Last updated: February 24, 2025
May in Chicago, United States heralds a vibrant transition into warmer weather, with maximum temperatures soaring to 32°C (90°F), while the average settles at a comfortable 15°C (59°F). However, the month isn't without its challenges, as minimum temperatures can dip to a brisk -1°C (31°F). Rainfall is notable, with precipitation reaching 156 mm (6.1 in) over 15 days, contributing to a humidity level of 79%. This interplay of warmth and moisture creates a dynamic atmosphere, making May a month of noticeable weather variability in the Windy City.
In May, Chicago begins to shed the chill of winter, welcoming a captivating transition into warmer weather. With minimum temperatures hovering just above freezing at -1°C (31°F), the city experiences a notable rise in warmth, reaching an average of 15°C (59°F) and soaring up to a delightful maximum of 32°C (90°F). This month is characterized by a vibrant blend of spring blossoms and outdoor activities, as residents and visitors alike embrace the increasingly balmy conditions. Compared to the preceding months, May marks a significant departure from the harsh cold, signaling the onset of Chicago's summer charm and inviting everyone to enjoy the city's parks, festivals, and lakeside views.
In May, Chicago experiences a significant increase in precipitation, with 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain falling over 15 days—the highest monthly total for the year. This showers the city in lush greenery, marking a transition to spring as plants thrive under the ample moisture. The surge in rainfall compared to April's 125 mm (4.9 in) sets the stage for vibrant blooms and bustling outdoor activity. As temperatures rise, these soaking rains contribute to a lively atmosphere, though they also remind residents to keep an umbrella handy. With such a wet month behind them, the warmer summer days are welcomed by all, creating a refreshing contrast to the drier months that follow.
As spring blossoms into summer, May showcases a notable shift in Chicago's humidity levels, dipping to 79%—the lowest recorded since January. This decline comes after a gradual increase from 82% in January to 85% in April, making May a refreshing reprieve before the warmer months arrive. The trend hints at a transient comfort, as the humidity begins to rise again in June, reaching 82%. Comparatively, the summer months maintain moderately high levels, hovering around 80%, while the later part of the year sees a peak in humidity during November at 88%. Overall, May serves as a transitional phase, balancing the lingering crispness of spring with the impending warmth of summer.
As May unfolds in Chicago, residents experience a significant spike in UV exposure, with the UV Index reaching 9 and falling into the very high category. This trend represents a continued increase from April's 8, suggesting a strong need for sun protection as burn time decreases to just 15 minutes. The climb in UV levels marks a shift from earlier months, where the Index was moderate in January and February, and gradually intensified through the spring. As summer approaches, the UV Index is expected to peak at 10 in June and July, emphasizing the importance of proactive sun safety during this vibrant season. For more detailed insights, visit Chicago UV Index.
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In Chicago, the month of May shines brightly with 290 hours of sunshine, marking a significant leap from the earlier months of the year. Moving from April's 251 hours, May embraces the warmth of spring, paving the way for even sunnier days ahead. This welcoming surge in daylight is a prelude to the peak summer months, where sunshine reaches its zenith in July at an impressive 362 hours. The steady increase in daylight from winter's mere 116 hours in January to May's delightful glow not only brightens the days but also sets the stage for outdoor festivities and the blooming of the city’s vibrant parks. As winter's gloom fades, Chicagoans eagerly anticipate the longer, sunlit days that invigorate both spirit and community throughout the seasons.
As May approaches in Chicago, the likelihood of sunny weather showcases a moderate 34% chance of sunshine. This figure, nestled between the transitional months of spring and the onset of summer, reflects a slight dip from the sunnier April days, which enjoy a 39% chance. Notably, while March marks a significant rise to 46%, May’s weather hints at the unpredictability of the seasons, just before the more consistent sunny stretches of June and July, which boast chances of 43% and 44% respectively. Thus, as Chicagoans eagerly anticipate the warmth of late spring, they can expect a blend of sunshine and showers, characteristic of the city's dynamic climate.
As spring blooms into summer, May heralds a delightful increase in daylight in Chicago, offering residents and visitors alike 14 hours of sunlight. This progression from the mere 9 hours in January to a robust 11 hours by March and finally a notable 13 hours in April illustrates a steady rise in daylight as the city shakes off the winter chill. With each passing month, the elongating days invite more outdoor activities and social gatherings, setting the stage for the vibrant summer months ahead. As the days reach their zenith at 15 hours in June, May serves as a beautiful transition, full of sunshine and potential, bridging the gap between spring's budding vitality and the full bloom of summer.
In Chicago, the winds of May bring a gentle breeze, with an average wind speed of 3.9 m/s (9 mph), marking a subtle decline from the gustier months of March and April. This decrease in wind speed is part of a broader trend observed as summer approaches, as the city transitions into calmer conditions with June recording even lighter winds at 3.5 m/s (8 mph). Despite this dip, May's breezes remain a refreshing contrast to the harsher winter gusts, which peak at 4.9 m/s (11 mph) in March and slowly taper off as the season turns. As the year progresses, Chicago sees fluctuating winds, but the shift into late spring is characterized by a welcome moderation that invites residents outdoors to enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere.
The weather in Chicago 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 Chicago and find detailed weather information for every month.
May and January present strikingly contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a warm maximum of 32°C (90°F), with an average of 15°C (59°F). This month experiences significant rainfall, totaling 156 mm (6.1 in) over approximately 15 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 79%. In contrast, January is much colder, with temperatures fluctuating between a low of -29°C (-21°F) and a high of 14°C (57°F), averaging -3°C (27°F). This winter month sees less precipitation at 68 mm (2.7 in) across 9 days and maintains a slightly higher humidity at 82%. For more detailed insights, you can check out Chicago weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, it's clear that May offers a much milder climate. In May, temperatures range from a cool minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a warm maximum of 32°C (90°F), with an average temperature of 15°C (59°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 156 mm (6.1 in) over 15 days, alongside a humidity level of 79%. In contrast, February presents much harsher conditions, with temperatures dipping as low as -30°C (-22°F) and an average of -2°C (29°F). Although February receives less precipitation, measuring 70 mm (2.7 in) over 12 days, it has a slightly higher humidity level of 83%. For more details on February weather, you can visit Chicago weather in February. Overall, May provides a more pleasant and temperate experience than the cold, snowy conditions typical of February.
The weather in May is significantly warmer than in March, with average temperatures rising from a chilly 4°C (39°F) in March to a mild 15°C (59°F) in May. The maximum temperatures also reflect this change, peaking at 32°C (90°F) in May compared to 23°C (74°F) in March. Precipitation is more frequent in May, occurring on 15 days and totaling 156 mm (6.1 in), while March sees less rain, with 95 mm (3.7 in) spread over 11 days. Humidity is slightly higher in March at 84%, compared to 79% in May. For more details on March weather, visit Chicago weather in March.
When comparing the weather in May and April, it's evident that May tends to be warmer and wetter. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F), with an average of 15°C (59°F). This contrasts with April, where temperatures range from a minimum of -6°C (22°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F) and an average of 8°C (47°F). While May sees an increase in rainfall, totaling 156 mm (6.1 in) over 15 days, April experiences slightly less precipitation at 125 mm (4.9 in) over 13 days. Additionally, humidity in May averages around 79%, compared to 85% in April. For more detailed insights on April weather, you can check Chicago weather in April.
May and June showcase a transition in weather patterns, with June generally being warmer and more stable. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a warm maximum of 32°C (90°F), averaging 15°C (59°F). The month sees considerable precipitation, with 156 mm (6.1 in) recorded over 15 days, creating a relatively humid environment with an average humidity of 79%. In contrast, June starts with a much higher minimum temperature of 10°C (50°F) and reaches a maximum of 33°C (91°F), resulting in an average of 21°C (70°F). While precipitation decreases slightly to 144 mm (5.7 in) over 13 days, humidity increases to 82%. This shift indicates a warming trend and a somewhat drier month, making June more favorable for outdoor activities. For more detailed information, you can check Chicago weather in June.
May and July exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures can drop as low as -1°C (31°F), while the average temperature hovers around a mild 15°C (59°F), peaking at a maximum of 32°C (90°F). This month also experiences significant rainfall, with total precipitation reaching 156 mm (6.1 in) spread over 15 days, resulting in a humidity level of 79%. In contrast, July features a much warmer climate, with minimum temperatures at 14°C (58°F) and an average of 24°C (75°F). The maximum temperature slightly increases to 33°C (92°F), but precipitation decreases to 104 mm (4.1 in) over just 12 days, maintaining a similar humidity level of 80%. For more specific details on July weather in Chicago, you can visit Chicago weather in July.
May and August exhibit significant differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a warm maximum of 32°C (90°F), with an average of 15°C (59°F). This month also experiences more rainfall, totaling 156 mm (6.1 in) over about 15 days, alongside relatively high humidity at 79%. In contrast, August presents a milder temperature range, with minimums around 11°C (53°F), an average of 23°C (73°F), and maximums peaking at 33°C (92°F). Precipitation decreases to 84 mm (3.3 in), occurring over about 11 days, while humidity remains slightly elevated at 81%. For more detailed comparisons, check out Chicago weather in August.
In May, temperatures can vary widely, with a minimum of -1°C (31°F) and an average of 15°C (59°F), peaking at a warm 32°C (90°F). The month is characterized by significant rainfall, with 156 mm (6.1 in) over 15 days, and a humidity level of 79%. In contrast, September offers a more stable and mild climate, featuring a minimum temperature of 6°C (42°F) and an average of 20°C (68°F), while still reaching the same maximum of 32°C (90°F). Precipitation is notably less in September, totaling only 78 mm (3.1 in) across 9 days, and maintaining a similar humidity level of 80%. For more information, you can visit Chicago weather in September.
May and October present contrasting yet similar weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F), with an average of 15°C (59°F), while October sees slightly cooler averages, with a high of 29°C (85°F) and an average temperature of 13°C (55°F). Both months experience significant precipitation, with May collecting 156 mm (6.1 in) over 15 days and October following closely with 142 mm (5.6 in) over 13 days. Humidity levels are also comparable, at 79% in May and 82% in October, indicating a moist atmosphere during both transitional seasons. For more detailed information, check out Chicago weather in October.
May and November present distinctly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures can vary greatly, with minimums around -1°C (31°F) and maximums reaching up to 32°C (90°F), leading to an average of 15°C (59°F). It also experiences considerable precipitation, totaling 156 mm (6.1 in) over about 15 days, alongside a humidity level of 79%. In contrast, November features much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -14°C (6°F) and an average of only 4°C (40°F). The maximum temperature in November is relatively mild at 22°C (73°F), but the month is drier, with only 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain falling over approximately 8 days. Additionally, the humidity rises to 88%. For more details on November's weather in Chicago, visit Chicago weather in November.
May and December present strikingly different weather patterns. In May, the temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a warm maximum of 32°C (90°F), with an average of 15°C (59°F). This month also sees considerable rainfall, with 156 mm (6.1 in) of precipitation over approximately 15 days, along with a humidity level of 79%. In contrast, December features much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -19°C (-2°F) and a maximum of 18°C (64°F), leading to an average of just 1°C (34°F). The precipitation in December is notably lower, at 63 mm (2.5 in) over 8 days, and humidity is slightly higher at 84%. For more detailed information about the winter conditions, check out Chicago weather in December.
As spring fully settles in, May weather in Chicago brings a refreshing shift from the lingering chill of early months. With an average temperature that significantly rises, it offers a delightful blend of warmth and occasional cool breezes, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities. While the city experiences around 15 days of precipitation, the lush greenery that follows enhances the city's beauty. Coupled with relatively high humidity, May showcases a vibrant yet unpredictable side of Chicago weather that is distinct from the harsher temperatures of winter and the sweltering heat that follows in summer. Embrace the transition and check out more about the city's climate throughout the year at Chicago Climate.