Last updated: August 27, 2025
May in Leiden, Netherlands offers a delightful mix of mild temperatures and vibrant spring scenery. With a maximum of 27°C (80°F), the days are pleasantly warm, while the average temperature rests around 13°C (55°F), ensuring a comfortable climate. Nights can be cool, dipping to a minimum of 4°C (40°F). Although the month sees 11 days of precipitation, accumulating about 58 mm (2.3 in), the humidity levels are relatively high at 84%, adding a refreshing touch to the air. Embrace the charm of Leiden as blooming flowers and greenery transform the landscape, making May a picturesque time to explore this historic city.
As spring unfurls into May in Leiden, Netherlands, temperatures start to reflect the season's warmth, offering a refreshing escape from the chill of winter. With minimum temperatures settling at a mild 4°C (40°F) and an average rising to 13°C (55°F), residents and visitors alike begin to enjoy the outdoors. The maximum temperatures can reach a delightful 27°C (80°F), making it the perfect time for picnics in the park and leisurely strolls along the picturesque canals. Compared to the cooler months preceding it, May's climate marks a significant shift towards warmth, inviting a vibrant energy that heralds the full arrival of summer.
In May, Leiden experiences a moderate increase in precipitation, with 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain spread over 11 days. This marks a noticeable rise from the drier April months, highlighting a transition into the wetter spring season. As the temperatures warm, the showers can rejuvenate the lush landscapes, making May a vibrant period in the city. Interestingly, while the precipitation levels are lower than those in the summer months of August and September, they indicate the gradual build-up of moisture that will characterize the coming weeks. Overall, May serves as a bridge between the mildness of early spring and the more humid conditions of summer, embodying the dynamic weather patterns synonymous with the Netherlands.
May in Leiden, Netherlands, marks a gentle decline in humidity, settling at 84%, making it one of the more comfortable months of the year. As spring unfolds, the humidity gradually decreases from the winter months, which linger at a high of 87% in January and February. This downward trend continues through April, where humidity dips to 85%, paving the way for the relatively drier weeks of early summer. Following May, the air becomes less muggy in June and July, with levels dropping further to 81% and 80% respectively. Overall, May serves as a transitional period where residents can enjoy the blooming landscapes while experiencing a slight reprieve from the heavier humidity of earlier months.
As spring transitions into summer, May in Leiden sees a notable increase in the UV Index, reaching 7, which falls into the high exposure category. This shift indicates that sun safety becomes increasingly important, as the recommended burn time reduces to just 25 minutes. Compared to the previous months, where the highest Index was 5 in April, May marks a clear trend towards more intense sunlight and greater potential for skin damage. With the UV Index expected to climb even higher in June, it's essential to stay vigilant and protect your skin during outdoor activities. To stay informed, check out the Leiden UV Index for daily updates and safety tips.
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In May, Leiden, Netherlands, basks in a radiant glow, with an impressive 419 hours of sunshine illuminating the city. This month stands out as a peak in the annual sunshine trend, following a steady increase from 367 hours in April. The delightful weather continues into June, with only a slight rise to 422 hours, suggesting that May serves as a beautiful prelude to summer. The gradual ascent from winter’s paltry 117 hours in January to the vibrant warmth of late spring highlights the region's transition into a lively season filled with outdoor activities and blooming landscapes, making May a cherished moment of the year for both locals and visitors alike.
In Leiden, the transition to spring brings a noticeable shift in the likelihood of sunny weather, peaking with 42% sunshine in April. As we step into May, the chance of glorious sun dips slightly to 35% but still holds strong compared to earlier months, creating a vibrant backdrop for blooming gardens and bustling outdoor activities. This trend reflects the generally increasing sunshine hours as the year progresses, especially notable from January's mere 18% to the sun-soaked heights of April and June, which holds steady at around 40%. As summer approaches, Leidenites can expect a balanced mix of sunny days, making May a delightful month for enjoying the city's charm under the sun.
As spring transitions into summer in Leiden, Netherlands, the daylight duration experiences a remarkable upward trend. Beginning with a modest 8 hours in January, the days gradually lengthen, reaching 15 hours by May, marking a time of vibrant growth and activity. This increase continues into June and July, peaking at 16 hours of daylight, allowing residents to fully embrace the long, sunlit evenings. However, as the year progresses into late summer and autumn, a gentle decline sets in, with daylight dipping back to 12 hours in September before further shortening to 10 hours in October. The cycle concludes with shorter days in November and December, when daylight wanes to just 7 hours, reminding us of the natural ebb and flow of seasons in this picturesque Dutch city.
In May, the winds in Leiden start to soften, with an average speed of 5.2 m/s (12 mph), marking the shift towards warmer months. This gentle breeze is a notable decline from the gustier days of earlier spring, as April featured winds at 5.4 m/s (12 mph) and March at 5.6 m/s (13 mph). Interestingly, this pattern of diminishing wind speeds continues into the summer months, where June sees a further drop to 4.0 m/s (9 mph). As we transition from the fresh spring air to the balmy warmth of summer, May's winds create a perfect atmosphere for leisurely outdoor activities, setting the stage for quieter, more tranquil days ahead.
Weather in Leiden varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Leiden, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
The weather in May is generally milder and enjoys a greater temperature range compared to January. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a warm maximum of 27°C (80°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F) and relatively lower humidity at 84%. However, January presents a stark contrast, with temperatures dipping as low as -4°C (25°F) and only peaking at 13°C (55°F), averaging just 5°C (42°F). January is also slightly wetter, receiving 66 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over 14 days, compared to May's 58 mm (2.3 in) across 11 days. For more specific insights into January weather in this region, you can explore Leiden weather in January.
In comparing the weather between February and May, it's clear that May experiences significantly milder temperatures, with averages around 13°C (55°F) and a maximum reaching up to 27°C (80°F). In contrast, February is much colder, with an average of 5°C (42°F) and a chilly minimum of -8°C (19°F). While both months see a notable number of rainy days—11 in May and 13 in February—February actually has a higher total precipitation of 72 mm (2.8 in) compared to May's 58 mm (2.3 in). Humidity levels are similar, with May at 84% and February slightly higher at 87%. For a detailed breakdown of February weather, you can visit Leiden weather in February.
In comparing the weather between March and May, we see a notable increase in temperature and a shift in precipitation patterns. May tends to be warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a maximum of 27°C (80°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F). In contrast, March features chillier conditions, with temperatures fluctuating between -7°C (20°F) and 18°C (65°F) and an average of 7°C (44°F). While March experiences slightly more precipitation, totaling 71 mm (2.8 in) over 14 days, May sees less rainfall at 58 mm (2.3 in) over 11 days. Humidity levels are quite comparable, with May at 84% and March at 86%. For a more detailed look at March weather, you can check out Leiden weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, May tends to be warmer and more variable. While April has a minimum temperature of 1°C (35°F) and an average of 9°C (49°F), May experiences a higher minimum temperature of 4°C (40°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F). The maximum temperatures also increase significantly, with April reaching up to 24°C (75°F) compared to May's peak of 27°C (80°F). Precipitation levels are slightly higher in May at 58 mm (2.3 in) over 11 days, compared to April's 43 mm (1.7 in) over 9 days. Notably, humidity remains relatively high in both months, with April at 85% and May at 84%. For additional insights into the weather in April, you can visit Leiden weather in April.
May and June display a noticeable transition in weather patterns. While May has a minimum temperature of 4°C (40°F) and averages around 13°C (55°F), June starts slightly warmer with a minimum of 9°C (49°F) and an average of 17°C (62°F). The maximum temperatures also rise, with May peaking at 27°C (80°F) compared to June's higher maximum of 29°C (84°F). Both months experience similar precipitation levels, with May receiving 58 mm (2.3 in) over 11 days and June slightly wetter at 70 mm (2.8 in) over 10 days. Humidity levels are also comparable, with May at 84% and June at 81%. To find more detailed information, visit Leiden weather in June.
In May, temperatures in Leiden range from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a pleasant maximum of 27°C (80°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). The month experiences about 58 mm (2.3 in) of precipitation over 11 days, with humidity levels at a high 84%. In contrast, July sees notably warmer temperatures, with minimums of 11°C (52°F) and maximums soaring to 33°C (92°F), averaging 18°C (65°F). Despite being one of the warmest months of the year, July records slightly more precipitation at 68 mm (2.7 in) across 13 days and a slightly lower humidity of 80%. For more specific insights about the weather in July, you can visit Leiden weather in July.
In May, the weather tends to be quite mild, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a maximum of 27°C (80°F), and an average of around 13°C (55°F). The month experiences considerable rainfall, totaling 58 mm (2.3 in) over approximately 11 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 84%. In contrast, August offers warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 12°C (53°F) and a maximum of 30°C (86°F), averaging 19°C (66°F). However, it is also wetter, receiving 95 mm (3.7 in) of rainfall over about 15 days, albeit with slightly lower humidity at 78%. For a more detailed look at the weather in August, you can visit Leiden weather in August.
May and September exhibit notable differences in weather patterns, despite their relatively close temperatures. In May, the minimum temperature drops to around 4°C (40°F), while September sees a slightly higher minimum of 8°C (46°F). The average temperatures in May hover at 13°C (55°F), compared to September's more comfortable 16°C (61°F). Both months reach similar maximum temperatures of around 27°C (80°F) to 27°C (81°F). However, September experiences significantly more precipitation, with 96 mm (3.8 in) over 13 days, compared to May's 58 mm (2.3 in) over 11 days. Humidity levels remain relatively comparable, at 84% in May and slightly lower at 83% in September. For more specific insights into September's weather, you can visit Leiden weather in September.
May and October exhibit some similarities in weather patterns, but they also showcase distinct differences. In both months, the minimum temperatures hover around 4°C (39-40°F), while the average temperatures are relatively close, with May reaching about 13°C (55°F) and October slightly warmer at 13°C (56°F). However, the maximum temperatures in October are lower, peaking at 23°C (74°F) compared to May's maximum of 27°C (80°F).
Precipitation is notably higher in October, with 120 mm (4.7 in) over 17 days, compared to May's 58 mm (2.3 in) spread over 11 days. Additionally, humidity levels are marginally higher in October at 86%, while May's humidity is at 84%. For more detailed insights on October weather, check out Leiden weather in October.
In May, temperatures tend to be milder, with a minimum of 4°C (40°F) and a maximum reaching up to 27°C (80°F), resulting in an average of 13°C (55°F). The month experiences moderate precipitation of 58 mm (2.3 in) over about 11 days, coupled with a relatively high humidity of 84%. In contrast, November brings cooler conditions, where the temperatures fluctuate between a minimum of 1°C (33°F) and a maximum of 17°C (63°F), leading to a lower average of 9°C (48°F). November also sees increased precipitation at 70 mm (2.8 in) over approximately 15 days, along with slightly higher humidity levels at 87%. For more detailed insights on the weather in November, you can visit Leiden weather in November.
In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a maximum of 27°C (80°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F), creating a mild and pleasant atmosphere. During this month, precipitation totals around 58 mm (2.3 in) over about 11 days, while humidity remains relatively high at 84%. In contrast, December is much colder, with temperatures varying from a minimum of -2°C (28°F) to a maximum of 13°C (55°F) and an average of just 6°C (44°F). Precipitation increases to 110 mm (4.3 in) spread across about 18 days, and humidity remains slightly higher at 86%. For more specific insights into December weather patterns, visit Leiden weather in December.
As spring transitions into summer, May in Leiden showcases a delightful blend of warmth and humidity. With temperatures reaching up to 27°C (80°F), it's a stark contrast from the cooler months that precede it. Although there's an average temperature of 13°C (55°F), May's 84% humidity adds a refreshing feeling to the warmer days, making this month a vibrant time for outdoor activities. While occasional rain showers—averaging 58 mm over 11 days—are typical, they offer a break from the sun rather than dampening the spirit of spring. Experience the seasonal shifts and discover more about the weather specifics at Leiden Climate.