Last updated: February 24, 2025
Experience the vibrant allure of New Orleans in May, where temperatures reach a maximum of 33°C (91°F) and hover around a comfortable average of 25°C (77°F). Although the minimum temperature can drop to 14°C (58°F), the city's charm remains unwavering. As the humidity swells to 77%, prepare for a tropical experience marked by 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain spread across approximately 13 days. This lively mix makes May a month of transformation, merging warmth with delightful spring showers that enrich the lush landscape and invigorate the soul of the Big Easy.
In May, New Orleans embraces the warmth of spring, with temperatures reflecting a delightful upswing. Minimums climb to a comfortable 14°C (58°F), while the average reaches a pleasant 25°C (77°F), allowing residents and visitors alike to enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere. The afternoons can get steamy, peaking at a toasty 33°C (91°F), making it a perfect time for enjoying the lively outdoor scenes that define the Crescent City. As the month unfolds, the transition from the milder April temperatures to the heat of June hints at the summer to come, setting the stage for festivals, jazz music, and culinary delights under the Southern sun.
May marks a significant uptick in precipitation for New Orleans, with the city receiving an average of 144 mm (5.7 in) of rainfall across 13 days. This increase not only surpasses the previous months but also sets the stage for a trend that continues into the summer, with June and July boasting even higher averages of 218 mm (8.6 in) and 219 mm (8.6 in), respectively. The wettest months of the year, from May through August, herald the onset of the rainy season, painting a vivid picture of New Orleans' climate as it transitions to the sultry summer heat. This pattern highlights the city's resilience in the face of nature's regular deluge, making May a pivotal month in the annual precipitation cycle.
May in New Orleans ushers in a noticeable shift in humidity, with levels dropping to 77%. This slight decrease continues a trend observed since the earlier months of the year, where humidity remained relatively high at 81% from January to April. Following May, the humidity levels decrease further into June and July, hitting a low of 74%, suggesting a transition towards the drier summer months. Despite this dip, the overall humidity throughout the year remains notably high, reflecting New Orleans' characteristic subtropical climate. As visitors and locals prepare for the warmer days ahead, May's humidity provides a brief reprieve, offering a balance between moisture and the forthcoming summer heat.
As we step into May, New Orleans delivers a sizzler with its UV Index soaring to 11, marking it as an extreme exposure period. This month's UV levels remain consistent with April's highs, signaling a trend of intensified sun exposure as we transition into summer. With a burn time of just 10 minutes, it’s crucial for residents and visitors alike to take protective measures when heading outdoors. The rapidly rising UV Index from the earlier months, where January saw a moderate level of 5, reflects a significant shift towards conditions ideal for sunburn. Staying informed is essential; for more detailed UV forecasts, check out New Orleans UV Index.
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As spring blossoms into summer, May in New Orleans shines brightly with an impressive 320 sunshine hours, marking it as one of the sunniest months of the year. This surge in sun reflects a delightful trend; following the gradual increase from January's 180 hours, the city's sun-soaked days climb steadily, peaking in May with a remarkable leap from just 280 hours in April. This vibrant month serves as a precursor to the summer heat, where hours of sunshine remain abundant yet slightly taper off in the subsequent months, showcasing the unique and captivating rhythm of New Orleans' climate. The city's inviting warmth and bright days beckon locals and visitors alike to embrace the outdoors before the peak summer sun sets in.
As May rolls in, the likelihood of sunny weather in New Orleans sees a dip to 37%, slightly lower than the previous months of April, which offered a more promising 49% chance of sunshine. This trend continues from March, where the sunshine likelihood was 39%, suggesting that early spring may be more favorable for sun-seekers than late spring. While the chance of clear skies decreases as summer approaches—with June plummeting to 28%—autumn shows more promise with September's 47% and October's 49% increasing again. As the year progresses, the fluctuating chances of sunny days highlight the unique character of New Orleans' weather, making each season distinct in its charm and unpredictability.
In New Orleans, the month of May marks a delightful transition into longer days, as daylight stretches to an inviting 13 hours. This increase in sunlight is part of a clear trend observed throughout the year; from the 10 hours in January, daylight gradually rises, peaking in June with 14 hours of brightness. After May, the days begin to subtly shorten, maintaining a wonderful balance through the summer months before tapering back to 12 hours in September. The rhythm of light in New Orleans not only enhances the vibrancy of the city but also invites residents and visitors alike to embrace the outdoor experiences that the warmer months offer.
In May, New Orleans enjoys a refreshing average wind speed of 4.4 m/s (10 mph), maintaining a pleasant breeze that adds to the city's vibrant spring atmosphere. As the year progresses, wind speeds show a subtle ebb and flow, with a noticeable peak in March before gently tapering off into the sultry summer months. While January and April also flirt with similar speeds at 4.2 m/s, it's May's consistency that bridges the transition from spring's lively gusts to the stifling heat of summer, where wind speeds plummet to their lowest points in July at just 2.4 m/s (5 mph). This pattern highlights how the May winds serve as a welcome embrace of comfort before the warm, still days of summer settle in.
The weather in New Orleans 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 New Orleans and find detailed weather information for every month.
When comparing the weather in May and January, one can observe significant differences in temperature and precipitation. May boasts a much warmer climate with average temperatures ranging from 14°C (58°F) to a high of 33°C (91°F), while January temperatures typically range from a chilly -5°C (23°F) to 27°C (80°F). Additionally, May experiences more rainfall, totaling 144 mm (5.7 in) over about 13 days, compared to January’s 90 mm (3.5 in) across 8 days. Interestingly, humidity levels are fairly similar in both months, with May at 77% and January slightly higher at 81%. For more detailed insights on January weather, you can check out New Orleans weather in January.
May and February present quite contrasting weather experiences. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 14°C (58°F) to a maximum of 33°C (91°F), with an average of 25°C (77°F), indicating a significantly warmer climate. Conversely, February’s temperatures hover around a minimum of -3°C (26°F) to a maximum of 26°C (80°F), averaging 15°C (60°F). While May sees greater precipitation at 144 mm (5.7 in) over 13 days, February experiences 96 mm (3.8 in) across 12 days. Humidity levels also differ slightly; May registers at 77% while February is slightly higher at 81%. To learn more about February’s weather, you can visit New Orleans weather in February.
In comparing the weather of May and March, it’s evident that May brings warmer temperatures, with averages peaking at 25°C (77°F) and highs reaching up to 33°C (91°F), whereas March enjoys milder conditions with an average of 18°C (65°F) and a maximum of 29°C (84°F). While both months see a fair amount of rainfall, May experiences greater precipitation at 144 mm (5.7 in) over 13 days, compared to March’s 87 mm (3.4 in) over 10 days. Additionally, the humidity remains relatively high in both months, with March at 79% and May slightly lower at 77%. For more detailed insights, you can check the New Orleans weather in March.
May's weather in New Orleans brings warmer temperatures compared to April, with minimums averaging 14°C (58°F) and maximums reaching up to 33°C (91°F), while April's temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 29°C (85°F). Precipitation slightly increases in May, totaling 144 mm (5.7 inches) over 13 days, compared to April's 113 mm (4.5 inches) over 11 days. Humidity remains high in both months, with May at 77% and April slightly higher at 81%. For a more detailed look at April's weather, you can visit New Orleans weather in April.
May and June exhibit distinct weather patterns, marked by rising temperatures and increased precipitation. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 14°C (58°F) to a maximum of 33°C (91°F), with an average of 25°C (77°F). The month experiences about 144 mm (5.7 in) of rainfall over 13 days and carries a humidity level of 77%. In contrast, June typically sees higher temperatures, with a minimum of 21°C (69°F), an average of 27°C (81°F), and a peak of 34°C (94°F). Rainfall also intensifies in June, totaling 218 mm (8.6 in) across 18 days, while humidity slightly decreases to 74%. For a closer look at the climate specifics, visit New Orleans weather in June.
May and July present distinct weather patterns, with May experiencing a wider range of temperatures and significantly higher rainfall. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 14°C (58°F) to a maximum of 33°C (91°F), averaging around 25°C (77°F), while July sees higher temperatures, with a minimum of 23°C (75°F) and a maximum of 34°C (94°F), averaging 28°C (83°F). Precipitation is also more pronounced in July, totaling 219 mm (8.6 in) across 22 days, compared to May's 144 mm (5.7 in) over 13 days. Despite July's increased rainfall, the humidity remains slightly lower at 74% compared to May's 77%. For a detailed look at the weather specifics, check out New Orleans weather in July.
May and August present distinct weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a mild minimum of 14°C (58°F) to a warm maximum of 33°C (91°F), with an average of 25°C (77°F). Despite the pleasant temperatures, May experiences significant rainfall with 144 mm (5.7 in) of precipitation over 13 days and a high humidity level of 77%. In contrast, August is warmer, with minimum temperatures starting at 23°C (74°F) and reaching up to 34°C (93°F), averaging around 28°C (83°F). However, it also brings more rain, with 273 mm (10.8 in) falling over 23 days, while humidity slightly decreases to 73%. For those interested in exploring more about the weather conditions in August, you can check out New Orleans weather in August.
May and September share similar warm temperatures and high humidity, but there are notable differences in their weather patterns. May typically sees a minimum temperature of 14°C (58°F) and averages around 25°C (77°F), with maximums reaching up to 33°C (91°F). In contrast, September starts off slightly warmer with a minimum temperature of 17°C (64°F) and an average of 27°C (80°F), peaking at 34°C (94°F). Both months experience considerable rainfall, with May averaging 144 mm (5.7 in) over 13 days and September slightly higher at 147 mm (5.8 in) over 15 days. For more specific details about September's weather, you can visit New Orleans weather in September.
May and October showcase a transition in weather patterns, with May typically being warmer and more humid. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 14°C (58°F) to a maximum of 33°C (91°F), with an average of 25°C (77°F) and higher precipitation at 144 mm (5.7 in) over 13 days. In contrast, October sees cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (47°F) and an average of 23°C (74°F), while still reaching a maximum of 32°C (90°F). The precipitation in October is slightly lower at 133 mm (5.2 in) over 12 days, yet both months share a similar humidity level of 77%. For more details on October weather specifics, you can visit New Orleans weather in October.
May and November present contrasting weather conditions that significantly affect outdoor activities. In May, temperatures range from a mild 14°C (58°F) at night to a warm 33°C (91°F) during the day, with an average of 25°C (77°F). This month also sees considerable precipitation, totaling 144 mm (5.7 in) over 13 days, and humidity levels hover around 77%. In contrast, November features much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 1°C (34°F) and a maximum of 27°C (80°F), averaging 17°C (62°F). Rainfall decreases to 58 mm (2.3 in) over just 7 days, although humidity rises slightly to 81%. For a closer look at what to expect, check out the detailed New Orleans weather in November.
May and December present quite contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 14°C (58°F) to a maximum of 33°C (91°F), with an average of 25°C (77°F). The month is characterized by relatively high humidity at 77% and significant precipitation, totaling 144 mm (5.7 in) over 13 days. In contrast, December's cooler climate sees temperatures ranging from a low of 3°C (37°F) to a high of 26°C (80°F), with an average of 14°C (58°F) and lower total precipitation of 101 mm (4.0 in) across 12 days. Additionally, December has a higher humidity level of 84%. For those interested in a detailed overview of December weather, check out New Orleans weather in December.
As May rolls into New Orleans, the weather shifts into a warmer and more humid phase, distinguishable from the cooler spring months. With temperatures reaching their peak, the city basks in an average warmth that invites outdoor activities, though occasional rain showers remind us of the unique, subtropical nature of this vibrant locale. The increased humidity can create a sultry atmosphere, making it feel even warmer, and this month sees a notable uptick in precipitation compared to April. Overall, May marks the transition to summer, setting the stage for the lively experiences that await in this enchanting city. For a deeper understanding of what to expect, check out New Orleans Climate.