Last updated: February 24, 2025
In May, Mount Crested Butte experiences a delightful transition into spring, with temperatures ranging from a pleasant maximum of 20°C (69°F) down to a brisk minimum of -11°C (13°F). The average temperature hovers around 4°C (39°F), presenting a refreshing climate for outdoor enthusiasts. Precipitation is a notable aspect this month, with 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain spread across 10 days, contributing to the lush scenery. Coupled with a humidity level of 66%, the air is invigorating, making May an ideal time to explore the stunning landscapes of this picturesque region.
May in Mount Crested Butte, United States, marks a notable transition into spring with temperatures gradually warming up from the lingering chill of winter. The minimum temperature hovers around -11°C (13°F), providing a crisp yet invigorating start to the month. As the days progress, the average temperature rises to 4°C (39°F), perfect for outdoor activities as the scenery bursts into life. The region experiences a delightful maximum of 20°C (69°F), inviting residents and visitors alike to bask in the sun while enjoying the stunning alpine vistas. This shift from the depths of winter to the delightful embrace of spring not only highlights the beauty of this mountain town but also showcases the gradual awakening of nature, setting the stage for the warmer months ahead.
In May, Mount Crested Butte experiences a modest precipitation of 58 mm (2.3 in) over just 10 days, marking a slight decrease from April's rainfall. This month typically serves as a transition, with spring's vibrant greenery beginning to emerge, even as precipitation levels drop compared to the earlier months of winter and early spring. The trend of decreasing precipitation continues into June, where only 27 mm (1.1 in) is recorded, suggesting that the region is moving towards a drier summer. Notably, this mid-year dip in precipitation creates a brief window of sunny weather, which is often favored by outdoor enthusiasts eager to explore the stunning landscapes that surround the area.
In May, Mount Crested Butte experiences a notable shift in humidity, dropping to 66%, which marks a significant decline from the higher levels earlier in the year. This transition reflects the onset of warmer weather, as April's humidity levels hovered around 76%. As spring unfolds, the drier conditions in May pave the way for the summer months, with June continuing the trend at 58% humidity. This gradual decrease highlights a seasonal pattern where the air becomes crisper and more refreshing, inviting outdoor activities. The contrasting humidity profiles in earlier winter and late autumn months, hovering between 82% to 89%, further emphasize May's refreshing change, setting the stage for a beautiful summer ahead.
As spring transitions into summer in Mount Crested Butte, the UV Index intensifies dramatically, peaking at 13 in May, which designates it as an extreme exposure category with a burn time of just 10 minutes. This trend marks a significant increase from the previous months, where January’s moderate indexing of 4 gradually escalates to February’s high of 6 and surges to April’s extreme 12. It’s clear that as warmer weather approaches, sun safety becomes crucial; outdoor enthusiasts should be especially vigilant when enjoying the abundant sunshine. Staying informed about the UV index is essential for planning safe outdoor activities— find more details on the Mount Crested Butte UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
As spring unfolds in Mount Crested Butte, May welcomes a remarkable 365 hours of sunshine, marking the peak of daylight hours in the year. This vibrant month contrasts sharply with the 169 hours seen in January, showcasing the dramatic transition from winter's gloom to the warmth of late spring. Following April's encouraging 320 hours of sunshine, May blossoms into a sun-drenched paradise, supporting outdoor activities and the beauty of nature in full swing. The trend continues into summer, with June and July boasting even higher totals of 385 and 387 hours, respectively. This consistent increase not only highlights the region's allure for visitors seeking adventure but also signals the joyous arrival of longer, sun-filled days that breathe life into the stunning mountain landscapes.
In Mount Crested Butte, May offers a moderate chance of sunny weather, with a 48% likelihood of sunshine. This figure represents a slight dip from April's 55%, yet it is part of a broader trend of increasing sunlight as the year progresses. Following the typically gloomy winter months, where January and February see chances around 46% and 38%, respectively, May serves as a precursor to the sunnier days of summer. By June, the prospects jump to 61%, illustrating a clear transition towards more consistent sunny spells as the warmer months approach. Thus, while May may not be the sunniest month, it lays the groundwork for a vibrant summer ahead.
In Mount Crested Butte, the transition from winter to summer is beautifully marked by the increasing daylight hours, reaching a peak in May with 14 hours of sunlight. Starting from a mere 9 hours in January, each month sees a steady rise in daylight, culminating in April, when the sun shines for 13 hours. As May rolls in, residents and visitors alike can bask in the longer days that follow, with daylight remaining steady throughout June and July. As summer wanes, daylight begins to taper off slightly, with 13 hours in August and gradually decreasing to 12 hours in September. This rhythmic pattern of daylight not only enhances outdoor activities but also adds to the vibrant atmosphere of the seasons in this picturesque mountain town.
In May, Mount Crested Butte experiences a gentle breeze, with an average wind speed of 2.2 m/s (5 mph), consistent with the preceding and following months in spring. This steady airflow enhances the region's vibrant outdoor atmosphere, perfect for activities like hiking and mountain biking. Remarkably, the wind speeds in May mirror those of April, creating a smooth transition into early summer. Compared to the fluctuating winds of the colder months, May’s stable conditions signal the approach of warmer days while maintaining the refreshing mountain climate. As summer nears, the wind gently caresses the landscape, inviting adventurers to explore the stunning scenery without the interruption of harsh gusts.
The weather in Mount Crested Butte 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 Mount Crested Butte and find detailed weather information for every month.
May and January present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -11°C (13°F) to a more pleasant average of 4°C (39°F), with occasional highs reaching 20°C (69°F). The month sees about 58 mm (2.3 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days, accompanied by a relatively moderate humidity level of 66%. In contrast, January is much colder, with temperatures dipping as low as -24°C (-11°F) and averaging -9°C (17°F), while the maximums struggle to reach 5°C (42°F). Precipitation in January is slightly higher at 60 mm (2.4 in) over 11 days, along with higher humidity at 88%. For more details on January weather, you can check Mount Crested Butte weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, it’s clear that May offers significantly warmer temperatures, with average highs reaching 20°C (69°F) compared to a maximum of only 10°C (51°F) in February. February also experiences much colder minimum temperatures, hitting lows of -25°C (-12°F), while May's minimum dips to -11°C (13°F). Precipitation levels are higher in February, with 79 mm (3.1 in) over 14 days, compared to May’s 58 mm (2.3 in) of precipitation over 10 days, contributing to a generally wetter and more humid atmosphere in February, with humidity levels at 87% compared to May's 66%. For more detailed insights, check out Mount Crested Butte weather in February.
In comparing the weather of May and March, May presents a notable warming trend with average temperatures reaching around 4°C (39°F), peaking at 20°C (69°F), while March is significantly colder, averaging -3°C (27°F) and only climbing to a maximum of 11°C (52°F). Although March experiences slightly higher precipitation at 77 mm (3.0 in) over 14 days, May has a milder amount of 58 mm (2.3 in) spread over 10 days, suggesting that rain is more frequent but lighter during the latter month. Additionally, humidity levels are higher in March at 81% compared to 66% in May. For a detailed look at the weather conditions in March, check out Mount Crested Butte weather in March.
In May, the weather in Mount Crested Butte shows a notable warming trend compared to April. While April experiences chilling temperatures with a minimum of -18°C (0°F) and an average of 0°C (32°F), May sees milder conditions with a minimum of -11°C (13°F) and an average of 4°C (39°F). Additionally, May offers a maximum temperature of 20°C (69°F), significantly higher than April's peak of 12°C (54°F). However, precipitation remains relatively consistent, with May receiving 58 mm (2.3 in) over 10 days, slightly less than April's 64 mm (2.5 in) across 13 days, although April is characterized by higher humidity at 76% compared to May's 66%. For a more detailed look at April's weather, check out Mount Crested Butte weather in April.
The weather in May is generally cooler and wetter compared to June. In May, temperatures range from a low of -11°C (13°F) to a high of 20°C (69°F), with an average temperature of 4°C (39°F). The month sees about 58 mm (2.3 in) of precipitation over 10 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 66%. In contrast, June experiences milder temperatures, with lows around -6°C (21°F) and highs reaching 26°C (79°F). The average temperature rises to 11°C (51°F), and the month receives significantly less precipitation—only 27 mm (1.1 in) over 6 days—with lower humidity at 58%. For more details about the weather conditions in this month, you can check Mount Crested Butte weather in June.
When comparing the weather in May and July, there are notable differences in temperature and humidity. May experiences cooler temperatures with a minimum of -11°C (13°F) and an average of 4°C (39°F), while July sees warmer conditions, with a minimum of 0°C (33°F) and an average of 14°C (58°F). Precipitation levels are similar, with May receiving 58 mm (2.3 in) over approximately 10 days and July experiencing slightly more at 61 mm (2.4 in) across about 13 days. Additionally, May has a higher humidity level of 66%, compared to July's more comfortable 52%. For detailed July weather conditions, you can check Mount Crested Butte weather in July.
In comparing the weather between May and August, May typically experiences a wider temperature range, with minimums dropping to -11°C (13°F) and maximums reaching up to 20°C (69°F). This month also sees higher precipitation levels, averaging 58 mm (2.3 in) over approximately 10 days, alongside a humidity level of 66%. In contrast, August enjoys milder temperatures with a minimum of 2°C (35°F) and a maximum of 25°C (78°F), along with significantly less rain, at about 30 mm (1.2 in) over just 7 days, and lower humidity at 56%. For more details on the climate specifics, you can check out Mount Crested Butte weather in August.
May and September present distinct weather patterns, showcasing the transition of seasons. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -11°C (13°F) to a pleasant maximum of 20°C (69°F), with an average of 4°C (39°F). This month experiences a fair amount of precipitation, totaling 58 mm (2.3 in) over approximately 10 days, contributing to a relatively humid atmosphere at 66%.
In contrast, September boasts milder conditions, with minimum temperatures around -7°C (20°F) and a warmer maximum reaching 25°C (77°F), resulting in an average of 10°C (50°F). The month is drier, with only 33 mm (1.3 in) of precipitation over about 7 days, while humidity remains slightly lower at 65%. For more details on this month's climate, you can visit Mount Crested Butte weather in September.
May and October exhibit significant differences in weather patterns, particularly in temperature and humidity. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -11°C (13°F) to a pleasant maximum of 20°C (69°F), with an average of 4°C (39°F). The month sees approximately 58 mm (2.3 in) of rainfall spread over 10 days, with humidity at 66%. In contrast, October experiences much colder temperatures, dipping to a low of -32°C (-25°F) and reaching a maximum of 19°C (67°F), with a similar average temperature of 2°C (35°F). While precipitation remains the same at 58 mm (2.3 in) over 10 days, the humidity rises to 76%, contributing to a more pronounced chill in the air. For those interested in more detailed insights, you can explore Mount Crested Butte weather in October.
May and November showcase contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures can vary widely, ranging from a chilly minimum of -11°C (13°F) to a warm maximum of 20°C (69°F), with an average temperature of 4°C (39°F). This month experiences an average of 58 mm (2.3 in) of precipitation over about 10 days, and the humidity sits at 66%. In contrast, November is considerably colder, with temperatures dropping to a minimum of -28°C (-19°F) and peaking at 13°C (56°F), averaging -5°C (23°F). Precipitation in November is slightly less at 49 mm (1.9 in), occurring over 8 days, and the humidity rises to 82%. These stark differences illustrate the shift from spring's variability to the deepening chill of late fall. For more details, you can check Mount Crested Butte weather in November.
May and December present a stark contrast in weather conditions. In May, temperatures typically range from a chilly minimum of -11°C (13°F) to a comfortable maximum of 20°C (69°F), with an average of 4°C (39°F). Precipitation is moderate at 58 mm (2.3 in) over about 10 days, paired with a humidity level of 66%. In contrast, December sees much colder temperatures, with a minimum dipping down to -30°C (-22°F) and a maximum of just 8°C (47°F), leading to an average of -9°C (16°F). The month is slightly wetter, with 67 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation spread across 11 days, and humidity levels rise significantly to 89%. For more detailed insights, check out Mount Crested Butte weather in December.
As May unfolds in Mount Crested Butte, temperatures begin to hint at the warmth of summer, yet the lingering chill of winter can still be felt in the crisp mountain air. While this month welcomes a marked increase in average temperatures, with maximums edging around 20°C (69°F), nights can still dip down to near freezing. Precipitation is common, with an average of 58 mm (2.3 in) over about ten days, keeping the landscape lush and vibrant. This mix of chilly mornings and mild afternoons, combined with a humidity level of 66%, makes May a transitional month that beautifully blends the essence of spring and the tail end of winter. Explore more about this unique climate variation in detail at Mount Crested Butte Climate.