May Weather in Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Last updated: March 17, 2025

May in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, presents a vibrant transition into warmer weather, featuring maximum temperatures reaching 26°C (80°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F). While the chill still lingers with minimum lows of 1°C (34°F), the month beckons outdoor enthusiasts. Expect 58 mm (2.3 in) of precipitation over 12 days, contributing to the region's lush greenery. With an 80% humidity level, the air is imbued with the freshness of spring, making May an enticing time to explore the city’s rich history and stunning landscapes.

May Temperature in Edinburgh

As May unfolds in Edinburgh, the city bids farewell to the lingering chill of winter, welcoming the warmth of spring with temperatures that show a promising rise. The minimum temperature climbs to a gentle 1°C (34°F), setting a comfortable stage for an average of 11°C (52°F), while the peaks can soar to a delightful 26°C (80°F). This marked increase from April not only highlights the onset of milder weather but also reflects a trend toward sunnier, more inviting days, perfect for exploring the vibrant streets and lush green parks that the city has to offer. With each passing day, the potential for outdoor adventures beckons, making May one of the most cheerful months to experience the charm of Edinburgh.

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

The chart illustrates May temperature patterns in Edinburgh, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec404143465257605955504541
Data source: Temperature data for Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh

In May, Edinburgh experiences a delightful transition into late spring, marked by a precipitation amount of 58 mm (2.3 in) spread over approximately 12 days. This level of rainfall is moderately higher than the drier April, which saw only 35 mm. While May's showers may disrupt outdoor plans, they play a crucial role in nourishing the lush, green landscapes that the region is known for. As Edinburgh moves toward the summer months, rainfall begins to pick up slightly, reminiscent of the wetter June, yet May remains a month where the city often showcases its charm amid the refreshing spring rains.

May Precipitation Trends in Edinburgh

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Edinburgh, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec568878355878749168947277
Data source: Precipitation data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred precipitation unit

May Humidity in Edinburgh

May marks a notable shift in humidity levels in Edinburgh, with the average dropping to 80%, down from the higher percentages seen in the earlier months of the year. This reduction hints at the arrival of slightly drier conditions as spring transitions into summer. Following the consistently elevated humidity of 90% in January and 88% in February, the gradual decline to 80% in May signals a brief respite before humidity levels rise again in June. As the year progresses, humidity typically fluctuates, peaking once more in the autumn months. This pattern reflects Edinburgh’s cool maritime climate, where the interplay of moisture provides a refreshing, albeit often damp, atmosphere. Enjoy May’s relatively pleasant humidity while it lasts!

May Average Humidity in Edinburgh

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Edinburgh, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec90%88%86%85%81%83%82%82%88%90%92%89%
Data source: Humidity data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

May UV Index in Edinburgh

As spring transitions into summer, May brings a notable rise in the UV Index in Edinburgh, reaching a high of 6. This shift from the moderate levels seen in April highlights the increasing intensity of the sun's rays as the days grow longer. With a reduced burn time of just 25 minutes, it's essential for residents and visitors alike to take precautions against potential skin damage. May marks a pivotal point in the year, where protective measures become increasingly important, setting the stage for the even higher levels of UV exposure anticipated in June. For more detailed insights, you can check the Edinburgh UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Edinburgh for May

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Edinburgh 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec123568765311
Data source: Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh

May brings an impressive surge of sunshine hours to Edinburgh, with 394 hours illuminating the city, setting a vibrant tone for the beginning of summer. This notable increase follows a gradual rise from the brisk 77 hours in January, which doubles by February and continues to climb through the arrival of spring. By the time we reach April, residents can enjoy 325 hours of sunshine, paving the way for May's delightful warmth. The bright days of May stand out not just as the sunniest month of the year, but as a reminder of the shift in seasons, where longer daylight hours create a magical backdrop, enticing both locals and visitors to relish in the beauty of Edinburgh's landscapes. This upward trend continues into the summer months, although the slight dip in June illustrates the ebb and flow of this coastal city’s weather, making May a truly special time to experience its charm.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Edinburgh: May Highlighted

The May sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Edinburgh 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec77h131h195h325h394h371h390h352h283h203h111h77h
Data source: Edinburgh May Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Edinburgh During May

In Edinburgh, the likelihood of sunny weather in May shows a moderate chance of 26%, which reflects a dip from the previous month, April, which enjoys a more promising 46% chance of sunshine. While May's sun probability is relatively lower, it remains consistent with the trend observed in the summer months, where June and July also report the same likelihood of 26%. As we move from spring into summer, the fluctuations in sunny days highlight the unpredictable nature of Edinburgh's weather, emphasizing that while May may not guarantee sun-soaked days, it certainly offers more daylight as the season transitions.

Percentage of Sunny Days in May in Edinburgh

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec29%23%21%46%26%21%26%23%20%19%31%18%
Data source: Edinburgh May chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Edinburgh in May

As the calendar turns to May, Edinburgh embraces a radiant transformation, basking in an impressive 16 hours of daylight. This month marks a significant leap from April's 14 hours and sets the stage for the lengthy, sun-drenched days of summer. The rise in daylight hours reflects a broader trend: from the depths of winter, where January and December languish at just 7 hours, daylight steadily increases, peaking in June's golden 17 hours. As summer approaches, daylight starts to taper off again, with July and August still enjoying ample sunshine, before the days gradually shorten in the autumn months. May stands out in this yearly cycle, offering the perfect balance of warmth and light, inviting both locals and visitors to revel in the beauty of Edinburgh’s blooming scenery.

Average Daylight Hours in Edinburgh for May

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Edinburgh throughout the year, with May highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec7h 39m9h 35m11h 53m14h 15m16h 21m17h 30m16h 53m14h 58m12h 40m10h 20m8h 12m7h 1m
Data source: Edinburgh daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

May Winds in Edinburgh

May in Edinburgh experiences a gentle breeze, with an average wind speed of 3.2 m/s (7 mph), making it one of the calmer months of the year. Following the slightly more blustery conditions in February and March, which recorded wind speeds of 5.8 m/s (13 mph) and 4.9 m/s (11 mph) respectively, May offers a refreshing, albeit mild relief as spring unfolds. This slight decrease in wind speed reflects a general trend towards more stable conditions as summer approaches, with the winds gradually tapering down from the gustier months of early spring. As the city prepares for summer, the pleasant breezes in May create an inviting atmosphere for outdoor activities, offering the perfect backdrop for exploring Edinburgh's rich history and vibrant culture.

Average May Wind Speed in Edinburgh

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Edinburgh, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3.75.84.93.13.2 m/s3.82.52.83.54.75.14.0
Data source: Edinburgh May wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How May Weather in Edinburgh Compares to Other Months

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

May and January present strikingly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly 1°C (34°F) at night to a pleasant average of 11°C (52°F), peaking at a warm 26°C (80°F) during the day. The month experiences 58 mm (2.3 in) of precipitation spread over 12 days, accompanied by an average humidity of 80%. In contrast, January is much colder, with temperatures dipping as low as -5°C (24°F) and peaking at only 14°C (57°F) during the day. The precipitation level is comparable at 56 mm (2.2 in), but falls over just 9 days, with humidity slightly higher at 90%. For more details on January weather, you can check Edinburgh weather in January.

When comparing the weather in May and February, it’s clear that May enjoys significantly warmer temperatures, with averages reaching 11°C (52°F) and highs of 26°C (80°F), while February is much colder, averaging 5°C (41°F) and peaking at only 15°C (59°F). Additionally, February experiences more precipitation, with 88 mm (3.4 in) falling over 15 days, compared to May's 58 mm (2.3 in) over 12 days. Humidity levels are relatively high in both months, with February being slightly more humid at 88%, compared to May's 80%. For more information about February's weather, you can visit Edinburgh weather in February.

When comparing the weather in March to that of May, notable differences emerge in temperature, precipitation, and humidity. March tends to be cooler, with average temperatures ranging from a chilly -4°C (25°F) to a milder 17°C (63°F), while May offers a broader range, with temperatures soaring from a low of 1°C (34°F) to a pleasant high of 26°C (80°F). Precipitation is also a factor, as March receives slightly more rainfall at 78 mm (3.1 in) over 15 days compared to May's 58 mm (2.3 in) over 12 days. Humidity levels are higher in March at 86%, compared to May’s 80%, making March feel a bit more damp. For more detailed information, you can check Edinburgh weather in March.

In comparing the weather between April and May, there are some notable differences. May experiences a wider temperature range, with minimums of 1°C (34°F) and maximums reaching 26°C (80°F), compared to April's minimum of -4°C (25°F) and maximum of 22°C (71°F). The average temperature in May is noticeably warmer at 11°C (52°F) versus April's average of 8°C (46°F). Additionally, May sees more precipitation overall, with 58 mm (2.3 in) over 12 days compared to April's 35 mm (1.4 in) over 9 days. While humidity remains high in both months, April has a slightly higher average at 85%, compared to May's 80%. For more detailed information, you can explore Edinburgh weather in April.

May and June present a noticeable transition in weather patterns. In May, the temperatures range from a chilly 1°C (34°F) at night to a comfortable 26°C (80°F) during the day, with an average of 11°C (52°F). The month experiences around 58 mm (2.3 in) of precipitation over 12 days and maintains a humidity level of 80%. In contrast, June offers slightly warmer conditions, with nighttime lows of 6°C (43°F) and daytime highs reaching 27°C (81°F), averaging 14°C (57°F). However, it also sees increased precipitation, totaling 78 mm (3.1 in) over 13 days, and a bit higher humidity at 83%. For more detailed insights, you can check Edinburgh weather in June.

In May, temperatures in Edinburgh range from a chilly minimum of 1°C (34°F) to a pleasant maximum of 26°C (80°F), with an average of 11°C (52°F). The month experiences about 58 mm (2.3 in) of precipitation over 12 days, contributing to a humidity level of 80%. In contrast, July offers warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 7°C (46°F), an average of 15°C (60°F), and a maximum reaching 28°C (83°F). Although July sees more precipitation at 74 mm (2.9 in) over 14 days, the humidity remains slightly higher at 82%. For a more detailed look at July weather, check out Edinburgh weather in July.

In May, temperatures in Edinburgh typically range from a chilly minimum of 1°C (34°F) to a pleasant maximum of 26°C (80°F), with an average of 11°C (52°F). The month experiences about 58 mm (2.3 in) of precipitation over approximately 12 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 80%. In contrast, August sees slightly warmer conditions with minimum temperatures around 7°C (44°F) and an average of 15°C (59°F), while the maximum remains similar at 26°C (79°F). However, the increase in precipitation to 91 mm (3.6 in) spread across about 15 days, along with a humidity of 82%, suggests a shift towards wetter conditions. For more detailed insights on Edinburgh's weather in August, check out Edinburgh weather in August.

In comparing the weather between May and September, we see some notable differences. May features a wider temperature range, with a minimum of 1°C (34°F) and a maximum of 26°C (80°F), resulting in an average temperature of 11°C (52°F). In contrast, September presents slightly milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from 2°C (35°F) to a maximum of 25°C (77°F) and an average of 13°C (56°F). Additionally, September tends to be a bit wetter, with 68 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over 12 days, compared to May's 58 mm (2.3 in) over the same number of days. The humidity also increases, with September averaging 88% compared to May's 80%. For more detailed insights into the September climate, check out Edinburgh weather in September.

May and October present contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a cool 1°C (34°F) to a warm 26°C (80°F), with an average of 11°C (52°F), offering pleasant spring days. The month sees an average of 58 mm (2.3 in) of precipitation over 12 days and humidity levels around 80%. In contrast, October brings cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -1°C (31°F) and a maximum of 19°C (67°F), averaging 10°C (51°F). Precipitation increases to 93 mm (3.7 in) over 16 days, with humidity rising to 90%. For more details, see Edinburgh weather in October.

May and November offer distinctly different weather experiences. In May, temperatures typically range from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) to a pleasant maximum of 26°C (80°F), with an average of 11°C (52°F). The month sees around 58 mm (2.3 in) of precipitation over approximately 12 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 80%. In contrast, November brings cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (25°F) and a maximum of 15°C (59°F), averaging at 7°C (45°F). This month experiences slightly higher precipitation at 72 mm (2.9 in), spread over about 14 days, and a higher humidity level of 92%. For a closer look at the specific weather patterns and conditions, refer to Edinburgh weather in November.

May and December in Edinburgh present quite contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) to a pleasant maximum of 26°C (80°F), with an average around 11°C (52°F). The month sees about 58 mm (2.3 in) of precipitation over approximately 12 days, with humidity hovering around 80%. In contrast, December is much colder, featuring temperatures that drop to a minimum of -5°C (23°F) and peak at just 13°C (56°F), averaging 5°C (41°F). This month has a higher precipitation level of 77 mm (3.0 in) across 14 days and a humidity level that rises to 89%. For a more detailed look, you can check Edinburgh weather in December.

Compare Edinburgh's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From May Weather in Edinburgh

As May unfolds in Edinburgh, the weather begins to transition from the chilly grips of winter to more welcoming temperatures, setting the stage for vibrant springtime activities. With maximum temperatures climbing to a pleasant 26°C (80°F), the average warmth nudges closer to comfort, yet the crisp mornings still dip to a cool 1°C (34°F). Unlike the heavier precipitation often seen in earlier months, May brings only 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain across approximately 12 days, allowing for more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The humidity lingers around 80%, contributing to the lush greenery that characterizes this enchanting city. For a deeper understanding of how Edinburgh's climate shapes each season, explore more at Edinburgh Climate.