May Weather in Karlstad, Sweden

Last updated: August 27, 2025

May in Karlstad, Sweden offers a delightful transition into warmer weather, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 29°C (85°F), while the average hovers around a mild 11°C (53°F). This month also witnesses a low of -2°C (29°F), reminding residents of the lingering chill. Rainfall is moderate, accumulating to 64 mm (2.5 in) over approximately 12 days, contributing to a humidity level of 72%. Whether you're exploring the flourishing nature or enjoying the longer daylight hours, May presents a vibrant blend of warmth and refreshing spring showers.

May Temperature in Karlstad

In May, Karlstad, Sweden, begins to shake off the lingering chill of winter, presenting a delightful transition into milder weather. With a minimum temperature of -2°C (29°F), the city starts to embrace the warmth, averaging around 11°C (53°F). The highs can soar to a pleasant 29°C (85°F), perfect for those eager to enjoy the blooming landscapes and longer daylight hours. This month marks a significant warming trend not only compared to the previous months, but it also sets the stage for the delightful summer that follows. As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, locals and visitors alike can revel in the emerging vibrancy of Karlstad.

May Weather in Karlstad: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates May temperature patterns in Karlstad, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends. In Karlstad, May typically has an average temperature of {2}°C ({3}°F), with highs reaching up to {4}°C ({5}°F) and lows dropping to around {6}°C ({7}°F).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec313035435262646154463832
Data source: Temperature data for Karlstad generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

May Precipitation in Karlstad

In May, Karlstad experiences a notable increase in precipitation, with 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain recorded over 12 days, marking a shift from the drier spring months. This uptick not only heightens the total rainfall but also amplifies the frequency of rainy days, suggesting a transition into a wetter period as summer approaches. Comparatively, April brought just 31 mm (1.2 in) over 7 days, highlighting May's status as a pivotal month for precipitation. This trend towards increased rainfall continues into June, solidifying May's role as a bridge between the milder, drier spring and the more humid summer months in Karlstad.

May Precipitation Trends in Karlstad

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Karlstad, with values for each month alongside May’s data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how May’s conditions compare to those of other months. In Karlstad, May typically receives around {2} mm ({3} inches) of precipitation spread over approximately {4} days.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec484749316460698678866874
Data source: Precipitation data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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May Humidity in Karlstad

In May, Karlstad experiences a noticeable dip in humidity, with levels falling to 72%, marking a shift from the higher figures seen in the earlier months of the year. This decline continues the trend of decreasing humidity that begins in April, suggesting a transition towards the drier summer months ahead. The changes in May are strikingly different from the winter months, where humidity often hovers above 90%. As the city embraces the warmer season, the reduced moisture levels offer a refreshing relief, making May an appealing time for outdoor activities while hinting at the slightly more humid August that follows.

May Average Humidity in Karlstad

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Karlstad, with May’s data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, helping you understand how conditions vary by season. In May, average humidity in Karlstad is approximately {2}%, offering insight into how humid the weather typically is during this month.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec94%92%89%81%72%68%70%77%86%91%93%94%
Data source: Humidity data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

May UV Index in Karlstad

As May arrives in Karlstad, Sweden, the UV Index reaches a moderate 5, indicating a shift in conditions as spring gives way to warmer days. This increase in UV exposure signifies a notable trend, building upon the steady rise seen since March. Residents and visitors alike should take care, as the burn time decreases to just 30 minutes for unprotected skin, emphasizing the importance of sunscreen and protective clothing. With the promise of summer just around the corner, it's a timely reminder to be sun-smart. For more information, check out the detailed Karlstad UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Karlstad for May

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Karlstad in May, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues. In May, the maximum UV index in Karlstad typically reaches {2}, which falls under the {3} exposure category.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec113457754211
Data source: Karlstad May UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

May Sunshine in Karlstad

May brings a radiant burst of sunshine to Karlstad, Sweden, with 426 hours of daylight, marking a delightful peak in the spring. As winter retreats, the city experiences a remarkable transition from 78 hours in January to a refreshing 371 hours in April, leading up to May's golden days. This uplifting pattern continues into June, reaching 464 hours, but the trend gently slopes downward as summer begins to wane. The steady rise in sunshine hours from the bleak winter months to the vibrant warmth of late spring paints a vivid picture of the shifting seasons, inviting residents and visitors alike to bask in the glow of Karlstad’s sunny May.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Karlstad: May Highlighted

The May sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Karlstad experiences direct sunlight during the month of May, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of May with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec78h164h270h371h426h464h473h401h284h213h122h79h
Data source: Karlstad May Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Karlstad During May

In Karlstad, Sweden, the chance of sunny weather begins to rise as spring unfolds, peaking at 50% in April before tapering off slightly to 33% in May. This dip suggests that while May still welcomes longer, brighter days compared to the winter months—where sunshine chances linger around 25-41%—the transition into summer doesn’t guarantee uninterrupted sun. Interestingly, June and July bring renewed optimism with their 41% and 45% chances of sunshine respectively, indicating that the sun's presence becomes more consistent as summer approaches. Thus, while May may offer a moderate chance of sunny weather, it serves as a promising prelude to the sunnier days ahead.

Percentage of Sunny Days in May in Karlstad

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Karlstad throughout the year, with May highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Karlstad experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec25%41%41%50%33%41%45%34%28%27%23%28%
Data source: Karlstad May chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Karlstad in May

As spring unfolds in Karlstad, Sweden, the daylight duration experiences a remarkable transformation. Beginning in January with just 6 hours of light, the days gradually lengthen, reaching 9 hours in February and expanding further to 11 hours by March. April ushers in a significant increase, offering 14 hours of daylight, paving the way for the vibrant month of May. Here, daylight peaks at a delightful 17 hours, setting the stage for the almost 24 hours of sunlight in June. This trend of longer days continues until mid-summer, before gradually tapering off, with August seeing 15 hours of daylight and September bringing it down to 12 hours. By October, daylight diminishes to 10 hours, and the cycle begins anew with shorter days returning in the fall and winter. This rhythm of increasing and decreasing sunlight not only marks the changing seasons but also influences the lifestyle and activities of the residents throughout the year.

Average Daylight Hours in Karlstad for May

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Karlstad throughout the year, with May highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec6h 57m9h 13m11h 52m14h 33m17h 3m18h 28m17h 42m15h 24m12h 46m10h 6m7h 36m6h 10m
Data source: Karlstad daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

May Winds in Karlstad

In May, Karlstad experiences a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 3.0 m/s (7 mph), marking the beginning of a subtle decline after a series of gradually increasing winds in the spring months. This slight dip from April's higher average of 3.7 m/s (8 mph) signals a transition towards the calmer summer months ahead. Interestingly, May's winds are comparable to those in January and February, suggesting a consistent springtime atmosphere that invites outdoor activities. Following May, the wind speed continues to ease throughout the summer, hinting at the serene and pleasant conditions that define this charming Swedish locale.

Average May Wind Speed in Karlstad

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Karlstad, with values for each month shown alongside May's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how May's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3.13.43.53.73.0 m/s2.92.83.13.34.13.33.1
Data source: Karlstad May wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How May Weather in Karlstad Compares to Other Months

Weather in Karlstad varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Karlstad, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.

In May, temperatures in Karlstad range from a chilly -2°C (29°F) to a warm 29°C (85°F), with an average of 11°C (53°F). This month receives about 64 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over approximately 12 days, and the humidity levels sit at 72%. Conversely, January experiences much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -17°C (2°F) and a maximum of 9°C (49°F), averaging -1°C (31°F). While January sees slightly lower precipitation at 48 mm (1.9 in) over 8 days, the humidity is significantly higher at 94%. For more specifics about January weather, you can check Karlstad weather in January.

In comparing the weather between May and February, we see a significant shift in temperature and conditions. May offers a broader temperature range, with minimums around -2°C (29°F) and maximums peaking at 29°C (85°F), creating a much warmer climate with an average of 11°C (53°F). In contrast, February experiences much colder temperatures, with lows of -15°C (5°F) and highs reaching only 12°C (54°F), averaging at -1°C (30°F).

Precipitation levels are somewhat moderate in both months, with May receiving 64 mm (2.5 in) over 12 days, while February has 47 mm (1.9 in) across 9 days. Additionally, humidity is higher in February at 92%, compared to May’s 72%, contributing to a colder, more damp atmosphere. For more detailed insights on February weather, you can check Karlstad weather in February.

In comparing the weather of May and March, it's clear that May offers milder temperatures with an average of 11°C (53°F), significantly warmer than March's average of only 2°C (35°F). While March experiences colder overnight lows, dropping as low as -14°C (7°F), May's minimum dips only to -2°C (29°F). Additionally, March has higher humidity levels at 89%, compared to May's 72%, which can make the cold feel even more biting. Precipitation is relatively similar between the two months, with March receiving 49 mm (1.9 in) over 9 days and May accumulating 64 mm (2.5 in) over 12 days. For more detailed insights into March weather, you can visit Karlstad weather in March.

In comparing the weather of April and May, we see a notable warming trend as spring progresses. April's temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -9°C (17°F) to a comfortable maximum of 22°C (72°F), with an average of 6°C (43°F) and a higher humidity level at 81%. In contrast, May brings more warmth, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -2°C (29°F) to a pleasant maximum of 29°C (85°F) and an average of 11°C (53°F). While May experiences more precipitation at 64 mm (2.5 in) over 12 days compared to April's 31 mm (1.2 in) across 7 days, the humidity slightly decreases to 72%. For a more detailed view of April weather specifics, you can check out Karlstad weather in April.

In May, temperatures in Karlstad can reach a minimum of -2°C (29°F) and peak at 29°C (85°F), resulting in an average temperature of around 11°C (53°F). The month sees about 64 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over 12 days, coupled with a humidity level of 72%. In contrast, June brings a warmer climate, with minimum temperatures rising to 5°C (40°F) and maximums reaching 31°C (87°F), resulting in a more comfortable average of 17°C (63°F). Precipitation slightly decreases to 60 mm (2.4 in) over 11 days, and humidity also dips to 68%. For detailed insights on June weather, you can visit Karlstad weather in June.

In May, temperatures in Karlstad can range from a chilly -2°C (29°F) at night to a pleasant high of 29°C (85°F) during the day, with an average temperature of 11°C (53°F). This month also sees about 64 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over 12 days, accompanied by relatively high humidity at 72%. In contrast, July offers warmer temperatures, with nighttime lows of 7°C (45°F) and daytime highs reaching up to 33°C (91°F), averaging around 18°C (65°F). The summer month experiences slightly higher precipitation at 69 mm (2.7 in) over 11 days, while humidity remains a bit lower at 70%. For more detailed insights about July weather, check out Karlstad weather in July.

May and August present distinct weather patterns that reflect the transition from spring to summer. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -2°C (29°F) to a comfortable maximum of 29°C (85°F), with an average of 11°C (53°F). The month experiences around 64 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over approximately 12 days and a humidity level of 72%. In contrast, August offers a warmer climate, with temperatures varying from a minimum of 6°C (44°F) to a maximum of 32°C (89°F) and an average of 16°C (62°F). This month sees a higher precipitation of 86 mm (3.4 in) spread across about 15 days, accompanied by increased humidity at 77%. For more details on the weather specifics in August, you can check Karlstad weather in August. Overall, while May hints at the beginning of warmth, August fully embraces summer's heat and humidity.

May and September exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly -2°C (29°F) at night to a warm 29°C (85°F) during the day, with an average of 11°C (53°F). The month sees about 64 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over 12 days and a humidity level of 72%. In contrast, September experiences a more moderate temperature range, with nighttime lows at 0°C (33°F) and highs peaking at 24°C (75°F), averaging at 12°C (54°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 78 mm (3.1 in) over the same number of days, and humidity levels rise to 86%. For more details on September weather, you can check Karlstad weather in September.

May and October exhibit distinct differences in weather patterns. May enjoys a wider temperature range, with minimums around -2°C (29°F) and maximums reaching up to 29°C (85°F), while averaging at 11°C (53°F). In contrast, October presents cooler temperatures, with minimums of -4°C (26°F) and maximums capping at 19°C (66°F), averaging just 8°C (46°F). Additionally, October experiences more precipitation, totaling 85 mm (3.4 in) over 13 days, compared to May's 64 mm (2.5 in) over 12 days. The humidity levels also rise in October, reaching 91%, compared to May's 72%. For a more detailed look at specific weather conditions, check out Karlstad weather in October.

May and November present notably different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly -2°C (29°F) at night to a warm 29°C (85°F) during the day, with an average of 11°C (53°F). The month sees an average precipitation of 64 mm (2.5 in) over 12 days, and humidity around 72%, creating a fresh spring atmosphere. In contrast, November is much colder, with temperatures dipping as low as -10°C (15°F) and averaging only 3°C (38°F). The maximum temperature reaches just 15°C (59°F), with slightly higher rainfall at 68 mm (2.7 in) over the same 12 days, but significantly increased humidity at 93%, which contributes to a damp and chilly feel. For more details, check out Karlstad weather in November.

In May, the weather is characterized by a much milder temperature range, with minimums around -2°C (29°F), average highs of 11°C (53°F), and peaks reaching 29°C (85°F). The month experiences relatively moderate precipitation of 64 mm (2.5 in) over approximately 12 days, alongside a humidity level of 72%. In contrast, December brings significantly colder temperatures, with minimums dropping to -17°C (2°F) and an average hovering around 0°C (32°F). The maximum temperature in December rarely exceeds 9°C (49°F). Additionally, it sees slightly higher rainfall at 74 mm (2.9 in) spread over 14 days, and notably high humidity at 94%. For more details, check out Karlstad weather in December.

Compare Karlstad's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From May Weather in Karlstad

As May unfolds in Karlstad, residents and visitors experience a refreshing transition from the chill of winter to the mild warmth of early summer. With maximum temperatures reaching a pleasant 29°C (85°F), the month stands out for its significantly higher warmth compared to the cooler spring months. However, it’s not all sunshine; May also brings about moderate precipitation, with some days being rainy, contributing to a relatively humid atmosphere that can sometimes linger. This blend of warmth and moisture sets the stage for vibrant blooms and lush greenery. For a deeper dive into weather patterns throughout the year, explore Karlstad Climate.