Last updated: February 24, 2025
In May, Potomac Park experiences a delightful range of weather, with temperatures soaring to a maximum of 31°C (89°F) and dipping as low as -1°C (31°F). The average temperature settles around a comfortable 17°C (63°F), making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. However, be prepared for frequent showers, as the area records approximately 114 mm (4.5 in) of precipitation over 14 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 78%. Whether it's basking in the mild warmth or navigating through occasional rain, May offers a dynamic and refreshing atmosphere in Potomac Park.
In May, Potomac Park experiences a delightful warming trend as winter wanes and spring unfolds. With minimum temperatures hovering around -1°C (31°F) and average highs reaching 31°C (89°F), the month transitions into the warm embrace of summer. This moderate climate, with an average temperature of 17°C (63°F), makes it an ideal time for outdoor activities. The upward trajectory of temperatures is evident compared to the chill of earlier months; April's max of 31°C (87°F) serves as a precursor to May's warmth, while the stark contrast to January's frigid lows of -27°C (-16°F) showcases the dramatic seasonal shift. Whether you're strolling through the park or enjoying a picnic, May's balmy weather invites visitors to bask in nature's beauty.
May in Potomac Park marks a notable peak in precipitation, with 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain falling over 14 days—the highest monthly total recorded in the first half of the year. This surge not only outpaces April's moderate 95 mm (3.8 in) but also sets the stage for the summer months. As spring blossoms, the increased rainfall fosters lush greenery, creating a vibrant backdrop against which outdoor activities thrive. In contrast to the dryer conditions of the subsequent summer months, May's abundant rain nourishes the landscape, highlighting a distinct transition within the yearly climate cycle. This trend underscores the importance of May as a crucial month for both ecosystems and recreational pursuits in Potomac Park.
In May, Potomac Park experiences a noticeable dip in humidity, dropping to 78% from the higher levels seen in the earlier months. This decline signals the transition into warmer seasons, as spring gives way to summer. The months leading up to May consistently hover around 86%, creating a lush and vibrant atmosphere. However, as temperatures rise, humidity begins its gradual descent, paving the way for the drier conditions that characterize the upcoming summer months. By comparison, June sees a slight increase to 79%, hinting at the fluctuating nature of humidity as the region gears up for hotter days. Overall, the May humidity marks a shift towards a more comfortable outdoor experience, aligning with the blossoming beauty of the park.
In May, Potomac Park experiences a very high UV Index of 10, similar to the previous month of April, indicating that sun safety measures are essential during this time. With a burn time of just 15 minutes, exposure risk is substantial, suggesting that people should seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen frequently. As the season progresses into summer, this trend of elevated UV levels continues, emphasizing the importance of vigilance against UV radiation. For those planning outdoor activities, it’s crucial to stay informed about changes in UV levels by checking the Potomac Park UV Index.
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As spring blossoms into summer, May shines brightly in Potomac Park, recording 264 hours of sunshine—an uplifting increase from 245 hours in both March and April. This upward trend continues into June with a peak of 301 hours, showing that the days are not only getting longer but also more radiant. As the park transitions into the summer months, July captures the most sunshine at 348 hours, making it the sunniest month of the year. This gradual rise from May through July illustrates the area's vibrant summer appeal, while the trend of decreasing sunshine hours in the subsequent months underscores the bittersweet approach of autumn. Potomac Park's dynamic sunshine patterns truly reflect the changing seasons, painting a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities and serene strolls.
In Potomac Park, May brings a 39% chance of sunny weather, a moderate likelihood that reflects a gradual increase in sunshine as the seasons transition from winter to summer. Looking at the broader trends, March and July stand out with notably higher probabilities of sun at 51%, while April slightly dips to 45%. This suggests that May aligns closely with the sunnier moments of spring, yet it remains less sunny than late spring and summer. As the year progresses, the chance of sunshine seems to oscillate, with late summer months like September enhancing the potential visibility of clear skies at 52%. Thus, while May may not be the sunniest month in Potomac Park, it still offers a promising taste of brighter days ahead.
As spring blossoms into summer in Potomac Park, the daylight duration gradually increases, culminating in a radiant 14 hours of daylight in both May and June. Starting from just 9 hours in January, the days steadily lengthen, with a noticeable leap to 13 hours in April. By May, the vibrant greenery and warm sunshine provide an inviting atmosphere as the days reach their peak. Following this sunny stretch, there is a gentle tapering off in daylight hours as summer wanes into autumn, with sunlight decreasing to 12 hours in September and further declining to 9 hours by November. This rhythm of daylight not only marks the changing seasons but also offers a dynamic backdrop for outdoor activities throughout the year.
In Potomac Park, the May winds bring a gentle shift, averaging a mild 2.3 m/s (5 mph). This slight decrease from the breezier April reflects a trend towards calmer conditions as spring transitions into summer. While March and April exhibit more spirited gusts, with speeds of 2.9 m/s (7 mph) and 3.0 m/s (7 mph) respectively, May marks a period of tranquility. Interestingly, this lower wind speed in May is part of a gradual tapering off that continues into the summer months, where winds hover around 1.7 to 2.2 m/s (4 to 5 mph). This pattern not only invites leisurely strolls beneath blossoming trees but also highlights a moment of serenity before the hotter days of summer arrive.
The weather in Potomac Park 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 Potomac Park and find detailed weather information for every month.
When comparing the weather in May and January, it's clear that these two months are distinctly different. May experiences milder temperatures, with a range from a minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a maximum of 31°C (89°F), averaging around 17°C (63°F). In contrast, January is much colder, with temperatures plummeting to a minimum of -27°C (-16°F) and only reaching up to 20°C (69°F), averaging around 0°C (33°F). Additionally, May has significantly higher precipitation at 114 mm (4.5 in) over 14 days, compared to January's 61 mm (2.4 in) over just 7 days. The humidity levels are relatively similar, with January being slightly more humid at 86% compared to May's 78%. For more detailed information, you can check Potomac Park weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, notable differences emerge. May enjoys much milder temperatures, with an average of 17°C (63°F) and highs reaching up to 31°C (89°F), while February experiences a chilly average of only 3°C (37°F), with lows plunging to -18°C (-1°F). Precipitation levels are relatively similar, with May receiving 114 mm (4.5 in) over 14 days and February slightly less at 95 mm (3.8 in) over 11 days. Additionally, May has a humidity level of 78%, compared to February's higher humidity of 86%. For those interested in weather specifics for February, you can find more details here: Potomac Park weather in February.
When comparing the weather in March and May, there are notable differences in temperature, precipitation, and humidity. March experiences a much colder climate, with average temperatures around 6°C (43°F) and nighttime lows dropping to -17°C (2°F), while May's temperatures are significantly warmer, averaging 17°C (63°F) with highs reaching up to 31°C (89°F). Additionally, May tends to be wetter than March, with 114 mm (4.5 in) of precipitation over approximately 14 days, compared to March’s 77 mm (3.0 in) over 10 days. Humidity levels are also higher in March at 86%, versus 78% in May, indicating a generally cooler and more humid early spring compared to the warm and relatively drier late spring conditions. For more detailed information about the weather in March, you can visit Potomac Park weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, it is evident that May generally offers milder temperatures and slightly higher precipitation. May has a minimum temperature of -1°C (31°F) compared to April’s colder minimum of -6°C (22°F), while the average temperature in May reaches 17°C (63°F), significantly warmer than April’s 12°C (53°F). Both months share the same maximum temperature of 31°C (87°F for April and 89°F for May), showcasing a potential for warmth. However, May experiences more rain, with 114 mm (4.5 in) over 14 days, compared to April's 95 mm (3.8 in) over 12 days. Lastly, despite May's increase in precipitation, it has slightly lower humidity at 78% compared to April’s 84%. For more detailed insights into April's weather, check out Potomac Park weather in April.
May and June present distinct weather patterns, with May experiencing a broader range of temperatures, from a chilly low of -1°C (31°F) to a warm high of 31°C (89°F), and an average of 17°C (63°F). Rainfall is quite significant in May, totaling 114 mm (4.5 in) over 14 days, with humidity averaging around 78%. In contrast, June offers warmer temperatures overall, with a minimum of 5°C (42°F), an average of 22°C (71°F), and a maximum of 35°C (95°F). Precipitation decreases to 83 mm (3.3 in) over just 10 days, while humidity remains relatively similar at 79%. For a detailed look at June's weather, you can visit Potomac Park weather in June.
May and July present distinctly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a warmer maximum of 31°C (89°F), with an average of 17°C (63°F). The month sees moderately high precipitation at 114 mm (4.5 in) spread across 14 days and an elevated humidity level of 78%. In contrast, July boasts much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 12°C (54°F), an average of 25°C (78°F), and a maximum reaching 37°C (99°F). Precipitation is significantly lower in July at 60 mm (2.4 in), occurring over just 8 days, and the humidity drops to 70%. For more detailed insights, you can check Potomac Park weather in July.
May and August weather exhibit distinct differences, particularly in temperature and humidity. In May, temperatures can range from a low of -1°C (31°F) to a high of 31°C (89°F), with an average of 17°C (63°F). The month is characterized by higher precipitation, totaling 114 mm (4.5 in) over 14 days and a humidity level of 78%. In contrast, August presents warmer averages with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 36°C (97°F), peaking at an average of 24°C (75°F). Precipitation in August is lower, at 68 mm (2.7 in) across 12 days, and the humidity drops to 59%. For a detailed look at the weather patterns, check Potomac Park weather in August.
May and September exhibit notable differences in weather patterns despite having similar average precipitation levels. In May, temperatures can range from a chilly -1°C (31°F) at night to a warm 31°C (89°F) during the day, coupled with relatively high humidity at 78%. This month experiences about 14 days of rain, contributing to its lush spring environment. In contrast, September sees slightly milder temperatures, with a minimum of 1°C (34°F) and a maximum of 35°C (96°F), while maintaining lower humidity at 68% and reduced rainfall, averaging just 9 rainy days. For a more detailed understanding of September weather in this region, visit Potomac Park weather in September.
May and October showcase distinct weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a brisk low of -1°C (31°F) to a warm high of 31°C (89°F), with an average of 17°C (63°F). This month sees approximately 114 mm (4.5 in) of precipitation across 14 days, and humidity hovers at 78%. In contrast, October experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -2°C (28°F), an average of 14°C (58°F), and a maximum of 33°C (92°F). Precipitation in October is lower at 93 mm (3.7 in) over 8 days, with humidity rising to 80%. For a closer look at October weather, check out Potomac Park weather in October.
May and November present contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures can range widely from a chilly -1°C (31°F) at night to a warm 31°C (89°F) during the day, with an average of 17°C (63°F). This month typically sees around 114 mm (4.5 inches) of precipitation over about 14 days, coupled with relatively high humidity at 78%. In contrast, November experiences cooler temperatures, with nighttime lows dipping to -9°C (17°F) and daytime highs reaching only 25°C (77°F), resulting in an average temperature of 6°C (43°F). Precipitation is significantly lower in November, totaling approximately 59 mm (2.3 inches) over just 7 days, and humidity is slightly higher at 86%. For more details on the weather during this time, you can check Potomac Park weather in November.
May and December present striking contrasts in weather patterns. In May, temperatures typically range from a chilly minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a warm maximum of 31°C (89°F), with an average of 17°C (63°F) and relatively high humidity at 78%. This month also sees significant rainfall, with 114 mm (4.5 in) spread over about 14 days. In contrast, December is considerably colder, with temperatures dropping to a minimum of -14°C (7°F), averaging around 3°C (37°F) and peaking at a milder 22°C (72°F). December experiences less precipitation, totaling 85 mm (3.4 in) over just 8 days, accompanied by slightly higher humidity levels at 85%. For more details, check out Potomac Park weather in December.
As May unfolds in Potomac Park, the weather begins to shift dramatically from the chill of early spring to warmer, more inviting temperatures. With a pleasant average hover around 17°C (63°F) and an occasional peak of up to 31°C (89°F), nature comes alive, attracting visitors to enjoy outdoor activities. However, May also brings increased humidity and a notable 14 days of precipitation, reminding us of the moist conditions typical of the season. This month serves as a bridge between the crispness of spring and the sultry heat of summer, making it a unique time to experience all that Potomac Park has to offer. For a comprehensive understanding of how May fits into the yearly climate pattern, check out Potomac Park Climate.