May Weather in Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom

Last updated: March 17, 2025

In May, Southend-on-Sea experiences a vibrant transition into summer, with temperatures peaking at a pleasant 23°C (73°F) and an average warmth of 13°C (55°F). While sunny days beckon, the month also brings 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain across 11 days, contributing to the lush scenery and thriving local flora. The humidity remains notably high at 82%, adding a touch of warmth to the seaside atmosphere. Perfect for both outdoor adventures and cozy indoor retreats, May in Southend-on-Sea promises a delightful blend of weather that captures the charm of the coastal town.

May Temperature in Southend-on-Sea

In May, Southend-on-Sea starts to embrace the warmth of spring, with temperatures reflecting a noticeable shift towards more pleasant conditions. The minimum temperature rises to a comfortable 4°C (39°F), while the average temperature reaches a delightful 13°C (55°F), paving the way for enjoyable outdoor activities. By midday, the city's temperatures can peak at a pleasant 23°C (73°F), making it one of the warmest months of the year so far. This trend of increasing warmth, following the gradual climb from the chill of January's min of -1°C (30°F), suggests that residents and visitors can revel in the blooming landscapes and vibrant atmosphere that May brings to this coastal haven.

May Weather in Southend-on-Sea: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates May temperature patterns in Southend-on-Sea, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec424345495562656561554844
Data source: Temperature data for Southend-on-Sea 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 Southend-on-Sea

In May, Southend-on-Sea experiences a notable uptick in precipitation compared to the preceding month, receiving 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain spread over 11 days. This marks a continuation of the springtime trend, where rainfall begins to build again after the relatively dry spell of April, which only saw 29 mm (1.1 in) across just 7 days. The skies open up a bit more in June, with precipitation climbing slightly to 70 mm (2.8 in), suggesting that the region transitions into a wetter summertime pattern. Overall, while May may not be the rainiest month, it acts as a pivotal bridge, setting the stage for the more robust rainfall typical of the upcoming months.

May Precipitation Trends in Southend-on-Sea

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Southend-on-Sea, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec68735829657167815710059107
Data source: Precipitation data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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May Humidity in Southend-on-Sea

As spring gives way to summer, May in Southend-on-Sea sees a drop in humidity, averaging around 82%. This marks a subtle yet noticeable decline from the 85% humidity recorded in April, indicating a shift towards drier conditions as the warmth of June approaches. The trend is consistent with the overall seasonal pattern, where humidity gradually decreases from early to late spring, culminating in the summer months when it reaches its annual low in July at 76%. This transition not only hints at a more comfortable feel in the air but also foreshadows the sun-kissed days that await residents and visitors alike.

May Average Humidity in Southend-on-Sea

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Southend-on-Sea, 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 Southend-on-Sea

As spring unfolds into May, Southend-on-Sea experiences a notable rise in UV exposure, with the UV Index peaking at 7, categorizing it as high. This increase from the moderate levels of previous months signifies a shift towards more intense sunlight, reducing the safe burn time to just 25 minutes. As summer approaches with even higher UV readings ahead, it becomes essential for residents and visitors to take precautions to protect their skin. Remember, while enjoying the warmer weather, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safe sun exposure. For more details on UV levels throughout the year, visit Southend-on-Sea UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Southend-on-Sea for May

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Southend-on-Sea 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: Southend-on-Sea 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 Southend-on-Sea

In May, Southend-on-Sea shines with an impressive 415 hours of sunshine, marking a delightful transition into summer. This surge in sunlight follows a steady climb from the 97 hours in January to 342 hours in April, showcasing the region's vibrant warming trend. As the days lengthen, May not only captures the essence of spring but also stands as a precursor to the sunny months ahead, where June and July maintain their brightness with 412 and 419 hours, respectively. This delightful increase serves as a tantalizing invitation for locals and visitors alike to bask in the picturesque coastal charm of Southend-on-Sea. With sunshine peaking in the early summer, it's clear that May sets the perfect tone for a season filled with outdoor adventures and seaside enjoyment.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Southend-on-Sea: May Highlighted

The May sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Southend-on-Sea 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec97h154h230h342h415h412h419h393h318h250h161h114h
Data source: Southend-on-Sea May Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Southend-on-Sea During May

In Southend-on-Sea, the likelihood of sunny weather in May sits at a moderate 36%, following a peak in April when the chance of sunshine rises to 49%. Although May shows a slight dip compared to April, it still offers a promising escape from the cloudier winter months. Notably, as the year progresses, sunshine opportunities fluctuate, with March beginning to signal the arrival of spring at 33%, and further decreasing interest in sunlit days as summer approaches, as seen in June at 30%. Overall, while May may not boast the highest chance for sun, it reflects a transitional period, promising the potential for pleasant, sunny days as the UK moves into warmer months.

Percentage of Sunny Days in May in Southend-on-Sea

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Southend-on-Sea 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 Southend-on-Sea experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec19%25%33%49%36%30%41%32%33%27%31%18%
Data source: Southend-on-Sea May chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Southend-on-Sea in May

In Southend-on-Sea, the transition into May heralds a significant increase in daylight duration, with the month boasting an impressive 15 hours of daylight. This growth follows a steady climb from 8 hours in January to 11 hours in March and 13 hours in April, showcasing the delightful shift toward longer days as spring unfolds. As May arrives, locals and visitors alike can bask in the brightness, setting the stage for summer's peak, where daylight reaches its zenith at 16 hours in June and July. This upward trend continues to enhance the vibrant atmosphere of the seaside town, encouraging outdoor activities and social gatherings, and gradually tapers off as autumn approaches, reminding us of nature's cyclical rhythm.

Average Daylight Hours in Southend-on-Sea for May

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Southend-on-Sea throughout the year, with May highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec8h 24m9h 58m11h 55m13h 53m15h 37m16h 31m16h 2m14h 29m12h 34m10h 37m8h 51m7h 54m
Data source: Southend-on-Sea daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

May Winds in Southend-on-Sea

In Southend-on-Sea, May ushers in a moderate average wind speed of 5.2 m/s (12 mph), a slight increase from the preceding months. This gentle breeze contrasts with April's calmer 4.7 m/s (11 mph), hinting at the arrival of summer, while also remaining notably less blustery than the gustier winter months like January and November, which both hover around 5.6 m/s (13 mph). As spring unfolds, the winds of May create a pleasant atmosphere, ideal for seaside strolls and outdoor activities, setting the stage for a gradual transition into the lighter, more variable winds of June.

Average May Wind Speed in Southend-on-Sea

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Southend-on-Sea, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec5.66.15.44.75.2 m/s3.94.45.14.35.55.05.5
Data source: Southend-on-Sea May wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How May Weather in Southend-on-Sea Compares to Other Months

The weather in Southend-on-Sea 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 Southend-on-Sea and find detailed weather information for every month.

The weather in May is noticeably milder compared to January. May sees a minimum temperature of 4°C (39°F) rising to an average of 13°C (55°F), and can reach up to 23°C (73°F). In contrast, January's temperatures are cooler, with a minimum of -1°C (30°F) and an average of just 5°C (42°F). Precipitation is similar in both months, with May recording 65 mm (2.6 in) over about 11 days, while January experiences 68 mm (2.7 in) across 12 days. However, January is more humid at 91%, compared to May's 82%. For a closer look at January conditions, visit Southend-on-Sea weather in January.

In comparing the weather of May and February, one can observe notable differences in temperature and humidity. May enjoys milder temperatures, with a minimum of 4°C (39°F), an average of 13°C (55°F), and a maximum of 23°C (73°F), making it substantially warmer than February, which has a minimum of -3°C (27°F), an average of 6°C (43°F), and a high of 14°C (58°F). Interestingly, while May experiences less precipitation at 65 mm (2.6 in) over 11 days, February has slightly more at 73 mm (2.9 in) across 14 days. Additionally, February's humidity is a bit higher at 89%, compared to May's 82%. For further insights, you can check Southend-on-Sea weather in February.

In comparing the weather between May and March, it's clear that May generally offers milder temperatures and slightly less precipitation. May's average temperature reaches 13°C (55°F), with highs of 23°C (73°F), while March has a cooler average of 7°C (46°F), peaking at 17°C (63°F). Precipitation levels are somewhat comparable, with May receiving 65 mm (2.6 in) over 11 days, compared to March's 58 mm (2.3 in) spread across 13 days. Humidity in May averages 82%, which is a bit lower than March's 86%, indicating that May tends to feel more comfortable. For more detailed insights into March weather, you can visit Southend-on-Sea weather in March.

In comparing the weather between April and May, May presents a noticeable increase in average temperatures, rising from April's average of 9°C (49°F) to 13°C (55°F). The maximum temperature in May can reach up to 23°C (73°F), slightly higher than April's maximum of 21°C (70°F). While April experiences less precipitation at 29 mm (1.1 in) over 7 days, May sees an increase to 65 mm (2.6 in) spread over 11 rainy days, contributing to a slightly lower humidity level of 82% compared to April's 85%. For a more detailed look at April's weather patterns, you can visit Southend-on-Sea weather in April.

In May, the weather typically sees temperatures ranging from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to a maximum of 23°C (73°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). The month experiences around 65 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over 11 days, accompanied by relatively high humidity at 82%. In contrast, June brings slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (49°F) and a maximum of 26°C (79°F), averaging 16°C (62°F). Although June has a marginally higher total precipitation of 70 mm (2.8 in), it falls over just 9 days, and the humidity remains similar at 81%. For more detailed information, you can check out Southend-on-Sea weather in June.

In May, temperatures range from a chilly 4°C (39°F) at night to a pleasant 23°C (73°F) during the day, with an average of 13°C (55°F). This month experiences about 65 mm (2.6 inches) of precipitation over 11 days, accompanied by high humidity at 82%. In contrast, July sees a significant rise in temperatures, with minimums of 12°C (53°F) and daytime highs reaching up to 30°C (86°F), averaging around 18°C (65°F). The precipitation level remains similar at 67 mm (2.6 inches) but occurs over a slightly longer duration of 12 days, and humidity drops to 76%. For more detailed information, you can check Southend-on-Sea weather in July.

May and August present distinct contrasts in weather. In May, temperatures are milder, with a minimum of 4°C (39°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F), peaking at 23°C (73°F). This month sees about 65 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over 11 days, coupled with high humidity at 82%. In comparison, August offers warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures rising to 11°C (51°F) and averages reaching 18°C (65°F), while maximum temperatures can soar to 29°C (84°F). Precipitation in August increases slightly to 81 mm (3.2 in) across 13 days, but humidity is lower at 73%. For a more detailed look at August weather, visit Southend-on-Sea weather in August.

May and September present distinctive weather characteristics that mark the transition between spring and autumn. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to a maximum of 23°C (73°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). The month experiences about 65 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over approximately 11 days, contributing to a relatively high humidity level of 82%. Conversely, September offers slightly warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from 8°C (46°F) to 24°C (75°F) and an average of 16°C (61°F). This month sees less rainfall, totaling 57 mm (2.2 in) across 10 days, and a humidity of 80%. Overall, September tends to be milder and drier than May, making it a more comfortable time of year for many. For more detailed insights, check Southend-on-Sea weather in September.

May and October present a transition in weather patterns, with both months offering moderate temperatures but notable differences in precipitation and humidity. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to a maximum of 23°C (73°F), accompanied by an average of 13°C (55°F). Precipitation is relatively lower at 65 mm (2.6 in), with rainy days occurring about 11 times. In contrast, October features a slightly warmer minimum of 5°C (41°F) and a maximum of 21°C (71°F), while still averaging at 13°C (55°F). However, it experiences increased precipitation at 99 mm (3.9 in) over 15 days, coupled with higher humidity at 89%. For more detailed insights on October weather, you can visit Southend-on-Sea weather in October.

May and November present contrasting weather patterns as they bridge spring and winter. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to a pleasant maximum of 23°C (73°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). The month sees about 65 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over 11 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 82%. In contrast, November experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 1°C (34°F), an average of 9°C (48°F), and a maximum of 16°C (62°F). Despite slightly lower precipitation at 59 mm (2.3 in) over 12 days, the humidity is higher at 92%. For more details on November weather, you can refer to Southend-on-Sea weather in November.

In May, the weather in Southend-on-Sea is generally milder and more pleasant, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to a maximum of 23°C (73°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F). Precipitation in this month is moderate, totaling 65 mm (2.6 in) over approximately 11 days, while humidity hovers around 82%. In contrast, December brings colder temperatures, with a minimum of 0°C (32°F) and a maximum of 13°C (56°F), averaging just 7°C (45°F). Precipitation increases to 107 mm (4.2 in) spread over about 15 days, and humidity rises to 92%. For more detailed information, you can visit Southend-on-Sea weather in December.

Compare Southend-on-Sea's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From May Weather in Southend-on-Sea

As May unfolds in Southend-on-Sea, the weather begins to shift, offering a pleasant blend of warmth and occasional showers that differentiate it from the chillier months preceding it. With temperatures climbing to a comfortable average of 13°C (55°F), this month marks the transition into the heart of spring, inviting locals and visitors alike to enjoy outdoor pursuits. However, don’t forget your umbrella, as the 82% humidity combined with 65 mm of precipitation over 11 days can lead to those familiar drizzles typical of the British seaside. Embrace the varying conditions of May, and you’ll find that Southend-on-Sea offers a unique charm that is well worth the experience. For a more in-depth look at the climate, check out Southend-on-Sea Climate.