Last updated: August 21, 2025
May in Xi'an, China, presents a delightful transition into summer, characterized by warm temperatures and a vibrant atmosphere. With a maximum of 35°C (96°F) and an average of 21°C (70°F), the days are pleasantly warm, inviting outdoor explorations of this historic city. The evenings can be cooler, dropping to a minimum of 9°C (48°F), making light layers advisable for comfort. This month typically sees about 65 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over seven days, contributing to a humidity level of 68%, which can enhance the lushness of the surrounding landscapes. Embrace the blend of warmth and refreshing rain as you experience the rich culture and history that Xi'an has to offer.
In May, Xi'an experiences a delightful transition into warmer weather, making it one of the most pleasant months of the year. With nighttime temperatures averaging a mild 9°C (48°F) and daytime highs reaching a sizzling 35°C (96°F), there's a noticeable rise in warmth compared to the previous months. The average temperature of 21°C (70°F) invites locals and visitors alike to bask in the sun, showcasing a vibrant array of outdoor activities and blooming landscapes. As the city shakes off the chill of winter and embraces the heat of summer, May serves as a beautiful bridge, hinting at the balmy months ahead while still offering refreshing evenings to enjoy.
In May, Xi'an experiences a notable shift in precipitation, with 65 mm (2.6 in) of rainfall falling over 7 days. This marks a significant increase from April's 57 mm (2.2 in), highlighting the onset of the rainy season. As spring progresses into early summer, the city’s precipitation levels continue to rise, foreshadowing even wetter months ahead, particularly in June and July, which typically see dramatic spikes in rainfall. This steady increase not only refreshes the lush greenery but also sets the scene for the vibrant summer atmosphere that defines Xi'an during this time of year.
In May, Xi'an experiences a notable shift in humidity, with levels dropping to 68%. This decline marks a transition from the humid early months of the year, as January through April consistently showcase higher humidity, peaking in March at 83%. Following May, humidity begins to rise again through the summer months, reaching 74% by June. The pattern indicates that while early spring is characterized by a heavy, moist atmosphere, the arrival of late spring offers slightly drier conditions, creating a refreshing reprieve before the mugginess of summer sets in. Overall, May stands out as a turning point, balancing the lingering humidity of spring with the emergence of warmer, more inviting weather.
In May, the UV Index in Xi'an, China escalates to 10, signaling a very high exposure category with a burn time of just 15 minutes. This marks a notable rise from April, when the index was at 9, and showcases a trend of increasing UV intensity as spring transitions into summer. As temperatures climb, residents and visitors alike should remain vigilant about sun protection during this month. With UV levels peaking in May and June, it's crucial to be aware of potential skin damage, especially with such a short burn time. For more detailed insight on UV exposure throughout the year, check out Xi'an UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
May brings an impressive 309 hours of sunshine to Xi'an, China, marking a delightful peak in the spring season. This month stands out as the sunniest of the year, shining brightly after the gradual increase from 198 hours in January to 268 hours in April. As the city transitions into summer, June retains nearly the same brightness with 301 hours, while the months of July and August follow suit, boasting the highest sunshine totals at 323 and 318 hours, respectively. The stunning weather in May not only enhances the beauty of Xi'an's historical sites but also sets the stage for outdoor activities, inviting both locals and tourists to bask in the warm sun before the slightly diminished daylight hours of autumn set in.
In Xi'an, May marks a notable shift in the weather patterns as the likelihood of sunny days hovers around 34%. While this represents a slight uptick from the preceding months—especially following the notably low chances in April (28%)—May still falls behind the brighter outlooks seen earlier in the year, such as January (54%) and February (58%). The summer months do promise more sunshine, with July peaking at 45%, but May typically signals the start of more variable weather. As spring draws to a close, residents and visitors alike may find May to be a captivating yet unpredictable time, with opportunities for both sun and spring showers lingering in the air.
In Xi'an, China, daylight duration experiences a noticeable shift throughout the year, with a marked increase as spring transitions into summer. Starting in January and February, the days are relatively short with 10 hours of daylight. As March rolls in, daylight begins to stretch to 11 hours, signaling the approach of spring. By April, the days grow longer, hitting 13 hours, and this duration remains steady through May. The pinnacle of daylight occurs in June and July, when residents enjoy up to 14 hours of sunshine. However, as summer wanes into autumn, daylight begins to decline, dropping to 12 hours in September and gradually decreasing to 9 hours by December. This pattern not only highlights the vibrant growth of spring and summer but also reflects the rhythmic ebb and flow of daylight throughout the year, shaping the daily lives of those in Xi'an.
As spring transitions into summer, May in Xi'an brings a gentle uptick in wind speed, averaging 2.1 m/s (5 mph), a notable increase compared to the preceding months. This trend reflects the city's gradual shift from the cooler early months, where the wind speeds hovered around 1.8 m/s to 2.0 m/s, to a slightly breezier milieu that signifies the onset of warmer days. The steady rise in wind speeds from April's 1.9 m/s adds a refreshing quality to the air, perfect for outdoor exploration. Interestingly, after May, a decline in wind speed is noted over the summer months, highlighting May as a transitional moment that blends the soft breezes of spring with the summer heat, inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Xi'an.
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 a stark contrast in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly 9°C (48°F) at night to a warm average of 21°C (70°F), peaking at a scorching 35°C (96°F) during the day. This month experiences 65 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over about 7 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 68%. In contrast, January is much colder, with minimum temperatures dropping to -15°C (6°F) and an average temperature of just 1°C (35°F). The maximum temperature in January reaches only 15°C (59°F), and the month sees significantly less precipitation at 18 mm (0.7 in) over only 3 days, while humidity remains slightly higher at 70%. For more details on January weather specifics, check out Xi'an weather in January.
May and February present stark contrasts in weather. In May, temperatures soar with a minimum of 9°C (48°F) and a maximum reaching up to 35°C (96°F), resulting in an average temperature of 21°C (70°F). This warmer month experiences about 65 mm (2.6 inches) of precipitation over approximately 7 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 68%. In contrast, February is much colder, with temperatures dipping as low as -13°C (9°F) and an average of only 5°C (41°F). Despite having a higher humidity level of 80%, February sees significantly less rainfall, totaling just 21 mm (0.8 inches) over roughly 3 days. For those curious about February weather specifics, see Xi'an weather in February.
In comparing the weather conditions of May and March, May presents a much warmer climate, with average temperatures soaring to 21°C (70°F) and maximums reaching up to 35°C (96°F). In contrast, March experiences cooler temperatures, with averages around 11°C (53°F) and maximums capping at 28°C (83°F). While May sees a higher level of precipitation at 65 mm (2.6 in) over 7 days, March has a more modest 38 mm (1.5 in) spread across 6 days. Additionally, humidity in May is lower at 68%, compared to March’s higher humidity level of 83%. For more detailed information on March weather patterns, visit Xi'an weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, we notice a significant shift in temperatures and humidity. May brings warmer conditions with average temperatures rising to 21°C (70°F) and maximums reaching up to 35°C (96°F), compared to April's average of 16°C (62°F) and maximum of 33°C (92°F). Although May sees slightly more precipitation at 65 mm (2.6 in) over 7 days, April has a higher humidity level at 81%, which can contribute to a more uncomfortable atmosphere despite its cooler temperatures. For those interested in a closer look at April's weather, you can find more details here: Xi'an weather in April.
When comparing the weather between May and June, there are notable differences in temperature and precipitation. May experiences a minimum temperature of 9°C (48°F), with an average of 21°C (70°F) and a maximum reaching 35°C (96°F). In contrast, June starts off warmer, with a minimum of 13°C (56°F) and an average of 25°C (77°F), eventually peaking at 37°C (100°F).
Precipitation also increases significantly from May to June, with May recording 65 mm (2.6 in) over 7 days, while June sees a rise to 124 mm (4.9 in) spread across 9 days, highlighting a transition to a wetter period. Humidity levels are slightly higher in June at 74%, compared to 68% in May. For more detailed insights, you can check Xi'an weather in June.
In comparing the weather conditions of May and July, there are notable differences in temperature and precipitation. May experiences a minimum temperature of 9°C (48°F) and averages 21°C (70°F), with a maximum reaching 35°C (96°F). In contrast, July sees a much warmer minimum of 17°C (63°F), an average temperature of 27°C (81°F), and can peak at a scorching 40°C (104°F). Precipitation also increases significantly in July, with a total of 123 mm (4.8 in) over 10 days, compared to May’s 65 mm (2.6 in) spread over 7 days. Furthermore, July's humidity is higher at 76%, compared to May's 68%. For more detailed information, you can check Xi'an weather in July.
In May, temperatures in Xi'an range from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 35°C (96°F), with an average of 21°C (70°F). The month experiences 65 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over about 7 days, and humidity levels are around 68%. In contrast, August brings warmer weather, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 15°C (59°F) to a scorching maximum of 39°C (102°F), averaging 26°C (80°F). August also sees increased precipitation, totaling 125 mm (4.9 in) over roughly 11 days, while humidity rises slightly to 72%. For more detailed information, you can check Xi'an weather in August.
May and September share similar average temperatures, both around 21°C (70°F), but they differ significantly in other aspects. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 35°C (96°F), with relatively low precipitation of 65 mm (2.6 in) over about 7 days and a humidity level of 68%. In contrast, September experiences slightly warmer minimum temperatures at 10°C (51°F) and has a maximum similar to May at 35°C (95°F). However, it sees a substantial increase in rainfall, accumulating 174 mm (6.8 in) over 13 days, contributing to higher humidity at 78%. For more insights on September weather, you can visit Xi'an weather in September.
In May, temperatures in Xi'an are generally warmer, ranging from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 35°C (96°F), with an average of 21°C (70°F). The month typically sees around 65 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation across approximately 7 days and maintains a humidity level of 68%. In contrast, October brings cooler weather, with temperatures dropping to a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and averaging 14°C (58°F), peaking at 29°C (85°F). The month experiences greater rainfall at 90 mm (3.5 in) over about 12 days, and humidity levels rise to 85%. For a detailed look at October weather, check out Xi'an weather in October.
May and November present stark contrasts in weather. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a scorching maximum of 35°C (96°F), with an average temperature of 21°C (70°F). This month also sees higher precipitation at 65 mm (2.6 in) over about 7 days and a humidity level of 68%. In contrast, November experiences much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -3°C (27°F) and a maximum of 24°C (75°F), averaging just 9°C (48°F). Precipitation is lighter at 28 mm (1.1 in) across 6 days, accompanied by a higher humidity of 82%. For more detailed insights on November weather, you can visit Xi'an weather in November.
May and December showcase stark contrasts in weather. In May, temperatures range from a mild 9°C (48°F) at night to a warm 35°C (96°F) during the day, with an average of 21°C (70°F). This month experiences moderate rainfall, totaling 65 mm (2.6 in) across approximately 7 days, complemented by a humidity level of 68%. In contrast, December brings much colder conditions, with temperatures plunging to a minimum of -8°C (18°F) and an average of only 2°C (37°F), reaching a maximum of 15°C (59°F). Precipitation dramatically decreases to just 9 mm (0.4 in) over 2 days, while humidity rises to 80%. For more detailed insights, you can check out Xi'an weather in December.
As May unfolds in Xi'an, the weather transitions into a delightful mix of warmth and moderate humidity, making it a vibrant month compared to the cooler preceding spring and the impending heat of summer. The average temperature settles comfortably around a pleasant 21°C (70°F), with highs that can reach a sizzling 35°C (96°F). Unlike the sporadic showers of earlier months, May experiences a moderate precipitation of 65 mm (2.6 in) over seven days, adding a refreshing touch to the landscape. This combination of warmth and moisture creates an inviting atmosphere for outdoor activities, though visitors should be prepared for the occasional rain. To explore more about how this delightful month fits into the broader picture of Xi'an's climatic tendencies, check out Xi'an Climate.