May Weather in San Jose, United States

Last updated: February 24, 2025

In May, San Jose experiences a delightful transition into warmer weather, boasting a maximum temperature of 32°C (90°F) while maintaining a comfortable average of 15°C (59°F). Visitors and locals alike can enjoy the warmth, although the month starts cool, with minimum temperatures dipping to 5°C (40°F). The region experiences limited precipitation, with just 24 mm (0.9 in) of rain falling over two days, and humidity averages around 71%, creating a pleasantly mild atmosphere. This combination of warm days and cool nights makes May a wonderful time to explore the vibrant city and its stunning surroundings.

May Temperature in San Jose

In May, San Jose warms into a pleasant spring, showcasing a minimum temperature of 5°C (40°F) and an average of 15°C (59°F), while the maximum can reach 32°C (90°F). This marks a steady increase from April, where temperatures start to flirt with the peak of summer, hinting at the vibrant warmth that will dominate the coming months. The progression from cooler months is evident, as May's temperatures signal a transition, inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy outdoor activities under the brilliant Californian sun. The city basks in a mild climate, providing the perfect backdrop for blooming gardens and lively festivals.

May Weather in San Jose: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates May temperature patterns in San Jose, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec505153565964666766635550
Data source: Temperature data for San Jose 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 San Jose

In San Jose, the month of May marks a significant shift towards drier conditions following a series of wetter months earlier in the year. With only 24 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation recorded across just 2 days, May is a stark contrast to the heavy rains of January through March. The gradual decline in rainfall is apparent, as precipitation amounts plummet from 145 mm (5.7 in) in January to a mere sprinkle in the summer months. This trend signals the onset of the dry season, with June and July often showcasing near-zero precipitation, highlighting the region’s transition into warmer, sunnier days. As May concludes, San Jose prepares for a summer characterized by prolonged dry spells, underlining the seasonal variability typical of California’s Mediterranean climate.

May Precipitation Trends in San Jose

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in San Jose, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec145133114372410132556116
Data source: Precipitation data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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May Humidity in San Jose

As spring transitions to summer, May in San Jose experiences a refreshing decline in humidity, dropping to 71%. This marks a noticeable shift from the higher levels seen earlier in the year, with January and February showing humidity around 82-84%. After April's moderate 78%, May signifies the beginning of a trend toward drier conditions, laying the groundwork for the upcoming summer months where humidity further decreases to 64% in June and continues to drop to 58% by July. The gradual reduction in humidity throughout the spring not only enhances outdoor enjoyment but also underscores San Jose's distinct seasonal climate, making May a particularly pleasant time in the region.

May Average Humidity in San Jose

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in San Jose, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec82%84%82%78%71%64%59%54%55%62%78%80%
Data source: Humidity data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

May UV Index in San Jose

In San Jose, May marks a dramatic shift in sun exposure, with the UV Index peaking at an extreme level of 11. This increase from April's 9 signifies that outdoor enthusiasts need to be particularly cautious, as the risk of skin damage intensifies, shortening burn time to a mere 10 minutes. Following a trend from earlier months, the UV Index escalates significantly from moderate levels in January and February, reaching very high readings in March and April. As summer approaches, these extreme levels persist into June and July, maintaining the urgency for sun protection. To stay informed about UV radiation and safety measures, check out the detailed San Jose UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in San Jose for May

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for San Jose 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec4589111111109753
Data source: San Jose 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 San Jose

May shines brightly in San Jose, boasting a delightful 360 hours of sunshine, marking a significant leap from 303 hours in April. This surge not only emphasizes the arrival of warmer weather but also reflects the city's vibrant springtime energy. As the sun continues its ascent through June and July, San Jose experiences its peak sunny days, reaching 373 and 379 hours respectively. The progression of sunshine hours throughout the year showcases a clear trend: the warmer months consistently invite more sunshine, enriching the city's outdoor culture and inviting residents to embrace the beauty of nature. After July, the hours gradually taper off, yet May remains a standout month, illustrating the seamless transition from spring to summer in this sun-drenched locale.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in San Jose: May Highlighted

The May sunshine duration represents the total number of hours San Jose 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec162h222h269h303h360h373h379h348h310h286h233h206h
Data source: San Jose May Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in San Jose During May

As spring transitions into summer, San Jose experiences a notable increase in sunny weather, with May standing out at a promising 75% chance of sunshine. This marks a significant rise from the cooler months—January, February, and March—all hovering around the mid-40s to 56%. As the year's flowering season progresses, April maintains the trend with a steady 56%, but it's in May that the sun truly starts to shine. Following May, the city enjoys consistent sunny spells in June and July, both at 74%, with August peaking at an impressive 84%. This upward trajectory from spring into summer not only enhances the vibrancy of the season but also sets the stage for outdoor activities and events, making May a delightful month in San Jose.

Percentage of Sunny Days in May in San Jose

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in San Jose 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 San Jose experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec44%57%56%56%75%74%75%84%80%58%55%40%
Data source: San Jose May chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in San Jose in May

As spring blossoms into summer, San Jose experiences a noticeable increase in daylight duration, with May standing out as a month of vibrant sunlit hours. Starting the year with a modest 9 hours in January, the city gradually awakens to longer days, reaching 14 hours of daylight by both May and June. This trend of extended daylight reflects the transition from the shorter, cooler days of winter to the warm, sun-soaked summers. By August, daylight begins to wane slightly, dropping to 13 hours, but it still retains a generous amount of sunshine compared to the winter months. The rhythmic ebb and flow of daylight hours not only enhances outdoor activities during these spring and summer months but also brightens the spirit of the community.

Average Daylight Hours in San Jose for May

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in San Jose throughout the year, with May highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9h 55m10h 49m11h 59m13h 10m14h 10m14h 39m14h 23m13h 30m12h 21m11h 10m10h 9m9h 38m
Data source: San Jose daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

May Winds in San Jose

In May, the wind in San Jose maintains a gentle consistency, with an average speed of 2.2 m/s (5 mph), mirroring February's breezy conditions. This slight uptick from April's calmer winds at 1.9 m/s (4 mph) signals the transition towards warmer months. As we examine the year, it’s evident that while winter and early spring months often present moderate breezes, summer months like July and August experience a drop in wind speed, revealing a trend where the winds become milder as temperatures rise. The stability and predictability of wind speed in May make it an ideal time for outdoor activities, allowing residents to revel in the refreshing breezes before the summer heat settles in.

Average May Wind Speed in San Jose

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in San Jose, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2.12.22.11.92.2 m/s2.11.61.51.62.11.72.2
Data source: San Jose May wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How May Weather in San Jose Compares to Other Months

The weather in San Jose 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 San Jose and find detailed weather information for every month.

May and January exhibit contrasting weather patterns, highlighting the transition from spring to winter. In May, temperatures range from a cool 5°C (40°F) to a warm 32°C (90°F), with an average of 15°C (59°F) and relatively low precipitation of 24 mm (0.9 in) over just 2 days. The humidity sits at a moderate 71%. In contrast, January experiences much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 0°C (32°F) and a maximum of 24°C (75°F), averaging at 10°C (51°F). This month is also characterized by significantly higher precipitation at 145 mm (5.7 in) across 8 days, along with increased humidity at 82%. For more detailed information, you can visit San Jose weather in January.

When comparing the weather in May and February, several notable differences emerge. May typically presents a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (40°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F), while February remains cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -1°C (30°F) to a maximum of 25°C (77°F). Precipitation also varies, as May experiences only 24 mm (0.9 in) of rain over just two days, whereas February is significantly wetter, receiving 133 mm (5.2 in) across eight rainy days. Additionally, February has higher humidity levels at 84% compared to May’s 71%. For more detailed insights, you can check San Jose weather in February.

In comparing the weather between March and May, it is evident that May boasts warmer temperatures, with averages reaching 15°C (59°F) and peaks of up to 32°C (90°F), making it significantly more pleasant for outdoor activities. In contrast, March has a cooler average temperature of 11°C (53°F) and maximums hitting 26°C (79°F). Additionally, March experiences much higher precipitation levels, with 114 mm (4.5 in) over 12 days, while May sees only 24 mm (0.9 in) over just 2 rainy days. Humidity is also slightly higher in March at 82% compared to May's 71%. For a more detailed look at March weather, check out San Jose weather in March.

May generally exhibits warmer conditions compared to April, with average temperatures rising from 13°C (56°F) in April to 15°C (59°F) in May. While both months experience similar maximum temperatures, May reaches up to 32°C (90°F), slightly higher than April's peak of 31°C (88°F). Precipitation decreases in May, totaling only 24 mm (0.9 in) over two days, in contrast to April’s 37 mm (1.4 in) over four days, suggesting a drier climate in May. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly lower in May at 71%, compared to April's 78%. For more detailed information on April temperatures and conditions, visit San Jose weather in April.

May and June exhibit noticeable differences in weather patterns. May features a broader temperature range with minimums around 5°C (40°F) and maximums reaching up to 32°C (90°F), culminating in an average of 15°C (59°F). The month also experiences around 24 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation over two days, resulting in a relatively humid atmosphere at 71%. In contrast, June sees a slight increase in minimum temperatures at 8°C (47°F) and a higher average of 18°C (64°F), with maximum temperatures soaring to 37°C (99°F). Remarkably, June enjoys very little rainfall, with only 1 mm (0.0 in) and no rainy days, leading to a decrease in humidity to 64%. For more specific details, you can check San Jose weather in June.

May and July exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 5°C (40°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F), with an average of 15°C (59°F). The month also sees some precipitation, totaling 24 mm (0.9 in) over two days, and maintains a higher humidity level of 71%. In contrast, July features milder minimum temperatures at 10°C (50°F) and a warmer maximum of 34°C (93°F), with an average of 19°C (66°F). Remarkably, July experiences no precipitation at all and lower humidity at 58%. For a detailed look at the weather in July, you can check San Jose weather in July.

The weather in May is characterized by a wider range of temperatures, with minimums dropping to around 5°C (40°F) and maximums reaching up to 32°C (90°F). May also tends to be more humid, with an average humidity of 71% and occasional precipitation of 24 mm (0.9 in) over about two days. In contrast, August showcases warmer conditions, featuring a higher minimum temperature of 11°C (52°F) and a maximum that can soar to 39°C (102°F). Notably, August is much drier, with no recorded precipitation and a lower humidity of 54%. For more detailed information, you can check San Jose weather in August.

In May, temperatures range from a cool 5°C (40°F) to a warm 32°C (90°F), with an average of 15°C (59°F). The month experiences moderate humidity at 71%, and a couple of rain days, totaling 24 mm of precipitation. In contrast, September offers slightly warmer conditions, with temperatures varying from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a scorching 41°C (106°F) and an average of 19°C (67°F). Notably, September is characterized by its dry atmosphere, with only 3 mm of precipitation and no rain days, resulting in lower humidity at 55%. For more details on September's weather, check out San Jose weather in September.

When comparing the weather in May and October, both months exhibit a similar temperature range, with May having a minimum of 5°C (40°F) and a maximum of 32°C (90°F), while October starts slightly warmer at a minimum of 5°C (42°F) and peaks at 34°C (94°F). The average temperature in October is also a bit higher at 17°C (63°F) compared to May's 15°C (59°F). Precipitation is fairly light in both months, with May receiving 24 mm (0.9 in) over 2 days and October experiencing slightly more at 25 mm (1.0 in) but over just 1 day. Additionally, October has lower humidity levels at 62% compared to May's 71%. For more details, you can check San Jose weather in October.

May and November present a noticeable contrast in weather patterns. May typically enjoys warmer temperatures, with minimums around 5°C (40°F) and maximums peaking at 32°C (90°F), while November's temperatures dip, ranging from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) to a maximum of 28°C (83°F). Precipitation is more prevalent in November, with 56 mm (2.2 in) occurring over approximately five days compared to May's 24 mm (0.9 in) spread over just two days. Humidity levels also rise in November, averaging 78% compared to May's 71%, contributing to a cooler, more damp atmosphere. For a more detailed understanding of November's climate, you can reference San Jose weather in November.

May and December present distinct weather patterns that highlight the transition between spring and winter. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 5°C (40°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F), with an average of 15°C (59°F). The month sees relatively low precipitation, totaling 24 mm (0.9 in) over just 2 days, and humidity levels around 71%. In contrast, December features cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 1°C (34°F) and a maximum of 24°C (76°F), averaging at 10°C (50°F). This month experiences significantly higher rainfall, accumulating 116 mm (4.6 in) over 9 days, and humidity levels rise to 80%. For a detailed look at December weather specifics, visit San Jose weather in December.

Compare San Jose's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From May Weather in San Jose

In May, San Jose experiences a delightful transition as spring gracefully shifts toward summer. With warmer maximum temperatures and a welcoming average warmth, this month stands out from the cooler and wetter months preceding it. The humidity level often adds a touch of softness to the air, while the reduced precipitation days signal a trend towards drier weather. This blend of sun and mild humidity makes May an especially appealing time to explore the city's stunning outdoor spaces. For a deeper dive into what to expect throughout the year, visit San Jose Climate.