May Weather in Cambridge, United Kingdom

Last updated: March 17, 2025

In May, Cambridge, United Kingdom experiences a vibrant transition into warmer weather, with maximum temperatures reaching 27°C (82°F) while the average rests at a pleasant 13°C (55°F). However, the month can still surprise with cooler nights, dipping as low as 1°C (35°F). This period also brings about a moderate level of precipitation, totaling 66 mm (2.6 in) over 11 rainy days, contributing to an overall humidity of 83%. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, May in Cambridge offers a unique blend of sunny afternoons and refreshing showers, perfect for exploring this historic city.

May Temperature in Cambridge

In Cambridge, United Kingdom, May heralds the full arrival of spring, showcasing a significant temperature shift that enhances outdoor activities. With minimums hovering around 1°C (35°F), the month starts off cool but swiftly warms up to an average of 13°C (55°F), reaching a delightful peak of 27°C (82°F). This trend reveals a marked increase from April's temperatures and contrasts sharply with the winter months, where lows plummeted to chilling -8°C (18°F). As May unfolds, locals and visitors alike revel in pleasantly mild days, making it an ideal time for exploring the scenic beauty of the city and enjoying its vibrant parks before summer's heat sets in. The gradual rise in temperatures underscores the transition into warmer months, inviting a spirit of renewal and leisure.

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

The chart illustrates May temperature patterns in Cambridge, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec414345495561656459534643
Data source: Temperature data for Cambridge generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred temperature unit
The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

May Precipitation in Cambridge

May in Cambridge, United Kingdom, marks a notable increase in precipitation, with 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain falling over 11 days. This uptick follows the drier month of April, which recorded only 32 mm (1.3 in). The trend indicates that as spring transitions into summer, Cambridge experiences a considerable rise in rainfall, paving the way for lush greenery. Interestingly, the precipitation levels in May are just shy of June's 69 mm (2.7 in), suggesting a continued pattern of wetter weather as the year progresses. Overall, May's moderate rain contributes to the vibrant landscapes characteristic of the season, making it a lively time in this historic city.

May Precipitation Trends in Cambridge

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Cambridge, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec504753326669657053794980
Data source: Precipitation data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred precipitation unit

May Humidity in Cambridge

As spring transitions into summer, May in Cambridge, United Kingdom, experiences a slight dip in humidity, averaging 83%. This reduction reflects a gradual trend toward drier conditions, following April's 85%. While January through April see high humidity levels above 85%, May marks the beginning of a more comfortable climate that continues into June. Interestingly, the humidity does not significantly drop, maintaining a steady 83% before the summer months, suggesting that viewers can expect a blend of mild warmth and manageable moisture. As the year progresses, humidity levels eventually rise again in September, hinting at the cyclical nature of the region's climate.

May Average Humidity in Cambridge

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Cambridge, with May's data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, allowing you to see how May's humidity levels compare to other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec89%87%86%85%83%83%80%78%84%88%89%88%
Data source: Humidity data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

May UV Index in Cambridge

As May arrives in Cambridge, the UV Index escalates to 7, marking a shift into the high exposure category, with a burn time of just 25 minutes. This increase signifies a notable trend from the previous months, where lower UV levels allowed for longer exposure times without significant risk. With the arrival of warmer weather, it’s essential to stay vigilant and protect your skin, especially as the UV Index is set to peak even higher in June. As summer approaches, understanding these trends is critical for enjoying the sunny days safely. For more detailed information, visit Cambridge UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Cambridge for May

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Cambridge 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec124578875421
Data source: Cambridge 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 Cambridge

As spring gracefully transitions into summer, May shines brightly in Cambridge, emerging as the month with the highest sunshine hours at 378 hours. Following a steady ascent from the 88 hours recorded in January, the month marks a significant increase in daylight, inviting residents and visitors alike to bask in the warmth and vibrancy of the season. April sets the stage with 311 hours, paving the way for May's sun-kissed charm, while June follows closely behind, still blessed with ample sunshine at 362 hours. This upward trend underscores a delightful shift in weather, heralding longer days and a spirit of outdoor exploration. As the city thrives under the sun, Cambridge embraces the vitality of spring before the gradual decline in hours approaches as autumn beckons.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Cambridge: May Highlighted

The May sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Cambridge 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec88h143h203h311h378h362h381h350h281h229h136h101h
Data source: Cambridge May Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Cambridge During May

May in Cambridge, United Kingdom, brings with it a 31% chance of sunny weather, a moderate increase from the previous month’s 46% in April. This seasonal shift indicates that while the likelihood of sunshine diminishes slightly in June to 28%, May still holds promise for clear skies and pleasant days. Interestingly, May's chances align closely with the yearly trend, showcasing that springtime often transitions into sunnier periods, despite the unpredictable British weather. As the flowers bloom and outdoor activities become more appealing, residents and visitors alike can hope for brighter days ahead, making it a wonderful time to explore this historical city.

Percentage of Sunny Days in May in Cambridge

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Cambridge 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 Cambridge experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec22%25%27%47%31%28%39%26%29%21%31%16%
Data source: Cambridge May chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Cambridge in May

As spring unfolds into summer, Cambridge, United Kingdom experiences a remarkable increase in daylight duration. In May, the length of daylight reaches 15 hours, a significant leap from the 13 hours observed in April. This trend continues as June and July bring even longer days, peaking at 16 hours. The progression from the dull, short days of January with just 8 hours, to the vibrant, sun-soaked afternoons of May, not only marks the transition into warmer weather but also invites a lively outdoor atmosphere. As the year advances into the latter months, daylight begins to wane, with September and October signaling a gradual but steady decrease, reminding us of the seasonal ebb and flow that characterizes life in Cambridge.

Average Daylight Hours in Cambridge for May

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Cambridge throughout the year, with May highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec8h 17m9h 54m11h 54m13h 57m15h 45m16h 41m16h 11m14h 34m12h 36m10h 34m8h 44m7h 45m
Data source: Cambridge daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

May Winds in Cambridge

In Cambridge, the winds of May gently blow at an average speed of 4.3 m/s (10 mph), creating a refreshing atmosphere as spring approaches its peak. Following a slight dip in April's winds, May shows a resurgence in breeze, aligning closely with the brisk momentum of January (4.5 m/s) and November (4.3 m/s). This trend suggests a transitional period, where the variability of earlier months settles into a more consistent rhythm. Interestingly, as summer approaches in June, the winds begin to soften to 3.4 m/s, hinting at a seasonal shift. Overall, May serves as a bridge, where the invigorating winds of spring coalesce with the warmth of the approaching summer, inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy the charming outdoors of this historic city.

Average May Wind Speed in Cambridge

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Cambridge, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec4.54.94.73.54.3 m/s3.43.34.13.64.94.34.8
Data source: Cambridge May wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How May Weather in Cambridge Compares to Other Months

The weather in Cambridge changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of May's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Cambridge and find detailed weather information for every month.

May and January exhibit stark contrasts in weather characteristics. In May, temperatures range from a cool 1°C (35°F) to a warm 27°C (82°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F), while January's temperatures dip lower, with a minimum of -4°C (24°F) and a maximum of 15°C (59°F), averaging just 5°C (41°F). May experiences more precipitation at 66 mm (2.6 in) over 11 days, compared to January's 50 mm (2.0 in) across 9 days. Additionally, May's humidity is slightly lower at 83%, whereas January maintains a higher humidity level of 89%. For more details about the weather conditions in January, check out Cambridge weather in January.

In comparing the weather of May and February, a distinct contrast emerges. May boasts a milder climate, with average temperatures ranging from a chilly 1°C (35°F) at night to a warm 27°C (82°F) during the day, while February's temperatures are colder, with minimums dipping to -8°C (18°F) and a maximum of 18°C (65°F). Precipitation is slightly higher in May at 66 mm (2.6 in) over 11 days compared to February's 47 mm (1.8 in) over 10 days. Additionally, February's humidity levels are slightly higher at 87%, compared to May's 83%. For more detailed information, you can check out Cambridge weather in February.

In comparing the weather between March and May, it's clear that May typically offers milder temperatures and a more pleasant climate. May sees average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (35°F) to a maximum of 27°C (82°F), while March experiences lower averages with temperatures ranging from -6°C (21°F) to a maximum of 22°C (72°F). Although May has slightly higher precipitation at 66 mm (2.6 in) over 11 days, March has a comparable amount with 53 mm (2.1 in) over 13 days. Additionally, humidity levels are quite similar, with May at 83% and March slightly higher at 86%. For more detailed information, you can visit Cambridge weather in March.

In comparing the weather of May and April, May generally brings milder temperatures, with an average of 13°C (55°F) compared to April's average of 9°C (49°F). Both months can reach a maximum of 27°C (81°F), but May features a higher minimum temperature of 1°C (35°F), while April dips down to -2°C (28°F). Rainfall is more prevalent in May, with 66 mm (2.6 in) over 11 days, compared to April’s 32 mm (1.3 in) across 8 days. Humidity levels are slightly lower in May at 83% compared to April's 85%. For a more detailed look, check Cambridge weather in April.

In comparing the weather between May and June, we notice a clear trend of warming temperatures. May records a minimum of 1°C (35°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F), while June sees higher figures with a minimum of 7°C (44°F) and an average of 16°C (62°F). The maximum temperatures also rise, from 27°C (82°F) in May to 30°C (87°F) in June. Precipitation levels are relatively similar, with May experiencing 66 mm (2.6 in) over 11 days and June slightly increasing to 69 mm (2.7 in) over 10 days. Both months maintain a steady humidity level of 83%. For a detailed look at the weather specifics during this time, refer to Cambridge weather in June.

May and July present contrasting weather patterns, showcasing the transition from the coolness of spring to the warmth of summer. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 1°C (35°F) to a pleasant average of 13°C (55°F) and can peak at 27°C (82°F), accompanied by substantial humidity at 83%. The month experiences about 66 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over 11 days, indicating a wetter start to the season. In contrast, July boasts warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (47°F), an average of 18°C (65°F), and a maximum reaching a sweltering 36°C (97°F). Despite slightly lower humidity at 79%, it sees similar precipitation levels of 65 mm (2.6 in) over 12 days. For more detailed insights, you can check Cambridge weather in July.

May and August present distinctly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 1°C (35°F) to a pleasant maximum of 27°C (82°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). The month sees about 66 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over 11 days, accompanied by high humidity at 83%. Conversely, August offers warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a peak of 34°C (94°F) and an average of 18°C (64°F). Although precipitation slightly increases to 70 mm (2.8 in) spread across 12 days, the humidity is relatively lower at 78%. For more detailed insights, check out Cambridge weather in August.

In comparing the weather between May and September, both months offer mild temperatures, but September tends to be slightly warmer overall. May sees a minimum temperature of 1°C (35°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F), with a maximum hitting 27°C (82°F). In contrast, September has minimums around 2°C (36°F) and an average temperature of 15°C (59°F), with highs reaching 29°C (85°F). Precipitation is somewhat lower in September, totaling 52 mm (2.1 in) over about 10 days, compared to May's 66 mm (2.6 in) across 11 days. Humidity remains relatively high in both months, with September at 84% and May at 83%. For a deeper look at the weather conditions in September, you can visit Cambridge weather in September.

May and October exhibit distinct weather patterns, with May generally being warmer and more variable. In May, temperatures range from a chilly 1°C (35°F) at night to a pleasant 27°C (82°F) during the day, with an average of 13°C (55°F). Meanwhile, October sees slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 0°C (33°F) and a maximum of 24°C (76°F), averaging around 12°C (53°F). Precipitation in October is slightly higher, totaling 79 mm (3.1 in) over 12 days, compared to May’s 66 mm (2.6 in) across 11 days. Additionally, October's humidity is notably higher at 88%, compared to 83% in May. For more details on October weather, you can check Cambridge weather in October.

May and November present strikingly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a cool 1°C (35°F) at night to a warm 27°C (82°F) during the day, with an average of 13°C (55°F). This month brings about 66 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over approximately 11 days, coupled with a relatively high humidity of 83%. In contrast, November sees cooler temperatures, with lows dipping to -2°C (28°F) and a maximum of 17°C (64°F), averaging around 8°C (46°F). It experiences less rainfall than May, with about 49 mm (1.9 in) over 10 days, but the humidity increases slightly to 89%. For more detailed information, you can check Cambridge weather in November.

May and December present contrasting weather patterns that highlight the transition from spring to winter. In May, temperatures can range from a chilly 1°C (35°F) at night to a warm 27°C (82°F) during the day, with an average of 13°C (55°F). The month sees about 66 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over approximately 11 days, accompanied by relatively high humidity at 83%. Conversely, December features cooler temperatures, with minimums dropping to -3°C (27°F) and maximums peaking at 15°C (59°F), averaging around 6°C (43°F). This month experiences slightly higher precipitation at 80 mm (3.2 in) spread over about 15 days and even higher humidity levels at 88%. For a closer look at December weather, you can check out Cambridge weather in December.

Compare Cambridge's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From May Weather in Cambridge

As May arrives in Cambridge, the weather offers a delightful contrast to the chill of previous months. With temperatures gradually rising, this month typically experiences a pleasant warmth more akin to early summer, drawing residents and visitors outdoors to enjoy the lush landscapes. However, May is also known for its increased precipitation, with many days experiencing light rain, making this a month of both blooming flora and occasional showers. The high humidity adds a touch of mugginess, creating a unique experience that sets May apart from the cooler, drier months that precede it. For a comprehensive look at weather patterns throughout the year, check out Cambridge Climate.