May Weather in Los Angeles, United States

Last updated: February 24, 2025

In May, Los Angeles welcomes the onset of warmer temperatures, featuring a maximum of 35°C (96°F) while the average hovers around a pleasant 19°C (66°F). Nighttime brings cooler relief, with lows dropping to 9°C (48°F). Residents and visitors can expect a modest 12 mm (0.5 in) of precipitation spread over just 3 days, contributing to the city’s characteristic 70% humidity. This delightful blend of warm days and cool nights makes May an ideal time to explore the vibrant outdoor culture of Los Angeles.

May Temperature in Los Angeles

In May, Los Angeles experiences a delightful transition into warmer weather, with temperatures reflecting the promise of summer. The minimum temperature hovers around 9°C (48°F), while the average climbs to a comfortable 19°C (66°F). Days can get quite warm, reaching a maximum of 35°C (96°F), hinting at the heat yet to come in the following months. This month marks a noticeable upward trend from the cooler spring months, as the city shifts from the mild April temperatures, showcasing an inviting atmosphere perfect for outdoor activities. With bright sunshine and pleasantly warm evenings, May stands out as an ideal time to explore the vibrant culture of Los Angeles.

May Weather in Los Angeles: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates May temperature patterns in Los Angeles, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec565759646570757674706356
Data source: Temperature data for Los Angeles generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

May Precipitation in Los Angeles

In May, Los Angeles experiences a noticeable decline in precipitation, with only 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain falling over approximately 3 days. This pattern marks a sharp contrast to the wetter months that precede it, particularly January and March, which see much higher totals of 71 mm (2.8 in) and 70 mm (2.8 in), respectively. As the city transitions into summer, the drier trend becomes even more evident, foreshadowing the minimal rainfall recorded in the subsequent months of June through August, each yielding less than 3 mm. This shift not only highlights the seasonal variation in Los Angeles but also underscores the city’s characteristic dry spells that follow the spring rains, reinforcing its reputation as a sun-drenched getaway.

May Precipitation Trends in Los Angeles

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Los Angeles, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec7155701912322381876
Data source: Precipitation data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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May Humidity in Los Angeles

As spring gracefully transitions into summer, May in Los Angeles showcases a humidity level of 70%, maintaining the comfortable, moderate trend established in the preceding months. This marks a slight dip from April's 70%, emphasizing a consistent pattern of lower humidity as the year progresses. Notably, after the winter months, which experienced higher humidity—peaking at 79% in February—the climate gradually stabilizes. As the city approaches the warmer summer period, it trends towards lower humidity levels, with the summer months generally hovering around the low 70s to high 60s. This enjoyable balance of humidity makes May an ideal time for outdoor activities, as the air feels neither too sticky nor overly dry.

May Average Humidity in Los Angeles

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Los Angeles, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec74%79%75%71%70%72%73%69%68%67%68%71%
Data source: Humidity data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

May UV Index in Los Angeles

In May, Los Angeles experiences a notable increase in ultraviolet (UV) radiation, with the UV Index climbing to 10—a level classified as very high. This trend reflects a broader pattern throughout the spring and summer months, where the UV Index rises significantly, peaking in June and July at 11 (extreme). As temperatures warm and sunny days become more frequent, residents and visitors alike should be vigilant, with a burn time of just 15 minutes for unprotected skin in May. This month marks a key point in the transition to the sun's intensity, highlighting the importance of sun safety measures. For more information on the UV Index trends in Los Angeles, visit Los Angeles UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Los Angeles for May

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Los Angeles 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec46891011111010754
Data source: Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles

As May unfolds in Los Angeles, the city basks in an impressive 348 hours of sunshine, marking a delightful peak in its spring glow. This month stands out as a significant transition from the milder days of earlier months, such as January with only 187 hours of sunlight, gradually building up to the vibrant warmth of May. The trend is clear: with each passing month, the hours of sunshine steadily increase, culminating in the most sun-soaked days of summer ahead. June continues this radiant journey, boasting 364 hours of sunshine, while July reaches its pinnacle with 380 hours. The sunshine not only brightens the city's landscape but also lifts the spirits of locals and visitors alike, making May a perfect prelude to the sunlit adventures that await in the summer months.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Los Angeles: May Highlighted

The May sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Los Angeles 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec187h228h281h314h348h364h380h360h314h292h255h225h
Data source: Los Angeles May Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Los Angeles During May

As May arrives in Los Angeles, the likelihood of sunny weather hovers around 55%, marking a slight dip from the previous months of spring. While April shows a more promising 54% chance of sunshine, the transition into late spring leads to a gradual upward trend, especially as June rolls in with 68%. This suggests that while May may not boast the highest probability of clear skies, the sunny disposition of L.A. is just around the corner. Notably, from summer onward, the potential for sunny days climbs consistently, peaking at 74% in September. Thus, although May's weather might be a little unpredictable, it sets the stage for the vibrant and sun-soaked days ahead.

Percentage of Sunny Days in May in Los Angeles

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec62%65%69%54%55%68%68%72%74%68%69%49%
Data source: Los Angeles May chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Los Angeles in May

As spring unfolds into May, Los Angeles basks in a delightful 13 hours of daylight. This month marks a pivotal point in the seasonal transition, with daylight peaking beautifully at 14 hours in June. Comparing the earlier months, January and February experience a modest 10 hours, gradually increasing as winter yields to spring. March sees a welcoming boost to 11 hours, while April further enhances outdoor enjoyment with 13 hours of sunshine. The patterns reveal a clear trend: as the year progresses, daylight climbs steadily, offering Angelenos ample time for sunshine-soaked adventures before the gradual decline begins in August. With each month, the rhythm of day and night showcases Los Angeles' vibrant, sun-kissed lifestyle.

Average Daylight Hours in Los Angeles for May

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Los Angeles throughout the year, with May highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec10h 10m10h 58m11h 59m13h 2m13h 56m14h 21m14h 7m13h 20m12h 19m11h 17m10h 22m9h 55m
Data source: Los Angeles daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

May Winds in Los Angeles

In May, Los Angeles experiences a gentle consistency in its breezes, with an average wind speed of 2.3 m/s (5 mph), mirroring the mildness of the preceding month. As spring transitions to summer, the winds remain fairly stable compared to earlier months, with only a slight uptick noticed in April. Notably, May is part of a stretch where wind speeds hold steady at 2.3 m/s (5 mph) from April through June, suggesting a calm atmosphere perfect for outdoor activities. Interestingly, the wind speeds begin a gradual decline as the year progresses, reaching their lowest in late fall when November sees an average of 1.8 m/s (4 mph). This trend underscores the familiar pattern of Los Angeles, where breezy conditions soften as the season changes, creating a serene backdrop for the city’s vibrant springtime.

Average May Wind Speed in Los Angeles

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Los Angeles, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2.22.12.22.32.3 m/s2.32.12.11.92.01.82.0
Data source: Los Angeles May wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How May Weather in Los Angeles Compares to Other Months

The weather in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles and find detailed weather information for every month.

In comparing the weather of May and January, May generally offers warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (48°F), an average of 19°C (66°F), and a maximum of 35°C (96°F). In contrast, January is cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 31°C (89°F) and an average of 13°C (57°F). While May experiences relatively low precipitation at just 12 mm (0.5 in) over 3 days, January sees significantly more precipitation of 71 mm (2.8 in) across 5 days. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly higher in January at 74%, compared to 70% in May. For more detailed insights, you can check Los Angeles weather in January.

When comparing the weather in May and February, it is clear that May typically enjoys warmer temperatures, with an average of 19°C (66°F) and highs reaching up to 35°C (96°F), while February has a cooler average of 14°C (57°F) and maximum temperatures of 32°C (89°F). Additionally, May experiences significantly less precipitation, averaging only 12 mm (0.5 in) over 3 days, compared to February's 55 mm (2.2 in) over 5 days. Humidity levels are also slightly lower in May at 70%, while February tends to be more humid, with a humidity level of 79%. For a detailed look at February's weather patterns, you can visit Los Angeles weather in February.

In comparing the weather of May and March, it's clear that May enjoys warmer temperatures, with an average of 19°C (66°F) compared to March's average of 15°C (59°F). While May can reach maxima as high as 35°C (96°F), March's peak is slightly lower at 31°C (88°F). Precipitation levels also differ significantly, with March experiencing 70 mm (2.8 in) over 8 days, making it considerably wetter than May, which sees only 12 mm (0.5 in) over just 3 days. Humidity levels remain fairly similar, with March at 75% and May at 70%. For more detailed insights, you can check Los Angeles weather in March.

In comparing the weather of May and April, both months experience similar minimum temperatures, with May averaging 19°C (66°F) and April slightly cooler at 18°C (64°F). However, April can occasionally reach higher maximum temperatures up to 37°C (99°F), compared to May's peak of 35°C (96°F). Precipitation levels are lower in May, with only 12 mm (0.5 in) recorded over three days, while April sees more rainfall totaling 19 mm (0.7 in) over just two days. Humidity persists at a consistent 70% in both months, making the air feel similarly muggy. For more detailed insights on April's weather patterns, you can refer to Los Angeles weather in April.

In May, the weather features a wider temperature range, with minimums around 9°C (48°F) and maximums reaching as high as 35°C (96°F), coupled with an average temperature of 19°C (66°F). The month experiences light precipitation, totaling 12 mm (0.5 in) over about three days, and maintains a humidity level of 70%. In contrast, June sees slightly higher minimum temperatures at 13°C (55°F) and an average of 21°C (70°F), with maximums peaking at 38°C (100°F). This month is much drier, with only 3 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation and no rainy days, while humidity increases slightly to 72%. For more specific details about June weather, check out Los Angeles weather in June.

May and July present quite contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures can range from a cool 9°C (48°F) to a warm 35°C (96°F), with an average of around 19°C (66°F). The month sees some precipitation, with about 12 mm (0.5 in) of rainfall over three days, and humidity levels hover around 70%. In contrast, July experiences warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 15°C (60°F), an average of 24°C (75°F), and a scorching maximum that can reach 45°C (113°F). This month is notably drier, receiving just 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, with no rainy days recorded, while humidity slightly increases to 73%. For a more detailed look at what to expect, check out this link: Los Angeles weather in July.

The weather in May is characterized by a wider temperature range, with minimums dipping to 9°C (48°F) and maximums reaching as high as 35°C (96°F), while August presents a warmer average with minimums around 15°C (60°F) and maximums climbing to 39°C (102°F). Additionally, May experiences more precipitation, averaging 12 mm (0.5 in) over three days, in contrast to August, which sees little to no rainfall. Humidity levels are fairly consistent between the two months, with May at 70% and August slightly lower at 69%. For a more detailed look at August weather patterns, you can check Los Angeles weather in August.

In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 35°C (96°F), with an average of 19°C (66°F). The month sees about 12 mm (0.5 in) of precipitation spread over three days, and humidity levels hover around 70%. In contrast, September experiences a slightly warmer climate with minimum temperatures of 13°C (55°F) and maximums reaching an impressive 45°C (113°F), averaging 23°C (74°F). Notably, September enjoys a much drier atmosphere, with only 3 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation and no rain days, while humidity drops slightly to 68%. For more detailed weather insights, you can refer to Los Angeles weather in September.

In May, the weather typically features a minimum temperature of 9°C (48°F) and an average high of 19°C (66°F), reaching up to 35°C (96°F) on warmer days. The month experiences about 12 mm (0.5 in) of precipitation over three days, with humidity levels around 70%. In contrast, October enjoys slightly milder conditions, with minimum temperatures similar at 9°C (49°F) but an average high of 21°C (70°F) and maximums that can soar up to 40°C (105°F). October is drier, with just 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain and only one rainy day, while humidity drops slightly to 67%. For more details on the month’s weather, you can check Los Angeles weather in October.

May and November showcase quite different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 35°C (96°F), with an average of 19°C (66°F) and relatively low precipitation at 12 mm (0.5 in) over about 3 days, resulting in a humid atmosphere that hovers around 70%. In contrast, November experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (42°F) and a maximum of 34°C (94°F), averaging at 17°C (63°F). The month sees slightly higher precipitation at 17 mm (0.7 in), but it occurs over only one day, and the humidity is slightly lower at 68%. Overall, May feels warmer and more humid, while November offers a cooler, drier experience. For more details, check out Los Angeles weather in November.

May and December showcase distinct contrasts in weather patterns. In May, the temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a warm maximum of 35°C (96°F), with an average of 19°C (66°F). The month sees relatively low precipitation of only 12 mm (0.5 in) over 3 days and maintains a humidity level of 70%.

In contrast, December offers cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 3°C (38°F), an average of 13°C (57°F), and a maximum of 28°C (83°F). This month experiences significantly higher precipitation, totaling 76 mm (3.0 in) spread over 5 days, while humidity remains slightly higher at 71%. For more details about the conditions in December, you can check out Los Angeles weather in December.

Compare Los Angeles's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From May Weather in Los Angeles

As spring transitions into summer, May in Los Angeles showcases a delightful shift in weather patterns, making it a unique time of year to experience the city. With average temperatures comfortably hovering around 19°C, the month offers a perfect blend of warmth without the intense heat experienced in the peak summer months. While rainfall is minimal, occurring only on a few days, the humidity occasionally reaches around 70%, adding a touch of mugginess to the otherwise pleasant days. This makes May a refreshing prelude to the blazing summer, perfect for outdoor activities and enjoying the vibrant L.A. atmosphere. For a deeper dive into weather trends, visit Los Angeles Climate.