Last updated: February 24, 2025
In Berkeley, United States, May brings a delightful mix of warmth and refreshing breezes, with maximum temperatures reaching a balmy 32°C (90°F) and an average of 15°C (60°F). The month is characterized by a mild minimum temperature of 6°C (44°F), making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. Despite an overall dry climate, May sees occasional rain, with total precipitation amounting to 18 mm (0.7 in) over just 2 days, contributing to a pleasant humidity level of 71%. This combination creates a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for enjoying the blossoming scenery of spring.
In May, Berkeley experiences a delightful transition into warmer weather, with temperatures ranging from a low of 6°C (44°F) to a pleasant high of 32°C (90°F). This month marks a notable increase in warmth compared to the earlier spring months, showcasing an average temperature of 15°C (60°F). The rising temperatures signal the approach of summer, offering a perfect opportunity for outdoor activities and vibrant community events. As the days grow longer and sunnier, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the blooming landscapes, making May a truly enchanting time in this Californian city.
May marks a notable turning point in Berkeley's precipitation patterns, as the city transitions from the more rain-soaked months of late winter and early spring. With only 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain across just 2 days, May clearly signals a dramatic decrease in rainfall compared to earlier months, particularly from January's peak of 94 mm (3.7 in) and February’s 91 mm (3.6 in). This decline continues into June, where precipitation drops to a mere 2 mm (0.1 in), heralding the onset of summer dryness. As the wet season comes to a close, May serves as a gentle reminder of the fleeting nature of spring showers, paving the way for the typically parched summer months ahead.
As spring transitions into summer, May in Berkeley reveals a notable drop in humidity, settling at 71%—a refreshing change from the dampness of earlier months. January and February consistently flaunt higher humidity levels, at 82% and 84%, respectively, creating a moist atmosphere well-suited for the flourishing flora. However, as April approaches, a gradual decline to 78% sets the stage for May’s more comfortable conditions. The trend continues into the drier summer months, with June reaching 64%, and further decreasing through July and August, highlighting Berkeley's shift from the wet chill of winter to the crisp, pleasant climate of summer. This significant decline not only enhances outdoor enjoyment but also marks a clear transition in the local weather patterns.
As May rolls into Berkeley, the UV Index peaks at an impressive 10, categorizing the exposure as very high with a burn time of just 15 minutes. This trend of increasing UV intensity is consistent as spring unfolds; after a relatively moderate start in January and February, March and April see significant spikes. With April's UV Index already hitting 9, the jump to May signals a real call to action for sun safety. As we transition into the summer months, it’s crucial for residents and visitors alike to stay vigilant, as June and July will push the limits further with extreme levels. For more details on how to protect yourself under the sun, check out the full Berkeley UV Index guide.
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As spring gracefully transitions into summer, May stands out in Berkeley with a delightful 341 hours of sunshine, marking a significant rise from the 296 hours in April. This upward trend is indicative of the area's increasing daylight hours, setting the stage for vibrant outdoor activities and a blossoming social scene. Following May, June offers even more radiant days at 355 hours, showcasing the peak of sunshine as summer unfolds. The consistent increase in sunny days from January's mere 151 hours to May's bountiful light illustrates Berkeley's evolving climate, inviting residents and visitors alike to soak in the warmth and revel in the beautiful vistas that this enchanting month has to offer.
In Berkeley, the arrival of May ushers in a promising likelihood of sunny weather, with a 70% chance of sunshine that outshines previous months. This trend marks a noticeable upswing from April's 57%, suggesting that spring is fully in bloom and summer is just around the corner. As we look back over the year so far, the months leading up to May show a gradual increase in sunlit days, starting from a modest 39% in January and climbing steadily through the spring. With longer days and warm weather on the horizon, May not only brings higher sunshine probabilities but also sets the stage for those delightful outdoor activities that characterize the vibrant atmosphere of the Bay Area.
In Berkeley, California, the arrival of May marks a delightful transition into the heart of spring, bringing with it an impressive 14 hours of daylight. This increase in sunlight is part of a gradual trend that begins in January, where days are a mere 9 hours long, and steadily lengthens through the months. As winter fades, February and March welcome longer days, with daylight extending to 10 and 11 hours respectively. By April, there's a noticeable jump to 13 hours, paving the way for May's peak. This is followed by June, July, and August, where daylight remains abundant at 14 hours, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities. As summer wanes in September, daylight begins to taper off, reminding us of the cyclical nature of the seasons. Each month tells a story of increasing warmth and light, culminating in the vibrant, sun-kissed days of late spring and early summer.
May brings a delightful uptick in wind speed to Berkeley, with an average of 3.9 m/s (9 mph), marking it as a transition month toward summer breezes. This increase follows a steady ascent from 2.4 m/s (5 mph) in January, showcasing a gradual buildup of wind that peaks in May. After the spring's brisk winds, the speeds dip slightly in June and July, settling back to 3.4 m/s (8 mph), before gradually tapering as autumn approaches. This trend illustrates a seasonal rhythm, where May stands out as a pivotal moment of lively gusts, perfect for outdoor activities and capturing the vibrant spirit of the Bay Area.
The weather in Berkeley 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 Berkeley and find detailed weather information for every month.
May and January present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures typically range from a minimum of 6°C (44°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F), with an average of 15°C (60°F). The month sees relatively low precipitation at 18 mm (0.7 in) over just 2 days and a humidity level of 71%. In contrast, January features cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 0°C (32°F), an average of 10°C (51°F), and a maximum reaching 25°C (78°F). This month experiences significantly higher precipitation, totaling 94 mm (3.7 in) spread over 8 days and a humidity of 82%. The substantial difference in temperature and precipitation illustrates the seasonal shift from the warm, drier days of May to the cooler, wetter conditions of January. For more details, you can check Berkeley weather in January.
May typically offers warmer and more variable temperatures compared to February, with minimums around 6°C (44°F) and maximums reaching up to 32°C (90°F), whereas February sees cooler temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) to a maximum of 26°C (78°F). Additionally, May experiences significantly less precipitation, with only 18 mm (0.7 in) over just 2 days, in stark contrast to February's 91 mm (3.6 in) spread across 8 days. The humidity is also nearly lower in May, averaging 71%, compared to 84% in February, making May generally feel more comfortable. For a detailed look at February weather, you can check out Berkeley weather in February.
May typically presents a warmer climate compared to March, with average temperatures rising from 12°C (54°F) in March to 15°C (60°F) in May. The maximum temperature in May can reach as high as 32°C (90°F), significantly warmer than March's peak of 27°C (81°F). Additionally, May experiences much less rainfall, with only 18 mm (0.7 in) of precipitation over 2 days, contrasting with March's heavier downpour of 73 mm (2.9 in) spread across 10 days. Humidity levels are also slightly lower in May at 71%, compared to March's 82%. For a detailed look at March weather specifically, check out Berkeley weather in March.
In comparing the weather of April and May, we see a noticeable shift in temperature and precipitation patterns. May generally offers warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 6°C (44°F) and an average of 15°C (60°F), peaking at 32°C (90°F). In contrast, April sees slightly cooler conditions, with a minimum of 4°C (40°F), an average of 14°C (58°F), and a maximum of 31°C (88°F). While May benefits from reduced precipitation, receiving only 18 mm (0.7 in) over 2 days, April is wetter, accumulating 29 mm (1.2 in) over 5 days. Humidity levels also differ, with May’s relative humidity at 71% compared to April’s higher 78%. For more detailed insights into April's weather, visit Berkeley weather in April.
May and June exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a cool minimum of 6°C (44°F) to a warm maximum of 32°C (90°F), with an average of 15°C (60°F). The month sees a moderate amount of precipitation at 18 mm (0.7 in) over 2 days, contributing to a higher humidity level of 71%. In contrast, June brings warmer conditions with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a scorching maximum of 37°C (99°F), averaging 18°C (64°F). This month experiences significantly less precipitation, accumulating only 2 mm (0.1 in) and enjoying dry weather for 0 days, resulting in a lower humidity level of 64%. For more details about June weather, check out Berkeley weather in June.
In May, the weather presents a wider temperature range, with minimums around 6°C (44°F) and maximums soaring to 32°C (90°F). The month sees an average temperature of 15°C (60°F) and experiences about 18 mm (0.7 in) of precipitation over two days, coupled with moderate humidity at 71%. In contrast, July enjoys a more stable climate with minimum temperatures of 11°C (53°F) and an average of 18°C (64°F), while still reaching maximums up to 32°C (90°F). Notably, July is drier, experiencing no precipitation and only 58% humidity. For more specific insights about July weather, visit Berkeley weather in July.
May and August present distinct weather patterns, reflecting the transition from spring to summer. In May, temperatures range from a cool minimum of 6°C (44°F) to a warm maximum of 32°C (90°F), with an average of 15°C (60°F). The month sees some precipitation, with about 18 mm (0.7 in) falling over just 2 days, and humidity levels remaining relatively high at 71%. In contrast, August experiences warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (52°F) and a maximum soaring to 37°C (99°F), averaging 18°C (65°F). Notably, August is dry, enjoying no recorded precipitation and significantly lower humidity at 54%. For more detailed information, you can visit Berkeley weather in August.
May and September present contrasting weather experiences. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 6°C (44°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F), with an average of 15°C (60°F). The month sees around 18 mm (0.7 in) of precipitation over two days and a humidity level of 71%, making it feel quite humid. In contrast, September boasts warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (48°F) and an impressive maximum of 40°C (104°F), averaging 19°C (66°F). It experiences significantly less rainfall, with just 1 mm (0.0 in) across the entire month and no rainy days, resulting in a much lower humidity level of 55%. For more detailed insights into September weather, check out Berkeley weather in September.
May and October present distinct weather characteristics. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 6°C (44°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F), with an average of 15°C (60°F). The month sees about 18 mm (0.7 in) of precipitation over two days and a higher humidity level of 71%. In contrast, October features a slightly lower minimum temperature of 5°C (41°F) and a higher maximum of 34°C (93°F), with an average of 17°C (63°F). Although it receives more precipitation at 24 mm (1.0 in), it experiences only one day of rainfall and a lower humidity level of 62%. For more detailed insights into October weather, you can check out Berkeley weather in October.
When comparing the weather in May and November, there are notable differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. May typically enjoys warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 6°C (44°F) and a maximum of 32°C (90°F), averaging around 15°C (60°F). In contrast, November brings cooler conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 27°C (81°F), averaging 13°C (56°F). Additionally, May experiences less precipitation, with only 18 mm (0.7 in) over approximately 2 days, while November sees a higher total of 42 mm (1.7 in) spread across about 5 days. Humidity levels are also slightly higher in November at 78%, compared to 71% in May. For more detailed information specifically about Berkeley weather, you can visit Berkeley weather in November.
May and December present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures can vary significantly, with a minimum of 6°C (44°F) and a maximum reaching up to 32°C (90°F), creating a generally mild and pleasant atmosphere. The month sees minimal precipitation of just 18 mm (0.7 in) over a couple of days, along with a humidity level around 71%. In sharp contrast, December experiences cooler temperatures, with an average of 10°C (51°F) and maximums of 23°C (74°F). The month is wetter, with 80 mm (3.2 in) of rain spread across eight days, and humidity levels rise slightly to 80%. For further details on the weather in December, you can check Berkeley weather in December.
In May, Berkeley experiences a delightful blend of warm temperatures and relatively low precipitation, distinguishing it from the cooler, wetter months that precede it. With the mercury soaring to a maximum of 32°C (90°F), days are generally pleasant, while the average temperature settles comfortably around 15°C (60°F). The humidity level, hovering around 71%, adds a gentle touch to the spring air, but it’s the dramatic drop in rainfall—just 18 mm over only two days—that makes May feel like the beginning of summer’s embrace. This perfect combination of warmth and mild conditions invites outdoor exploration, setting the stage for the vibrant energy that Berkeley is known for. For a deeper dive into the weather patterns throughout the year, visit Berkeley Climate.