May Weather in Colchester, United Kingdom

Last updated: March 17, 2025

May in Colchester, United Kingdom is characterized by a delightful blend of mild temperatures and frequent rainfall. With a maximum temperature reaching 22°C (73°F) and an average of 12°C (54°F), the weather offers a pleasant spring experience, although the minimum can dip to 3°C (37°F). The month sees about 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain across 11 days, contributing to the lush greenery of the region. Humidity levels hover around a significant 82%, creating a refreshing atmosphere. Whether you’re exploring local parks or enjoying outdoor activities, May’s weather in Colchester presents a charming backdrop for all.

May Temperature in Colchester

In May, Colchester, United Kingdom, begins to embrace the warmth of spring, showcasing a marked transition in temperatures. With a minimum of 3°C (37°F) and an average of 12°C (54°F), the month starts to feel pleasantly mild. The maximum temperature reaches a comfortable 22°C (73°F), making it one of the more inviting months of the year. As the days lengthen and the sun shines brighter, May reflects a clear upward trend from the cooler temperatures of the preceding months. This shift not only encourages outdoor activities but also heralds the vibrant bloom of nature, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore the beautiful landscapes of this historic town.

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

The chart illustrates May temperature patterns in Colchester, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec414345485461646460544743
Data source: Temperature data for Colchester 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 Colchester

May in Colchester sees a continuation of spring's refreshing rains, with an average precipitation of 61 mm (2.4 in) spread over 11 days. This level of rainfall mirrors that of February, highlighting a trend of consistent moisture as the month transitions into summer. Compared to the relatively dry spell of April, which recorded only 27 mm (1.1 in) over just 6 days, May brings a sense of rejuvenation to the lush landscapes of the area. Interestingly, the precipitation levels in May align closely with the wetter months that follow, such as June and July, which both average 68 mm (2.7 in), indicating a sustained pattern of rainfall that nurtures the region's natural beauty. Overall, May's balance of rain and increasing temperatures sets the stage for the vibrancy of summer ahead.

May Precipitation Trends in Colchester

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Colchester, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec576155276168687858905397
Data source: Precipitation data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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May Humidity in Colchester

In May, humidity in Colchester begins to show a noticeable decline, dropping to 82% from the higher levels of early spring, where it consistently hovered above 85%. This trend marks the transition towards the warmer months, as the region experiences increasingly comfortable conditions. Following May, the humidity continues to decrease slightly, reaching 81% in June, suggesting a shift towards drier summer breezes. The overall pattern reveals that as the year progresses, Colchester’s humidity levels gradually decrease, peaking in the colder months of January and February, and settling to their lowest by late summer. This gradual tapering off not only enhances the outdoor experience but also signals the arrival of the vibrant seasonal changes that define Colchester's climate.

May Average Humidity in Colchester

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Colchester, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec91%89%86%85%82%81%76%73%80%89%92%92%
Data source: Humidity data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

May UV Index in Colchester

As May arrives in Colchester, the UV Index rises to 7, marking a shift to the high exposure category and reducing the safe burn time to just 25 minutes. This increase from the previous months highlights a notable trend as spring transitions into summer. From January through April, residents enjoyed lower UV levels, ranging from a mere 1 to 5, allowing for longer outdoor activities with minimal sun protection. However, with summer on the horizon, it’s crucial to be mindful of sun safety and plan for shorter exposure times. To learn more about the UV Index throughout the year, visit Colchester UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Colchester for May

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Colchester 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: Colchester 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 Colchester

As May unfolds in Colchester, the warmth of sunshine truly comes alive, boasting 410 hours of daylight—an impressive peak that signals the arrival of summer. This month experiences a remarkable leap from April’s 336 hours, establishing a clear trend of increasing sunshine as the year progresses. Following May, June and July maintain this bright momentum with 402 and 411 hours respectively, showcasing the region's vibrant light-filled months. However, as the seasons transition towards autumn, the hours gradually taper off, with September seeing 310 hours. This gentle decline draws a picturesque arc, illustrating the shifting rhythms of Colchester's year, where May serves as a radiant highlight, heralding the longer, sun-drenched days to come.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Colchester: May Highlighted

The May sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Colchester 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec94h149h224h336h410h402h411h388h310h245h153h108h
Data source: Colchester May Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Colchester During May

In Colchester, the likelihood of enjoying sunny weather in May stands at 34%, a slight dip from the more promising 47% witnessed in April. While May's sunshine probability is higher than the winter months, it reflects a transitional period as spring ebbs into early summer. Following May, the chances of sunshine increase during the summer months, with July peaking at 38%. This trend suggests that while May is a month of blooming flowers and milder weather, residents and visitors alike should remain prepared for those unpredictable cloudy days, as sunshine becomes more frequent later in the season.

Percentage of Sunny Days in May in Colchester

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Colchester 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 Colchester experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec22%24%32%47%34%30%38%32%32%24%30%17%
Data source: Colchester May chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Colchester in May

As spring transitions into summer, Colchester, United Kingdom, experiences a remarkable increase in daylight duration. Starting with a modest 8 hours in January, the daylight begins to stretch noticeably, reaching 13 hours by April. By May, this trend peaks with 15 hours of sunlight, illuminating the vibrant landscape and inviting outdoor activities. This upward trajectory continues into June and July, where residents enjoy the longest days of the year, basking in a full 16 hours of daylight. As summer wanes, however, the daylight gradually diminishes, reflecting the seasonal shift back to shorter days, evident with 14 hours in August and a decline to 10 hours by October. This cyclical pattern showcases the dynamic interplay between the seasons, shaping the rhythm of life in Colchester throughout the year.

Average Daylight Hours in Colchester for May

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Colchester throughout the year, with May highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec8h 20m9h 56m11h 55m13h 55m15h 41m16h 36m16h 6m14h 32m12h 35m10h 35m8h 47m7h 50m
Data source: Colchester daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

May Winds in Colchester

In Colchester during May, the average wind speed settles at 5.0 m/s (11 mph), marking a slight increase from the preceding month of April, which experienced the calmest winds of the year at 4.3 m/s (10 mph). This uptick in wind activity reflects the transitional nature of spring, as temperatures rise and the atmosphere stirs in preparation for summer. The wind speeds in May are consistent with a general upward trend witnessed in the early part of the year, particularly from January through February, where speeds ranged from 5.4 to 5.7 m/s. As the seasons progress, the winds tend to become milder, but May serves as a reminder of the dynamic weather patterns that can still invigorate the landscape before the summer months take hold, where average wind speeds taper off.

Average May Wind Speed in Colchester

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Colchester, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec5.45.75.24.35.0 m/s3.84.34.84.25.64.95.3
Data source: Colchester May wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How May Weather in Colchester Compares to Other Months

The weather in Colchester 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 Colchester and find detailed weather information for every month.

May and January present quite a contrast in weather. In May, temperatures range from a cool 3°C (37°F) to a warm 22°C (73°F), with an average of 12°C (54°F). The month experiences about 61 mm (2.4 in) of precipitation over 11 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 82%. In contrast, January is much colder, with temperatures ranging from a low of -2°C (28°F) to a high of 13°C (56°F) and an average of 5°C (41°F). Although January sees slightly less precipitation at 57 mm (2.2 in) over the same number of days, the humidity is higher at 91%. For more detailed information, check out Colchester weather in January.

May and February present quite a contrast in weather conditions. While February experiences colder temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (25°F) and an average of only 6°C (43°F), May sees more mild and pleasant conditions, ranging from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a comfortable average of 12°C (54°F). Both months have equal precipitation, measuring 61 mm (2.4 in), but February's higher humidity of 89% compared to May's 82% contributes to a chillier feel. For a detailed look at February's conditions, you can refer to Colchester weather in February.

May weather is generally milder compared to March, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 22°C (73°F) and an average of 12°C (54°F). In contrast, March typically sees cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (25°F) and an average of 7°C (45°F), peaking at 18°C (64°F). Both months experience precipitation, with May having slightly more at 61 mm (2.4 in) over 11 days, compared to March's 55 mm (2.2 in) over 12 days. Humidity levels are also a bit lower in May at 82%, while March's humidity rests at 86%. For more detailed information, you can refer to Colchester weather in March.

In comparing the weather between April and May, we can see a clear shift towards warmer temperatures. April experiences a minimum of 0°C (32°F) and an average of 9°C (48°F), while May sees temperatures rising to a minimum of 3°C (37°F) and an average of 12°C (54°F). Both months have a maximum temperature of 22°C (71°F), but May is generally warmer overall. Precipitation is more prevalent in May with 61 mm (2.4 in) over 11 days, compared to April's 27 mm (1.1 in) over just 6 days. Humidity remains relatively high in both months, slightly decreasing from 85% in April to 82% in May. For more details about April's weather, you can visit Colchester weather in April.

May and June exhibit a noticeable progression in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a comfortable maximum of 22°C (73°F), with an average of 12°C (54°F). The month sees about 61 mm (2.4 in) of precipitation over 11 days and maintains a high humidity level of 82%. In contrast, June offers warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 6°C (43°F), an average of 16°C (61°F), and a peak of 26°C (79°F). Precipitation slightly increases to 68 mm (2.7 in) but is spread over just 10 days, with humidity remaining relatively stable at 81%. For more detailed weather information, check Colchester weather in June.

In comparing the weather of May and July, it's clear that July is significantly warmer, with average temperatures ranging from 11°C (51°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F) compared to May's milder range of 3°C (37°F) to 22°C (73°F). Although both months experience a similar amount of precipitation—61 mm (2.4 in) in May and 68 mm (2.7 in) in July—July sees slightly more rain over a few additional days, totaling 13 days of precipitation versus May's 11. Humidity levels also differ, being higher in May at 82%, while July maintains a lower but still comfortable 76%. For a closer look at July's weather specifics, you can visit Colchester weather in July.

In May, the weather tends to be cooler with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 22°C (73°F), and an average of 12°C (54°F). The month sees about 61 mm (2.4 in) of precipitation over 11 days, coupled with relatively high humidity at 82%. In contrast, August brings warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (49°F) to a maximum of 29°C (84°F) and an average of 18°C (65°F). While August experiences slightly more rainfall at 78 mm (3.1 in) over 12 days, humidity is lower at 73%. For a detailed look at August weather, check out Colchester weather in August.

In May, the weather begins to warm up, with temperatures ranging from a chilly minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a pleasant average of 12°C (54°F), peaking at a maximum of 22°C (73°F). The month sees around 61 mm (2.4 in) of precipitation over 11 days, accompanied by relatively high humidity at 82%. On the other hand, September offers a milder climate with temperatures starting at 6°C (42°F) and averaging 15°C (60°F), while reaching a high of 24°C (76°F). The precipitation slightly decreases to 58 mm (2.3 in) over the same number of days, and humidity remains comparable at 80%. For a detailed look into the September weather specifics, you can check Colchester weather in September.

In May, the weather typically features mild temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 22°C (73°F), with an average of 12°C (54°F). Rainfall is moderate, with about 61 mm (2.4 in) of precipitation across approximately 11 days, and humidity averages around 82%.

Conversely, October sees a similar temperature range, but the conditions become slightly cooler, with a maximum of 22°C (71°F) and an average still floating at 12°C (54°F). However, it comes with increased precipitation, totaling 90 mm (3.5 in) over approximately 14 days, and higher humidity levels at 89%.

For more specific details on October weather, you can check out Colchester weather in October.

May and November present quite different weather experiences. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 22°C (73°F), with an average of 12°C (54°F). The month sees about 61 mm (2.4 in) of precipitation over 11 days, and humidity sits at a comfortable 82%. In contrast, November brings cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 0°C (33°F) and a maximum of 16°C (62°F), averaging 8°C (47°F). Precipitation decreases slightly to 53 mm (2.1 in), yet it still occurs over the same number of days. The humidity also rises to 92%, making November feel quite damp. For more insights on the chilly November climate, check out Colchester weather in November.

May and December present strikingly different weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a mild 3°C (37°F) at night to a pleasant 22°C (73°F) during the day, with an average of 12°C (54°F). The month sees about 61 mm (2.4 in) of precipitation over 11 days, and humidity hovers around 82%. In contrast, December experiences cooler temperatures, with lows of -1°C (31°F) and highs reaching only 14°C (57°F), averaging 6°C (44°F). This month is wetter, with approximately 97 mm (3.8 in) of rainfall spread over 15 days, and a slightly higher humidity level of 92%. For more specific details about December weather, check out Colchester weather in December.

Compare Colchester's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From May Weather in Colchester

As May unfolds in Colchester, you'll experience a delightful shift towards warmer temperatures and blooming landscapes, offering a refreshing contrast to the chill of earlier months. With nearly half of the days seeing some precipitation, the humidity levels climb to a notable 82%, creating a lush environment that's both vibrant and invigorating. This month introduces a pleasant warmth—with maximum temperatures reaching up to 22°C (73°F)—making outdoor activities increasingly enjoyable. While spring's showers may persist, they contribute to the region's lush scenery, setting the stage for the lush, warm days of summer to come. For a deeper insight into Colchester's climate, explore Colchester Climate.