Last updated: March 17, 2025
In Dover, United Kingdom, May brings a pleasant mix of spring warmth and occasional rain. With maximum temperatures reaching 23°C (73°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F), residents can enjoy milder days. However, the season presents its share of challenges, as minimum temperatures can drop to 3°C (38°F), requiring a light jacket for cooler evenings. Rainfall is common this month, accumulating to about 60 mm (2.4 in) over 11 days, leading to a humidity level of 82% that adds to the freshness of the air. Overall, May in Dover is a time of blossoming nature and refreshing, albeit sometimes unpredictable, weather patterns.
In May, Dover, United Kingdom, begins to shake off the chill of winter, welcoming more comfortable temperatures that herald the arrival of spring. With minimums around 3°C (38°F) and averages reaching 13°C (55°F), the month provides a pleasant shift from April’s cooler patterns. The peak temperatures can soar to an inviting 23°C (73°F), making it one of the most delightful times of the year for outdoor activities and exploration. This upward trend from the preceding months illustrates a comfortably warm climate, setting the stage for summer and encouraging locals and visitors alike to enjoy the blossoming landscapes and vibrant atmosphere.
In May, Dover experiences a notable uptick in precipitation, with an average of 60 mm (2.4 in) spread across 11 days. This increase marks a shift from the drier conditions of April, which saw only 27 mm (1.1 in) over just 6 days. May's rain is characteristic of spring, as warmth begins to return and plants spring to life. Interestingly, while May’s precipitation is among the higher totals for the year, it still falls short of the heavier rainfall seen in the typically wetter months of October and December. As the month unfolds, residents and visitors of Dover can expect a mixture of bright days and refreshing showers, further enriching the vibrant landscape.
As spring gives way to summer in Dover, May brings a noticeable dip in humidity, averaging 82%. This marks a gradual decrease from the higher levels seen in the earlier months, with humidity peaking at 91% in January and steadily descending to 85% in April. The trend continues as the city transitions into June, where levels further decline to 81%, suggesting a shift towards a drier climate as the year progresses. This refreshing drop in humidity during May not only enhances outdoor comfort but also heralds the approach of the sunnier months ahead, making it an ideal time for residents and visitors to bask in Dover’s natural beauty.
As we transition into May in Dover, the UV Index sees a notable increase, rising to 7, which falls into the high exposure category. This shift signifies a heightening of sun intensity, with a reduced burn time of just 25 minutes for fair skin. Following the more moderate levels of the earlier months, May serves as a reminder that outdoor enthusiasts should take precautions to protect their skin from harmful UV rays. This upward trend continues into June and July, where the UV Index reaches a peak of 8 in the very high category, emphasizing the importance of sun safety as the summer months approach. For more detailed information on UV levels throughout the year, visit Dover UV Index.
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As spring unfolds into summer, Dover basks in an impressive surge of sunshine, with May standing out as a beacon of bright days. With 414 hours of glorious sunshine, May signifies the peak of daylight compared to the more subdued months of winter, where January barely reaches 95 hours. This upward trend begins in early spring, accelerating from 351 hours in April, reflecting the growing warmth and lengthening days. June carries this momentum slightly higher at 416 hours, closely following May, but it’s in these sun-soaked May days that residents and visitors relish in the vibrant beauty of nature awakenings, making it a perfect time to experience all that Dover has to offer. The gradual increase from winter to summer encapsulates the essence of Dover’s climatic transition, highlighting May as a pivotal month for those seeking the uplifting embrace of sunshine.
In Dover, the likelihood of sunny weather shows a notable trend as the year progresses, peaking in early spring before dipping slightly in May. After a steady climb from 18% in January to 49% in April, sunny days begin to wane, with May experiencing a 37% chance of sunshine. This decline may come as a surprise following the optimism of spring, but it is part of a broader pattern where the summer months maintain a relatively moderate chance of sun, with July reaching 41% before cooling off again in August and September. Overall, while May offers a solid chance of pleasant weather, it hints at the variability that characterizes Dover's climate as it transitions from spring to summer.
As spring gives way to summer, May in Dover, United Kingdom, shines a spotlight on the longer days, boasting an impressive 15 hours of daylight. This surge follows the gradual increase from 8 hours in January through 13 hours in April, marking a significant leap towards the zenith of sunshine that June and July offer with their 16 hours. The extended daylight not only enhances outdoor activities but also marks a vibrant transition, where nature comes alive and evenings linger longer, offering the opportunity to savor the picturesque landscapes. As the year progresses, daylight begins to wane again, reminding us of the cyclical dance of the seasons.
In Dover, United Kingdom, the month of May experiences an average wind speed of 5.2 m/s (12 mph), slightly higher than April’s gentle breezes. As the spring progresses, May’s winds bring a refreshing transition, setting the stage for the approaching summer. Notably, this month showcases a consistent wind pattern, with speeds generally hovering around the 5 to 6 m/s mark from January through October. The wind speeds peak in February at 6.1 m/s (14 mph), then gradually decrease in the warmer months of June and July, highlighting a seasonal dip in gusts as the temperatures rise. This trend not only underscores the moderate yet breezy climate of Dover but also invites residents and visitors alike to enjoy the delightful whispers of wind that accompany the blooming scenery of late spring.
The weather in Dover 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 Dover and find detailed weather information for every month.
In comparing the weather of May and January, it becomes clear that May offers a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a pleasant average of 13°C (55°F), peaking at a comfortable 23°C (73°F). In contrast, January experiences a chillier atmosphere, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of -3°C (27°F) and averaging around 6°C (43°F). While both months receive about the same amount of precipitation—approximately 60 mm (2.4 in) in May and 57 mm (2.3 in) in January—the humidity is notably higher in January at 91%, compared to May’s 82%. For a detailed look at daily conditions, check out Dover weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, we see notable differences in temperature and humidity. May offers a milder climate with average temperatures reaching 13°C (55°F) and highs up to 23°C (73°F), while February is considerably cooler, with an average of 7°C (44°F) and highs around 15°C (59°F). Additionally, February experiences slightly more days of precipitation at 13 days compared to May's 11 days, although the total rainfall is similar, with 59 mm (2.3 in) in February and 60 mm (2.4 in) in May. Humidity levels are also higher in February at 89%, compared to May's 82%. For more details on February weather, you can visit Dover weather in February.
In comparison to March, May typically offers milder temperatures, with a minimum of 3°C (38°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F), while March experiences colder conditions with a minimum of -4°C (25°F) and an average of 8°C (46°F). The maximum temperatures in May reach up to 23°C (73°F), providing a pleasant contrast to March's peak of 19°C (66°F). Although May receives slightly more precipitation with 60 mm (2.4 in) over 11 days, March sees 51 mm (2.0 in) over 12 days, and both months maintain high humidity levels, with May at 82% and March at 86%. For a more detailed look at March's weather in Dover, you can check out Dover weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, we notice a marked increase in both temperature and precipitation. May experiences a minimum temperature of 3°C (38°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F), while April has a slightly cooler minimum of 1°C (34°F) and an average of 10°C (49°F). The maximum temperatures are somewhat similar, with May reaching 23°C (73°F) compared to April's 21°C (70°F). Precipitation is notably higher in May at 60 mm (2.4 in) over 11 days, whereas April sees just 27 mm (1.1 in) across 6 days. Despite the increase in rain, May's humidity sits at 82%, slightly lower than April's 85%. For more details, you can explore Dover weather in April.
May and June offer a distinct transition in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a comfortable maximum of 23°C (73°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F) and 60 mm (2.4 in) of precipitation spread over 11 days. On the other hand, June brings warmer conditions, with temperatures starting at a minimum of 9°C (48°F), peaking at 28°C (83°F), and averaging 16°C (61°F). Although June sees slightly less precipitation at 55 mm (2.2 in) over 9 days, the humidity remains comparable at 81%. For more details, check out Dover weather in June.
May and July present a notable contrast in weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 23°C (73°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). The month also sees about 60 mm (2.4 in) of precipitation spread over 11 days, resulting in a relatively humid atmosphere at 82%. Conversely, July experiences warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (52°F) and a maximum reaching 33°C (92°F), averaging 18°C (65°F). Precipitation in July is slightly lower at 51 mm (2.0 in), also occurring over 11 days, but the humidity drops to 76%. For more detailed insights, you can explore Dover weather in July.
May and August present distinctly different weather profiles. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a comfortable maximum of 23°C (73°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). However, the month also sees considerable precipitation at 60 mm (2.4 in) spread over 11 days, coupled with a high humidity level of 82%. In contrast, August boasts warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (51°F) and a maximum reaching up to 31°C (89°F), averaging 18°C (65°F). Although it experiences slightly more precipitation at 72 mm (2.8 in) over the same number of days, the humidity is lower at 73%. For more insights, check out this link: Dover weather in August.
May and September both offer mild temperatures, but each month has its distinct characteristics. In May, temperatures range from a cool 3°C (38°F) to a comfortable maximum of 23°C (73°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). The month experiences 60 mm (2.4 in) of precipitation over 11 days, accompanied by high humidity at 82%. In contrast, September features slightly warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures of 6°C (44°F) and an average of 16°C (61°F), peaking at 25°C (77°F). It sees less rain, totaling 46 mm (1.8 in) over 9 days, and maintains a similar humidity level at 80%. For more specific details about the weather in this transition month, check out Dover weather in September.
May and October present somewhat similar average temperatures, typically ranging from 13°C (55°F) in both months, but their overall weather experiences differ. In May, temperatures can drop to a minimum of 3°C (38°F) and peak at around 23°C (73°F), while October starts slightly warmer, with a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and a maximum of 22°C (72°F). Precipitation levels are higher in October, averaging 88 mm (3.5 in) over 13 days compared to May's 60 mm (2.4 in) over 11 days. Humidity also rises in October, reaching 89%, compared to 82% in May. For more insights into the climate during this month, you can check Dover weather in October.
May and November exhibit distinct climatic characteristics, with May generally being warmer and more pleasant. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 23°C (73°F), averaging at 13°C (55°F), while November sees cooler temperatures with a minimum of 2°C (36°F) and a maximum of 17°C (63°F), averaging only 9°C (49°F). Both months receive similar amounts of precipitation, around 60 mm (2.4 in in May and 2.3 in November), but November experiences slightly higher humidity at 92% compared to May's 82%. For more detailed insights, you can explore Dover weather in November.
May and December present quite different weather experiences. In May, temperatures range from a mild 3°C (38°F) at night to a pleasant average of 13°C (55°F) during the day, with highs reaching up to 23°C (73°F). The month sees around 60 mm (2.4 in) of rainfall over approximately 11 days, accompanied by a relatively high humidity of 82%. In contrast, December offers cooler conditions, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of 0°C (33°F) and averaging at 7°C (45°F), peaking at just 14°C (58°F). This month experiences more precipitation, totaling 96 mm (3.8 in) across about 14 days, and a slightly higher humidity level of 92%. For more specific insights into December weather in Dover, you can refer to this link: Dover weather in December.
As May unfolds in Dover, the weather begins to warm significantly, boasting pleasant temperatures that contrast sharply with the chill of earlier months. Days are increasingly bright, accompanied by a somewhat humid atmosphere that creates a vibrant environment for outdoor activities. While May sees a fair share of precipitation, with about 11 rainy days, these showers often provide a refreshing break, allowing for lush greenery to thrive as spring reaches its peak. This blend of warmth and rain distinguishes May from the cooler, more stable weather of previous months, heralding the approach of summer. For a deeper understanding of Dover's weather patterns, explore more at Dover Climate.