Last updated: August 27, 2025
In Moscow, the weather in May showcases a dramatic transition as spring edges closer to summer. With temperatures peaking at a maximum of 30°C (87°F), the month offers a warm respite from the lingering chill, where the average temperature hovers around a mild 13°C (55°F), and occasional lows dip to -2°C (29°F). This month experiences about 72 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation over 12 days, contributing to a humidity level of 75%, which adds a refreshing feel to the air. As nature bursts into bloom, May in Moscow invites both locals and visitors to enjoy its vibrant atmosphere.
In Moscow, May marks a significant transition into warmer weather, showcasing the city's impressive seasonal shift. Temperatures begin to rise, with nighttime lows averaging around -2°C (29°F) and daytime highs reaching a pleasant 30°C (87°F). This month sees a substantial increase in average temperatures to 13°C (55°F), making it a vibrant time filled with outdoor activities as locals and visitors alike embrace the spring warmth. The gradual thaw from the harsh cold of winter is evident, as May's temperatures provide a refreshing contrast to the preceding months' bitter chills, heralding the arrival of summer and the city's vibrant life burgeoning anew.
In May, Moscow experiences a notable increase in precipitation, receiving 72 mm (2.8 in) across approximately 12 days, marking it as one of the wetter months of the year. This surge in rainfall contrasts distinctly with the preceding months, particularly April, which recorded only 52 mm (2.1 in). The increase not only signals a transition into the more humid summer season but also suggests that May is a time when nature begins to truly awaken, nourishing the flora with enough moisture to flourish. Following May, June carries a similar trend, with precipitation barely increasing to 73 mm (2.9 in), maintaining the wet conditions. Overall, the pattern indicates that May is a critical month for replenishing water supplies in Moscow, setting the stage for the warmer months ahead.
As spring transitions into summer, May in Moscow showcases a noticeable dip in humidity, averaging a comfortable 75%. This decline follows the four preceding months, where humidity levels gradually decreased from a high of 97% in January to 83% in April. The shift in May reflects the city's ongoing embrace of warmer temperatures, paving the way for an increase to 76% in June. This pattern highlights a trend of decreasing humidity in the lead-up to summer, providing residents and visitors alike with a refreshing respite before the more humid months of July and August roll in. Overall, May serves as a pivotal point in Moscow's climatic rhythm, balancing the chill of early spring with the warmth of the approaching summer.
As spring transitions into summer in Moscow, May marks a notable shift in the UV Index, climbing to 6, which falls into the high exposure category. This elevated level means that sun safety becomes increasingly important, with a decreased burn time of just 25 minutes for unprotected skin. Following the more moderate levels of April, where the UV Index was 5, May signals the onset of brighter days and more intense sun exposure. As the season progresses, the UV Index reaches its peak in June and July, emphasizing the necessity for protective measures during outdoor activities. For further details and a deeper understanding of UV trends in the city, check out Moscow UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
As spring unfolds in Moscow, May stands out as a vibrant month of increasing sunshine, offering 393 hours of sunlight—a significant leap from the 323 hours recorded in April. This trend of escalating daylight continues from the winter months, where January showed a meager 44 hours of sunshine, reflecting the harshness of the cold. By March, the days begin to lengthen with 244 hours, setting the stage for the warm embrace of summer. June follows closely, boasting 411 hours, while July peaks at 416 hours, providing the city with the most sun of the year. As the summer months transition into autumn, the sunlight gradually diminishes, highlighting a cyclical rhythm of the seasons and a longing for those bright May days as the year winds down. Overall, Moscow's May sunshine is a glorious promise of warmth, inviting residents to celebrate the beauty of spring before the sun begins its retreat.
As spring unfolds in Moscow, the likelihood of sunny weather steadily increases, culminating in a promising 41% chance of sunshine in May. This marks a noticeable rise from April's somewhat cloudier 31%, indicating that winter's grip is finally loosening. Following May, the sunny prospects continue to escalate, peaking in June with a robust 62% likelihood of clear skies. This upward trend from the earlier months—where the chances of sun linger in single digits during January and only gradually rise through the spring—signals a welcome transition towards summer. So, while May may not guarantee endless sunshine, it certainly invites a refreshing bloom of brighter days.
As spring blossoms into summer, Moscow experiences a striking increase in daylight, particularly in May, when the sun graces the city for an impressive 16 hours each day. This vibrant month marks a continuation of the upward trend that began in January with a mere 7 hours of daylight. As the days gradually lengthen, March brings an uplifting 11 hours, followed by a refreshing 14 hours in April. May is a pinnacle moment, not only offering a substantial amount of sunlight but also a delightful prelude to the longest days of summer. As daylight begins to wane again in the following months, this brief burst of brightness serves as a reminder of the fleeting beauty of spring transitioning into summer in the Russian capital.
In May, Moscow experiences a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 3.8 m/s (9 mph), slightly less than the preceding month of April, which boasted 3.9 m/s (9 mph). This month serves as a transition into the warmer season, harmonizing with a gradual shift in wind patterns as winter's chill gives way to spring's warmth. The steady winds in May, consistent with the city's springtime ambiance, contribute to pleasant outdoor experiences. Looking ahead, June tends to be calmer, with wind speeds dropping to 2.7 m/s (6 mph), indicating a shift towards a more tranquil atmosphere as the city gears up for summer. Overall, May stands out as a month of moderation, balancing the briskness of spring with the anticipation of the upcoming warmth.
Weather in Moscow varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Moscow, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January present stark contrasts in weather. May, with an average temperature of 13°C (55°F), sees a range from a chilly -2°C (29°F) to a warm 30°C (87°F), highlighting its role as a transitional month into warmer days. It's relatively humid, at 75%, and experiences about 72 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation over 12 days. In contrast, January is notably frigid, averaging -6°C (22°F), with temperatures dipping as low as -30°C (-22°F) and peaking only at 5°C (41°F). The month is also marked by high humidity at 97% and slightly less total precipitation at 41 mm (1.6 in) over the same amount of days. For a more detailed look at January conditions, you can check Moscow weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, the stark differences are immediately apparent. May typically sees much milder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -2°C (29°F) to a maximum of 30°C (87°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). In contrast, February is much colder, with temperatures plunging to as low as -26°C (-14°F) and only reaching a maximum of 8°C (47°F), averaging around -5°C (23°F). Precipitation levels also vary, with May receiving 72 mm (2.8 in) spread over 12 days, compared to February's 46 mm (1.8 in) over 11 days. Furthermore, February's humidity at 95% adds to the chill, while May's 75% humidity is more comfortable. For a more detailed look at February's weather, you can visit Moscow weather in February.
In comparing the weather between March and May, one can observe a significant transition as spring unfolds. In March, temperatures range from a minimum of -25°C (-12°F) to a maximum of 17°C (64°F), with an average temperature of -1°C (31°F), indicating a still chilly climate. Precipitation in March measures 37 mm (1.5 in) over about 10 days, coupled with high humidity at 92%. In contrast, May brings warmer weather, with temperatures ranging from -2°C (29°F) to a high of 30°C (87°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F). May experiences a higher precipitation total of 72 mm (2.8 in) over 12 days, alongside a slightly lower humidity level of 75%. This striking difference highlights the shift from the cold, damp conditions of March, detailed further in Moscow weather in March, to the warmer, more inviting atmosphere of May.
In comparing the weather of April and May, May generally experiences milder temperatures and a wider range, with minimum temperatures around -2°C (29°F), an average of 13°C (55°F), and a maximum reaching up to 30°C (87°F). In contrast, April's temperatures are cooler, with a minimum of -8°C (18°F), an average of 6°C (43°F), and a maximum of 24°C (76°F). Precipitation levels also rise slightly in May, totaling 72 mm (2.8 in) over 12 days, compared to April's 52 mm (2.1 in) over 11 days, although the humidity decreases from 83% in April to 75% in May. For a more detailed look at April's weather, you can visit Moscow weather in April.
May and June in Moscow showcase a transition from the coolness of spring to the warmth of early summer. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -2°C (29°F) to a warm maximum of 30°C (87°F), with an average temperature of 13°C (55°F). The month sees approximately 72 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation over about 12 days and has a humidity level of around 75%. In contrast, June experiences slightly warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures rising to 3°C (38°F) and maximums reaching up to 33°C (92°F). The average temperature increases to 17°C (64°F), while precipitation remains relatively similar at 73 mm (2.9 in) over just 11 days, accompanied by a marginally higher humidity of 76%. For more specifics on June weather, you can check out Moscow weather in June.
In comparing the weather of May and July, May exhibits a broader temperature range with minimums dipping as low as -2°C (29°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F), while July enjoys milder conditions, with a minimum of 7°C (45°F) and an average temperature of 19°C (66°F). The maximum temperatures in July can reach up to 33°C (91°F), compared to a peak of 30°C (87°F) in May. Precipitation slightly increases in July, totaling 83 mm (3.3 in) over approximately 14 rainy days, compared to 72 mm (2.8 in) across 12 days in May. Additionally, humidity levels are a bit higher in July at 79%, compared to 75% in May. For more detailed information, you can check Moscow weather in July.
In comparing the weather of May and August in Moscow, we observe a notable transition in temperature and precipitation patterns. May experiences a wider range of temperatures, with a minimum of -2°C (29°F) and a maximum of 30°C (87°F), while August presents a milder minimum of 5°C (41°F) and a slightly higher maximum of 31°C (88°F). The average temperature in May is 13°C (55°F), compared to 18°C (64°F) in August. Precipitation is slightly lower in August, with 60 mm (2.4 in) expected over 11 days, compared to 72 mm (2.8 in) over 12 days in May. Interestingly, both months have comparable humidity levels, with May at 75% and August slightly higher at 78%. For a deeper look into August weather specifically, you can check out Moscow weather in August.
May and September in Moscow present a transition in weather patterns as spring turns to autumn. In May, temperatures fluctuate more dramatically, ranging from a chilly minimum of -2°C (29°F) to a warm maximum of 30°C (87°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). The month experiences about 72 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation over 12 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 75%. In contrast, September sees a more moderate range, with minimums around 0°C (32°F) and a consistent maximum of 30°C (85°F), leading to an average temperature of 12°C (55°F). Precipitation lowers to 54 mm (2.1 in) over 9 days, and humidity increases to 86%, contributing to a distinctly different feel to the weather. For a more detailed examination of September weather, visit Moscow weather in September.
May and October showcase striking differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures can range from a chilly -2°C (29°F) at night to a warm 30°C (87°F) during the day, with an average of 13°C (55°F). This month typically experiences about 72 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation spread over 12 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 75%. In contrast, October features cooler conditions, with temperatures dipping as low as -4°C (25°F) and peaking at just 20°C (69°F), resulting in a lower average of 7°C (45°F). Precipitation in October drops to 50 mm (2.0 in) over the same number of rainy days, but humidity rises significantly to 91%. For more detailed weather insights, check out Moscow weather in October.
May and November in Moscow present a stark contrast in weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -2°C (29°F) to an average of 13°C (55°F), peaking at a warm 30°C (87°F), with an average precipitation of 72 mm (2.8 in) spread over 12 days. The humidity sits at 75%, which can create a comfortable but occasionally muggy atmosphere as spring unfolds.
Conversely, November sees a significant drop in temperatures, with a minimum of -14°C (7°F) and an average of only 1°C (34°F), while the maximum reaches a modest 12°C (54°F). Precipitation decreases to 40 mm (1.6 in) across 10 days, and humidity rises to a high 95%, contributing to a cold, damp environment as winter approaches. For more detailed insights, you can check Moscow weather in November.
May and December present strikingly different weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -2°C (29°F) to a pleasant average of 13°C (55°F), peaking at a warm 30°C (87°F). The month experiences about 72 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation over 12 days, with a humidity level of 75%. In contrast, December sees much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -23°C (-10°F) and an average of -4°C (26°F), only warming up to a maximum of 7°C (46°F). Although December has slightly less precipitation at 58 mm (2.3 in), it is spread over 14 days, coupled with a higher humidity of 94%. For more details on the December climate, you can visit Moscow weather in December.
As spring fully unfolds in Moscow, May showcases a delightful transition from the chill of winter to warmer, more pleasant conditions. The temperatures rise significantly, with warmth peaking at around 30°C, offering a refreshing contrast to the colder months. However, the weather can still be unpredictable, with an average temperature hovering around a mild 13°C and occasional dips, reminding us that spring's cool embrace isn't quite finished. While May does experience some rainfall, the overall increase in warmth and daylight hours makes this month enjoyable for outdoor activities and sightseeing. To learn more about what to expect throughout the year, explore the details at Moscow Climate.