Last updated: February 24, 2025
In May, Boston experiences a dynamic range of weather, with temperatures peaking at a maximum of 32°C (89°F), while averaging around a comfortable 14°C (58°F). Evenings can turn cooler, dipping to a minimum of -2°C (29°F). This month is also relatively wet, with a total precipitation amount of 107 mm (4.2 in) spread over approximately 14 days, contributing to the city’s lush spring scenery. With an average humidity level of 82%, the air can feel quite muggy, making it quintessentially New England.
In May, Boston begins to shed the chill of winter, offering a refreshing transition to warmer days. With a minimum temperature hovering around -2°C (29°F) and an average of 14°C (58°F), residents can finally enjoy outdoor activities without the burdens of heavy coats. The month showcases a remarkable maximum temperature peaking at 32°C (89°F), hinting at the summer heat just around the corner. As flowers bloom and trees regain their lush greenery, May serves as a delightful reminder of the seasonal shift, all while temperatures steadily rise from the more frigid depths of earlier months like January, where bitter lows dipped to -21°C (-6°F). This gradual warming not only invigorates the city, but also makes it a lovely time for locals and visitors alike to bask in the pleasant spring atmosphere.
In May, Boston experiences a notable shift in precipitation patterns, with 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain over 14 days. This marks a slight decrease from the previous month's substantial 119 mm (4.7 in) but remains consistent with the spring trend of increased moisture as the city transitions into summer. After April's rains, May typically brings a mix of refreshing showers that contribute to the lush greenery, making it one of the liveliest months in the area. As the city welcomes warmer temperatures, the relatively stable precipitation levels indicate a vibrant period, where the balance between sunny days and rain nurtures the Bruins' standout flowers and foliage, all while keeping spring in full swing.
In May, Boston begins to shed the heavy humidity of the winter months, with levels dropping to 82%. This decline marks a shift from the 91% humidity felt in January and February, easing the city into the warmth of spring. As the temperatures rise, residents can enjoy the fresh air without feeling as enveloped by moisture—a precursor to the drier conditions of June and July, which see humidity dip further to 79% and 77%, respectively. The transition in May signals not just a change in humidity but a refreshing embrace of the blossoming season, inviting Bostonians to savor the outdoors with a bit more comfort.
As spring rolls into May, Boston's UV Index reaches a significant 9, marking a shift to a very high exposure category, similar to the intense levels seen in the summer months. This increase reflects a broader trend seen from April's UV Index of 8, which highlights the growing intensity of the sun. With a burn time of just 15 minutes, it's crucial for residents and visitors alike to be diligent about sun protection during this period. May's UV conditions serve as a reminder that as temperatures rise, so too does the risk of overexposure to harmful UV rays. For more information on the UV Index in the area, check out Boston UV Index.
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As spring blossoms into summer, May in Boston shines brightly with an impressive 286 hours of sunshine. This month stands out not only for its beautiful weather but also as a pivotal transition from the 232 hours of April. The increasing daylight hours reflect the city's awakening, leading into the sun-soaked months of June and July, which boast over 330 hours of radiant sunshine. Interestingly, while May marks one of the peak weeks of brightness, it contrasts sharply with the dark winter months, where January offers a mere 91 hours. This upward trend in sunlight not only boosts the mood of Bostonians but also sets the stage for vibrant outdoor activities as the summer days approach.
May in Boston welcomes a gradual increase in sunshine, as the likelihood of sunny weather reaches 44%, making it one of the sunniest months of the spring. This uptick follows the earlier months of the year, where chances start off low in January (14%) and gradually climb, with March seeing a notable rise to 43%. April struggles a bit, boasting a 39% chance, but May marks a turning point, signaling brighter days ahead. The sunshine continues into June, peaking at 45% before dipping in the summer. As spring unfolds, May serves as a lovely bridge toward the summer warmth, inviting Bostonians to revel in its gradually enhancing sunlit days.
As spring gives way to summer, May in Boston showcases a delightful increase in daylight duration, with the sun gracing the city for a total of 14 hours. This marks a notable progression from the 11 hours of sunlight in March and the 13 hours in April, reflecting the city's transition into longer, brighter days. The uplifting trend continues into June, where daylight peaks at 15 hours, inviting residents to embrace outdoor activities and enjoy the beauty of the season. With each month, Boston basks in more sunlight, fostering a vibrant atmosphere that heralds the joys of summer.
In May, Boston experiences a gentle shift in wind patterns, with an average speed of 3.2 m/s (7 mph). This marks a noticeable dip from the breezy conditions seen in March (4.4 m/s) and April (3.7 m/s), transitioning from the brisk winds of early spring to the milder currents of late spring. Interestingly, as the season progresses into June, the wind picks up slightly again to 3.7 m/s, suggesting a rhythm of fluctuating breeziness as warmer weather arrives. With consistently lower averages approaching summer, Bostonians may find their May days notably serene, creating a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities while hinting at the calm before the seasonal shifts that summer brings.
The weather in Boston 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 Boston and find detailed weather information for every month.
May and January present striking contrasts in weather conditions. May features a temperature range from a chilly minimum of -2°C (29°F) to a warm maximum of 32°C (89°F), with an average of 14°C (58°F), making it a much more pleasant month compared to January. In January, temperatures plunge to a minimum of -21°C (-6°F) and an average of -3°C (27°F), with a maximum of only 17°C (63°F). Additionally, while May sees about 107 mm (4.2 in) of precipitation across 14 days, January has slightly less, with 87 mm (3.4 in) over the same number of days. Both months exhibit high humidity levels, though January's 91% is slightly higher than May's 82%. For more insights, check out Boston weather in January.
May and February present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -2°C (29°F) to a warm maximum of 32°C (89°F), with an average of 14°C (58°F), while February's temperatures are much colder, featuring a minimum of -19°C (-2°F) and a maximum of just 20°C (69°F), averaging -2°C (29°F). Although May experiences slightly higher precipitation at 107 mm (4.2 in) over 14 days compared to February's 90 mm (3.5 in) across 16 days, both months feature high humidity levels, with February at 91% and May at 82%. For more detailed insights into February weather, check Boston weather in February.
In comparing the weather between March and May, it's clear that May offers a much warmer climate. March experiences a minimum temperature of -18°C (0°F) with an average of just 2°C (35°F), while May sees a significant rise, starting with a minimum of -2°C (29°F) and averaging 14°C (58°F). Additionally, May can reach maximum temperatures of 32°C (89°F), contrasting sharply with March's high of 22°C (72°F). Precipitation levels are also notable, as March receives 80 mm (3.2 in) over 13 days, while May sees 107 mm (4.2 in) across 14 days. Despite May having slightly more rainy days and humidity at 82%, it is undoubtedly a more temperate and enjoyable month. For more information on March conditions, check out Boston weather in March.
Comparing the weather in May and April reveals distinct changes as spring progresses. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of -2°C (29°F) to a maximum of 32°C (89°F), with an average of 14°C (58°F). This represents a significant warming compared to April, where temperatures range from -5°C (23°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F) and an average of only 7°C (45°F). While May experiences slightly less precipitation at 107 mm (4.2 in) over 14 days, compared to April's 119 mm (4.7 in) over 15 days, humidity remains relatively high in both months, at 82% for May and 88% for April. For a detailed look at the April weather patterns, you can check Boston weather in April.
In comparing the weather of May and June, we see a notable increase in average temperatures. May starts off cooler, with minimum temperatures dipping to -2°C (29°F) and an average of 14°C (58°F), while June enjoys a warmer minimum of 5°C (42°F) and an average of 19°C (67°F). Both months reach similar maximum temperatures around 32°C (89°F to 90°F), but June experiences slightly less precipitation at 89 mm (3.5 in) over 12 days compared to May's 107 mm (4.2 in) over 14 days. Additionally, humidity decreases slightly from 82% in May to 79% in June, contributing to a more comfortable atmosphere. For more details, check out this link: Boston weather in June.
In May, temperatures range from a chilly -2°C (29°F) at night up to a warm 32°C (89°F) during the day, with an average temperature of 14°C (58°F). This month also sees considerable precipitation, totaling 107 mm (4.2 in) over 14 days, and high humidity at 82%. In contrast, July's weather is more consistently warm, with minimum temperatures of 11°C (52°F) and maximums reaching 33°C (91°F), averaging 22°C (72°F). While July experiences slightly more rainfall at 127 mm (5.0 in) over 15 days, the humidity is lower at 77%. For more detailed insights, check out the full report on Boston weather in July.
May and August present distinct weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly -2°C (29°F) at night to a warm 32°C (89°F) during the day, with an average of 14°C (58°F). Although it experiences higher precipitation at 107 mm (4.2 in) over 14 days, the humidity is higher, averaging around 82%. In contrast, August features milder minimum temperatures starting at 8°C (47°F) and a comfortable average of 21°C (70°F), peaking at 31°C (88°F). Precipitation decreases to 85 mm (3.3 in) over 13 days, resulting in lower humidity levels around 72%. For more detailed insights, check out Boston weather in August.
May and September present contrasting weather conditions as the seasons transition. In May, temperatures can range dramatically from a chilly low of -2°C (29°F) to a warm high of 32°C (89°F), averaging around 14°C (58°F). This month also experiences higher humidity at 82% and significant precipitation, with 107 mm (4.2 in) spread over 14 days.
In comparison, September offers milder temperatures, with a minimum of 3°C (38°F), an average of 18°C (64°F), and a maximum that mirrors May at 31°C (89°F). However, it features less rainfall, accumulating 76 mm (3.0 in) over just 9 days, and lower humidity at 76%. For more insights into what to expect, you can check out Boston weather in September.
In May, temperatures can range from a chilly -2°C (29°F) at night to a warm average of 14°C (58°F) during the day, hitting a peak of 32°C (89°F). The month experiences significant rainfall, with 107 mm (4.2 in) of precipitation over about 14 days, while humidity sits at a high 82%. In contrast, October sees slightly milder temperatures, with a minimum of 0°C (32°F) and an average of 12°C (54°F), peaking at 29°C (84°F). Rainfall increases to 134 mm (5.3 in) spread over 16 days, and humidity remains comparable at 83%. For a detailed look at the October weather in Boston, visit Boston weather in October.
May and November present strikingly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of -2°C (29°F) to a maximum of 32°C (89°F), with an average of 14°C (58°F), and the month sees about 107 mm (4.2 in) of precipitation across 14 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 82%. In contrast, November experiences colder temperatures, with a minimum of -14°C (8°F) and a maximum of 25°C (77°F), averaging just 4°C (40°F). This month receives slightly less precipitation, totaling 99 mm (3.9 in) over 15 days, while humidity rises to 88%. For those interested in a more detailed look at November's weather, check out Boston weather in November.
May and December present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures can range from a brisk -2°C (29°F) at their lowest to a warm 32°C (89°F) at their peak, with an average temperature of 14°C (58°F). The month experiences about 107 mm (4.2 in) of precipitation over 14 days, coupled with a humidity level of 82%. In comparison, December brings colder temperatures, with lows plummeting to -19°C (-2°F) and an average of 0°C (33°F), peaking at 18°C (65°F). The month sees slightly less precipitation at 105 mm (4.1 in) over 18 days and a higher humidity at 87%. For more insights on the weather in December, check out Boston weather in December.
As spring fully blooms in May, Boston experiences a notable shift in weather compared to the harsher winter months. Temperatures begin to rise, moving away from the cold lows of earlier seasons, resulting in a more comfortable average that invites outdoor activities. While May does bring some precipitation, with rain occurring on about half of the days, the overall atmosphere feels fresh and invigorated due to the high humidity that accompanies the season. This combination creates a vibrant environment, making it an exceptional time to explore the city's parks and gardens. For a deeper dive into Boston's climatic patterns throughout the year, be sure to check out Boston Climate.