Last updated: March 17, 2025
In May, Inverness experiences a delightful range of temperatures, with highs reaching a pleasant 25°C (78°F) and an average of 10°C (50°F). However, the month can start off cool, with minimum temperatures dipping to -1°C (30°F). While the humidity hovers around a damp 82%, this picturesque Scottish city receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of precipitation over approximately 15 days, reminding visitors to come prepared for the occasional shower. May in Inverness offers a unique blend of springtime warmth and refreshing rain, perfect for exploring this charming destination.
Inverness, United Kingdom, experiences a delightful transition in May as spring firmly establishes its presence. With temperatures ranging from a minimum of -1°C (30°F) to a maximum of 25°C (78°F), the month marks a significant climb from the chill of winter. The average temperature sits comfortably at 10°C (50°F), signaling the arrival of sunnier days and blossoming landscapes. Compared to the colder months, May reflects a trend of warmth and vibrancy, inviting locals and visitors alike to bask in the increasing sunlight. As the days lengthen, the beautiful surroundings of Inverness become a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities, making May a truly lovely time to experience this charming city.
In May, Inverness experiences a notable uptick in precipitation, with an average of 81 mm (3.2 in) over approximately 15 days of rain. This level marks a slight increase from the dry spells of April, where only 51 mm (2.0 in) fell over 13 days. The trend of spring rains continues into May, contributing to the lush, vibrant landscapes typical of the Scottish Highlands. As summer approaches, the rainfall in June mirrors May's figures closely, suggesting a consistent pattern of wet weather that characterizes the transition to the warmer months. This consistency underscores the region's maritime climate, where rain is a frequent visitor even as the days grow longer.
Inverness experiences a gradual decrease in humidity as spring transitions into summer, with May showcasing a comfortable 82% humidity. This marks a notable drop from the winter months, where humidity levels hover around 89-91%. As the year progresses, humidity makes a slight comeback in June and July, reaching 84-86%, but May stands out as a month when the air feels relatively fresher and more inviting. The trend indicates that while the climate remains moist, May offers a brief respite before humidity begins to rise again in the late summer and autumn months, ultimately peaking at 92% in November. This pattern underscores the unique seasonal shifts in Inverness, where spring brings a refreshing lightness before the return of more humid conditions.
As May arrives in Inverness, the UV Index reaches a notable 6, indicating a shift into the high exposure category. This increase reflects the gradual warming of the season, with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes under direct sunlight, making it crucial for residents and visitors to take protective measures. Compared to the preceding months, where the UV Index hovered between 1 and 5, May signals the onset of more intense sun exposure, paving the way for the impending summer months. With June likely to push the UV Index even higher, it's a timely reminder to stay vigilant about sun safety. For a detailed look at UV levels throughout the year, be sure to check out the Inverness UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
Inverness basks in the beauty of May, recording 388 hours of sunshine, making it one of the brightest months of the year. As spring fully unfolds, this delightful increase follows a steady climb from January's 70 hours to April's 334 hours, showcasing a vibrant transition into the warmer months. With reliable sunshine continuing into June and July, where the hours peak at 396, May serves as a prelude to the sun-drenched days of summer. This upward trend captures the essence of Inverness's climate, where each spring month builds anticipation for the sunny glow of the season ahead. As summer approaches, residents and visitors alike can relish in the longer, brighter days that beautifully characterize the Scottish highlands.
In Inverness, United Kingdom, the likelihood of sunny weather in May shows a notable dip with a 20% chance of sunshine, which is lower than the previous month of April at 36%. This trend suggests that as spring transitions into summer, the sunny days may not be as frequent as one might hope. With June and July offering only a marginal improvement at 24% and 20% respectively, it seems that the pursuit of sunshine in Inverness remains a bit of a gamble during this time of year. Notably, after the brighter spell in April, sun-seekers should remain prepared for unpredictable weather patterns as May unfolds, marking it as a time when sunny moments might be just a fleeting chance rather than a steadfast certainty.
In Inverness, United Kingdom, May marks a delightful transition into the heart of spring, where daylight stretches to an impressive 16 hours. This trend of increasing sunlight begins in January with just 7 hours, gradually building as the months progress. By the time April arrives, residents enjoy 14 hours of daylight, setting the stage for May's vibrant days. Following this burst of brightness, June and July peak at 17 hours, before gradually tapering off in the latter half of the year. As the days shorten, September brings 12 hours of light, leading to the more subdued daylight of autumn and winter. Overall, the rhythm of daylight in Inverness reflects a captivating cycle, with May clearly standing out as a period of abundant light and vitality.
Inverness experiences a marked fluctuation in wind speeds throughout the year, but by May, the breezes have settled into a mild rhythm, with an average wind speed of 2.7 m/s (6 mph). This slight dip from April's winds suggests a tranquil transition into the summer months, where gently flowing air becomes the norm. Interestingly, May's conditions follow a trend of variability, where the winds pick up toward the end of spring, evidenced by a gradual increase in speed in the preceding months, peaking in November. As the year progresses, the wind patterns remain generally light, with a noticeable drop in intensity during the high summer months of July and August. Overall, May's gentle winds in Inverness invite leisure and exploration, embodying the serene essence of late spring in the Scottish Highlands.
The weather in Inverness 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 Inverness and find detailed weather information for every month.
May and January display strikingly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly -1°C (30°F) at night to a pleasant 25°C (78°F) during the day, averaging around 10°C (50°F). The month sees an average precipitation of 81 mm (3.2 in) over about 15 days, with humidity levels at 82%. In contrast, January is colder, with minimum temperatures dropping to -7°C (19°F) and a daytime maximum of only 13°C (56°F), averaging 4°C (39°F). Precipitation in January is slightly less, at 73 mm (2.9 in) over 12 days, but humidity is higher at 89%. For more details, check out Inverness weather in January.
May generally offers milder and more pleasant weather compared to February. With temperatures ranging from a minimum of -1°C (30°F) to a maximum of 25°C (78°F), May averages a comfortable 10°C (50°F), providing much warmer conditions than February's chilly range of -13°C (9°F) to 15°C (59°F) and an average of just 4°C (39°F). Although both months experience a similar amount of precipitation—with May recording 81 mm (3.2 in) over 15 days and February slightly less at 78 mm (3.1 in) over 14 days—May typically has lower humidity at 82% compared to February's 88%. For more detailed information about February weather, you can visit Inverness weather in February.
In comparing the weather patterns of May and March, May generally presents milder temperatures, with a minimum of -1°C (30°F) and an average of 10°C (50°F), peaking at 25°C (78°F). In contrast, March is cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (23°F) to an average of 5°C (41°F) and a maximum of 17°C (63°F). Precipitation levels are relatively similar, with May witnessing 81 mm (3.2 in) over 15 days, while March has 79 mm (3.1 in) spread across 17 days. Additionally, humidity is slightly lower in May at 82%, compared to March's 86%. For more detailed insights on March conditions, you can check Inverness weather in March.
In April, the weather in Inverness is characterized by cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -6°C (22°F) and an average of 7°C (45°F), peaking at 22°C (71°F). This month also experiences moderate precipitation, totaling 51 mm (2.0 in) over 13 days, and maintains a humidity level of 84%. In contrast, May brings a noticeable warming trend, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -1°C (30°F) to an average of 10°C (50°F) and reaching up to 25°C (78°F). Despite being warmer, May sees an increase in precipitation with 81 mm (3.2 in) spread over 15 days, while the humidity slightly decreases to 82%. For a detailed look at April’s weather, visit Inverness weather in April.
In comparing May and June weather, we observe a noticeable warming trend as temperatures rise from an average of 10°C (50°F) in May to 13°C (56°F) in June, with maximum temperatures reaching 25°C (78°F) and 28°C (82°F) respectively. Both months experience similar levels of precipitation, with May receiving 81 mm (3.2 in) and June slightly less at 80 mm (3.1 in), while the number of rainy days remains consistent at 15. Humidity levels also see a slight increase from 82% in May to 84% in June. For more detailed information about June weather specifically, visit Inverness weather in June.
In comparing the weather of May and July, we see a notable increase in temperature during July, with average temperatures rising from 10°C (50°F) in May to 15°C (59°F). The maximum temperature also climbs from 25°C (78°F) in May to 28°C (82°F), creating a warmer summer atmosphere. Although May experiences slightly more precipitation at 81 mm (3.2 in) over 15 days, July is not far behind with 76 mm (3.0 in) of rainfall across 16 days, accompanied by higher humidity levels of 86% compared to May's 82%. For more insights into July weather, you can check out Inverness weather in July.
In comparing the weather of May and August, both months exhibit similar maximum temperatures, peaking at 25°C (78°F). However, May starts with a chillier minimum temperature of -1°C (30°F), while August's minimum is more moderate at 5°C (42°F). The average temperature in May is also higher at 10°C (50°F) compared to August's 14°C (58°F), suggesting that August generally feels milder. Both months receive comparable amounts of precipitation, with May recording 81 mm (3.2 in) over 15 days and August close behind with the same total spread over 16 days. Humidity also slightly increases in August, reaching 86%, compared to May’s 82%. For more details on August weather specifically, check out Inverness weather in August.
In comparing the weather of May and September, we see some notable differences and similarities. May boasts a broader temperature range, with minimums dipping to -1°C (30°F) and maximums reaching 25°C (78°F), while September presents slightly milder temperatures, with a minimum of 2°C (35°F) and a maximum of 24°C (75°F). Precipitation levels are similar in both months, with May receiving 81 mm (3.2 in) over about 15 days, and September slightly higher at 87 mm (3.4 in) over 16 days. Humidity is also higher in September at 90%, compared to May’s 82%. For more specifics on September weather, you can check Inverness weather in September.
May and October present contrasting weather patterns, each with its unique characteristics. In May, temperatures range from a cool -1°C (30°F) at night to a pleasant 25°C (78°F) during the day, averaging around 10°C (50°F). The month sees around 81 mm (3.2 in) of precipitation over approximately 15 days, with a humidity level of 82%. In contrast, October is chillier, with minimum temperatures dropping to -3°C (27°F) and a maximum of only 18°C (64°F), resulting in an average temperature of 9°C (48°F). This month experiences higher precipitation at 107 mm (4.2 in) across about 20 days and a slightly increased humidity of 91%. For more detailed information, you can visit Inverness weather in October.
May and November present contrasting weather patterns in terms of temperature and humidity. In May, temperatures typically range from a minimum of -1°C (30°F) to a maximum of 25°C (78°F), with an average temperature of 10°C (50°F), making it a relatively mild month. The precipitation level is moderate at 81 mm (3.2 in) over about 15 days, and humidity is around 82%. In contrast, November experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -5°C (23°F) and a maximum of 15°C (58°F), leading to an average of only 6°C (43°F). Additionally, November sees slightly higher precipitation at 88 mm (3.5 in) over approximately 17 days, with humidity rising to 92%. For more detailed insights into what to expect, check out the link: Inverness weather in November.
May and December present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly -1°C (30°F) at night to a pleasant 25°C (78°F) during the day, averaging around 10°C (50°F). The month sees around 81 mm (3.2 in) of precipitation over 15 days, with humidity levels at 82%. Conversely, December is colder, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of -7°C (20°F) and peaking at 13°C (55°F), resulting in an average of 4°C (40°F). It experiences slightly more precipitation at 85 mm (3.4 in) over 16 days, accompanied by higher humidity at 88%. For more information on December conditions, check out Inverness weather in December.
Inverness in May offers a delightful transition into spring, characterized by milder temperatures compared to the chill of earlier months. With an average temperature of 10°C (50°F), it invites a refreshing change, while highs can reach up to 25°C (78°F), allowing for more outdoor activities. However, the month does come with its share of rain, averaging around 81 mm over 15 days, reflecting the higher humidity of 82% that can leave the air feeling a bit damp. Overall, May’s weather marks a departure from winter’s cold, bringing in the blooms of spring yet also a reminder to keep an umbrella handy. For a deeper understanding of the overall climate, check out Inverness Climate.