Last updated: February 24, 2025
In Stanford, United States, May ushers in a pleasant climate characterized by a maximum temperature reaching 29°C (84°F) and an average of 15°C (59°F), perfect for outdoor activities. As the month unfolds, temperatures dip to a minimum of 8°C (46°F) during cooler nights. Rainfall is minimal, with an average precipitation amount of 24 mm (0.9 in) over just 2 days, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy more sun-soaked hours. The humidity remains moderate at 71%, contributing to the refreshing atmosphere that defines the beauty of early summer in this vibrant region.
In May, Stanford experiences a delightful transition into warmer weather, characterized by a minimum temperature of 8°C (46°F) and a comfortable average of 15°C (59°F). The maximum temperature can reach up to 29°C (84°F), making it one of the warmer months before summer fully sets in. This slight increase from the cooler April temperatures not only brightens the days but also encourages more time spent outdoors. As spring begins to bloom, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the mild and pleasant conditions that define May, setting the stage for the hotter months ahead. Overall, the month stands out as a delightful prelude to the summer's heat, offering a balance of warmth and cool breezes.
May in Stanford marks a significant shift in precipitation patterns, with the month recording just 24 mm (0.9 in) of rainfall over only 2 days. This decline follows April's wetter spell of 33 mm, indicating a trend towards diminishing rains as summer approaches. In stark contrast to the earlier months, May's precipitation sets the stage for the dry summer months ahead, where temperatures rise and rainfall becomes scarce, with June and July seeing virtually no rainfall at all. This gradual decrease from the wetter spring months points to the region's characteristic Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
In May, Stanford experiences a noticeable decline in humidity, dropping to 71% from the higher levels of the earlier spring months. This reduction reflects a broader trend as the year progresses; humidity peaks in the winter and early spring, with January and February seeing the highest levels at 82% and 84%, respectively. As summer approaches, the humidity continues to decrease, reaching its lowest point in August at 54%. The transition from the lush, moist conditions of winter to the drier atmosphere of summer is marked by this gradual decrease, making May a refreshing shift before the heat of summer sets in.
As May arrives in Stanford, the UV Index climbs to an intense 10, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. This upward trend follows a steep rise since the beginning of the year, from a moderate index of 3 in January to a significant jump through spring. With a burn time of only 15 minutes, it’s crucial for residents and visitors to take protective measures during outdoor activities. The UV Index peaks in June, but May serves as a critical reminder to prioritize skin safety as the sun’s rays become increasingly powerful. Staying informed about the UV Index is essential for enjoying the sunny California weather without the risks. For more details on the UV Index trends in your area, visit Stanford UV Index.
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As spring transitions into summer, May shines brightly in Stanford, United States, boasting an impressive 341 hours of sunshine. This marks a significant increase from the 296 hours recorded in April, highlighting a delightful upward trend in daylight. Following this pattern, June takes the lead with 355 hours, but May’s radiant days set the perfect stage for outdoor adventures. After a gradual climb from the year’s low of 151 hours in January, the sunny months bring a vibrant atmosphere, making Stanford a perfect destination for enjoying the great outdoors and basking in the warmth of the approaching summer.
In May, Stanford experiences a notable uptick in sunshine, with a 62% chance of sunny days, making it one of the sunniest months of the year. This increase follows a rollercoaster of weather in the preceding months; January to April saw chances fluctuating between 39% and 57%, revealing an unpredictable climate. As spring settles in, the likelihood of clear skies not only elevates to its highest point thus far but also sets the stage for the summer months, which average around 57% sunshine. This transition highlights a broader trend of increasing sunshine as the year progresses, with May standing out as a clear symbol of improvement, weaving warmth and brightness into the Stanford landscape.
As spring transitions into summer in Stanford, the increase in daylight duration is striking. Starting the year with just 9 hours in January, residents begin to relish longer days as daylight steadily climbs to 14 hours by May. This upward trend reaches its peak in the summer months of June and July, where daylight holds steady at 14 hours, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration. However, as the year progresses into late summer and autumn, daylight gradually diminishes, gently falling back to 10 hours in November and returning to 9 hours by December. This rhythmic cycle of light and dark not only marks the changing seasons but also creates an inviting atmosphere for Stanford’s vibrant community to embrace the joys of each month.
In May, Stanford experiences a notable uptick in wind speed, averaging 3.0 m/s (7 mph). This increase marks it as the windiest month so far in the year, a refreshing change from the earlier spring months when the average hovered around 2.6 m/s (6 mph). The gentle breezes of May not only bring a delightful outdoor experience but also signal the transition into a slightly more dynamic climate, as winds subsequently taper off in the summer months, declining to 2.3 m/s (5 mph) in July. This trend reflects a broader seasonal pattern in Stanford, where wind speeds often dip toward the end of summer, creating a calm and tranquil atmosphere in the latter half of the year.
The weather in Stanford 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 Stanford and find detailed weather information for every month.
May and January present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a mild minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a pleasant maximum of 29°C (84°F), with an average of 15°C (59°F). Precipitation is relatively low at 24 mm (0.9 in) over just 2 days, coupled with a humidity level of 71%, making the month feel quite comfortable.
In contrast, January experiences cooler temperatures with a minimum of 2°C (36°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F), peaking at 24°C (75°F). However, it is significantly wetter, receiving 105 mm (4.1 in) of precipitation over 7 days, along with a higher humidity of 82%. For a more detailed look at January weather, you can check out Stanford weather in January.
When comparing the weather in February and May, notable differences emerge. February typically experiences cooler temperatures, with an average of 11°C (53°F) and a maximum of 24°C (76°F), while May boasts warmer averages, peaking at 15°C (59°F) and reaching highs of 29°C (84°F). Precipitation also varies significantly; February sees much heavier rainfall, averaging 100 mm (3.9 in) over 8 days, compared to May's lighter 24 mm (0.9 in) over just 2 days. Additionally, February has higher humidity levels at 84% compared to May's 71%. For more detailed information on February weather, you can refer to Stanford weather in February.
When comparing the weather in March and May, it's clear that May enjoys warmer temperatures, with an average of 15°C (59°F) compared to March's 12°C (54°F). While both months can see a range of temperatures, May has a higher maximum of 29°C (84°F) versus March's 25°C (78°F). Additionally, May experiences significantly less precipitation at 24 mm (0.9 in) over just 2 days, while March is much wetter, with 86 mm (3.4 in) spread across 11 days. The humidity is also slightly lower in May at 71%, compared to March's 82%. For a more detailed look at March weather, you can visit Stanford weather in March.
When comparing the weather in May to that of April, we see a slight increase in average temperatures, with May having an average of 15°C (59°F) compared to April's 13°C (57°F). While both months experienced nights with relatively cool minimum temperatures, May's minimum of 8°C (46°F) slightly surpasses April's 6°C (42°F). Interestingly, April recorded a higher maximum temperature of 30°C (87°F), while May peaked at 29°C (84°F). In terms of precipitation, May had less rainfall, with only 24 mm (0.9 in) over two days, whereas April had 33 mm (1.3 in) across five days, making it a wetter month. Additionally, April also showed higher humidity levels at 78% compared to May's 71%. For more detailed information on April weather, you can visit Stanford weather in April.
In May, temperatures range from a cool 8°C (46°F) to a warm 29°C (84°F), with an average of 15°C (59°F). The month sees a moderate amount of precipitation, totaling 24 mm (0.9 in) over two days, and humidity levels are fairly high at 71%. In contrast, June brings warmer weather, with temperatures starting at a minimum of 10°C (49°F) and soaring up to 35°C (96°F), averaging 17°C (63°F). Notably, June experiences significantly less rainfall, accumulating only 2 mm (0.1 in) with no rainy days, and lower humidity at 64%. For more detailed insights on weather patterns, you can visit Stanford weather in June.
In May, the weather is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a maximum of 29°C (84°F) and an average of 15°C (59°F). This month experiences some precipitation, with about 24 mm (0.9 in) of rain falling over two days, resulting in a relatively high humidity level of 71%. In contrast, July features more stable and drier conditions, showcasing a slightly warmer range of temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (53°F), an average of 17°C (63°F), and a consistent maximum of 29°C (84°F). Notably, July sees no rain, with zero precipitation days and a decrease in humidity to 58%. For more details on July weather, visit Stanford weather in July.
May and August present contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a cool minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a pleasant maximum of 29°C (84°F), with an average of 15°C (59°F). This month also experiences some rainfall, with around 24 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation over a few days, contributing to a higher humidity level of 71%. In contrast, August is significantly warmer, featuring a minimum temperature of 12°C (54°F) and a soaring maximum of 35°C (96°F), with an average of 18°C (65°F). Notably, August is dry with no recorded precipitation, and the humidity drops to a more comfortable 54%. For more detailed insights into Stanford's August weather, you can refer to Stanford weather in August.
May and September exhibit contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a maximum of 29°C (84°F), with an average temperature of 15°C (59°F). The month experiences moderate precipitation, totaling 24 mm (0.9 in) over about 2 days and a relatively high humidity of 71%. In contrast, September showcases warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) to a peak of 39°C (103°F) and an average of 18°C (66°F). This month is notably drier, receiving only 2 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation over zero days, and features lower humidity at 55%. For more detailed information, check out Stanford weather in September.
In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a maximum of 29°C (84°F), with an average temperature of around 15°C (59°F). The month typically sees about 24 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation over two days and maintains a humidity level of 71%. In contrast, October experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 7°C (45°F), an average of 17°C (63°F), and a higher maximum of 33°C (92°F). Interestingly, October also has the same amount of rainfall, 24 mm (0.9 in), but only over one day, accompanied by lower humidity at 62%. For more detailed insights on October weather, you can refer to the link: Stanford weather in October.
May typically offers warmer temperatures compared to November, with an average of 15°C (59°F) and daytime highs reaching up to 29°C (84°F). In contrast, November sees a cooler average of 13°C (56°F) and maximum temperatures around 27°C (80°F). Precipitation is also more prevalent in November, with 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain falling over five days, compared to May's lighter 24 mm (0.9 in) over just two days. Additionally, November experiences higher humidity levels at 78%, compared to May's 71%. For more detailed insights into the climate, you can visit Stanford weather in November.
May presents a pleasant transition into warmer weather, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a maximum of 29°C (84°F), and an average of 15°C (59°F). The month experiences relatively low precipitation of 24 mm (0.9 in) over just 2 days, contributing to a humidity level of 71%. In contrast, December sees cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 3°C (37°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F), peaking at 22°C (72°F). This month is much wetter, with 88 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation spread over 9 days, and slightly higher humidity at 80%. For more insights on December weather, you can check out Stanford weather in December.
As spring gracefully transitions into summer, May in Stanford welcomes warmer temperatures and a delightful increase in sunshine compared to the cooler months preceding it. With an average temp hovering around a comfortable 15°C, residents enjoy more pleasant days, though the month can still bring occasional rain, with only a couple of precipitation days contributing to a modest total. The heightened humidity of 71% adds a touch of richness to the air, making it feel more tropical. Overall, May sets the stage for summer's arrival, presenting a perfect blend of warmth and freshness that invites outdoor activities. For more detailed insights into the weather patterns, visit Stanford Climate.