May Weather in Rochester, United Kingdom

Last updated: March 17, 2025

In May, Rochester, United Kingdom, showcases a delightful blend of spring warmth and occasional showers. With maximum temperatures reaching 25°C (78°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F), residents can enjoy the outdoors, albeit with the possibility of cooler nights as temperatures dip to a minimum of 2°C (35°F). This month, the region experiences about 64 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over 11 days, contributing to a humidity level of 82% that keeps the air fresh and vibrant. Embrace the beauty of May in Rochester, where blossoms thrive amidst the gentle rains.

May Temperature in Rochester

May in Rochester, United Kingdom heralds a delightful transition into spring, with temperatures notably on the rise. The month begins with a minimum of 2°C (35°F), setting a gentle tone that gradually warms up to a pleasant average of 13°C (55°F) and peaks at a delightful 25°C (78°F). This represents a significant leap from the cooler, early months of the year, where temperatures typically hovered below freezing at night and managed only modest daytime highs. As the days grow longer and sunnier, May marks the start of more vibrant outdoor activities, making it a perfect time for locals and visitors to enjoy the blooming scenery. The trend towards warmer weather is increasingly apparent, paving the way for the even higher temperatures that June brings.

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

The chart illustrates May temperature patterns in Rochester, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec414346495562656460544744
Data source: Temperature data for Rochester 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 Rochester

In May, Rochester experiences a notable increase in precipitation, with 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain falling over 11 days. This uptick follows a trend of gradually diminishing rainfall from the wetter winter months. April's drier spell, with just 30 mm (1.2 in), introduces a transitional phase, but May clearly signals the return of spring showers. The increase not only highlights May as one of the wetter months but also sets the stage for the upcoming summer, where June continues the trend with even more rainfall at 70 mm (2.8 in), emphasizing that Rochester's lush landscapes thrive on this seasonal moisture. As the season progresses, the frequency of rainy days remains consistent, foreshadowing a vibrant, green summer ahead.

May Precipitation Trends in Rochester

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Rochester, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec515250306470597246784785
Data source: Precipitation data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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May Humidity in Rochester

In Rochester, United Kingdom, the month of May sees a noticeable dip in humidity, averaging 82%, which is a welcome relief compared to the wetter months of winter and early spring. As the weather warms, humidity levels gradually decrease from the 91% in January to the 85% recorded in April, before continuing to drop through June and July. This trend reflects a shift towards more pleasant and comfortable conditions, paving the way for the drier summer months ahead. However, it's interesting to note that after May, humidity levels start to increase again in the fall, highlighting Rochester's characteristic seasonal fluctuations. Overall, May acts as a bridge between the high humidity of spring and the drier climates that characterize the summer months.

May Average Humidity in Rochester

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Rochester, 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 Rochester

As spring evolves into summer, May in Rochester, United Kingdom, sees a noticeable shift in UV exposure, with the UV Index peaking at 7, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. With a reduced burn time of just 25 minutes, it’s essential for residents and visitors alike to step into the sunshine with care. This trend sets the stage for June and July, where the UV Index reaches very high levels of 8, emphasizing the importance of sun safety in the warmer months. Understanding these fluctuations is key to enjoying the outdoors responsibly; for more detailed insights, check the comprehensive resources available at Rochester UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Rochester for May

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

As spring unfolds, May in Rochester, United Kingdom, shines brightly with an impressive 410 hours of sunshine, marking a noticeable upward trend from the cold, grey days of earlier months. Starting the year with a mere 96 hours in January, the city gradually soaks up more sun, reaching 331 hours by April. This clear progression leads into May, which not only surpasses April but also sets a vibrant tone for the summer months. Following May, June and July remain consistently sunlit, with just a slight dip as autumn approaches in August. This pattern underscores the importance of May as a transition into the sun-kissed days of summer, providing a refreshing respite from the gloom of winter.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Rochester: May Highlighted

The May sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Rochester 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec96h150h222h331h410h406h414h385h312h247h153h110h
Data source: Rochester May Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Rochester During May

In May, Rochester, United Kingdom, experiences a 35% chance of sunny weather, a dip from the 48% seen in April, which marks a notable shift as spring transitions into summer. While this percentage signifies a promising opportunity for bright days, it remains lower than the sunshine likelihood in several other months, particularly June and July, where the chances increase to 40%. Interestingly, the sunny conditions tend to fluctuate across the year, with winter months like January and December exhibiting the lowest probabilities at 20% and 17%, respectively. Overall, while May may not boast the highest likelihood for sunny skies, it still offers a fair moment for residents and visitors to savor the gentle warmth before summer fully arrives.

Percentage of Sunny Days in May in Rochester

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Rochester 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 Rochester experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec20%24%31%48%35%28%40%29%31%26%31%17%
Data source: Rochester May chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Rochester in May

As spring transitions into summer, May marks a significant increase in daylight duration in Rochester, United Kingdom, boasting 15 hours of sunlight. This stretch of brightness is a delightful leap from the 13 hours experienced in April, underscoring a trend of rapidly lengthening days as the seasons change. Following a steady climb from just 8 hours in January, the daylight continues to increase, peaking in June with 16 hours. This gradual yet pronounced shift not only enhances outdoor activities but also elevates the overall mood, making May a truly vibrant month for residents and visitors alike. As the days grow longer, the anticipation of summer's full bloom beckons, promising even more sunlight in the months to come.

Average Daylight Hours in Rochester for May

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Rochester throughout the year, with May highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec8h 25m9h 59m11h 55m13h 53m15h 37m16h 30m16h 2m14h 29m12h 34m10h 37m8h 51m7h 55m
Data source: Rochester daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

May Winds in Rochester

In Rochester, United Kingdom, May brings a refreshing breeze, with an average wind speed of 4.4 m/s (10 mph), slightly trailing the higher speeds seen in February and March. This month showcases a gentle uptick compared to the preceding April's windiness, which settled at 3.8 m/s (9 mph). As the seasons transition, the winds start to soften heading into summer, with June experiencing the lowest averages at 3.2 m/s (7 mph). Interestingly, May maintains a steady wind pattern similar to October, suggesting that while the weather grows warmer, the breezes remain consistent before giving way to the calmer days of summer. Overall, May strikes a perfect balance between a lively spring wind and the tranquil, mellow days ahead.

Average May Wind Speed in Rochester

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Rochester, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec4.55.04.63.84.4 m/s3.23.64.13.54.64.04.6
Data source: Rochester May wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How May Weather in Rochester Compares to Other Months

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

May and January present stark contrasts in weather. In May, temperatures range from a cool 2°C (35°F) at night to a pleasant 25°C (78°F) during the day, with an average of 13°C (55°F). This month experiences 64 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over approximately 11 days, and the humidity sits at a relatively comfortable 82%. In contrast, January offers a chillier climate, with temperatures dipping as low as -4°C (25°F) and only reaching up to 14°C (58°F) at the peak of the day, averaging around 5°C (41°F). Precipitation is slightly less, totaling 51 mm (2.0 in) over 10 days, but the humidity is notably higher at 91%. For more detailed information, check out Rochester weather in January.

May generally offers more pleasant weather compared to February, with higher average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 2°C (35°F) to a maximum of 25°C (78°F), compared to February's range of -5°C (22°F) to 17°C (62°F). While May experiences a bit more precipitation at 64 mm (2.5 in), both months have similar rainy days, each with 11 days of rain. Humidity levels are somewhat lower in May at 82%, compared to February's higher humidity of 89%. For a closer look at February's conditions, you can visit Rochester weather in February.

In comparing the weather between May and March, we see a noticeable shift in temperatures and conditions. March experiences cooler temperatures with a minimum of -5°C (23°F) and an average of 8°C (46°F), while May warms up significantly with a minimum of 2°C (35°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F). Additionally, the maximum temperature in May reaches 25°C (78°F), quite a contrast to March’s peak of 20°C (69°F). Precipitation is slightly higher in May at 64 mm (2.5 in) over 11 days, compared to March's 50 mm (2.0 in) over 13 days. The humidity is also slightly lower in May at 82% versus March's 86%. For more detailed information, you may refer to Rochester weather in March.

In comparing the weather of April and May, it's clear that May tends to be warmer and wetter. April features a minimum temperature of -1°C (31°F) and an average of 10°C (49°F), while May sees a minimum of 2°C (35°F) and a more comfortable average of 13°C (55°F). The maximum temperatures in both months are similar, with May reaching 25°C (78°F) compared to April's 24°C (76°F). Precipitation is also higher in May, totaling 64 mm (2.5 in) over 11 days, compared to April’s 30 mm (1.2 in) over 8 days. Interestingly, humidity remains relatively high in both months, though slightly lower in May at 82% compared to April's 85%. For more detailed information about April weather, visit Rochester weather in April.

In May, temperatures range from a cool minimum of 2°C (35°F) to a pleasant maximum of 25°C (78°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). Precipitation is recorded at 64 mm (2.5 in) over approximately 11 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 82%. In contrast, June sees a noticeable rise in temperatures, with a minimum of 7°C (46°F) and a maximum of 30°C (87°F), averaging 17°C (62°F). Although June has slightly more precipitation at 70 mm (2.8 in) over 9 days, the humidity remains fairly consistent at 81%. For more details on June's weather, you can visit Rochester weather in June.

May and July exhibit distinct differences in weather patterns. May experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 2°C (35°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F), while July boasts warmer conditions, ranging from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 35°C (95°F), with an average of 18°C (66°F). Although both months have similar precipitation levels—64 mm (2.5 in) in May and 59 mm (2.3 in) in July—May tends to be slightly wetter, with 11 days of rain compared to July's 11 days. Humidity levels are also notably higher in May at 82%, compared to July's 76%. For more detailed insights on July's weather, visit Rochester weather in July.

May and August offer distinct weather experiences, reflecting the transition from spring to summer. In May, temperatures range from a chilly 2°C (35°F) to a pleasant 25°C (78°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). The month sees about 64 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over 11 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 82%. In contrast, August warms up significantly, featuring temperatures that range from a milder 9°C (49°F) at night to a scorching 34°C (93°F) during the day, with an average of 18°C (65°F). There’s slightly more precipitation in August at 72 mm (2.8 in) across the same number of rainy days, but humidity drops to 73%. For a closer look at the August weather specifically, visit Rochester weather in August.

In May, temperatures begin with a minimum of 2°C (35°F) and rise to an average of 13°C (55°F), reaching a maximum of 25°C (78°F). The month experiences about 64 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over 11 days, and humidity levels hover around 82%. In contrast, September sees slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 4°C (40°F) and an average of 15°C (60°F), peaking at 27°C (81°F). Precipitation during September is lower at 46 mm (1.8 in) over 10 days, and the humidity remains comparable at 80%. For more detailed insights about the weather in September, you can refer to Rochester weather in September.

May and October present a striking contrast in weather despite their similar minimum temperatures, both at 2°C (35°F). May typically enjoys a milder average of 13°C (55°F) with maximum temperatures reaching up to 25°C (78°F), while October sees a slight dip in average temperature to 12°C (54°F) and a maximum of 23°C (74°F). Precipitation is also more prevalent in October, with 78 mm (3.1 in) falling over 13 days compared to May's 64 mm (2.5 in) over 11 days. Additionally, humidity levels are higher in October at 89%, compared to May’s 82%. For more details on the weather specifics, you can check Rochester weather in October.

May and November present markedly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 2°C (35°F) to a maximum of 25°C (78°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). The month sees a fair amount of rainfall with about 64 mm (2.5 in) spread over 11 days, complemented by a relative humidity of 82%. In contrast, November's temperatures are cooler, ranging from -1°C (31°F) to 17°C (63°F), averaging around 8°C (47°F). Rainfall is slightly less, totaling 46 mm (1.8 in) over 10 days, while humidity increases to 92%. For more detailed information about November weather, you can visit Rochester weather in November.

May and December present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 2°C (35°F) to a pleasant average of 13°C (55°F), peaking at 25°C (78°F). The month sees around 64mm (2.5 inches) of precipitation over approximately 11 days, with humidity levels at 82%. In contrast, December experiences colder conditions, with temperatures dropping to a minimum of -2°C (29°F) and averaging around 7°C (44°F), with highs of 14°C (58°F). This month is generally wetter, receiving 85mm (3.3 inches) of rain over 13 days and a higher humidity level of 92%. For more detailed weather insights, you can check Rochester weather in December.

Compare Rochester's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From May Weather in Rochester

As May unfolds in Rochester, the weather begins to shift from the cool embrace of spring towards warmer days, offering a refreshing break from the chill of earlier months. With average temperatures reaching a comfortable 13°C (55°F), this month stands out for its balmy afternoons, peaking at a delightful 25°C (78°F). However, the charm of May is occasionally interrupted by rainfall, with 11 days of precipitation contributing to a relative humidity of 82%, ideal for the lush greenery of the season. This transitional month provides both warmth and a hint of spring showers, making it a unique time in Rochester's climate journey. For more detailed insights about weather patterns in the area, visit Rochester Climate.