Last updated: March 17, 2025
May in Lerwick, United Kingdom brings a cool maritime climate, with temperatures ranging from a maximum of 12°C (54°F) to a brisk minimum of 2°C (36°F), resulting in an average temperature of 8°C (47°F). During this month, residents and visitors can expect 47 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation spread over 13 days, reflecting the region's characteristic humidity level of 84%. While the weather may be damp, the vibrant coastal scenery and unique charm of Lerwick come alive during this time, making it an intriguing destination for those seeking to experience its early summer allure.
As spring blooms into May, Lerwick, United Kingdom experiences a refreshing rise in temperatures, marking a transition toward milder weather. With minimum temperatures settling around 2°C (36°F) and averaging 8°C (47°F), the days soon warm up to a comfortable maximum of 12°C (54°F). This slight increase in warmth not only surpasses the cooler months of winter and early spring but also sets the stage for the summer ahead. As May unfolds, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the gradual embrace of spring, where the crisp air is accompanied by longer daylight hours, promising the vibrant energy of the season.
May in Lerwick, United Kingdom, welcomes a notable shift in precipitation trends, bringing a more temperate feel to the often damp climate. With just 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain over 13 days, May stands out as one of the drier months, following a wetter April that recorded 51 mm (2.0 in). This decline in precipitation indicates a shift towards potentially milder weather as spring progresses, setting the stage for the approaching summer months. Interestingly, while precipitation starts to decrease, the number of rainy days remains consistent with recent months, suggesting frequent light showers rather than heavy downpours. As the landscape begins to bloom, May’s weather in Lerwick offers a mix of sunshine and scattered rain, perfect for enjoying the beauty of early summer.
As May arrives in Lerwick, United Kingdom, residents can expect an upward climb in humidity, culminating at 84%—a slight increase from April's 82%. This trend marks the beginning of the year’s more humid months, with conditions becoming increasingly damp as summer approaches. Both May and June maintain this elevated level of moisture, setting the stage for the even higher humidity peaks in July and August. Overall, May serves as a transitional month, hinting at the lush, green vibrancy that the summer humidity will soon bring, while still reflecting the cooler breaths of spring.
As spring turns to summer in Lerwick, the UV Index rises notably in May, reaching a moderate score of 5. This increase signals a shift in sun intensity, with a corresponding burn time of just 30 minutes for fair-skinned individuals. Following the gradual ascent from a low of 1 in the winter months, the trend reflects the lengthening days and warming weather. As the month progresses and sunshine becomes more prevalent, residents and visitors alike should remain vigilant about sun protection. Enjoy the brighter days, but remember to check the Lerwick UV Index for safe exposure times as the season unfolds!
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May is a vibrant month in Lerwick, with a delightful 415 hours of sunshine, marking a significant peak in brightness as the days lengthen. Following a steady increase from 50 hours in January, sunshine hours nearly double by March with 192 hours, setting the stage for the spectacular spring. By the time May rolls in, the town bathes in sunlight, showcasing an inviting transition into summer that continues to thrive in June and July, reaching 420 and 430 hours respectively. This uplifting trend of increasing sunshine transforms the landscape and energizes the community, while the subsequent gradual decline in sunlight from August through to November emphasizes the fleeting nature of this radiant season, with the year closing out under a more subdued glow.
In May, Lerwick, United Kingdom, typically experiences a 22% chance of sunny weather, which is lower than the preceding months of January, February, and April, where the likelihood holds steady around 32% to 33%. This slight decline hints at a common trend as spring transitions into summer, with June showing an uptick to 30%. Notably, the sunshines most brightly at the start of the year and begins to wane as summer approaches, suggesting that while May may not boast the sunniest skies, it is part of a broader pattern of fluctuating sunshine throughout the year.
As spring transitions to summer in Lerwick, United Kingdom, May emerges as a beacon of increasing daylight, boasting an impressive 17 hours of sunlight. This month marks a significant leap from the 14 hours experienced in April, further bridging the gap towards the longest days of the year in June, which offers a full 18 hours of daylight. This trend of expanding daylight not only enhances the vibrancy of the landscape but also encourages outdoor activities, making May a particularly joyful month. As the year progresses, daylight gradually diminishes again, reminding us of the cyclical nature of seasons. The shift from the dark depths of winter, where January sees only 6 hours of daylight, towards the abundant light of mid-summer truly captures the essence of Lerwick's unique climate.
In May, Lerwick experiences a noticeable dip in wind speed, averaging 6.4 m/s (14 mph), making it one of the calmer months in contrast to the earlier winter and spring months. This shift from the brisk winds of April and March, which hover around 8.7 m/s (19 mph) and 9.3 m/s (21 mph) respectively, heralds a more settled period as the summer approaches. The trend of diminishing winds continues into June, yet it intriguingly rebounds in the autumn months, with October and November showcasing stronger gusts of 9.4 m/s (21 mph) and 10.7 m/s (24 mph). The variability in Lerwick's wind patterns throughout the year highlights the unique maritime climate of this charming coastal town, offering a blend of brisk breezes and gentler winds that contribute to its dynamic weather experience.
The weather in Lerwick 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 Lerwick and find detailed weather information for every month.
In comparison to May, January tends to be slightly cooler with average temperatures ranging from 2°C (36°F) to a max of 11°C (52°F), while May sees a more pleasant average of 8°C (47°F) to 12°C (54°F). January also experiences more precipitation, totaling 96 mm (3.8 in) over 18 days, compared to May's 47 mm (1.8 in) spread across 13 days. Although January has a lower humidity level at 79%, it still maintains a damp atmosphere compared to May's higher humidity of 84%. For more detailed information, check out Lerwick weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, May tends to be slightly warmer, with average temperatures ranging from 2°C (36°F) to 12°C (54°F) compared to February’s range of 0°C (33°F) to 10°C (51°F). While May enjoys a relatively lower precipitation level of 47 mm (1.8 in) over 13 days, February is significantly wetter, recording 97 mm (3.8 in) across 19 days. Despite being the peak of spring, May has a higher humidity level at 84% compared to February's 79%. For more detailed insights about February weather, you can visit Lerwick weather in February.
In comparing the weather in March and May, it’s noticeable that May tends to be milder, with average temperatures rising to 8°C (47°F) compared to March's average of 6°C (43°F). May also features a higher maximum temperature of 12°C (54°F), while March peaks at 9°C (49°F). However, March sees significantly more precipitation, with 103 mm (4.1 in) over 20 days, whereas May has only 47 mm (1.8 in) across 13 days. Notably, humidity levels are fairly similar, with May at 84% and March slightly lower at 81%. For more detailed information, you can check Lerwick weather in March.
Comparing the weather between April and May, we see a slight increase in temperatures during May, with minimums of 2°C (36°F) as opposed to 0°C (31°F) in April. The average temperature also rises from 6°C (44°F) in April to 8°C (47°F) in May, while the maximum temperature experiences a modest increase from 10°C (51°F) in April to 12°C (54°F) in May. Precipitation levels are fairly similar, with May recording 47 mm (1.8 in) compared to April's 51 mm (2.0 in), both months experiencing rainfall on 13 days. Humidity remains relatively constant, slightly higher in May at 84% compared to April's 82%. For more specific details on April weather, you can visit Lerwick weather in April.
In comparing the weather between May and June, a noticeable warming trend can be observed. May experiences a cooler climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of 12°C (54°F), while June sees a slight increase, with temperatures ranging from 6°C (44°F) to 14°C (58°F). Precipitation is modest in both months, with May receiving 47 mm (1.8 in) over 13 days compared to June's 53 mm (2.1 in) over 12 days. Interestingly, humidity remains consistent at 84% for both months, contributing to a damp feel. For more details on the weather during this time, you can refer to Lerwick weather in June.
In May, temperatures in Lerwick range from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of 12°C (54°F), with an average of 8°C (47°F). The month sees about 47 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation over approximately 13 days and maintains a humidity level of 84%. In contrast, July experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (48°F), an average of 12°C (54°F), and a maximum of 17°C (63°F). However, July also has a higher total precipitation of 69 mm (2.7 in) over 12 days, accompanied by slightly increased humidity at 89%. For more details, you can check out the Lerwick weather in July.
May and August present quite different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly 2°C (36°F) at night to a mild 12°C (54°F) during the day, with an average temperature of 8°C (47°F). Precipitation is relatively moderate at 47 mm (1.8 in) over 13 days, and humidity remains high at 84%. In contrast, August sees warmer temperatures, with minimums around 10°C (50°F) and daytime highs reaching 15°C (60°F), resulting in an average of 13°C (55°F). Rainfall increases to 74 mm (2.9 in) over 15 days, paired with even higher humidity at 87%. For more specific insights about August weather, you can explore Lerwick weather in August.
May and September present contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a mild maximum of 12°C (54°F), with an average of 8°C (47°F). The month sees about 47 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation over 13 rainy days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 84%. In contrast, September experiences warmer temperatures, with minimums around 8°C (46°F) and maximums peaking at 15°C (59°F), averaging 12°C (54°F). However, this month is also wetter, with 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain over 18 days and slightly higher humidity at 87%. For a more detailed insight, you can check Lerwick weather in September.
In May, the weather tends to be cooler with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of 12°C (54°F). It experiences about 47 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation over approximately 13 days, all while maintaining a humidity level of 84%. In contrast, October sees slightly milder temperatures, with minimums of 5°C (42°F) and maximums reaching up to 14°C (57°F). However, this month is significantly wetter, receiving 146 mm (5.8 in) of rain across 23 days and a slightly higher humidity level of 87%. For more details on October weather, visit Lerwick weather in October.
In comparing the weather between May and November, both months exhibit similar average temperatures, typically hovering around 8°C (47°F). However, May generally showcases slightly cooler mornings with a minimum temperature of 2°C (36°F), while November starts a bit warmer at 3°C (38°F). Precipitation levels differ significantly; May experiences around 47 mm (1.8 in) over 13 days, whereas November sees a much higher total of 133 mm (5.2 in) spread across 23 days, indicating a markedly wetter month. Humidity levels remain quite comparable, with May at 84% and November slightly higher at 85%. For more specifics on November weather patterns, you can check this link: Lerwick weather in November.
In comparing the weather between May and December, we see that both months feature relatively mild temperatures, but with distinct differences. May experiences a temperature range from a chilly 2°C (36°F) to a mild 12°C (54°F) with an average of 8°C (47°F). In contrast, December has slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 3°C (37°F) and a maximum of 11°C (52°F), averaging around 7°C (45°F).
Precipitation is notably higher in December, amounting to 137 mm (5.4 in) over 25 days, compared to May's 47 mm (1.8 in) over 13 days. This results in generally wetter conditions in December than in May, but the humidity is lower in December at 78%, compared to May's 84%. For more detailed insights on the weather conditions during December, you can visit Lerwick weather in December.
As spring unfolds in Lerwick, May marks a noticeable shift in weather patterns compared to the chillier months of winter and early spring. With an average temperature reaching a comfortable 8°C (47°F), this month brings a welcome warmth alongside persistent humidity levels of 84%. However, it also features a fair share of rain, accumulating 47 mm (1.8 in) across approximately 13 days, reminding us that Lerwick’s maritime climate can be quite unpredictable. Embracing the transition into summer, May offers a blend of mild temperatures and a touch of rain, setting the stage for the vibrant summer months ahead. For more insights into Lerwick's climate throughout the year, visit Lerwick Climate.