May Weather in Oxford, United Kingdom

Last updated: March 17, 2025

In Oxford, United Kingdom, May presents a delightful transition into warmer days, with maximum temperatures reaching 26°C (78°F) and an average of 12°C (54°F). However, early mornings can be crisp, dipping to a minimum of 0°C (32°F). The month sees 66 mm (2.6 in) of rainfall spread over 11 days, contributing to a comfortable humidity level of 79%. This blend of warmth and occasional showers creates an inviting yet unpredictable climate, perfect for enjoying Oxford’s scenic gardens and historic architecture.

May Temperature in Oxford

In May, Oxford, United Kingdom, welcomes a refreshing shift in temperatures as spring reaches its zenith. With minimums around 0°C (32°F) and average highs soaring to 26°C (78°F), the city experiences a delightful blend of warmth and mildness, ideal for outdoor exploration. This month stands out with its average temperature of 12°C (54°F), showcasing a notable rise from the coolness of April. As the days grow longer and sunnier, May marks a transition towards the summer warmth that follows, encouraging locals and visitors alike to bask in the blossoming scenery and partake in vibrant activities amidst the charming backdrop of Oxford’s historic architecture.

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

The chart illustrates May temperature patterns in Oxford, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec404245485461646358524643
Data source: Temperature data for Oxford 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 Oxford

In May, Oxford experiences a notable increase in precipitation, with an average of 66 mm (2.6 in), making it one of the wetter months of the year. This contrasts sharply with the drier conditions of April, which recorded just 38 mm (1.5 in). Rain falls on approximately 11 days in May, reflecting a consistent trend of moderate rainfall as spring transitions into summer. While the amount is higher than both January and February, which each saw 51 mm, May's precipitation is surpassed only by the heavier rains of June and October. This uptick in rainfall not only contributes to the lush greenery of the season but also signals the start of a more humid climate, setting the stage for the upcoming summer months.

May Precipitation Trends in Oxford

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Oxford, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec515160386674647153955783
Data source: Precipitation data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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May Humidity in Oxford

May in Oxford, United Kingdom, marks a delightful dip in humidity, dropping to 79%—the lowest level since the dampness of winter. This change signals the transition into warmer months, as Oxford shakes off the chill and begins to bask in the soft glow of spring. While the air is still comfortably humid, it paves the way for a more pleasant outdoor experience, contrasting sharply with the high humidity percentages seen earlier in the year, such as 91% in January and 89% in February. As spring blooms, May offers a refreshing respite before the humidity begins to rise again in June, allowing residents and visitors alike to enjoy the vibrant beauty of the city with relative comfort.

May Average Humidity in Oxford

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Oxford, 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%79%81%71%76%82%91%92%92%
Data source: Humidity data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

May UV Index in Oxford

As spring transitions into summer, May in Oxford sees a notable spike in the UV Index, reaching a level of 7, categorized as high exposure. This signifies that sun protection becomes increasingly essential, with a burn time of just 25 minutes under direct sunlight. Compared to the preceding months, where the UV Index gradually rose from a low of 1 in January to a moderate 4 in March, May presents a clear trend of intensifying sun exposure that sets the stage for the upcoming summer months. With June and July peaking at an even higher 8, it's crucial for residents and visitors alike to stay vigilant about sun safety. For more detailed information on UV levels, check out Oxford UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Oxford for May

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Oxford 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec124678876421
Data source: Oxford 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 Oxford

As spring gracefully gives way to summer, May emerges as a vibrant jewel in Oxford's seasonal crown, basking in 388 hours of sunshine—the highest of the year. This delightful month marks a significant upswing from the preceding months, with sunlight increasing dramatically from just 313 hours in April. Interestingly, as the days stretch longer, June and July continue this radiant trend, featuring abundant sunlight, but the blossoming month of May remains a pinnacle, setting the tone for the sunny days ahead. In contrast, the year starts with a modest 98 hours in January, gradually building momentum as spring approaches, peak sunshine in May heralding the full bloom of summer, making it an ideal time to explore the picturesque landscapes of Oxford.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Oxford: May Highlighted

The May sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Oxford 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec98h146h203h313h388h377h397h359h293h237h144h111h
Data source: Oxford May Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Oxford During May

In Oxford, the month of May presents a notable uptick in sunny weather, boasting a 31% chance of sunshine. This increase follows the promising trends established in April, where the likelihood of sunshine reaches a more favorable 50%. While May's probability is lower than the peak of spring in April, it significantly surpasses the bleak winter months, with January and February languishing at 21% and 24%, respectively. As the year progresses into summer, June and July see fluctuating chances, yet May remains a time of potential warmth and brightness, making it an enticing month for outdoor activities in Oxford.

Percentage of Sunny Days in May in Oxford

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Oxford 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 Oxford experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec21%24%26%50%31%25%36%22%27%24%31%16%
Data source: Oxford May chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Oxford in May

As spring blossoms into May, Oxford, United Kingdom, basks in an inviting 15 hours of daylight, a significant increase from the 11 hours in March and 13 hours in April. This substantial leap highlights the shifting seasons as sunlight peaks in June with 16 hours. Following this bright crescendo, the days gradually shorten through the summer and into autumn, with daylight dwindling to 14 hours in August and continuing down to 8 hours by November. The progression of daylight not only enriches outdoor experiences but also foreshadows the cyclical dance of nature as it transitions from the vibrant light of May into the quieter months ahead.

Average Daylight Hours in Oxford for May

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Oxford throughout the year, with May highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec8h 22m9h 57m11h 55m13h 54m15h 39m16h 34m16h 4m14h 30m12h 35m10h 36m8h 49m7h 52m
Data source: Oxford daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

May Winds in Oxford

In May in Oxford, the average wind speed reaches about 4.2 m/s (9 mph), marking a subtle increase compared to the preceding month's gentler breezes of 3.4 m/s (8 mph). This uptick contributes to a refreshing ambiance, perfectly complementing the splendor of blooming flowers and vibrant greenery. Notably, May's winds are slightly softer than the earlier winter months, with January and October both showcasing faster averages of 4.4 m/s (10 mph) and 4.6 m/s (10 mph), respectively. The arrival of early summer brings a gentle consistency to the winds, which taper off into the summer months of June and July, where speeds decline to 3.3 m/s (7 mph) and 3.2 m/s (7 mph). As the season transitions, Oxforders can revel in the mild yet invigorating winds of May, heralding the full embrace of spring before the heat of summer fully sets in.

Average May Wind Speed in Oxford

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Oxford, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec4.45.14.53.44.2 m/s3.33.23.83.54.64.04.6
Data source: Oxford May wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How May Weather in Oxford Compares to Other Months

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

In May, the weather tends to be considerably milder compared to January, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (32°F) to a maximum of 26°C (78°F) and an average of 12°C (54°F). The month receives about 66 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over 11 days, contributing to a humidity level of 79%. On the other hand, January experiences colder conditions, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of -4°C (26°F) and peaking at 14°C (58°F), averaging just 5°C (41°F). It has lower precipitation levels at 51 mm (2.0 in) over 9 days and a higher humidity of 91%. For more detailed information on January weather, you can visit Oxford weather in January.

May and February present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 0°C (32°F) to a maximum of 26°C (78°F), with an average of 12°C (54°F). The month experiences 66 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over 11 days and carries a humidity level of 79%. In contrast, February is cooler, with temperatures ranging from -6°C (22°F) to 18°C (65°F), averaging 6°C (43°F). It receives slightly less precipitation at 51 mm (2.0 in) across the same number of days, but the humidity is notably higher at 89%. For more insights, you can check Oxford weather in February.

In comparing the weather between May and March, it becomes clear that May generally offers milder and more pleasant conditions. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 0°C (32°F) to a maximum of 26°C (78°F), with an average of 12°C (54°F) and lower precipitation levels of 66 mm (2.6 in) over 11 days, resulting in a humidity of 79%. In contrast, March experiences cooler temperatures, with a range from -6°C (22°F) to a maximum of 21°C (71°F) and an average of 7°C (45°F). Although March has slightly less precipitation at 60 mm (2.4 in) over 13 days, it boasts a higher humidity level of 86%. For more detailed insights, you can check Oxford weather in March. Overall, May tends to be more comfortable and drier than March.

In comparing the weather between April and May, May tends to offer more moderate temperatures with a minimum of 0°C (32°F) and an average of 12°C (54°F), while April sees lower temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -3°C (27°F) to an average of 9°C (49°F). Both months can reach a maximum of 26°C (79°F), but April is generally cooler overall. Additionally, May experiences slightly more precipitation at 66 mm (2.6 in) over 11 days compared to April's 38 mm (1.5 in) over 8 days, making May a wetter month. Humidity also decreases in May to 79%, in contrast to April's higher humidity level of 85%. For more detailed information on April's weather, you can visit Oxford weather in April.

In comparing the weather of May and June, we see a noticeable shift in temperatures and precipitation patterns. May has a cooler temperature range, with minimums dropping to 0°C (32°F) and average highs around 26°C (78°F). In contrast, June offers warmer conditions, featuring minimum temperatures of 6°C (43°F) and peaks reaching up to 31°C (87°F). While both months experience substantial humidity, June remains slightly more humid at 80% compared to May's 79%. Additionally, June has more precipitation, totaling 74 mm (2.9 in) over 12 days, compared to May's 66 mm (2.6 in) over 11 days. For more detailed information, you can check Oxford weather in June.

May and July present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly 0°C (32°F) at night to a pleasant 26°C (78°F) during the day, with an average temperature of 12°C (54°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 66 mm (2.6 inches) over 11 days and a higher humidity level at 79%. In contrast, July sees warmer temperatures with a minimum of 7°C (45°F) and a maximum soaring up to 35°C (96°F), averaging 18°C (65°F). Precipitation slightly decreases to 64 mm (2.5 inches) over 12 days, accompanied by a lower humidity of 71%. For more insights on July’s weather, you can visit Oxford weather in July.

The weather in May is generally cooler and more variable compared to August. May features a temperature range from a chilly 0°C (32°F) to a warm 26°C (78°F), with an average temperature of 12°C (54°F). This month also experiences higher humidity at 79% and significant precipitation over 11 days, totaling 66 mm (2.6 in). In contrast, August boasts a milder minimum temperature of 7°C (46°F) and a maximum of 33°C (92°F), with an average of 17°C (63°F). While August sees slightly more precipitation at 71 mm (2.8 in), it has a lower humidity level of 76% and one additional rainy day. For more details on August weather, check Oxford weather in August.

May and September exhibit distinct differences in weather conditions. May typically starts off cooler, with minimum temperatures dropping to around 0°C (32°F) and averaging 12°C (54°F), while September enjoys a slightly warmer minimum of 3°C (37°F) and an average of 15°C (59°F). The maximum temperatures also reflect this trend, peaking at 26°C (78°F) in May compared to 29°C (84°F) in September. Precipitation is relatively similar, with May receiving 66 mm (2.6 in) over 11 days and September slightly drier at 53 mm (2.1 in) across 9 days. Humidity levels are comparable, with May at 79% and September slightly higher at 82%. For more detailed information, you can check Oxford weather in September.

May and October present distinct transitions in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 0°C (32°F) to a pleasant maximum of 26°C (78°F), with an average of around 12°C (54°F). The month sees approximately 66 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over 11 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 79%. In contrast, October experiences slightly cooler conditions, with temperatures peaking at 23°C (73°F) and an average of 11°C (53°F). The month is wetter, boasting around 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain over 13 days and higher humidity at 90%. For more detailed information, you can check the link: Oxford weather in October.

May and November present contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a chilly 0°C (32°F) at night to a pleasant high of 26°C (78°F) during the day, with an average temperature of 12°C (54°F). Although it experiences 66 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over about 11 days, the humidity is relatively comfortable at 79%. In contrast, November sees cooler temperatures with lows reaching -2°C (28°F) and a maximum of 16°C (62°F), averaging 8°C (46°F). The month has slightly less precipitation at 57 mm (2.2 in), but it lasts for around 12 days and carries a higher humidity level of 92%. For more details on the weather during this month, you can check Oxford weather in November.

In May, temperatures are generally milder, with a minimum of 0°C (32°F) and an average of 12°C (54°F), peaking at a comfortable 26°C (78°F). The month experiences about 66 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation spread across 11 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 79%. In contrast, December brings colder weather, with minimum temperatures dropping to -5°C (24°F) and an average of just 6°C (43°F), reaching a maximum of 14°C (58°F). Precipitation increases to 83 mm (3.3 in) over 15 days, and humidity rises to 92%. For more specific details about December weather, you can check Oxford weather in December.

Compare Oxford's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From May Weather in Oxford

As May arrives in Oxford, the weather begins to transition from the chill of early spring to more inviting warmth, with temperatures peaking at a pleasant 26°C (78°F) while averaging a mild 12°C (54°F). This month sees an increase in humidity, averaging around 79%, and experiences an uptick in rainy days, with 11 days of precipitation contributing to a total of 66 mm (2.6 in). Compared to the cooler and harsher months preceding it, May offers a breath of fresh air, encouraging outdoor activities and blooming landscapes. To learn more about the climatic conditions that characterize this vibrant month, visit Oxford Climate.