Last updated: February 24, 2025
May in Monterey, United States, presents a refreshing blend of moderate temperatures and a touch of springtime rain. With a maximum of 17°C (63°F) and an average of 12°C (53°F), the weather is ideal for outdoor activities, though evenings can be cooler, touching a minimum of 9°C (48°F). Visitors can expect 26 mm (1.0 in) of rainfall over four days, contributing to the vibrant coastal landscape and keeping humidity levels at a comfortable 71%. Whether strolling along the stunning coastline or exploring local attractions, May offers a pleasant climate that showcases Monterey's natural beauty.
In Monterey, the month of May ushers in a slight warming trend as spring transitions into summer. With minimum temperatures nudging up to 9°C (48°F) and a maximum peak of 17°C (63°F), the city experiences a refreshing climate perfect for outdoor activities. The average temperature remains steady at around 12°C (53°F), akin to the cool feel of April, but a touch warmer than the chillier earlier months. As June approaches, temperatures will continue to climb, but May offers a delightful balance, providing visitors with crisp mornings and comfortably mild afternoons to enjoy the stunning coastal scenery.
In May, Monterey experiences a notable shift in precipitation, with just 26 mm (1.0 in) of rain accumulating over 4 days, signaling the transition to drier summer months. This marked decrease follows the April showers, which brought a more substantial 35 mm (1.4 in) across 6 days. As spring departs, the trend reveals a significant drop from the wetter winter months—where January and February regularly saw over 100 mm of rain—to the arid conditions that prevail in June and beyond, often bringing only a trace of precipitation for the summer. This consistent pattern underscores Monterey’s characteristic climate, offering a glimpse into the region’s seasonal transformations.
As spring transitions into summer, May in Monterey brings a noticeable drop in humidity, settling at a comfortable 71%. This marks a gradual decline from the wetter months of winter, where humidity levels hovered around 82% to 84%. By April, the air felt increasingly dry, setting the stage for the warmer summer months ahead. June follows with even lower humidity at 64%, highlighting a clear trend of decreasing moisture as the year progresses. This shift not only enhances outdoor comfort but also invites residents and visitors alike to enjoy the scenic coastline and vibrant nature that Monterey has to offer.
In Monterey, the UV Index experiences a significant increase as spring transitions into summer. By May, the UV Index reaches a striking 11, categorized as extreme, which substantially shortens burn time to just 10 minutes. This climb from January's moderate levels of 4 and 5 to the very high readings of 8 and 9 in March and April highlights a clear trend towards heightened sun exposure and the need for protective measures. As temperatures rise, the importance of sunscreen and shade becomes paramount, setting the stage for the summer months ahead. For more detailed insights, visit Monterey UV Index.
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In Monterey, United States, May shines brightly as a standout month, boasting 354 hours of glorious sunshine. This remarkable increase from 301 hours in April marks a significant leap, showcasing a clear upward trend in daylight as spring transitions into summer. The sunshine hours continue to rise into June, peaking at 369 hours, before gradually tapering off in the following months. The progression from the beginning of the year reveals a steady climb in sunshine, with January starting at 164 hours and culminating in the vibrant days of May. This seasonal transformation not only enhances the aesthetic charm of the coastal city but also invites residents and visitors alike to bask in the warmth and beauty of nature, making Monterey a delightful escape during this sun-drenched time of year.
In Monterey, United States, the likelihood of sunny weather in May stands at 51%, reflecting a subtle recovery from the previous month's dip to 43%. This trend aligns with the seasonal transition, as the city transitions from spring into early summer. Notably, May's sunshine probabilities are positioned comfortably between the cooler months of January through April and the warmer summer months, where the chances fluctuate. As the year progresses, the likelihood of sunshine generally trends upward, peaking in the fall with October at 62%. This creates an inviting atmosphere during May, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploration in this picturesque coastal locale.
As spring transitions into summer in Monterey, daylight duration steadily increases, peaking in May with a delightful 14 hours of sunlight. This month marks a significant leap from April's 13 hours, setting the stage for long, bright days ahead. Following this peak, daylight remains consistent through June and July, providing ample time to enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery. However, as summer fades into autumn, the hours of daylight gradually decline, reminiscent of the winter months, where January and December offer only 9 hours of sunlight. This cyclical rhythm underscores the natural beauty of Monterey, inviting residents and visitors alike to savor the vibrant May days before the shorter daylight returns.
In Monterey, United States, the month of May typically witnesses a pleasant breeze, with an average wind speed of 5.0 m/s (11 mph)—slightly higher than the previous months of April and March. This marks a continuation of the trend observed through the spring, as winds gradually strengthen after the calmer winter months. As we transition into summer, the variability in wind speeds becomes apparent; generally, the months from June to August show a decline in wind intensity, reflecting Monterey's characteristic shift towards warmer weather and more stable conditions. Notably, May maintains a balance between the breezy conditions of spring and the more tranquil summer atmosphere, offering an invigorating yet comfortable experience for residents and visitors alike.
The weather in Monterey 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 Monterey and find detailed weather information for every month.
May generally offers milder temperatures compared to January, with average highs reaching 17°C (63°F) and a lower humidity level of 71%. In contrast, January features similar average temperatures but experiences higher humidity at 82% and significantly more precipitation, totaling 112 mm (4.4 in) over about 10 days, compared to May's 26 mm (1.0 in) spread across just 4 days. This makes January notably wetter and more humid than the drier and milder conditions of May. For more details, check out Monterey weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, May tends to be milder with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 17°C (63°F). It also experiences less precipitation, totaling 26 mm (1.0 in) over approximately four days, resulting in a humidity level of 71%. In contrast, February is slightly cooler on average, with temperatures ranging from 6°C (44°F) to 18°C (65°F). However, it is significantly wetter, receiving 106 mm (4.2 in) of precipitation over ten days, and exhibiting higher humidity at 84%. For more detailed information, check out Monterey weather in February.
In comparing the weather of May and March, we observe that both months share similar maximum temperatures, reaching up to 17°C (63°F). However, March is cooler overall, with an average temperature of 11°C (52°F) compared to May’s warmer 12°C (53°F). Furthermore, March experiences significantly higher precipitation, totaling 93 mm (3.7 in) over 12 days, while May sees much lighter rainfall at just 26 mm (1.0 in) over 4 days. Additionally, humidity is higher in March at 82%, compared to 71% in May, contributing to a more damp ambiance during that month. For more details, check out Monterey weather in March.
May typically exhibits slightly warmer temperatures compared to April, with average highs reaching 17°C (63°F) as opposed to April's 19°C (67°F). However, the minimum temperatures in both months are quite similar, starting at 9°C (48°F) in May and 8°C (47°F) in April. May experiences less precipitation, totaling 26 mm (1.0 in) over 4 days, while April sees a higher rainfall of 35 mm (1.4 in) over 6 days. Additionally, humidity levels are lower in May at 71%, compared to April’s 78%. For more details, check out the Monterey weather in April.
In May, the weather is cool with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 17°C (63°F), and the month experiences a total precipitation of 26 mm (1.0 in) over about 4 days, coupled with a humidity of 71%. In stark contrast, June enjoys warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and a maximum of 25°C (78°F), and significantly less precipitation at just 5 mm (0.2 in) over 0 days, along with lower humidity at 64%. This transition marks a clear shift towards more pleasant and drier conditions as summer approaches. For more details on June weather, check Monterey weather in June.
In comparing the weather in May and July, May tends to be cooler with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 17°C (63°F), accompanied by more precipitation at 26 mm (1.0 in) over about 4 days. The humidity level is relatively high at 71%, which can make the air feel quite damp. In contrast, July is slightly warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 11°C (51°F) to a maximum of 16°C (61°F), and it experiences significantly less rainfall, only 4 mm (0.2 in) with no rainy days. The humidity drops to 58%, leading to a drier and more comfortable environment. For more detailed insights, check out Monterey weather in July.
May and August showcase notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a cool minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a comfortable maximum of 17°C (63°F), with an average temperature of 12°C (53°F). The month experiences moderate precipitation, totaling 26 mm (1.0 in) over about four rainy days, and humidity is relatively high at 71%. In contrast, August is warmer, with minimum temperatures at 12°C (54°F) and maximums peaking at 21°C (70°F), averaging 14°C (58°F). Precipitation is minimal in August, with only 5 mm (0.2 in) over zero rainy days and humidity dropping to 54%. For more details, visit Monterey weather in August.
May and September present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 17°C (63°F), with an average of 12°C (53°F). This month is marked by relatively higher humidity at 71% and around 26 mm of precipitation over approximately four days. In comparison, September enjoys a warmer climate, with temperatures stretching from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) to a maximum of 29°C (84°F), averaging 15°C (59°F). This month is notably drier, receiving only 4 mm of precipitation and marked by zero rainy days, alongside a lower humidity of 55%. For more detailed insights, you can check Monterey weather in September.
When comparing the weather in May and October, it's clear that October offers warmer temperatures, with average highs reaching 25°C (77°F), compared to May's maximum of 17°C (63°F). The minimum temperatures are slightly higher in October, starting at 10°C (51°F) versus May's 9°C (48°F). Additionally, October sees less precipitation, with only 21 mm (0.8 in) over 2 days, compared to May's 26 mm (1.0 in) over 4 days. Humidity levels also drop in October to 62%, making it feel more comfortable than the 71% humidity often felt in May. For more detailed information, you can check Monterey weather in October.
In comparing the weather of May and November, we see some notable differences and similarities. May typically features a cooler average temperature, ranging from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 17°C (63°F), while November offers slightly milder temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (46°F) and a maximum of 20°C (68°F). Precipitation levels are higher in November, with 42 mm (1.7 in) over approximately five days compared to May's 26 mm (1.0 in) across four days. Additionally, November experiences higher humidity at 78%, compared to May's 71%. For a closer look at specific conditions in November, visit Monterey weather in November.
May and December both feature mild average temperatures, with May experiencing a minimum of 9°C and a maximum of 17°C, while December sees slightly warmer highs of up to 21°C, albeit with a lower minimum of 8°C. Precipitation levels differ significantly; May averages only 26 mm over 4 days, whereas December has considerably more rainfall, totaling 105 mm across 10 days. Additionally, December tends to be more humid at 80%, compared to May's 71%. For a detailed look at the weather conditions during December, you can visit Monterey weather in December.
As May rolls into Monterey, residents and visitors alike experience a delightful shift in weather that marks the transition from cooler spring days to the warmer embrace of approaching summer. The temperatures are pleasantly mild, with a notable increase in warmth compared to earlier months, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. With average humidity hovering around a comfortable level and a modest amount of rainfall, May tends to be drier than the preceding months. These conditions, combined with the stunning coastal scenery, create an inviting atmosphere perfect for exploration and enjoyment. For more information about the overall climate trends, check out Monterey Climate.