Last updated: February 24, 2025
In Sonoma, United States, the weather in May presents a delightful mix of warmth and mildness, featuring a maximum temperature that can soar to 34°C (93°F), while the average settles at a comfortable 17°C (62°F). Early risers can expect a refreshing minimum of 5°C (41°F) during the cooler nights. This month also brings a touch of moisture, with 21 mm (0.8 in) of precipitation spread across just 3 days, creating a vibrant landscape. The humidity level lingers at 80%, adding a pleasant softness to the air that enhances the beauty of Sonoma's springtime charm.
In May, Sonoma awakens to a delightful warmth that marks the transition into summer. With minimum temperatures around 5°C (41°F), the crispness of early mornings gives way to an average of 17°C (62°F), inviting residents and visitors alike to bask in the increasing sunshine. The days can heat up significantly, reaching a maximum of 34°C (93°F), making it one of the warmest months of the year. This rise in temperature compared to earlier months sets the stage for outdoor activities, from vineyard tours to picnics, as the region’s abundant natural beauty beckons. The gradual increase heralds a vibrant landscape, flourishing with life and color, making May a truly enchanting time in Sonoma.
In May, Sonoma experiences a noticeable decline in precipitation, with only 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain recorded over just 3 days. This marks a significant drop from the earlier months, particularly when compared to the substantial 125 mm (4.9 in) seen in January and 127 mm (5.0 in) in February. As spring gives way to summer, the region tends to dry out, with June following May with a mere 1 mm (0.1 in), signaling the onset of a long dry season. This trend highlights Sonoma's transition into drier months, where the lush greenery of spring gives way to the warm, sun-soaked days of summer.
As spring transitions into summer, May in Sonoma experiences a comfortable humidity level of 80%, maintaining the trend set in April. This consistency is noteworthy, especially as the region marches into the drier months ahead. The humidity begins to decrease more significantly starting in June, dropping to 76%, and continues a gradual decline through the summer, reaching its lowest in August at 66%. Overall, while May holds steady, the impending shift towards drier conditions hints at the vibrant, sun-soaked days to come, making it a pivotal point in Sonoma's yearly climate cycle.
As the sun shines brighter in May, Sonoma experiences a UV Index of 10, categorized as very high, which means that unprotected skin can start to burn in just 15 minutes. This trend marks a significant increase from the previous months, where January and February maintained a moderate index of 3 to 5, respectively. March and April set the stage for this leap, with escalating levels of exposure, culminating in May’s peak. Following this month, the UV Index remains high into the summer, reaching its maximum of 11 in June and July. With increasing UV levels, it's crucial for residents and visitors alike to stay informed and take protective measures. For more detailed insights, visit Sonoma UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
As spring transitions into summer, May shines brightly in Sonoma, with an impressive 357 hours of sunshine, making it one of the sunniest months of the year. This delightful uptick follows the steady increase from 141 hours in January to 296 hours in April, showcasing the gradual emergence of vibrant, sun-kissed days. The trend continues into June and July, as sunshine peaks, with 384 hours and 394 hours respectively. However, it’s in May where the warmth truly begins to envelop the region, encouraging outdoor gatherings and the blossoming of local vineyards, setting the stage for a picturesque summer ahead.
May marks a delightful transition into sunnier days in Sonoma, with the likelihood of sunshine soaring to 82%—the highest rate in the yearly cycle. This impressive increase follows a steady climb from 39% in January to 70% in April, revealing a clear trend toward brighter skies as spring unfolds. The sun-filled days of May not only enhance outdoor activities but also set a jubilant tone for the upcoming summer months, which maintain a high chance of sunshine, though slightly lower at 78% in June. As the season continues, the weather remains inviting, making Sonoma an ideal destination for those seeking warm, sunlit adventures.
In Sonoma, United States, the arrival of May brings a notable shift in daylight duration, as the hours of sunlight increase to a delightful 14 hours. This month marks the transition into the heart of spring, following a steady climb from just 9 hours in January. From 10 hours in February to 11 hours in March and 13 hours in April, the trend reflects a consistent lengthening of daylight that peaks not only in May but continues into June and July, maintaining that luminous 14-hour stretch. As summer approaches, the sun lingers longer in the sky, inviting residents and visitors alike to embrace outdoor activities and enjoy the vibrant landscapes. After this peak, daylight gradually wanes into late summer and fall, offering a rhythmic reminder of nature's seasonal cycle.
In May, Sonoma experiences a delightful increase in average wind speed to 3.2 m/s (7 mph), marking a noticeable uptick from the consistent lower speeds of the preceding months. This early summer breeze contrasts with the more gentle winds typically felt in January through April, which hover around 2.1 to 2.6 m/s (5 to 6 mph). Following May, the wind speed gently tapers to 3.0 m/s (7 mph) in June before falling again into the softer breezes of the summer and early fall, with speeds declining to 2.2 m/s (5 mph) by August. Overall, May stands out as a transitional month, bridging the cooler spring gusts with the more moderate summer winds, making it a perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities in Sonoma’s stunning landscapes.
The weather in Sonoma 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 Sonoma and find detailed weather information for every month.
May and January present distinctly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures can range from a mild 5°C (41°F) at their lowest to a warm 34°C (93°F) at their peak, with an average of 17°C (62°F). The month is relatively dry, receiving only 21 mm (0.8 in) of precipitation over about three days and maintaining a humidity level of 80%. In contrast, January features cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -1°C (31°F) and a maximum of 24°C (76°F), averaging around 10°C (50°F). This month is much wetter, accumulating 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain over nine days, and exhibits higher humidity at 86%. For more detailed insights into January's weather, check out Sonoma weather in January.
May and February showcase contrasting weather patterns. February experiences colder temperatures, with a minimum of -1°C (30°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F), while May enjoys warmer days, featuring an average temperature of 17°C (62°F) and highs reaching up to 34°C (93°F). Precipitation also varies significantly; February sees a substantial 127 mm (5.0 in) spread over 8 days, making it much wetter than May, which only receives 21 mm (0.8 in) over just 3 days. Additionally, humidity levels are fairly high in both months, with February at 84% and May at 80%. For more detailed insights into February weather, visit Sonoma weather in February.
In comparing the weather of May and March, it's clear that May generally offers warmer temperatures, with average highs reaching 17°C (62°F) compared to March's average of only 12°C (54°F). March, on the other hand, experiences more precipitation, totaling 84 mm (3.3 in) over 10 days, whereas May sees a considerably lighter precipitation of 21 mm (0.8 in) across just 3 days. Despite similar humidity levels at around 80-83%, the overall climate in May is more conducive to outdoor activities, while March tends to be wetter and cooler. For more detailed information, you can visit Sonoma weather in March.
When comparing the weather in May to that of April, we see a noticeable increase in temperatures. May enjoys a minimum temperature of 5°C (41°F), an average of 17°C (62°F), and a maximum of 34°C (93°F), while April's temperatures range from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F). Additionally, May experiences less precipitation, with only 21 mm (0.8 in) over 3 days compared to April's 36 mm (1.4 in) over 5 days. Both months maintain high humidity levels at 80%, but the overall conditions in May are warmer and drier. For a more detailed look at the weather trends in April, you can visit Sonoma weather in April.
In May, temperatures can range from a cool 5°C (41°F) at night to a warm 34°C (93°F) during the day, with an average of 17°C (62°F). The month experiences moderate precipitation, with about 21 mm (0.8 in) falling over three days, resulting in a humidity level of 80%. In contrast, June sees a noticeable increase in warmth, with minimum temperatures rising to 10°C (50°F) and maximums reaching up to 37°C (99°F), with an average of 20°C (68°F). Notably, June is much drier, receiving only 1 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation across the entire month and experiencing no rainy days, leading to a slightly lower humidity of 76%. For more specific weather details in June, you can visit Sonoma weather in June.
In May, temperatures range from a cool minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a warm maximum of 34°C (93°F), with an average of 17°C (62°F). This month sees some precipitation, totaling 21 mm (0.8 in) over three days, and a higher humidity level at 80%. In contrast, July features warmer temperatures with a minimum of 11°C (53°F), an average of 20°C (68°F), and a maximum of 36°C (96°F). Notably, July is much drier, recording no precipitation over the entire month and a lower humidity of 70%. For more details, check Sonoma weather in July.
May and August present contrasting weather patterns, showcasing the transition from spring to summer. In May, temperatures range from a cool minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), with an average of 17°C (62°F), accompanied by 21 mm (0.8 in) of precipitation over three days and a high humidity level of 80%. In contrast, August offers warmer conditions, with a minimum of 11°C (52°F), an average temperature of 20°C (68°F), and a peak of 36°C (98°F). Notably, August is characterized by dry weather, as it records no precipitation and only 66% humidity, allowing for ample sunny days. For a more detailed overview, you can check Sonoma weather in August.
In May, temperatures range from a low of 5°C (41°F) to a high of 34°C (93°F), with an average of 17°C (62°F). The month typically sees about 21 mm (0.8 in) of precipitation over three days, making it relatively humid at 80%. In contrast, September boasts milder temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (48°F) and a maximum of 39°C (102°F), averaging around 20°C (68°F). Remarkably, September experiences very little precipitation, with only 1 mm (0.0 in) and no rainy days, and lower humidity at 68%. For more details on September's climate, check out Sonoma weather in September.
May and October exhibit striking similarities in temperature, with both months featuring an average of around 17°C (63°F). However, May tends to be slightly warmer at times, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 34°C (93°F) compared to October's peak of 34°C (94°F) just slightly ahead. Precipitation levels differ as well; May averages 21 mm (0.8 in) over three days, while October sees an increase to 33 mm (1.3 in) in just two days. Additionally, humidity is higher in May at 80%, compared to October's more comfortable 72%. For a closer look at the specifics of October weather, check out Sonoma weather in October.
May typically enjoys warmer and more varied temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and a maximum of 34°C (93°F), leading to an average of 17°C (62°F). Precipitation is relatively low at 21 mm (0.8 in) over just three days, and humidity hovers around 80%. In contrast, November experiences cooler climate conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (33°F) to a maximum of 27°C (81°F), resulting in an average of 12°C (55°F). Rainfall increases significantly to 50 mm (2.0 in) over five days, accompanied by slightly higher humidity at 84%. For a detailed comparison of weather patterns in Sonoma during November, visit Sonoma weather in November.
May and December display contrasting weather patterns in terms of temperature and precipitation. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), with an average of 17°C (62°F) and relatively low precipitation at 21 mm (0.8 in) over just three days. This month features a high humidity level of 80%, contributing to a warm and somewhat muggy atmosphere. In contrast, December experiences cooler temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a maximum of 23°C (73°F), with an average of 10°C (50°F). This month sees significantly higher precipitation at 94 mm (3.7 in), occurring over nine days, along with a slightly higher humidity level of 84%. For more detailed information on December weather, visit Sonoma weather in December.
As May unfolds in Sonoma, the weather showcases a delightful transition from the cooler months, featuring a pleasant blend of warm days and crisp nights. With temperatures reaching their peak and an inviting average, this month stands out as an ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities. The subtle increase in humidity adds to the refreshing feel, even as light showers grace only a few days. Compared to earlier months, May offers a vibrant mix of conditions that invite visitors to savor the beauty of the region. For more insights on what to expect throughout the year, check out Sonoma Climate.