May Weather in Gunnison, United States

Last updated: February 24, 2025

May in Gunnison, United States, embodies the transition into warmer weather, showcasing a maximum temperature of 23°C (74°F), while the average dips to 6°C (44°F). The month encounters a minimum of -10°C (14°F), reminding residents of lingering cool spells. With 40 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation spread across about 9 days, this month presents a blend of rain-soaked afternoons and sunny breaks. Average humidity levels reach 66%, creating a refreshing ambiance as spring fully unfolds. This combination of temperatures and weather patterns makes May a unique time in Gunnison, where nature begins to bloom amidst the variability of early spring.

May Temperature in Gunnison

In Gunnison, United States, May marks a gradual transition to warmer days, showcasing a significant increase in temperatures compared to the preceding months. With minimums around -10°C (14°F) and an average temperature of 6°C (44°F), spring finally makes its presence felt, leading to a comfortable highs peaking at 23°C (74°F). This is a sharp contrast to the frigid depths of winter, where January temperatures plummet to -28°C (-18°F). As May progresses, residents and visitors begin to enjoy sunnier days, setting the stage for the even warmer summer months ahead. The steady rise in temperatures not only signifies nature's awakening but also encourages outdoor activities that Gunnison is famous for.

May Weather in Gunnison: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates May temperature patterns in Gunnison, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec161927344357626154392616
Data source: Temperature data for Gunnison 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 Gunnison

In Gunnison, United States, May typically sees a precipitation level of 40 mm (1.6 in), making it one of the wetter months of the late spring season. With rainfall spread over 9 days, the precipitation begins to taper off from the heavier amounts seen in earlier months like January and February. Interestingly, while April also experienced 43 mm, the transition into May indicates a moderation in rainfall as the area prepares for the drier months ahead. This trend highlights a clear seasonal shift, as June follows with significantly reduced precipitation of just 18 mm (0.7 in). Overall, May serves as a transitional period that bridges the wetter early spring and the warmer, less rainy summer months.

May Precipitation Trends in Gunnison

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Gunnison, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec455856434018351624413848
Data source: Precipitation data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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May Humidity in Gunnison

In Gunnison, United States, May marks a significant transition in humidity, as levels dip to 66% from the higher figures experienced in the earlier months. This decline is part of a broader trend, where humidity gradually decreases from the peak winter months, starting at 88% in January and slowly falling through the spring. As temperatures rise towards summer, a consistent decrease sees June and July humidity levels settle around 58% and 52%, respectively. This shift not only provides a more comfortable climate for outdoor activities but also reflects a seasonal rhythm, where spring loosens winter's grip, paving the way for the warmth of summer.

May Average Humidity in Gunnison

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Gunnison, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec88%87%81%76%67%58%52%56%65%76%82%89%
Data source: Humidity data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

May UV Index in Gunnison

In May, Gunnison experiences an extreme UV Index of 13, mirroring the high levels seen in the preceding month of April and the months to follow. With a burn time of just 10 minutes, it's crucial for residents and visitors to remain vigilant against sun exposure. This trend of elevated UV levels from March through August indicates a critical period for sun safety in the region, particularly as summer approaches. As the UV Index peaks at this time, implementing protective measures like sunscreen and protective clothing is essential. For more details on UV levels throughout the year, visit Gunnison UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Gunnison for May

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Gunnison 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec4711131313131210764
Data source: Gunnison 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 Gunnison

In Gunnison, Colorado, May shines brightly with an impressive 367 hours of sunshine, marking a significant leap from the previous months. As winter thaws into spring, the trend clearly shows a steady increase in daylight—from 176 hours in January to a vibrant 327 hours in April. This upward trajectory continues into June, which boasts even more sun with 383 hours. The progression indicates a delightful transition from the cold, gray days of winter to the warmth and brightness of late spring and early summer. As the year unfolds, this abundance of sunshine not only uplifts the spirits of residents but also sets the stage for an exhilarating outdoor season ahead.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Gunnison: May Highlighted

The May sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Gunnison 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec176h225h293h327h367h383h382h359h317h285h249h226h
Data source: Gunnison May Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Gunnison During May

In Gunnison, United States, the likelihood of sunny weather in May hovers around 53%, marking a slight dip from the previous month’s 60% in April. This trend of fluctuating sun chances reveals a pattern as spring rolls into early summer. Notably, while May's sunshine probability is somewhat lower, it sets the stage for a summer uptick, with June soaring to 64%. The transition into summer brings a consistent rise in sunny days, peaking in August at 69%. Thus, while May may not boast the brightest forecasts, it serves as a promising precursor to the sun-soaked months ahead.

Percentage of Sunny Days in May in Gunnison

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Gunnison 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 Gunnison experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec55%45%50%60%53%64%54%69%72%59%67%53%
Data source: Gunnison May chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Gunnison in May

As the year unfolds in Gunnison, the daylight duration experiences a remarkable transformation, peaking in the warmer months. May, with its 14 hours of sunlight, marks a significant transition, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and enjoying nature’s beauty. Following April’s gradual increase, May maintains the extended daylight alongside June and July, creating a vibrant atmosphere. However, as summer fades into August, we see a gradual retreat, with daylight gently tapering off to 13 hours. This trend continues into the fall, where the duration diminishes gradually, reminding us of the seasonal cycles. Ultimately, the rhythm of daylight in Gunnison reveals a dynamic interplay between light and life, beautifully encapsulating the transition from the depths of winter to the lush splendor of summer.

Average Daylight Hours in Gunnison for May

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Gunnison throughout the year, with May highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9h 48m10h 45m11h 58m13h 14m14h 17m14h 48m14h 30m13h 34m12h 22m11h 8m10h 3m9h 30m
Data source: Gunnison daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

May Winds in Gunnison

In Gunnison during May, the average wind speed hovers around 2.2 m/s (5 mph), reflecting a consistency that characterizes the early spring months. Following a slight dip in March, the wind speeds stabilize, not just in May but throughout the spring, suggesting a calm before the summer. As June rolls in, there is a subtle decrease, with averages dropping to 2.0 m/s (4 mph). Interestingly, while May itself does not stand out dramatically, it marks a transitional phase where winds begin to shift towards the lighter breezes of summer. This gentle yet steady wind provides the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities, offering a refreshing experience in the heart of spring.

Average May Wind Speed in Gunnison

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Gunnison, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2.02.42.12.22.2 m/s2.01.61.91.92.02.02.2
Data source: Gunnison May wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How May Weather in Gunnison Compares to Other Months

The weather in Gunnison 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 Gunnison and find detailed weather information for every month.

Comparing May and January weather reveals significant differences in temperature and humidity. In May, temperatures range from a chilly -10°C (14°F) at night to a pleasant 23°C (74°F) during the day, with an average of 6°C (44°F). This month also experiences lower humidity at 66% and slightly less precipitation, totaling 40 mm (1.6 in) over 9 days. In contrast, January is much colder, with temperatures dipping as low as -28°C (-18°F) and peaking at only 7°C (45°F), resulting in a much colder average of -9°C (16°F). The humidity is higher in January at 88% and precipitation is marginally more, at 44 mm (1.8 in), also over 9 days. For more detailed information on January weather, visit Gunnison weather in January.

When comparing the weather in May and February, there are notable differences in temperature and overall climate conditions. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of -10°C (14°F) to a pleasant maximum of 23°C (74°F), with an average of 6°C (44°F) and relatively low humidity at 66%. In contrast, February experiences much colder conditions, with minimum temperatures plunging to -28°C (-18°F) and an average of -7°C (19°F). Despite February's higher precipitation of 58 mm (2.3 in) across 12 days, it feels significantly colder due to the higher humidity of 87%. For more details on February's weather, you can check out Gunnison weather in February.

The weather in May is notably milder than in March, with May experiencing average temperatures around 6°C (44°F) compared to March's much chillier average of -3°C (27°F). While March sees colder lows reaching -24°C (-10°F), May offers a minimum temperature of only -10°C (14°F). Precipitation is slightly lower in May at 40 mm (1.6 in) over 9 days, compared to 56 mm (2.2 in) over 12 days in March. Additionally, humidity levels are higher in March at 81%, while May has a relatively lower humidity of 66%. For more details, you can check Gunnison weather in March.

In comparison to April, May experiences a noticeable increase in temperatures, with minimums of -10°C (14°F) and maximums reaching 23°C (74°F), while April's temperatures range from a low of -18°C (1°F) to a high of 16°C (61°F). Both months have similar precipitation levels, with May receiving 40 mm (1.6 in) over 9 days and April slightly higher at 43 mm (1.7 in) over 10 days. Humidity also decreases in May, averaging 66%, compared to April's 76%, contributing to a more comfortable overall climate. For more detailed information, check out Gunnison weather in April.

May experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -10°C (14°F) and an average of 6°C (44°F), while June sees a notable increase in warmth, boasting a minimum of -3°C (27°F) and an average of 14°C (57°F). The maximum temperature in May reaches 23°C (74°F), which is significantly lower than June's peak of 29°C (84°F). Additionally, precipitation is more frequent in May, with 40 mm (1.6 in) over 9 days, compared to June's lighter rainfall of 18 mm (0.7 in) over just 5 days. Humidity levels are also higher in May at 66%, while June enjoys a more comfortable 58%. For more detailed climate information, check out Gunnison weather in June.

May and July exhibit distinct weather patterns, reflecting the transition from spring to summer. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -10°C (14°F) to a pleasant maximum of 23°C (74°F), with an average of 6°C (44°F). The month experiences a total precipitation of 40 mm (1.6 in) over 9 days, coupled with a relatively high humidity of 66%. In contrast, July brings warmer conditions with minimum temperatures at 1°C (35°F) and a maximum of 30°C (86°F), averaging 17°C (62°F). With a slight decrease in precipitation to 35 mm (1.4 in) over just 8 days, the humidity also drops to 52%, making July a drier and warmer month. For more detailed weather information, check out Gunnison weather in July.

May and August present distinctly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -10°C (14°F) to a pleasant maximum of 23°C (74°F), with an average of 6°C (44°F). The month sees relatively high precipitation of 40 mm (1.6 in) spread over 9 days, contributing to a humidity level of 66%. In contrast, August is significantly warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 29°C (84°F), and an average of 16°C (61°F). This month experiences much less rainfall, totaling only 16 mm (0.6 in) over 5 days, and a lower humidity level of 56%. For more details on August weather, you can explore Gunnison weather in August.

May and September present distinct weather characteristics, showcasing the transition from spring to autumn. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -10°C (14°F) to a comfortable maximum of 23°C (74°F), with an average temperature of 6°C (44°F). This month experiences more precipitation, totaling 40 mm (1.6 in) across 9 days, and humidity levels average around 66%. In contrast, September brings milder conditions, with minimum temperatures of -6°C (22°F) and maximums reaching 28°C (82°F), resulting in an average of 12°C (54°F). Rainfall decreases to 24 mm (0.9 in) over just 5 days, while humidity remains slightly lower at 65%. For more insights into September's weather, check out Gunnison weather in September.

May and October present contrasting weather patterns despite their similarities in average and maximum temperatures. In May, the temperatures range from a minimum of -10°C (14°F) to a maximum of 23°C (74°F), with an average around 6°C (44°F) and moderate humidity of 66%. Conversely, October features a chillier minimum of -25°C (-13°F), though it maintains an average close to May at 4°C (39°F) and a maximum slightly lower at 22°C (72°F). Both months receive roughly the same amount of precipitation, around 40 mm (1.6 in), over 9 days, but October's humidity is higher at 76%. For more insights into October's climate specifics, check out Gunnison weather in October.

In May, the weather in Gunnison showcases a wider temperature range, with minimums around -10°C (14°F) and maximums reaching 23°C (74°F), resulting in an average temperature of 6°C (44°F). The month experiences around 40 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation over approximately 9 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 66%. In contrast, November brings much colder conditions, with minimum temperatures plummeting to -28°C (-18°F), an average of -4°C (26°F), and maximums only reaching 15°C (58°F). Precipitation slightly decreases to 37 mm (1.5 in) over 7 days, but humidity rises to 82%. For more details, check out Gunnison weather in November.

When comparing the weather in May and December, we see significant contrasts. May experiences much milder temperatures, with averages around 6°C (44°F) and a maximum of 23°C (74°F), while December is much colder, averaging -9°C (16°F) and reaching lows as low as -30°C (-22°F). Precipitation is slightly higher in December, with 48 mm (1.9 in) across 10 days compared to May's 40 mm (1.6 in) over 9 days, but the humidity in December is notably higher at 89%, compared to May's 66%. For a deeper dive into December weather specifics, check out Gunnison weather in December.

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Conclusion: What to Expect From May Weather in Gunnison

As May arrives in Gunnison, the weather shifts dramatically, heralding the transition from the harsh chill of winter to more temperate conditions. With maximum temperatures soaring to 23°C (74°F), the month offers a pleasant respite, yet the average remains a cool 6°C (44°F), keeping the spring air crisp. While occasional rainy days—averaging about nine in the month—contribute to the total precipitation of 40 mm, these showers are essential in nourishing the blossoming landscapes. The humidity levels around 66% create a refreshing atmosphere, contrasting sharply with the dryness of the preceding months. For those planning to explore, May in Gunnison is characterized by a vibrant blend of warming days and crisp nights, making it an ideal time to experience the beauty of the region. For more details on the weather trends throughout the year, visit Gunnison Climate.