Last updated: October 30, 2025
In May, Cebu City, Philippines experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity. With a maximum daily high reaching 32°C (91°F) and an average temperature of 28°C (82°F), the weather is consistently warm. Nights provide a slight reprieve, with minimum temperatures around 25°C (78°F). Rainfall is substantial, totaling 172 mm (6.8 in) over the month, with rain observed on 28 days, making this a particularly wet period. Humidity levels hover around 84%, creating a muggy atmosphere that is typical of the region during this time.
In May, Cebu City experiences a delightful warm-up, with temperatures reflecting the onset of the summer season. The minimum temperature hovers around 25°C (78°F), while the average climbs to a comfortable 28°C (82°F). This month also marks a peak with the maximum temperature reaching 32°C (91°F), making it the hottest month so far in the year. As the days grow longer and sunnier, residents and visitors alike can enjoy outdoor activities, basking in the tropical climate that Cebu is renowned for. April’s trends carry through into May, showcasing a gradual rise in temperatures that signals the approach of even warmer months ahead. With the humidity also increasing, it's the perfect opportunity to indulge in refreshing local delicacies and dive into the vibrant beach culture.
In Cebu City, May marks a significant transition in its precipitation patterns, with rainfall peaking at 172 mm (6.8 in) over 28 days—the highest number of rain days for any month in the year. This surge in precipitation heralds the beginning of the wet season, making May a pivotal month for the region. Prior to May, rainfall steadily decreases from January's 200 mm to April's 66 mm, but begins to climb again ahead of the intense rainy months of June and July. The steady increase in precipitation from April to May not only reflects the onset of monsoon conditions but also sets the stage for the wetter months that follow, as the city braces for the relentless showers typical of its tropical climate.
As Cebu City transitions into May, the humidity hovers around a notable 84%, a slight uptick from the preceding months. This figure reflects a trend where humidity levels gradually rise as the year progresses, particularly peaking in the mid-year months. Following the drier conditions of March and April, May serves as a bridge to the more humid summer months ahead, with humidity reaching 87% by June. As the rainy season approaches, residents and visitors can expect an increasingly tropical atmosphere, where the air feels heavier and the overall climate becomes more vibrant, aligning with the natural rhythm of this beautiful region.
In May, Cebu City continues to experience an extreme UV Index of 14, maintaining the high standards set by the preceding months. The consistency in this high exposure level highlights a trend of intense solar radiation as the city approaches the peak of summer. Notably, the burn time remains a swift 10 minutes, underscoring the urgent need for sun protection during midday hours. As we transition into June, the UV Index slightly decreases to 13, yet it remains a crucial reminder for residents and visitors alike to stay vigilant. For more insights on the UV Index in Cebu City, check out Cebu City UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In Cebu City, May basks in a radiant glow, boasting 321 hours of sunshine, making it one of the sunniest months of the year. This trend of increasing sunlight starts in January with 227 hours and steadily climbs, peaking in May before slightly tapering off to 291 hours in June. The month of April shares the same sunny delight as March, both offering 310 hours of bright rays. As we transition from the dry season into the wetter months, the warm sunlight serves as a delightful reminder of Cebu's tropical charm, inviting locals and tourists alike to soak in the vibrant atmosphere and stunning natural beauty.
As we transition into May in Cebu City, the likelihood of encountering sunny weather remains moderate. With a 24% chance of sunshine, May follows a trend observed in the preceding months, where March boasts the highest potential at 38%, while April dips to 28% before settling into May. This suggests a gradual decrease in sunny days as the onset of the rainy season approaches. Interestingly, the likelihood of clear skies sharply declines in the summer months of June through August, emphasizing the need for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts to seize the sun while they can during May. Overall, while the chances for a sunny day are not as robust as at the year's peak, May still offers ample opportunities for enjoyment in Cebu's vibrant outdoors.
In Cebu City, Philippines, daylight duration follows a captivating rhythm throughout the year. January and February enjoy 11 hours of daylight, providing a gentle start to the year, while March heralds a shift with an increase to 12 hours, signaling the approach of summer. As the months progress into April and May, the daylight remains steady at 12 hours, allowing for ample time to bask in the sun’s warmth. This consistent illumination continues through June, July, and August, reaffirming the tropical climate's stability. With September still basking in 12-hour days, the transition toward the end of the year begins, bringing a gradual decline back to 11 hours in October before settling into that same rhythm for November and December. Overall, Cebu's daylight patterns showcase a delightful blend of consistency and slight variation, enhancing the city's vibrant atmosphere year-round.
In Cebu City, the winds of May tend to be relatively gentle, with an average speed of 3.2 m/s (7 mph). This marks a noticeable decline from the brisk breezes of the earlier months, particularly January through April, where wind speeds peak at 4.5 m/s (10 mph). Following May, the winds continue to slacken into June, dipping to just 2.1 m/s (5 mph), signaling the onset of the rainy season. This trend suggests that while May exhibits a softer caress of wind ideal for leisurely outdoor activities, it also foreshadows the calmer, more humid days that are typical in the coming months. Overall, May serves as a transition period, bridging the energetic winds of the dry season and the tranquil breezes that follow.
Weather in Cebu City varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Cebu City, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In comparing the weather conditions in May and January, we find that May experiences slightly warmer temperatures with an average of 28°C (82°F) compared to January's average of 26°C (80°F). Although both months have high humidity, January is marginally drier with 200 mm of precipitation over 22 days, while May has 172 mm spread across 28 days. This makes May feel more humid, despite its slightly higher temperatures. For a more detailed look at January weather in Cebu City, you can refer to Cebu City weather in January.
In comparing the weather between May and February, May tends to be warmer and wetter. With average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 25°C (78°F) to a maximum of 32°C (91°F), May is noticeably hotter than February, which has average temperatures between 24°C (76°F) and 29°C (84°F). Additionally, May experiences higher rainfall, accumulating 172 mm (6.8 in) over 28 days, compared to February's 129 mm (5.1 in) spread over 17 days. Humidity is also slightly higher in May at 84%, compared to February's 80%. For more specific details about February weather in Cebu City, you can visit Cebu City weather in February.
In comparing the weather between March and May, we see that May tends to be warmer and more humid. May features an average temperature of 28°C (82°F), with highs reaching up to 32°C (91°F), whereas March offers slightly cooler temperatures, with an average of 27°C (80°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F). Additionally, May experiences significantly more rainfall, with 172 mm (6.8 in) over 28 days compared to March's 95 mm (3.7 in) over 16 days. The humidity in May also increases to 84%, compared to March's 77%. For more details on March weather, you can check out Cebu City weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, we observe that both months have similar minimum temperatures, with April being slightly cooler, averaging 27°C (81°F) compared to May's 28°C (82°F). However, May tends to be warmer overall, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 32°C (91°F), while April's highest temperature is 30°C (86°F). Additionally, May experiences significantly more rainfall, totaling 172 mm (6.8 inches) over 28 days, in stark contrast to April's 66 mm (2.6 inches) over just 16 days. This increased precipitation in May also contributes to a higher humidity level of 84%, compared to April's 78%. For more detailed insights on April's weather, you can refer to Cebu City weather in April.
May and June present similar temperature ranges, with both months having a minimum of 25°C (77°F) and an average temperature of 28°C (82°F). However, June slightly edges out May with a maximum temperature of 31°C (89°F) compared to May's 32°C (91°F). Rainfall is more pronounced in June, accumulating 197 mm (7.7 in) over 24 days, while May experienced 172 mm (6.8 in) of precipitation over 28 days. Additionally, June sees a higher humidity level at 87%, compared to May’s 84%. For more detailed insights, you can explore the Cebu City weather in June.
In May, temperatures in Cebu City range from a minimum of 25°C (78°F) to a maximum of 32°C (91°F), resulting in an average temperature of 28°C (82°F). The month sees significant rainfall, with a total precipitation of 172 mm (6.8 in) spread over 28 days and humidity levels around 84%. In contrast, July maintains a similar temperature range with a minimum of 25°C (77°F) and a maximum of 31°C (88°F), also averaging 28°C (82°F). However, July experiences even higher precipitation at 201 mm (7.9 in) over 25 days, coupled with increased humidity levels of 88%. For more detailed information, you can check Cebu City weather in July.
May and August have similar temperature profiles, with both months featuring minimums around 25°C (77-78°F) and average highs nearing 28°C (82°F). However, May tends to be slightly warmer with maximum temperatures reaching up to 32°C (91°F), while August peaks at 31°C (89°F). In terms of precipitation, May receives more rainfall, totaling 172 mm (6.8 in) over 28 days, compared to August's 151 mm (6.0 in) over 21 days. Additionally, humidity levels are marginally higher in August at 89%, compared to 84% in May. For more detailed insights, you can check Cebu City weather in August.
In comparing the weather between May and September, both months share similar average temperatures, with minimums around 25°C (77°F-78°F) and averages reaching 28°C (82°F). However, May tends to be slightly warmer with a maximum of 32°C (91°F) compared to September’s 31°C (89°F). Rainfall is more abundant in September, with a total of 202 mm (7.9 in) over 22 days, compared to May’s 172 mm (6.8 in) across 28 days. This leads to a higher humidity level in September, peaking at 90% compared to May’s 84%. For more details, you can check Cebu City weather in September.
In May, temperatures in Cebu City typically range from a minimum of 25°C (78°F) to a maximum of 32°C (91°F), with an average of 28°C (82°F). The month sees significant rainfall, with 172 mm (6.8 in) of precipitation over 28 days and high humidity levels at 84%. In contrast, October brings slightly cooler temperatures, with minimums around 25°C (77°F), averages of 27°C (81°F), and maximums reaching 31°C (89°F). However, October also experiences increased rainfall of 229 mm (9.0 in) over 29 days, coupled with higher humidity at 87%. For more detailed information, you can check Cebu City weather in October.
In May, the weather tends to be quite warm, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 25°C (78°F) to a maximum of 32°C (91°F). However, this month also sees considerable rainfall, with precipitation totaling 172 mm (6.8 in) spread over 28 days and humidity levels at 84%.
In contrast, November experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with an average ranging from 23°C (74°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F). Although the humidity rises to 90%, November is marked by even heavier rainfall, totaling 208 mm (8.2 in) over 27 days. For more insights into the weather patterns, you can explore Cebu City weather in November.
May and December display distinct differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 25°C (78°F) to a maximum of 32°C (91°F), with an average of 28°C (82°F). The month sees significant precipitation, totaling 172 mm (6.8 in) over 28 days, contributing to a humidity of 84%. In contrast, December experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 23°C (74°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F), averaging 27°C (81°F). However, December has higher rainfall, accumulating 295 mm (11.6 in) over 26 days and increasing humidity to 91%. For more details, check out Cebu City weather in December.
In May, Cebu City experiences a noticeable shift in weather, characterized by warmer temperatures and heightened humidity compared to previous months. With average highs reaching up to 32°C (91°F) and a balmy average of 28°C (82°F), this month invites outdoor adventures despite the high precipitation, which occurs on nearly every day of the month. The lush, vibrant landscapes flourish, offering a beautiful backdrop for both locals and tourists. For a comprehensive look at how May fits into Cebu's annual climate patterns, check out Cebu City Climate.