May Weather in Sunderland, United Kingdom

Last updated: March 17, 2025

Experience the vibrant May weather in Sunderland, United Kingdom, where temperatures range from a comfortable 12°C (53°F) on average, reaching a pleasant maximum of 24°C (76°F). While the minimum can dip to 1°C (34°F), the month showcases a rich tapestry of climate with 49 mm (1.9 in) of precipitation spread over 13 days. Embrace the season's warmth, but be prepared for the high humidity level of 83%, adding a touch of tropical essence to this northern gem. Whether you're exploring the coastline or enjoying local festivals, Sunderland's May weather offers a mix of temperate charm and occasional showers, perfect for outdoor adventures.

May Temperature in Sunderland

In May, Sunderland sees a delightful warming trend, marking a significant departure from the chill of earlier months. With minimum temperatures around 1°C (34°F) and pleasant averages of 12°C (53°F), the city begins to shake off the lasting cold, allowing for outdoor activities to flourish. The maximum temperatures can reach up to 24°C (76°F), inviting residents and visitors to enjoy the burgeoning greenery and vibrant atmosphere. Compared to the cooler spring months—where temperatures linger in the single digits—May's warmth signals the start of the summer season, making it a perfect time for seaside strolls or cozy picnics in the park. These rising temperatures encapsulate the transition to sunnier days, emphasizing the charm of Sunderland in late spring.

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

The chart illustrates May temperature patterns in Sunderland, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec414244475358626157524642
Data source: Temperature data for Sunderland 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 Sunderland

In May, Sunderland experiences a notable transition into warmer weather with precipitation amounts reaching 49 mm (1.9 in) across approximately 13 days of rain. This rainfall is consistent with the patterns observed in earlier months, showcasing a significant dip from April's 33 mm but aligning with January's similar totals. Interestingly, as spring unfolds, the rainfall often paves the way for vibrant blossoms, although it also hints at the incoming showers typical of summer. The overall precipitation trend in May serves as a gentle reminder of Sunderland's maritime climate—one that is both refreshing and integral to the region's lush greenery. As the city navigates through these spring showers, residents can anticipate the lush life that follows, despite the persistent drizzle.

May Precipitation Trends in Sunderland

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Sunderland, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec497462334975738261826369
Data source: Precipitation data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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May Humidity in Sunderland

As spring transitions into summer, May in Sunderland, United Kingdom, experiences a slight dip in humidity, averaging 83%. This is part of a broader trend where the humidity gradually decreases from the peak of 89% in January to its lowest point in August at 82%. The descending humidity levels can create a more comfortable atmosphere, allowing the city to bask in the gentle warmth of late spring. Following May, humidity begins to rise again in the autumn months, with September jumping back to 87%. This cyclical pattern of humidity not only marks the changing seasons but also enhances Sunderland's vibrant landscape and outdoor experiences throughout the year.

May Average Humidity in Sunderland

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Sunderland, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec89%87%86%84%83%85%83%82%87%89%90%88%
Data source: Humidity data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

May UV Index in Sunderland

As spring transitions into summer, the UV Index in Sunderland takes a noticeable leap in May, reaching an index of 6 categorized as high. This marks a shift from the moderate levels seen in April, reducing the safe burn time to just 25 minutes. With the warmer days approaching, it's crucial for residents and visitors alike to be mindful of sun exposure as the sun's intensity begins to climb. By June, the UV Index escalates further to an impressive 8, entering the very high exposure category – a stark reminder that sun protection becomes increasingly vital. For more detailed insights on the UV Index trends throughout the year, explore Sunderland UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Sunderland for May

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Sunderland 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec123568865321
Data source: Sunderland 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 Sunderland

As May unfolds in Sunderland, a tapestry of sunshine emerges, boasting 401 hours of bright days that illuminate the landscape. This month marks a significant increase from the preceding months, with sunlight hours surging from 343 in April to this radiant peak. Following the trend, the early summer months continue to bask in light, with June and July maintaining 386 and 414 hours respectively, showcasing a steady glow that invites outdoor activities and joyful gatherings. In contrast, the darker winter months reveal a stark decline, with January's meager 93 hours gradually relinquished to the vibrant spring and summer. This annual rhythm highlights how May truly embodies the transition from the subdued chill of winter to the lively warmth of summer, making it a cherished time in Sunderland.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Sunderland: May Highlighted

The May sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Sunderland 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec93h153h227h343h401h386h414h363h311h237h132h101h
Data source: Sunderland May Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Sunderland During May

In Sunderland, the arrival of May brings a 32% chance of sunny weather, marking a significant improvement from the earlier months of the year. This shift follows a boost in April, where the sun shines 50% of the time, suggesting that spring initiates a transition toward brighter days. While May's percentage is slightly lower than the peak experienced in April, it still reflects a notable optimism compared to the preceding winter months, where chances hovered around 25% or less. As the city eagerly anticipates the summer months, with June and July also showing a 32% chance of sunshine, May serves as a delightful prelude, hinting at the brighter days to come.

Percentage of Sunny Days in May in Sunderland

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Sunderland 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 Sunderland experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec26%24%25%50%32%27%32%22%24%23%29%18%
Data source: Sunderland May chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Sunderland in May

As spring blossoms into summer, Sunderland experiences a delightful increase in daylight hours, making May particularly vibrant with 16 hours of sunlight. This trend marks a significant rise from the 14 hours in April, reflecting the long-awaited arrival of warmer days. Following the sharp ascent, June peaks at a glorious 17 hours of daylight, allowing for ample time to revel in outdoor activities. However, as summer days begin to wane, the daylight gradually decreases in July and August, settling to 12 hours by September. This rhythmic ebb and flow of sunlight not only characterizes the changing seasons but also underscores the allure of May as a pivotal month in Sunderland's annual calendar, offering an enchanting mix of warmth and light.

Average Daylight Hours in Sunderland for May

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Sunderland throughout the year, with May highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec7h 51m9h 41m11h 53m14h 9m16h 10m17h 15m16h 40m14h 51m12h 39m10h 24m8h 22m7h 15m
Data source: Sunderland daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

May Winds in Sunderland

In May, Sunderland experiences a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 3.7 m/s (8 mph), making it one of the calmer months of the year. Following a slightly higher April wind speed of 3.8 m/s, May’s winds remain steady but dip slightly, continuing the trend of mild conditions as the seasons shift towards summer. This calm atmosphere is a welcome respite compared to the blustery winter months, such as January and February, where gusts frequently reached 4.6 m/s (10 mph) and 5.8 m/s (13 mph), respectively. As summer approaches, the wind speeds remain consistently low, which may enhance the experience of outdoor activities. Overall, May sets a serene tone, fitting for enjoying Sunderland's vibrant coastal scenery.

Average May Wind Speed in Sunderland

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Sunderland, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec4.65.85.13.83.7 m/s3.83.03.73.85.35.54.5
Data source: Sunderland May wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How May Weather in Sunderland Compares to Other Months

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

In comparing the weather of May and January, it’s clear that May enjoys milder temperatures with an average of 12°C (53°F), ranging from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) to a maximum of 24°C (76°F). In contrast, January is much cooler, with an average temperature of 5°C (41°F) and a minimum that can drop to -3°C (27°F). Both months receive similar amounts of precipitation, around 49 mm (1.9 in), but January does so over fewer days, with 9 days of rain compared to May's 13 days. Interestingly, humidity levels are slightly higher in January at 89%, compared to May's 83%. For a more detailed look at January's weather, you can visit Sunderland weather in January.

When comparing the weather in May and February, it’s clear that May brings milder and more pleasant conditions. The average temperature in May hovers around 12°C (53°F), with a maximum of 24°C (76°F), while February has cooler temperatures, averaging only 6°C (42°F) and reaching a maximum of 16°C (62°F). Precipitation is also more frequent in February, with 15 days of rain totaling 74 mm (2.9 in), compared to 49 mm (1.9 in) over 13 days in May. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly higher in February at 87%, compared to 83% in May. For more detailed insights into February’s climate, you can visit Sunderland weather in February.

May generally experiences milder and more pleasant weather compared to March. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) to a maximum of 24°C (76°F), with an average temperature of 12°C (53°F). In contrast, March has colder temperatures, with a low of -4°C (25°F) and a high of 18°C (64°F), averaging around 7°C (45°F). While May sees approximately 49 mm (1.9 in) of precipitation over 13 days, March has slightly higher precipitation at 62 mm (2.4 in) over 12 days, although the humidity is comparable, with May at 83% and March at 85%. For more specific details about March weather, you can visit Sunderland weather in March.

In comparing the weather between April and May, April tends to be cooler with an average temperature of 8°C (47°F), while May warms up to an average of 12°C (53°F). April experiences a minimum temperature of -2°C (29°F), which is significantly lower than May's minimum of 1°C (34°F). However, both months reach similar maximum temperatures, with April peaking at 23°C (73°F) and May at 24°C (76°F). In terms of precipitation, April records less rainfall at 33 mm (1.3 in) over 7 days, compared to May's 49 mm (1.9 in) over 13 days. Humidity levels are quite comparable, with April at 84% and May slightly lower at 83%. For more detailed information about April weather, you can visit Sunderland weather in April.

In comparing the weather between May and June, June experiences a notable increase in temperatures, with minimums rising from 1°C (34°F) in May to 6°C (43°F) in June. The average temperature also sees an uptick from 12°C (53°F) in May to 15°C (59°F), and maximum temperatures peak at 27°C (81°F) in June compared to 24°C (76°F) in May. Additionally, June has higher precipitation levels, totaling 75 mm (2.9 in) over 10 days, while May recorded 49 mm (1.9 in) over 13 days. Humidity remains fairly consistent, slightly increasing from 83% in May to 85% in June. For more detailed insights, you can check out the Sunderland weather in June.

In comparing the weather between May and July, it is clear that July features warmer temperatures overall, with average highs reaching 29°C (85°F) compared to May's maximum of 24°C (76°F). While both months experience the same number of rainy days at 13, July sees an increase in total precipitation, with 73 mm (2.9 in) compared to May's 49 mm (1.9 in). Despite these differences in temperature and precipitation, humidity remains constant at 83% during both months, contributing to a similar level of mugginess. For a more detailed look at July's climate, check out Sunderland weather in July.

May and August present distinct weather patterns in terms of temperature and precipitation. In May, temperatures range from a chilly 1°C (34°F) at night to a pleasant 24°C (76°F) during the day, with an average of 12°C (53°F). This month sees about 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain over approximately 13 days, coupled with relatively high humidity at 83%. In contrast, August offers milder temperatures, with minimums around 8°C (47°F) and highs reaching 26°C (80°F), averaging 16°C (61°F). Rainfall increases in August to 82 mm (3.2 in) over around 15 rainy days, maintaining a similar humidity level of 82%. For more details on August's conditions, you can check Sunderland weather in August.

In comparing the weather between May and September, May tends to be slightly cooler, with average temperatures ranging from 1°C (34°F) to a maximum of 24°C (76°F), while September experiences milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from 4°C (40°F) to a maximum of 27°C (80°F). Precipitation is a bit higher in September, with 61 mm (2.4 in) over 12 days compared to May's 49 mm (1.9 in) across 13 days. Both months are characterized by high humidity levels, with May at 83% and September slightly higher at 87%. For a more detailed look at September weather specifics, you can visit Sunderland weather in September.

May and October showcase distinct weather patterns as spring transitions to autumn. In May, temperatures range from a low of 1°C (34°F) to a comfortable high of 24°C (76°F), accompanied by an average temperature of 12°C (53°F). This month experiences a moderate amount of rainfall, totaling 49 mm (1.9 in) over approximately 13 days, with humidity levels around 83%.

In contrast, October sees slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 2°C (37°F), an average of 11°C (52°F), and a maximum of 21°C (70°F). It also experiences increased precipitation, averaging 82 mm (3.2 in) across 14 days and a rise in humidity to 89%. For more detailed insights, you can explore the Sunderland weather in October.

May and November present contrasting weather patterns, showcasing the transition from mild spring to cool autumn. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) to a maximum of 24°C (76°F), with an average of 12°C (53°F). The month experiences around 49 mm (1.9 in) of precipitation over approximately 13 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 83%. In comparison, November is noticeably colder, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of -2°C (28°F) and peaking at 16°C (61°F), averaging 8°C (46°F). The month's precipitation increases to 63 mm (2.5 in) over the same number of rainy days, with humidity rising to 90%. For a more detailed comparison of November weather, you can visit Sunderland weather in November.

May and December present quite different weather experiences. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) to a pleasant maximum of 24°C (76°F), with an average of 12°C (53°F). This month sees relatively moderate precipitation of 49 mm (1.9 in) over about 13 days and a humidity level of 83%. In contrast, December is characterized by much cooler conditions, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of -4°C (24°F) and only reaching a maximum of 14°C (57°F), averaging 6°C (42°F). Precipitation in December is higher, at 69 mm (2.7 in) spread over 14 days, coupled with increased humidity at 88%. For more detailed information, you can check Sunderland weather in December.

Compare Sunderland's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From May Weather in Sunderland

As May unfolds in Sunderland, it marks a significant transition in weather compared to the cooler months preceding it. With temperatures climbing to a maximum of 24°C (76°F), the days become decidedly more pleasant, inviting outdoor activities and exploration. Despite the average heat, the lingering chill is a reminder of early spring, as minimum temperatures still dip. Although May experiences 49 mm of precipitation over approximately 13 days, the humidity remains relatively high at 83%, characteristic of the region, adding a refreshing quality to the air. For those looking to understand the broader climate trends in Sunderland, visit Sunderland Climate for more insights.