Last updated: February 24, 2025
In May, the enchanting coastal region of Big Sur, California experiences a delightful range of weather. With maximum temperatures reaching up to 24°C (75°F) and an average hovering around 12°C (54°F), days are typically mild and inviting. Minimum temperatures can dip to 5°C (42°F), reminding visitors to pack layers for cooler evenings. This month sees a modest precipitation amount of 23 mm (0.9 in) across approximately 3 days, contributing to the lush greenery that characterizes the area. With humidity levels at 71%, the air feels refreshing, making it an ideal time for outdoor adventures along this stunning stretch of the Pacific coast.
In May, temperatures in Big Sur begin to reflect the onset of warmer days, with a minimum of 5°C (42°F) and a comfortable average of 12°C (54°F). The highs flirt with the mid-20s (75°F), making it a delightful time for outdoor adventures along the stunning coastline. Compared to the preceding months, May showcases a gentle warming trend, with averages slowly inching up from 10°C (51°F) in January to a hopeful 12°C (54°F). This transition not only enhances the region's natural beauty but also invites visitors to explore the lush landscapes and engage in various activities, all under pleasantly mild conditions that characterize late spring in this iconic locale.
In May, Big Sur experiences a notable decrease in precipitation, with just 23 mm (0.9 in) recorded over a mere 3 days of rainfall. This decline marks a striking contrast to the wetter early months of the year, where January and February delivered heavy downpours of 140 mm (5.5 in) and 120 mm (4.7 in), respectively. As spring unfolds, the region transitions toward drier conditions, setting the stage for the sun-drenched summer months that follow. This trend is evident as May's rainfall dwindles, anticipating the almost rain-free days of June, July, and August. The seasonal shift reflects the unique climate patterns of Big Sur, where early-year storms pave the way for warmer, drier days ahead.
In Big Sur, the humidity levels experience a notable decline as spring transitions into summer. In May, humidity drops to 71%, marking a significant decrease from the higher levels of the first four months of the year. This downward trend continues into June and July, with humidity falling to 64% and 58%, respectively, indicating the region's shift towards a drier summer climate. Interestingly, after this summer dip, humidity begins to rise again in the fall, suggesting a cyclical pattern influenced by seasonal changes. Overall, Big Sur's humidity in May serves as a turning point, heralding sunnier, more comfortable days ahead.
As May rolls in, the UV Index in Big Sur spikes to an alarming 11, marking the start of the extreme exposure category. This surge is a stark increase from the moderate and very high levels seen earlier in the year, such as a UV Index of 4 in January and 8 in March. With a burn time dropping to just 10 minutes, it's crucial for visitors to be vigilant about sun protection. As summer approaches, the trend continues with June and July maintaining similar extreme levels, underscoring the need for awareness during this peak period. For those planning outdoor activities, staying informed is essential; check the latest updates here: Big Sur UV Index.
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As the warmth of spring blossoms into summer, May shines brightly in Big Sur, boasting an impressive 359 hours of sunshine. This is a delightful leap from the 302 hours recorded in April, marking a trend of increasing daylight that continues into June, where sunshine peaks at 376 hours. The progression from winter's grey, where January only offers 163 hours, showcases the region's transformation into a sun-drenched paradise, encouraging outdoor adventures and the exploration of its breathtaking coastal landscapes. By August, although sunshine slightly dips to 357 hours, the lingering warmth still enriches the stunning vistas, making Big Sur a captivating destination throughout the dynamic months of spring and summer.
In Big Sur, the allure of May shines brightly with a 73% chance of sunny weather, marking a significant leap from earlier months. As spring transitions into summer, the likelihood of basking in the sun rises steadily—starting at 47% in January and climbing to 59% by April. This trend continues into June, where the sun remains a reliable companion. May not only offers delightful weather but also sets the stage for the sunny days of summer, with August peaking at an impressive 80%. Whether you're exploring the rugged coastline or enjoying a picnic among the wildflowers, May presents an inviting opportunity to soak up the beauty of Big Sur under clear skies.
In May, Big Sur basks in 14 hours of daylight, the peak of spring's luminous embrace. As the year transitions from the shorter winter days of 9 hours in January to a bright 10 hours in February, daylight gradually unfolds, culminating in the enchanting stretch of sunlight that May offers. This month marks a delightful surge from the 13 hours of April, as nature awakens in full glory, setting the stage for the longer days of summer. Following May, the daylight remains steady at 14 hours deep into June and July, signifying a seasonal high before gradually tapering off with the arrival of autumn. This rhythmic change highlights the beauty of Big Sur's climate, inviting both locals and visitors to revel in the vibrant scenery sustained by these plentiful daylight hours.
May in Big Sur brings a delightful increase in average wind speed, reaching 4.9 m/s (11 mph), marking it as one of the breezier months of the year. This uptick creates a refreshing atmosphere that contrasts with the calmer winds of summer, particularly July and August, where speeds dip to 3.5 m/s (8 mph) and 3.2 m/s (7 mph), respectively. As spring unfolds, one can notice a gradual rise starting from April’s 4.4 m/s (10 mph), epitomizing the transition towards warmer days. This trend of mild wind speeds in the spring gives way to a more stable summer’s breeze, creating an inviting environment for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
The weather in Big Sur 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 Big Sur and find detailed weather information for every month.
When comparing the weather in May and January, it's clear that both months offer distinct climates. May tends to be milder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F) and an average of 12°C (54°F). Precipitation is relatively low during this month, totaling 23 mm (0.9 in) over just 3 days, and humidity levels are a comfortable 71%. In contrast, January is cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 20°C (69°F) and an average of 10°C (51°F). However, it is considerably wetter, experiencing 140 mm (5.5 in) of rainfall over 8 days, along with higher humidity at 82%. For more specifics on January weather, you can check out Big Sur weather in January.
May and February exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F), with an average of 12°C (54°F), resulting in milder conditions. Precipitation in May is relatively low at 23 mm (0.9 in) over just three days, and humidity levels are moderate at 71%. In contrast, February tends to be cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of 23°C (74°F) and an average of 10°C (51°F). February is much wetter, experiencing 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain over nine days, and higher humidity at 84%. For more detailed insights, you can check Big Sur weather in February.
May weather generally features milder temperatures compared to March, with averages rising to 12°C (54°F) and maximums reaching 24°C (75°F). In contrast, March experiences slightly cooler temperatures, averaging 10°C (51°F) and maxing out at 21°C (70°F). Additionally, May enjoys significantly less precipitation at 23 mm (0.9 in) over just three days, while March sees much more rain at 109 mm (4.3 in) spread across 13 days. This results in a slight increase in humidity in March, averaging 82%, compared to May's 71%. For further details, you can check the Big Sur weather in March.
In comparing the weather patterns of April and May, April experiences slightly cooler average temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a maximum of 25°C (78°F), with an average of 11°C (53°F). It also has higher humidity at 78% and receives more precipitation, totaling 33 mm (1.3 in) over 5 days. In contrast, May sees a marginal increase in average temperature to 12°C (54°F), but a higher maximum of 24°C (75°F). Additionally, May is somewhat drier with only 23 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation over just 3 days and slightly lower humidity at 71%. For more detailed insights on April weather, visit Big Sur weather in April.
May and June present distinct weather profiles. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F), with an average of 12°C (54°F). The month sees a moderate level of precipitation at 23 mm (0.9 in) over three days, and humidity levels are relatively high at 71%. In contrast, June offers warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 7°C (45°F), an average of 14°C (58°F), and a maximum of 27°C (81°F). Rainfall significantly decreases to just 2 mm (0.1 in) and no rainy days are recorded, leading to a more comfortable humidity level of 64%. For more details on June weather, you can visit Big Sur weather in June.
In May, temperatures range from a cool 5°C (42°F) at night to a pleasant 24°C (75°F) during the day, averaging around 12°C (54°F). The month experiences a fair amount of precipitation, with 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain over three days, contributing to a humidity level of 71%. In contrast, July features notably warmer nights, with minimum temperatures of 9°C (49°F) and maintains a similar maximum of 24°C (75°F) during the day, but with an average temperature of 15°C (60°F). July is characterized by significantly less rain, receiving only 1 mm (0.0 in) throughout the month and experiencing zero rainy days, leading to a drier atmosphere with humidity dropping to 58%. For more detailed information on July weather, you can check out Big Sur weather in July.
In May, the weather tends to be cooler with a minimum temperature of 5°C (42°F) and an average of 12°C (54°F), peaking at 24°C (75°F). This month also experiences more precipitation, averaging 23 mm (0.9 in) over approximately three rainy days, resulting in a higher humidity level at 71%. Conversely, August offers a warmer climate, with minimum temperatures rising to 11°C (51°F) and averages around 16°C (62°F), reaching up to 28°C (82°F) at times. Notably, August is considerably drier, recording only 1 mm (0.0 in) of precipitation across the month and enjoying around zero rainy days, along with a reduced humidity of 54%. For more information, check out Big Sur weather in August.
May experiences a cool climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F), while September offers a warmer environment with temperatures peaking at 33°C (91°F). While May sees more precipitation, averaging 23 mm (0.9 in) over three days, September enjoys a dry spell with just 4 mm (0.2 in) and no rainy days. Additionally, the humidity in May is higher at 71%, compared to a more comfortable 55% in September. For more specific weather details for this period, you can check out Big Sur weather in September.
When comparing the weather in May and October, May tends to be cooler with average temperatures ranging from 5°C (42°F) to 24°C (75°F), while October experiences milder conditions, showcasing a temperature range of 7°C (45°F) to 31°C (88°F). Although both months see low levels of precipitation, May has slightly more rain at 23 mm (0.9 in) over three days compared to October's 21 mm (0.8 in) with just one day of rainfall. Additionally, humidity levels are higher in May at 71%, while October enjoys a more comfortable 62%. For specific insights into October weather in a picturesque location, check out Big Sur weather in October.
May and November exhibit fairly similar temperature ranges, with both months experiencing maximum temperatures around 24°C (75°F). However, May tends to be slightly warmer on average, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to an average of 12°C (54°F), while November sees temperatures from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) with an average of 13°C (55°F). Precipitation levels are notably higher in November, accumulating 43 mm (1.7 in) over about five days, compared to May's 23 mm (0.9 in) over three days. Additionally, November's humidity is marginally higher at 78%, compared to May’s 71%. For a more detailed understanding of weather patterns, check out Big Sur weather in November.
In May, the weather typically features mild temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (42°F) and an average high of 24°C (75°F), making it a pleasant month for outdoor activities. Precipitation is relatively low, with only 23 mm (0.9 in) over about three days, and humidity levels around 71%. In contrast, December presents cooler conditions, with a minimum of 4°C (40°F) and an average high of 23°C (74°F). However, it experiences significantly more rain, totaling 118 mm (4.6 in) over nine days, and a higher humidity level of 80%. For a detailed look at December weather patterns, visit Big Sur weather in December.
May in Big Sur brings a delightful transition into warmer weather, making it stand out from the cooler months preceding it. With maximum temperatures reaching 24°C (75°F), visitors can finally enjoy the stunning coastal vistas in pleasant conditions. The average temperature of 12°C (54°F) offers a comfortable backdrop for outdoor activities, while the few days of light precipitation and higher humidity levels of 71% hint at the lushness that characterizes this scenic region. This month marks the beginning of a more inviting climate, perfect for exploring nature's beauty. For a comprehensive understanding of the climate throughout the year, be sure to check out Big Sur Climate.