Last updated: March 17, 2025
Experience the charm of May in Southampton, United Kingdom, where the weather dances between seasonal contrasts. With maximum temperatures reaching 25°C (77°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F), the month delivers delightful warmth, while cooler nights can drop to a brisk 1°C (33°F). However, be prepared for some light showers, as 70 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation falls over approximately 10 days. The air carries a refreshing 79% humidity, immersing the city in a vibrant, lively atmosphere. Whether you're wandering the historic waterfront or exploring lush parks, May in Southampton is a blend of warmth and refreshing rain, perfect for enjoying the great outdoors.
In May, Southampton, United Kingdom, begins to embrace the warmth of spring, showcasing a noticeable shift in temperatures as the month progresses. With a minimum of 1°C (33°F) and a maximum reaching 25°C (77°F), average temperatures settle around 13°C (55°F), marking a significant rise compared to the chillier months preceding it. This upward trend from April’s still-cool weather hints at the onset of summer, enticing residents and visitors alike to enjoy the outdoors. The pleasant days of May act as a prelude to the balmy warmth of June, making it an ideal time for embracing outdoor activities in this vibrant coastal city.
In May, Southampton experiences a notable uptick in precipitation, recording 70 mm (2.8 in) over approximately 10 days. This marks an increase from the drier spell of April, which saw only 39 mm (1.5 in) across 7 days. May's rainfall is fairly consistent with early spring trends, suggesting a transition into a wetter period, with precipitation levels expected to rise in the coming months. While not the wettest of the year, May's rainfall is crucial for maintaining the lush greenery characteristic of this time, effectively setting the stage for the more substantial showers of June and beyond.
As spring transitions into summer, May in Southampton experiences a noticeable dip in humidity, which hovers around 79%—a decrease from the higher levels seen in the preceding months. This reduction in moisture provides a brief respite from the dampness characteristic of earlier winter and spring months, making May an enjoyable time for outdoor activities. Interestingly, this trend of declining humidity continues into June before rising again in the late summer, when levels fluctuate around 71% to 80%. Overall, May’s milder humidity underscores a shift towards warmer and more pleasant weather, inviting residents and visitors alike to embrace the blooming season.
As May unfolds in Southampton, the UV Index rises significantly, reaching 7 and placing it in the high exposure category. This upward trend, consistent with the progression from earlier months, prompts a 25-minute burn time—a sharp contrast to the lower indices of winter. As spring transitions into summer, sun safety becomes increasingly important, marking May as a time to start implementing protective measures against UV radiation. With the index poised to climb even further in June, those looking to enjoy the outdoors should be mindful of their skin and plan accordingly. Stay informed on the evolving UV conditions by checking the latest updates at Southampton UV Index.
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May in Southampton is a delightful transition into summer, boasting 384 hours of sunshine that stand out as the highest for the year. This radiant month follows a gradual increase from the 316 hours enjoyed in April, highlighting a clear upward trend as the days grow longer and warmer. The sunshine continues to remain plentiful in June, but it's May that truly shines as the turning point, setting the stage for the sunniest months of July and August. As the season progresses, Southampton's bright May days usher in a vibrant atmosphere, perfectly capturing the essence of spring's farewell and summer's warm embrace.
In Southampton, the likelihood of sunny weather in May shows a notable shift compared to the earlier months of the year. After April's impressive 55% chance of sunshine, May sees a decline to 36%, hinting at a transitional period as spring gives way to early summer. While this may seem like a setback, it's essential to remember that May holds more potential for bright days than the winter months, which struggle with percentages as low as 22% in January. As we move into summer, June's 29% chance suggests that the sunshine can be rather unpredictable, underscoring May as a key time to enjoy the pleasant weather before the peak summer months.
As spring blossoms into summer, May stands out in Southampton, United Kingdom, with an impressive 15 hours of daylight. This represents a notable increase from the 13 hours seen in April, showcasing the rapid transition into longer, sunnier days. The trend continues as daylight peaks in June with 16 hours, but May distinctly embodies the vibrant energy of late spring. Following this surge, daylight gradually diminishes through the summer months, wrapping up the bright days by autumn. With an average of 10 hours in October and returning to shorter days in the winter, May serves as a beautiful reminder of the fleeting warmth and luminosity before the cycle resets.
As May ushers in warmer days in Southampton, the winds remain steady, with an average speed of 4.5 m/s (10 mph), mirroring the breeziness of March's conditions. This month exhibits a slight uptick from April's gentler 3.4 m/s (8 mph), heralding a transition from the calmer springtime breezes to more invigorating winds. Notably, May stands out as a bridge between the higher wind speeds of winter and the more tranquil summer months, as June sees a further dip to 3.2 m/s (7 mph). Overall, May's winds are a refreshing accompaniment to the blossoming season, embodying the vibrant energy of spring.
The weather in Southampton 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 Southampton and find detailed weather information for every month.
When comparing the weather in May and January, a marked contrast becomes evident. May boasts milder temperatures, with a minimum of 1°C (33°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F), reaching a pleasant maximum of 25°C (77°F). In contrast, January features colder conditions, starting at a minimum of -3°C (27°F) and averaging just 5°C (42°F), with a maximum of 14°C (57°F). Precipitation levels are slightly higher in May at 70 mm (2.8 in) over 10 days, compared to January's 52 mm (2.1 in) across the same number of days. Additionally, May's humidity at 79% feels more comfortable than January's higher humidity level of 91%. For more detailed insights, you can check Southampton weather in January.
In comparing the weather between May and February, it’s clear that May tends to be significantly warmer and more pleasant. With average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C to a maximum of 25°C, May offers a more comfortable climate, while February sees colder conditions, with temperatures dipping as low as -6°C and reaching a maximum of 16°C. Precipitation levels are somewhat similar, with May experiencing 70 mm over about 10 days, compared to February's 60 mm over 11 days. Additionally, humidity is higher in February at 89%, compared to May’s 79%, contributing to the chill in the air during the earlier month. For a more detailed look into February's conditions, you can visit Southampton weather in February.
Comparing the weather in May and March reveals distinct seasonal differences. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 1°C (33°F) to a maximum of 25°C (77°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). The month experiences about 70 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation over roughly 10 days, accompanied by a comfortable humidity level of 79%. In contrast, March starts off significantly cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -6°C (22°F) to a maximum of 20°C (68°F) and an average of 8°C (46°F). It sees similar precipitation levels at 67 mm (2.6 in) but spans over 13 days, and has slightly higher humidity at 86%. For more specific insights, you can refer to Southampton weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, it is evident that May offers a milder climate with an average temperature of 13°C (55°F), significantly warmer than April's average of 10°C (49°F). While both months experience a similar maximum temperature, with May reaching 25°C (77°F) and April peaking at 24°C (76°F), May has higher minimum temperatures starting at 1°C (33°F) compared to April's colder -3°C (27°F). Precipitation levels are higher in May, with 70 mm (2.8 in) over 10 days, in contrast to April's 39 mm (1.5 in) over 7 days. Humidity is slightly lower in May at 79%, compared to April's 85%. For a more detailed look at April's weather, you can visit Southampton weather in April.
May and June present a noticeable transition in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 1°C (33°F) to a pleasant maximum of 25°C (77°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). The month experiences around 70 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation over about 10 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 79%. In contrast, June offers warmer conditions with minimum temperatures at 6°C (43°F) and maximums reaching 30°C (87°F), averaging 16°C (61°F). Although June has a slightly higher total precipitation of 83 mm (3.3 in) over the same number of rainy days, humidity remains comparable at 80%. For more details, check out Southampton weather in June.
May and July exhibit notable differences in weather conditions. May experiences a wider temperature range with a minimum of 1°C (33°F) and a maximum of 25°C (77°F), averaging around 13°C (55°F). In contrast, July brings warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 7°C (46°F) and a maximum of 31°C (88°F), yielding an average of 18°C (65°F). Precipitation is slightly higher in May, totaling 70 mm (2.8 in) over about 10 days, compared to July's 58 mm (2.3 in) across 11 days. Humidity is also higher in May at 79%, while July sees a decrease to 71%. For more detailed insights into July weather, you can visit Southampton weather in July.
May and August exhibit distinct weather patterns, reflecting the transition from spring to summer. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 1°C (33°F) to a comfortable maximum of 25°C (77°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). It is characterized by higher humidity at 79% and about 70 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation over 10 days. In contrast, August sees warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 7°C (45°F) and a maximum of 31°C (89°F), averaging 17°C (63°F). Despite a similar amount of total precipitation at 71 mm (2.8 in), it occurs over more days—12 in total—resulting in slightly lower humidity at 76%. For a detailed look at August weather, you can visit Southampton weather in August.
May and September exhibit notable differences in weather. May typically has a minimum temperature of 1°C (33°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F), reaching a maximum of 25°C (77°F), while September starts with a slightly higher minimum of 3°C (37°F) and a range averaging 15°C (59°F), peaking at 28°C (82°F). Precipitation levels also vary, with May experiencing about 70 mm (2.8 in) over 10 days, compared to September's 47 mm (1.9 in) over 9 days. Humidity remains relatively high in both months, with September at 82% slightly higher than May's 79%. For more insights on September weather specifically, you can refer to Southampton weather in September.
In comparing the weather of May and October, we see notable differences in temperature and precipitation. May boasts a wider temperature range, with minimums around 1°C (33°F) and maximums reaching up to 25°C (77°F), resulting in a pleasant average of 13°C (55°F). In contrast, October's temperatures are slightly lower, starting from a minimum of 0°C (32°F) and peaking at 21°C (71°F), with an average of 12°C (54°F).
Precipitation also differs, as May experiences about 70 mm (2.8 in) over 10 days, while October sees an increase to 103 mm (4.1 in) spread across 13 days. Additionally, humidity levels rise in October to 90%, compared to May's 79%. For more detailed insights into October weather, you can visit Southampton weather in October.
May and November present contrasting weather experiences. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 1°C (33°F) to a pleasant maximum of 25°C (77°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). The month sees about 70 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days, accompanied by a moderate humidity level of 79%. In contrast, November is cooler, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of -2°C (28°F) and an average of 8°C (47°F), peaking at 16°C (61°F). This month has slightly less precipitation, at 65 mm (2.6 in) over around 11 days, but the humidity is higher, reaching 92%. For more information, you can check out Southampton weather in November.
May and December present distinctly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a cool 1°C (33°F) at night to a pleasant 25°C (77°F) during the day, with an average of 13°C (55°F). During this month, precipitation totals about 70 mm (2.8 in) over around 10 days, and the humidity sits at 79%, making for generally mild and blossoming conditions. In contrast, December experiences colder temperatures, with lows plunging to -3°C (27°F) and daytime highs reaching only up to 14°C (58°F), averaging around 7°C (45°F). This month also sees more precipitation, totaling 93 mm (3.7 in) across about 13 days, coupled with a higher humidity level of 92%. For a more detailed look at December weather, visit Southampton weather in December.
May in Southampton marks a delightful departure from the chill of winter, gradually warming up as spring takes hold. With pleasant averages and frequent sunny spells, this month can see temperatures reaching a comfortable 25°C (77°F), allowing for more outdoor activities. However, the 79% humidity and a chance of rain on about 10 days remind us that the unpredictable British weather is never far away. This fine balance between warmth and occasional showers sets May apart from the colder, wetter months preceding it, making it an ideal time for exploring the beauty of the region. For more insightful details on the city's weather patterns, check out Southampton Climate.