Last updated: February 24, 2025
In Santa Cruz, United States, May brings a delightful blend of warm days and cool breezes, with maximum temperatures reaching 20°C (68°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F). Visitors can expect mild evenings as temperatures dip to a comfortable minimum of 8°C (47°F). This month sees a modest precipitation total of 23 mm (0.9 in) spread across just three rainy days, allowing for ample sunshine and outdoor activities. With humidity levels at 71%, the air feels refreshing, making May an ideal time to explore the scenic beauty and vibrant culture of Santa Cruz.
In May, Santa Cruz begins to warm up, showcasing a delightful transition into late spring. Temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a maximum of 20°C (68°F), offering a pleasant average of 13°C (55°F). Compared to the cooler months earlier in the year, May sees a gradual increase in warmth, particularly evident as the maximum temperatures rise, peaking at 24°C (75°F) in April and then stabilizing. This month serves as a perfect prelude to summer, where residents and visitors can enjoy milder days and the rejuvenating coastal atmosphere, setting the stage for the more vibrant warm season ahead.
In May, Santa Cruz experiences a significant drop in precipitation, with just 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain falling over a mere 3 days. This marks a steady decline from April’s 42 mm (1.6 in), highlighting the transition into a drier season as the months progress towards summer. The trend reveals that by June, rain diminishes even further, with only 4 mm (0.2 in) expected over just 1 day, signaling the city's characteristic dry spell. This pattern of reduced precipitation from spring into summer suggests a shift in climate, as the vibrant greenery begins to yield to the sun-soaked landscapes typical of Santa Cruz in the warmer months.
As spring transitions into summer, May in Santa Cruz marks a notable decline in humidity, averaging 71%—a refreshing change from the wetter winter months of January through April, which hover between 78% and 84%. This downward trend continues into June, where humidity dips further to 64%, signaling the onset of drier conditions. The milder humidity levels in May create an inviting climate, perfect for outdoor activities, as residents and visitors alike can enjoy the blossoming landscapes without the heaviness often associated with higher moisture. Overall, May serves as a gentle bridge, introducing the sun-soaked days ahead while still holding onto the lushness of spring.
As May rolls into Santa Cruz, the UV Index reaches an impressive peak of 11, signaling an extreme exposure category and a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. This marks a significant jump from the lower indexes earlier in the year, with January and February maintaining a moderate category at UV Index 4 and 5 respectively. By March and April, the levels rise to a very high index of 8 and 9, hinting at the summer sun's impending strength. As the state transitions towards the summer months, this trend illustrates just how crucial it is for locals and visitors alike to stay vigilant about sun safety during May. For more detailed information on daily and seasonal UV levels, visit Santa Cruz UV Index.
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As May arrives in Santa Cruz, the sun shines with increasing fervor, contributing to a remarkable 360 hours of sunshine—an uplifting peak that sets the tone for the summer months ahead. This trend of plentiful sunlight begins in the chillier winter months with 162 hours in January, gradually escalating to 303 hours by April. The transition into May not only represents a significant leap in daylight hours but also signals the onset of warmer weather, where the community embraces the outdoors. June and July continue this vibrant streak, with sunshine hours reaching their zenith at 373 and 379 hours respectively, creating the perfect backdrop for beach outings and sunlight-filled adventures. As summer wanes, the sunlight begins to recede gently, but May stands out as a crowning moment in the rhythm of Santa Cruz's annual sunshine cycle.
As May rolls around in Santa Cruz, the likelihood of sunny weather takes a delightful leap, peaking at 72%. This upward trend from the previous months not only marks a significant increase from April's 56%, but it also sets the stage for a promising summer ahead. With the sun shining more frequently in May, residents and visitors can look forward to enjoying outdoor activities and basking in the warm sunshine. The trend continues into the summer months, with June and July maintaining high probabilities of sunny days at 69% and 66%, respectively. Overall, May stands out as a pivotal month where the transition toward balanced warmth and longer days begins, making it an ideal time to soak up the California sun.
As May unfolds in Santa Cruz, residents can bask in an impressive 14 hours of daylight, a delightful increase from the 13 hours enjoyed in April. This upward trend in daylight, which begins in January with a modest 9 hours, is indicative of the shifting seasons as spring gives way to summer. Notably, May's daylight duration matches that of June and July, providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities and exploration. After May, daylight gradually begins to wane as summer transitions into fall, making this month a charming peak in the annual cycle of sunlight—perfect for soaking in the beauty of the Santa Cruz coastline.
In Santa Cruz, the wind begins to pick up in May, reaching an average speed of 4.1 m/s (9 mph), marking a notable increase from the previous months. This shift into spring showcases a trend where the coastal breezes strengthen, making outdoor activities even more enjoyable. Following this peak, the wind speed gently tapers off in June and throughout the summer months, hovering around 3.5 to 3.9 m/s (8-9 mph). As the year progresses into autumn, the winds gradually subside, illustrating a consistent cycle influenced by seasonal changes. Embracing the breezy May weather offers a delightful experience for both locals and visitors, enticing them to explore the scenic coastal beauty of this vibrant region.
The weather in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz and find detailed weather information for every month.
In comparing the weather of May and January, May generally feels milder with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a maximum of 20°C (68°F), while January experiences slightly cooler temperatures, peaking at 18°C (65°F) and dropping to a minimum of 6°C (42°F). May brings less precipitation, averaging 23 mm (0.9 in) over just 3 days, whereas January is much wetter, with about 148 mm (5.8 in) falling across 9 days. Additionally, the humidity is typically lower in May at 71%, compared to January's higher humidity level of 82%. For more detailed insights, check out Santa Cruz weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, May generally offers milder temperatures, with averages ranging from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a maximum of 20°C (68°F). In contrast, February tends to be slightly cooler on average, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a maximum of 21°C (70°F). However, February experiences significantly higher precipitation, totaling 136 mm (5.3 in) over about seven days, compared to May's 23 mm (0.9 in) spread over three days. Additionally, humidity levels are higher in February at 84%, while May sees a relatively lower humidity of 71%. For those looking for more details, you can explore Santa Cruz weather in February.
May weather presents a mild transition into spring, with temperatures ranging from a low of 8°C (47°F) to a comfortable high of 20°C (68°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F). The month experiences relatively low precipitation at 23 mm (0.9 in), with only three rainy days and a humidity level of 71%. In contrast, March tends to be cooler, with temperatures from a minimum of 6°C (42°F) to a maximum of 20°C (68°F), averaging 11°C (53°F). However, it sees significantly higher precipitation of 110 mm (4.3 in) over 11 rainy days, accompanied by increased humidity at 82%. This makes May notably drier and milder compared to the wetter and cooler conditions of March. For more details, you can check out Santa Cruz weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, April tends to be slightly warmer, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 24°C (75°F) compared to May's peak of 20°C (68°F). Interestingly, May has a lower overall average temperature of 13°C (55°F) versus April's 12°C (54°F). April also experiences more precipitation, totaling 42 mm (1.6 in) over 5 days, while May sees only 23 mm (0.9 in) across 3 days. Additionally, May boasts a lower humidity level at 71%, whereas April's humidity averages around 78%. For a more detailed look at April weather, visit Santa Cruz weather in April.
May and June weather show distinct differences as spring transitions into summer. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a maximum of 20°C (68°F), with an average temperature of 13°C (55°F). The month experiences moderate precipitation at 23 mm (0.9 in) over three days, alongside higher humidity levels at 71%. In contrast, June warms up significantly, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 11°C (51°F) to a maximum of 29°C (84°F) and an average of 14°C (58°F). Rainfall decreases sharply to just 4 mm (0.2 in) on a single day, and humidity declines to 64%. For more detailed information, visit Santa Cruz weather in June.
May and July present notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a maximum of 20°C (68°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). The month sees some precipitation, totaling 23 mm (0.9 in) across three days, and a relatively high humidity level of 71%. In contrast, July boasts slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (52°F) and a maximum of 21°C (70°F), averaging 15°C (59°F). Rain is scarce in July, accumulating only 2 mm (0.1 in) with no rainy days, and the humidity drops to a more comfortable 58%. For a detailed look at July's climate, you can visit Santa Cruz weather in July.
In May, the weather is generally cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a maximum of 20°C (68°F), and an average of 13°C (55°F). This month experiences moderate precipitation, with about 23 mm (0.9 in) falling over three days, contributing to a humidity level of 71%. In contrast, August offers warmer and drier conditions, featuring temperatures that range from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F), averaging 16°C (61°F). Notably, August has significantly less rainfall, with only 2 mm (0.1 in) recorded across the month and no rainy days, leading to a lower humidity of 54%. For more details on the weather in August, you can check Santa Cruz weather in August.
May and September present distinct weather profiles. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a maximum of 20°C (68°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). The month sees moderate precipitation, averaging 23 mm (0.9 in) over three days, accompanied by a relatively high humidity level of 71%. In contrast, September experiences significantly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (53°F) and a peak reaching 31°C (88°F), resulting in an average of 16°C (62°F). Notably, September boasts much drier conditions, with only 2 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation over no rainy days and a lower humidity of 55%. For a detailed look at September's weather patterns, check out Santa Cruz weather in September.
May and October present distinct weather experiences. In May, temperatures typically range from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a maximum of 20°C (68°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). The month sees around 23 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation over about three days, accompanied by a relatively high humidity of 71%. In contrast, October enjoys warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (48°F) and a maximum reaching 29°C (84°F), averaging 16°C (60°F). Although October has slightly higher precipitation at 31 mm (1.2 in), it falls over just two days and features lower humidity at 62%. For a more detailed look at October weather trends, check out Santa Cruz weather in October.
May and November present a contrasting yet mild climate. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a maximum of 20°C (68°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). The month sees relatively low precipitation at 23 mm (0.9 in) over just 3 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 71%. In contrast, November experiences slightly cooler minimum temperatures at 6°C (44°F) but warmer maximums reaching 23°C (73°F) and maintaining an average of 14°C (57°F). November is noticeably wetter, with precipitation totaling 61 mm (2.4 in) over 5 days and higher humidity levels at 78%. For those interested in a detailed overview, check out Santa Cruz weather in November.
In May, temperatures typically range from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a maximum of 20°C (68°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). The month sees relatively low precipitation, averaging just 23 mm (0.9 inches) over about three days, accompanied by moderate humidity levels of 71%. In contrast, December experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 7°C (45°F) and a maximum of 21°C (70°F), averaging 12°C (53°F). However, December is much wetter, receiving around 126 mm (4.9 inches) of rainfall over approximately nine days, and the humidity rises to 80%. For more detailed information, visit Santa Cruz weather in December.
As May rolls in, Santa Cruz begins to shed the chill of spring, offering a delightful transition to warmer weather that contrasts sharply with the cooler, wetter months that precede it. While temperatures start to climb, enjoying pleasant daily highs becomes the norm, making outdoor activities more inviting despite the lingering humidity. Rainfall diminishes significantly, with just a few days of showers, allowing residents and visitors to soak in the gradually brightening days. This refreshing change heralds the onset of summer, creating a perfect backdrop to explore the beauty of the area. For a deeper dive into what to expect throughout the year, visit Santa Cruz Climate.