. This increase reflects the peak of the spring season, where the city experiences a steady uptick in moisture following the rainy April. Compared to earlier months, the precipitation rises slightly from April’s 168 mm, indicating an intensification of rainy days as the climate shifts toward the summer months. As June approaches, the pattern intensifies even further, setting the stage for the heavy rainfalls of summer, with that month alone recording an impressive 258 mm (10.1 in). This trend emphasizes how May acts as a pivotal month in Nanjing's climatic cycle, serving as a bridge between the more moderate spring rains and the intense summer deluge.
In Nanjing, China, the month of May ushers in a peak of 85% humidity, marking a transition into the sultry summer months. This significant rise follows a gradual increase from 63% in January through 77% in March and 73% in April. By the time May rolls around, residents can feel the air thickening as the warm weather sets in. Following May, the humidity remains high, reaching its zenith in July at 89%, before starting a gradual decline towards autumn. The trends clearly illustrate a shift from the drier winter months—where humidity hovered around the low 60s—to an intensely humid summer, significantly impacting the comfort levels for those navigating the city during this season.
In May, Nanjing experiences peak UV intensity with an extreme UV Index of 13, necessitating a swift burn time of just 10 minutes for fair-skinned individuals. This marks a continuation of the intense levels seen since March, reflecting a consistent trend into the summer months where the UV levels remain high. As the sun becomes increasingly powerful in May, it’s crucial for residents and visitors alike to take precautions against overexposure, aligning their outdoor activities with the necessary sun safety measures. Understanding these trends is vital for safeguarding skin health during this peak season. For more details, visit Nanjing UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In Nanjing, China, May shines brightly with an impressive 282 hours of sunshine, marking a delightful transition into the summer months. This surge in sunlight contrasts notably with the earlier months of the year, such as January, which sees a mere 196 hours. As spring unfolds, sunshine levels steadily rise; from 220 hours in February to 224 hours in April, setting the stage for May's radiant days. This trend continues as Nanjing approaches the summer peak, where July and August bask in over 300 hours of sunshine each. Notably, despite a slight dip in June, the overall trajectory reveals a robust pattern of increasing sunlight, inviting residents and visitors alike to relish the warmth and brightness of this vibrant city.
In Nanjing, China, the likelihood of sunny weather takes a noticeable dip in May, with only a 19% chance of sunshine, marking one of the year's lowest probabilities. This decline follows a gradual decrease from the beginning of the year, where sunny days are more promising, particularly in January (68%), and February (53%). As spring progresses, the chance of sunny weather continues to diminish, dropping sharply in April to 27% before reaching its May low. This trend reflects a shift towards more variable spring weather, which leaves enthusiasts longing for brighter days as the city heads into the warmer and often cloudier months of summer.
In Nanjing, China, the progression of daylight duration throughout the year reflects a beautiful ebb and flow of sunlight. January begins with a modest 10 hours of daylight, gradually increasing as spring approaches. By February, the days stretch to 11 hours, and as March arrives, this growth continues to 12 hours. The daylight holds steady at 12 hours during April, offering a gentle preview of the sunshine to come. May marks a turning point, with daylight reaching a vibrant 13 hours, a duration that persists through June and July, allowing for long, warm evenings. As summer fades into autumn, daylight begins to wane again, sliding back to 12 hours in August and September, before falling to 11 hours in October. Finally, the cycle concludes with the return to 10 hours in both November and December, as Nanjing bids farewell to long days until spring returns once more.
In May, Nanjing experiences a subtle yet refreshing change in wind patterns. With an average wind speed of 2.3 m/s (5 mph), the city enjoys a gentle breeze that contrasts with the milder gusts of April, which recorded the same speed as February at 2.0 m/s (4 mph). As spring unfolds, the wind not only brings a sense of rejuvenation but also hints at the warmer months ahead. While February and April featured lighter currents, May's subtle uptick adds an invigorating charm, paving the way for the more dynamic breezes that will emerge in the latter part of the year, particularly in October, where speeds peak at 2.9 m/s. This delicate balance of wind in May plays a vital role in enhancing the city's vibrant atmosphere as it transitions towards summer.
Weather in Nanjing varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Nanjing, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January present strikingly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a cool 11°C (53°F) at night to a warm 34°C (94°F) during the day, with an average of 24°C (75°F). This month also sees significant rainfall, with 171 mm (6.7 inches) spread over 19 days, resulting in high humidity levels of 85%. In contrast, January offers a much colder experience, with temperatures dropping to a minimum of -2°C (29°F) and peaking at 26°C (78°F), averaging only 10°C (50°F). Precipitation is notably lower, totaling just 43 mm (1.7 inches) over 6 days, and the humidity is more comfortable at 63%. For more detailed information on January weather, you can visit Nanjing weather in January.
May and February present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures rise significantly, with a minimum of 11°C (53°F) and daytime highs reaching up to 34°C (94°F), contributing to an average temperature of 24°C (75°F). The month is also marked by high humidity levels of 85% and substantial rainfall, totaling 171 mm (6.7 in) across 19 rainy days. In contrast, February experiences much cooler temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -2°C (29°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F), leading to an average of just 11°C (52°F). This month receives less precipitation, totaling 82 mm (3.2 in) over 9 rainy days, and features significantly lower humidity at 66%. For further insights, you can check out Nanjing weather in February.
May experiences warmer temperatures compared to March, with a minimum of 11°C (53°F) and an average high of 34°C (94°F), whereas March has a cooler minimum of 4°C (40°F) and an average high of 30°C (87°F). Although both months see significant precipitation, May receives slightly more rainfall at 171 mm (6.7 in) over 19 days, while March has 162 mm (6.4 in) across 17 days. Additionally, May is characterized by higher humidity levels at 85%, compared to March's 77%. For more detailed information, check out Nanjing weather in March.
In comparing the weather of April and May, May generally showcases warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (53°F), an average of 24°C (75°F), and a maximum of 34°C (94°F). In contrast, April has cooler temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F), with an average of 19°C (67°F). Precipitation levels in both months are similar, with May receiving 171 mm (6.7 in) over 19 days, while April sees 168 mm (6.6 in) over 17 days. Humidity levels also rise significantly in May, averaging 85% compared to April's 73%. For more detailed insights, you can check Nanjing weather in April.
May and June exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 11°C (53°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), with an average of 24°C (75°F). The month sees considerable rainfall, totaling 171 mm (6.7 in) across 19 days, while humidity hovers around 85%. In contrast, June experiences milder minimum temperatures at 18°C (64°F) and a slightly higher average of 26°C (79°F), with the same maximum temperature of 34°C (94°F). However, June is wetter, recording 258 mm (10.1 in) of precipitation over 21 days, and it maintains a slightly lower humidity level of 83%. For more details on June's climate, visit Nanjing weather in June.
May and July showcase significantly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a cool 11°C (53°F) at night to a warm 34°C (94°F) during the day, with an average temperature of 24°C (75°F). The month sees considerable precipitation, totaling 171 mm (6.7 in) over 19 days, and humidity levels are high at 85%. In contrast, July experiences warmer temperatures, with nighttime lows of 21°C (70°F) and daytime highs reaching up to 39°C (103°F), resulting in an average temperature of 28°C (83°F). July is also drier, receiving 98 mm (3.9 in) of rain over 16 days, with a slightly higher humidity of 89%. For more detailed information, you can refer to Nanjing weather in July.
May and August present distinctly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 11°C (53°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), with an average of 24°C (75°F). This month experiences significant rainfall, totaling 171 mm (6.7 in) over about 19 days, accompanied by high humidity at 85%. In contrast, August sees warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 22°C (71°F), an average of 28°C (82°F), and a peak of 37°C (100°F). Although slightly less rain falls in August—152 mm (6.0 in) over approximately 20 days—the humidity increases to 88%. For a detailed look at August weather patterns, visit Nanjing weather in August.
May and September offer distinctly different weather experiences. In May, temperatures range from a cooler 11°C (53°F) to a warm 34°C (94°F), with an average of 24°C (75°F). However, this month is marked by high humidity at 85% and significant rainfall, totaling 171 mm (6.7 in) over 19 days. In contrast, September sees milder temperatures with a minimum of 17°C (63°F) and a maximum of 38°C (100°F), averaging around 26°C (79°F). This month is drier, with only 108 mm (4.3 in) of precipitation over 15 days and humidity dropping to a more comfortable 62%. For more insights on the weather during this month, you can check Nanjing weather in September.
May and October exhibit distinct weather patterns that highlight the transition from spring to autumn. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 11°C (53°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), with an average of 24°C (75°F). This month is characterized by considerable precipitation, totaling 171 mm (6.7 in) over 19 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 85%. In contrast, October sees a slightly cooler average temperature of 21°C (70°F) but can peak at 36°C (96°F). Notably, October experiences much less rainfall, with only 50 mm (2.0 in) recorded over 6 days and a humidity level dropping to 56%. For more detailed insights about the weather conditions in this month, you can refer to Nanjing weather in October.
May and November showcase distinct differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 11°C (53°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), with an average of 24°C (75°F), creating a warm and humid atmosphere marked by 171 mm (6.7 in) of precipitation over 19 days and a humidity level of 85%. In contrast, November experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (42°F) and a maximum of 30°C (87°F), averaging 16°C (62°F). Precipitation in November is significantly lower, at 45 mm (1.8 in) across just 8 days, accompanied by a more comfortable humidity level of 63%. For more details on what to expect, check out Nanjing weather in November.
May and December present strikingly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 11°C (53°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), with a warm average of 24°C (75°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 85% and considerable rainfall, totaling 171 mm (6.7 in) over 19 days. In contrast, December features much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 0°C (32°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F), peaking at 26°C (79°F). The humidity drops to 70%, and the month sees significantly less precipitation, with only 31 mm (1.2 in) over just 5 days. For a detailed look at the conditions, you can check the Nanjing weather in December.
As May unfolds in Nanjing, the weather showcases a striking transformation compared to earlier months. With temperatures soaring to maximums of 34°C (94°F), the warmth becomes more pronounced, creating a vibrant atmosphere perfect for outdoor exploration. Average temperatures hover around 24°C (75°F), offering a pleasant balance, while the humidity reaches 85%, lending an unmistakable tropical feel. However, the month is not without its share of rain, as precipitation occurs on 19 days, accumulating to about 171 mm (6.7 in), making it one of the wetter months of the year. This mix of warmth and moisture sets May apart, ushering in a lush landscape and lively energy. For a deeper understanding of what to expect from Nanjing's climate, check out Nanjing Climate.