Last updated: February 24, 2025
May in Tampa, United States ushers in warmth and a vibrant climate, with temperatures soaring to a maximum of 35°C (96°F) and maintaining a comfortable average of 26°C (78°F). While the days are predominantly sunny, residents can expect 117 mm (4.6 in) of rainfall spread across 11 days, contributing to the region's lush greenery. The humidity levels hover around 76%, creating a tropical atmosphere that characterizes this lively month in Florida. Embrace the sunshine, but be prepared for those refreshing afternoon showers!
In May, Tampa experiences a marked transition towards summer, characterized by increasing warmth and humidity. With minimum temperatures rising to a comfortable 14°C (57°F) and daily averages reaching 26°C (78°F), locals and visitors alike begin to enjoy more outdoor activities. The mercury can peak at a sizzling 35°C (96°F), providing perfect beach weather. This upward trend in temperatures continues into the early summer months, making May a delightful time to soak up the Florida sunshine before the heat intensifies in June and July. As the days grow longer and sunnier, the city's vibrant outdoor culture truly comes alive.
May marks a significant transition in Tampa's precipitation patterns, with rainfall amounting to 117 mm (4.6 in) over 11 days, setting the stage for the typically wetter summer months. This is a notable increase from April's 62 mm (2.5 in), emphasizing a shift towards more frequent showers and thunderstorms. As the region gears up for its rainy season, May's precipitation acts as a precursor to June's even higher totals, which can exceed 200 mm. The gradual rise in rainfall and number of rainy days throughout spring indicates not just a change in weather, but a flourishing of the local ecosystem as temperatures warm and humidity builds, making Tampa a vibrant destination for nature enthusiasts.
In May, Tampa experiences a refreshing dip in humidity, with levels reaching 76%, marking a slight decline from the higher averages of previous months. This trend of decreasing humidity, which begins in April, continues into June, suggesting that the intense summer heat is on the horizon. However, compared to the winter months of January and February, where humidity remains a muggy 82%, May provides a brief respite, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. As the year progresses, humidity levels are expected to stabilize around 74% to 78% throughout the peak summer months, giving residents and visitors a taste of both comfort and warmth as they transition into the sultry months ahead.
As we step into May, Tampa experiences a striking UV Index of 11, placing it in the extreme exposure category with a burn time of just 10 minutes. This trend of increasing UV levels continues from April, which also recorded an index of 11, highlighting the city's shift into hotter months. Following May, the UV Index rises to a peak of 12 in June and July, emphasizing the importance of sun protection as summer approaches. It's essential for residents and visitors alike to stay vigilant about UV exposure during this time of year. For more detailed insights, check out the Tampa UV Index.
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May shines brightly in Tampa, boasting an impressive 333 hours of sunshine, making it one of the sunniest months of the year. This delightful trend follows a steady increase in sunlight throughout the spring, starting from 219 hours in January and peaking in May, with hours consistently rising month after month. The warm sunshine sets the stage for outdoor activities and vibrant gatherings, encouraging residents and visitors alike to embrace the outdoors. As the summer approaches, while June will see a slight dip to 303 hours, the overall sunshine pattern remains favorable, ensuring that Tampa enjoys a lively and sun-drenched atmosphere as it transitions into the warmer months.
As we transition into May in Tampa, Florida, the likelihood of sunny weather remains quite promising, with a 56% chance of sunshine this month. This marks a slight dip from the preceding April, which boasts a 58% chance of clear skies, yet still surpasses the sunniness of the summer months, notably June and July, where chances plummet to 17% and 21%, respectively. This trend highlights a common pattern in Tampa's climate: a gradual increase in sunshine during the early months of the year, peaking before the high heat of summer sets in. Overall, May stands as a favorable time for outdoor activities, balancing warm weather with a commendable chance of enjoying the sun.
As May blossoms in Tampa, the city basks in 13 hours of daylight, marking the peak of spring's radiant embrace. Following a gradual increase from 10 hours in January, daylight hours steadily climbed, reaching 12 hours by March and April—a clear signal that summer is on the horizon. With June, July, and August maintaining that same sun-drenched duration, this trend of abundant daylight fosters vibrant outdoor activities and leisurely nights under starry skies. As the year progresses into autumn, daylight begins to taper off, but May stands out as a perfect bridge between the lively spring and the sweltering summer, inviting residents and visitors alike to revel in the warmth and extended evenings.
In May, Tampa experiences a refreshing average wind speed of 3.6 m/s (8 mph), maintaining a comfortable breeze that helps to ease the onset of warmer summer days. This marks a slight increase from the previous months, with January to April averaging between 3.3 m/s and 3.8 m/s. As the region transitions into the summer months, the winds begin to taper off slightly, peaking in early spring and then gradually declining through June and July. Despite this gentle dip, May stands out as a perfect balance, offering both a pleasant atmosphere and the invigorating winds that locals and visitors alike can enjoy while basking in the sun.
The weather in Tampa 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 Tampa and find detailed weather information for every month.
In comparing the weather between May and January, it's evident that May is significantly warmer and more humid. The minimum temperature in May is a comfortable 14°C (57°F), with average highs reaching up to 26°C (78°F) and peaks at 35°C (96°F). However, it also experiences higher precipitation, with 117 mm (4.6 in) over 11 days, creating a humid environment with an average humidity of 76%.
In contrast, January showcases a cooler climate with minimum temperatures dropping to -3°C (28°F) and average highs around 16°C (61°F), peaking at 29°C (84°F). January is much drier, receiving only 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain over just 4 days, though it has slightly higher humidity at 82%. For more detailed information on the weather specifics for January, check out Tampa weather in January.
When comparing the weather of May and February, a significant difference in temperature is evident. May boasts a minimum temperature of 14°C (57°F) and averages 26°C (78°F), climbing up to a maximum of 35°C (96°F), making it considerably warmer than February, which has a minimum of 3°C (37°F), an average of 19°C (67°F), and a maximum of 31°C (87°F). Precipitation also varies, with May receiving 117 mm (4.6 in) over 11 days, while February sees less rain at 62 mm (2.4 in) over just 5 days, although February’s humidity is slightly higher at 82% compared to May's 76%. For more detailed insights, you can view Tampa weather in February.
When comparing the weather in May and March, it's clear that May tends to be warmer and wetter. May boasts a temperature range from a minimum of 14°C (57°F) to a maximum of 35°C (96°F), with an average temperature of 26°C (78°F). In contrast, March has a cooler temperature range, with a minimum of 4°C (39°F) and a maximum of 32°C (89°F) and an average of 20°C (68°F). Additionally, May experiences significantly more rainfall, totaling 117 mm (4.6 in) over 11 days, while March receives just 20 mm (0.8 in) over only 3 days. Interestingly, both months have similar humidity levels, with March at 79% and May slightly lower at 76%. For those considering a visit, you can find more details about the conditions in that spring month at Tampa weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, it's evident that May is notably warmer, with average temperatures rising from 23°C (74°F) in April to 26°C (78°F) in May. The minimum temperatures also increase significantly, with May starting at 14°C (57°F) compared to April's 8°C (47°F). However, despite the warmth, May experiences more precipitation, totaling 117 mm (4.6 in) over 11 days, while April sees only 62 mm (2.5 in) across 8 days. Humidity remains relatively similar, peaking at 76% in May compared to 78% in April. For a more detailed look at April's climate, you can check Tampa weather in April.
In comparing the weather of May and June, we see a gradual increase in both temperature and precipitation. May boasts a minimum temperature of 14°C (57°F), with an average of 26°C (78°F) and a maximum reaching 35°C (96°F). On the other hand, June starts warmer, with a minimum of 21°C (71°F) and an average of 27°C (81°F), while the maximum remains comparable at 36°C (96°F). However, June experiences significantly more rainfall, with 206 mm (8.1 in) over 23 days, compared to May's 117 mm (4.6 in) over 11 days. Humidity levels are similar, with May at 76% and June slightly lower at 75%. For more detailed insights, check out Tampa weather in June.
May and July both experience warm temperatures, but July tends to be even hotter at night, with a minimum temperature of 23°C (74°F) compared to May's 14°C (57°F). The average temperatures are also slightly higher in July at 28°C (82°F), while May boasts an average of 26°C (78°F). However, July sees significantly more precipitation, with 265 mm (10.4 in) falling over 27 days, compared to May's 117 mm (4.6 in) across 11 days. Humidity levels are relatively close, with May at 76% and July slightly lower at 74%. For more details on the weather, check out Tampa weather in July.
In May, temperatures in Tampa range from a minimum of 14°C (57°F) to a maximum of 35°C (96°F), with an average of 26°C (78°F). May experiences high humidity at 76%, along with 117 mm (4.6 in) of precipitation spread over about 11 days. In contrast, August sees a slight increase in minimum temperatures, starting at 23°C (74°F) and averaging 28°C (83°F), while still peaking at 35°C (96°F). However, August is significantly wetter, with 235 mm (9.3 in) of rain over 28 days, despite having a slightly lower humidity of 74%. This comparison highlights the transition from the relatively drier May to the much rainier August. For more details on weather specifics, check out Tampa weather in August.
May and September present distinct weather patterns, with May marking the transition into warmer days and September nearing the end of summer. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 14°C (57°F) to a maximum of 35°C (96°F), accompanied by an average temperature of 26°C (78°F) and total precipitation of 117 mm (4.6 in) over about 11 rainy days, resulting in a humidity level of 76%. In contrast, September experiences slightly higher temperatures, with a minimum of 20°C (69°F), an average of 28°C (82°F), and a maximum similar to May at 35°C (94°F). However, this month sees increased rainfall, with 161 mm (6.3 in) recorded over 19 days, and humidity rises modestly to 78%. For a complete look at September's weather, you can check out Tampa weather in September.
May and October both share a pleasant average temperature of around 26°C (78°F), but their temperature extremes significantly differ. In May, the minimum temperature is warmer at 14°C (57°F), and the maximum can reach up to 35°C (96°F), making it generally hotter than October, where the minimum dips to 9°C (48°F) and the maximum is slightly lower at 34°C (93°F). Additionally, May tends to be rainier with 117 mm (4.6 in) of precipitation compared to 73 mm (2.9 in) in October, both months experiencing rainfall over 11 days. October also exhibits slightly higher humidity at 79%, compared to May's 76%. To learn more about the weather during this time, check out Tampa weather in October.
May and November present quite different weather profiles. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 14°C (57°F) to a maximum of 35°C (96°F), with an average of 26°C (78°F). This month sees significant rainfall, accumulating to about 117 mm (4.6 in) over approximately 11 days, while humidity levels hover around 76%.
In contrast, November offers cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 6°C (43°F) and a maximum of 30°C (87°F), leading to a more moderate average of 20°C (69°F). Rainfall is considerably less, totaling around 45 mm (1.8 in) over just 6 days, although humidity slightly increases to 82%. For more specific details, you can check out Tampa weather in November.
May and December present significantly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a comfortable 14°C (57°F) at night to a warm 35°C (96°F) during the day, making it one of the hotter months of the year. It also experiences higher precipitation, with about 117 mm (4.6 in) over approximately 11 days, coupled with a humidity of 76%. In contrast, December offers much cooler conditions, with nighttime lows averaging 3°C (37°F) and daytime highs peaking at 29°C (84°F). Rain is less frequent, with just 62 mm (2.4 in) of precipitation over about 6 days, and the humidity rises slightly to 84%. For more detailed information, you can check out Tampa weather in December.
As May unfolds in Tampa, the weather becomes markedly warmer and more humid than the preceding months, setting the stage for the sultry summer ahead. With average temperatures rising to a cozy 26°C (78°F), this month often feels warmer and more tropical, leading to a noticeable increase in precipitation with about 11 days of rain. This shift from the cooler spring is a reminder to embrace sunny days that frequently hover around 35°C (96°F) while also preparing for occasional showers that add to the region’s lush greenery. For a deeper understanding of what to expect through the year, visit Tampa Climate.