Last updated: March 17, 2025
In Penzance, United Kingdom, May brings a refreshing transition into spring, characterized by an average temperature of 12°C (54°F), while daily highs can reach a pleasant 17°C (64°F). The month experiences minima dipping to 7°C (45°F), providing a crisp morning feel. However, 64 mm (2.5 in) of rainfall over approximately 11 days highlights the region's characteristic humidity, which averages around 85%. As the days unfold, expect a mix of mild warmth and occasional showers, perfect for those who appreciate the quintessential British spring experience.
In May, Penzance begins to embrace the essence of spring with temperatures that reflect a gentle warming trend. The average temperature settles around 12°C (54°F), signaling a shift from the cooler months. With minimums of 7°C (45°F) and maximums reaching 17°C (64°F), residents and visitors alike can enjoy increasingly comfortable days. This month marks a notable rise from April's averages, showcasing a delightful progression into warmer weather, while the characteristic seaside charm of Penzance remains ever inviting. As May unfolds, it's the perfect time to soak in the coastal beauty, with mild temperatures encouraging outdoor adventures and exploration.
May in Penzance sees a moderate precipitation total of 64 mm (2.5 in), striking a balance between the wetter months preceding it and the drier summer ahead. With 11 rainy days, the month marks a slight uptick from April's 8 days, signaling the transition into late spring. This consistent rainfall contributes to the region’s lush surroundings, though it remains significantly less than the heavy downpours of winter and autumn. Overall, May offers a refreshing balance of sunny spells and showers, laying the groundwork for the warmer months without the relentless rainfall often associated with earlier in the year.
As spring transitions into summer, Penzance experiences a notable rise in humidity, reaching 85% in May. This slight increase marks a trend of gradual elevation from earlier months, where humidity hovered between 81% and 83% from January through April. Following May, the humidity remains steady at 85% for the subsequent months, creating an atmosphere that enhances the town's lush landscapes and vibrant coastal scenery. Overall, the consistent moisture levels contribute to Penzance's charming, verdant surroundings during this time of year, offering residents and visitors alike a refreshing respite as the warm weather sets in.
In May, Penzance experiences a significant uptick in UV exposure with an UV Index of 7, categorized as high. This marks a noticeable increase from April's index of 6, highlighting the arrival of sunnier days. With a recommended burn time of just 25 minutes, it’s essential to embrace sun protection measures, as prolonged exposure can lead to skin damage. As the season progresses into June, the levels soar even higher, reaching a very high UV Index of 9. Observing these trends is crucial for planning outdoor activities safely. For more information, you can visit the detailed UV Index for the area at Penzance UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In Penzance, May marks a delightful peak in sunshine, with the town basking in 407 hours of sunlight. This month showcases a remarkable increase from the 353 hours recorded in April, and sets the stage for the sunniest summer months ahead. Following May, June and July continue to deliver impressive daylight, with 404 and 426 hours, respectively, creating a vibrant atmosphere perfect for outdoor activities. As the year progresses, sunshine begins to taper off, with a noticeable decline starting in August, which enjoys 387 hours, and further dropping in the later months. This clear seasonal trend highlights May not just as a turning point but as a vibrant threshold to the warmth and brightness of summer in this charming coastal town.
As May approaches in Penzance, the likelihood of sunny weather begins to shift, offering a refreshing change from the earlier months. With a 40% chance of sunshine, May ranks as a promising month for outdoor activities compared to January's mere 26% and February's 24%. After witnessing an encouraging upswing in April at 51%, May's weather remains favorable, even as it slightly dips. Notably, the sunshine probability reflects a broader trend of increasing brightness leading into summer, with June and July following closely with 31% and 41%, respectively. This pattern suggests that while May may not boast the highest chances of sunshine, it still provides a delightful opportunity for those seeking to bask in the beauty of Penzance before the peak summer season.
As May rolls around in Penzance, daylight begins to extend noticeably, embracing the region with 15 hours of sunlight. This month marks a significant leap from the 13 hours observed in April, reflecting the gradual transition towards summer. The pattern is clear: as the year progresses from January's shorter 8 hours of daylight, the sun's presence steadily increases, peaking in June at a generous 16 hours. Following this zenith, the daylight hours begin their gentle decline, leading into the cozy embrace of autumn. This rhythmic dance of light not only enhances the natural landscapes but also invites locals and visitors alike to enjoy longer, brighter days filled with outdoor activities and joyful gatherings.
In May, Penzance experiences a mild average wind speed of 7.3 m/s (16 mph), reflecting a slight uptick from the calmer conditions of April. This spring month sustains a breezy atmosphere, typical of the transitioning season, while still feeling less blustery compared to the winter months. Interestingly, January and February showcase the highest wind speeds of the year, with averages of 7.7 m/s (17 mph) and 9.0 m/s (20 mph) respectively, before a gradual decline sets in through the late spring into summer. As the year progresses to June and beyond, the winds soften further, dipping to their lowest in the summer months. Overall, May serves as a transitional point, blending the lingering gusts of spring with a promising calmness, foreshadowing the gentle breezes of summer.
The weather in Penzance 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 Penzance and find detailed weather information for every month.
In May, temperatures are generally milder, with a minimum of 7°C (45°F) and an average high of 17°C (64°F), compared to January's cooler range with a minimum of 4°C (39°F) and a maximum of 15°C (58°F). While May experiences lower precipitation at 64 mm (2.5 in) over 11 days, January sees higher rainfall of 81 mm (3.2 in) spread across 14 days. Despite the slightly cooler temperatures in January, the humidity remains relatively high, with May at 85% and January at 81%. For a more detailed look at January weather, visit Penzance weather in January.
In comparison, May generally offers milder temperatures than February, with average highs reaching 17°C (64°F) compared to February's maximum of 13°C (55°F). Both months feature a notable amount of precipitation, but February sees more rain, totaling 96 mm (3.8 in) over 16 days, while May has 64 mm (2.5 in) spread across 11 days. Humidity levels are fairly similar, with May sitting at 85% and February slightly lower at 83%. For a more detailed look at February’s weather, you can visit Penzance weather in February.
In comparing the weather between March and May, we see a noticeable shift in conditions. May boasts a milder temperature range, with a minimum of 7°C (45°F) and a maximum of 17°C (64°F), compared to March's broader range, where the minimum dips to -1°C (30°F). While May experiences a total precipitation of 64 mm (2.5 in) over 11 days, March receives slightly more rainfall at 88 mm (3.5 in) across 16 days, indicating a wetter month despite its cooler temperatures. Humidity remains relatively high in both months, with May at 85% and March at 82%. For more detailed information, you can check out Penzance weather in March.
In comparing the weather between May and April, we observe a slight increase in temperatures, with May averaging 12°C (54°F) compared to April's average of 10°C (50°F). The minimum temperature also rises from April's 4°C (40°F) to 7°C (45°F) in May, while the maximum temperatures remain relatively similar. Precipitation is notably higher in May, with 64 mm (2.5 in) over 11 days, while April experiences less rain at 44 mm (1.7 in) over 8 days. Humidity levels are slightly higher in May at 85% compared to April's 83%. This data highlights the gradual transition into a wetter but warmer late spring. For more details, you can check Penzance weather in April.
In comparing the weather between May and June, May tends to be cooler, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 17°C (64°F), while June sees a rise in temperatures, with minimums of 10°C (51°F) and maximums reaching 21°C (70°F). Both months experience high humidity levels of 85%, but June has slightly increased precipitation with 74 mm (2.9 in) over 12 days compared to May's 64 mm (2.5 in) over 11 days. For a closer look at June’s conditions, you can explore more details here: Penzance weather in June.
The weather in May is generally cooler compared to July, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 17°C (64°F) and an average of 12°C (54°F). In contrast, July sees a warmer climate, with minimum temperatures of 13°C (55°F), an average of 17°C (62°F), and maximums reaching 22°C (72°F). Both months experience high humidity levels of around 85%, but May is slightly wetter, receiving 64 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over 11 days, while July has a touch more rain at 68 mm (2.7 in) over 10 days. For more details, you can check Penzance weather in July.
May and August exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In May, the temperatures range from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 17°C (64°F), with an average of 12°C (54°F). The month sees about 64 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over 11 days, contributing to a high humidity of 85%. In contrast, August experiences warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 13°C (56°F) to a maximum of 20°C (69°F) and an average of 17°C (62°F). Precipitation slightly decreases to 59 mm (2.3 in) spread over 12 days, while humidity remains consistent at 85%. For more details about August weather, you can visit Penzance weather in August.
May and September present a notable contrast in weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 17°C (64°F), with an average of 12°C (54°F). The month experiences around 64 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over approximately 11 days, paired with high humidity levels around 85%. Conversely, September sees milder temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (52°F) and a maximum reaching 22°C (71°F), averaging 16°C (60°F). Although September has slightly more precipitation at 69 mm (2.7 in) over 12 days, the humidity remains relatively stable at 84%. For more details about the specific weather patterns in September, you can refer to Penzance weather in September.
In May, the weather tends to be milder with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 17°C (64°F), and an average temperature of 12°C (54°F). The month experiences an average of 64 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over about 11 days, with high humidity levels at 85%. Conversely, October sees slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (42°F) and a maximum of 19°C (67°F), averaging around 13°C (56°F). However, it is generally wetter, with 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain spread across 16 days and humidity sitting at 84%. For a more detailed look at October weather specifics, check out Penzance weather in October.
May typically sees slightly warmer temperatures than November, with average highs reaching 17°C (64°F) compared to November's 16°C (60°F). However, November experiences more precipitation, with 115 mm (4.5 in) over 19 days, compared to May's 64 mm (2.5 in) over 11 days. Humidity levels are also comparable, with May being slightly more humid at 85% versus November's 82%. For a more detailed look at November weather, you can visit Penzance weather in November.
May and December present distinct weather patterns, highlighting the transition from spring to winter. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 17°C (64°F), with an average of 12°C (54°F), and relatively light precipitation of 64 mm (2.5 inches) over about 11 days. The humidity is relatively high at 85%, but the overall conditions are milder and more conducive to outdoor activities. In contrast, December sees slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (42°F) and a maximum of 14°C (57°F), averaging around 10°C (51°F). Additionally, it experiences significantly more rain, accumulating 138 mm (5.4 inches) spread across 21 days, and while the humidity drops slightly to 81%, the increased precipitation can make the month feel damp and chilly. For more detailed insights on December weather, check out Penzance weather in December.
As May unfolds in Penzance, the weather transitions to a more temperate climate, offering a refreshing change from the chill of earlier months. With warmer average temperatures hovering around 12°C (54°F), this month invites locals and visitors alike to enjoy the great outdoors. However, the lingering humidity at 85%, coupled with 64 mm of rainfall over 11 days, reminds us of the region's maritime influence, making it wise to pack an umbrella for those occasional showers. Overall, May is a vibrant month that strikes a balance between sunny days and gentle rains, setting the stage for the summer ahead. For an in-depth look at Penzance's climate throughout the year, visit Penzance Climate.