Last updated: February 24, 2025
May in Washington Heights unfolds with a delightful blend of warm temperatures and occasional rain, setting a vibrant stage for spring. The maximum temperature peaks at a pleasant 31°C (88°F), while the average hovers around a comfortable 17°C (62°F). However, cool nights can dip as low as 3°C (37°F), reminding residents to keep a light jacket handy. Rainfall is a notable aspect of the month, with 114 mm (4.5 in) collected over 13 days, contributing to a relative humidity of 69%. This combination of warmth and moisture fosters lush greenery, making May an ideal time for outdoor activities and enjoying the neighborhood’s blossoming scenery.
In Washington Heights, May marks a delightful transition into warmer temperatures, with minimums rising to a comfortable 3°C (37°F) and averages peaking at 17°C (62°F). This month brings with it a noticeable departure from the chill of winter, with maximums soaring to a pleasant 31°C (88°F). As spring fully blossoms, residents can expect clear skies and an invigorating atmosphere, perfectly suited for outdoor activities. Compared to the preceding months, May showcases a significant increase in temperatures, reflecting the gradual ascent into summer and highlighting the region’s vibrant seasonal change. The warmth of May offers a refreshing reprieve, setting the stage for the sun-drenched days to come.
May marks a notable transition in Washington Heights, as it showcases a significant increase in precipitation compared to the earlier months of the year. With 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain falling over 13 days, this month not only records the highest rainfall of the spring season but also sets the stage for the wetter summer ahead. Following April's 112 mm, May adds a touch more moisture, reflecting an upward trend in precipitation as nature gears up for lush greenery. Spanning most of the month, the rain provides a refreshing respite, creating a vibrant backdrop for the neighborhood, while hinting at the intensified rainfall patterns that will peaking in the upcoming months of July and August.
As spring transitions into summer, May in Washington Heights experiences a refreshing dip in humidity, settling at 69%. This marks a significant decrease from the higher levels of the earlier months, with January starting at 84% and gradually declining through the spring. The combination of warmer temperatures and lower humidity creates a comfortable atmosphere that many residents eagerly anticipate. Following May, humidity levels remain consistent, further reinforcing the pleasantness of late spring as the city gears up for the summer months ahead. This noticeable trend of diminishing humidity not only enhances outdoor activities but also signals the imminent arrival of sunnier, drier days.
In May, Washington Heights experiences a significant rise in UV levels, with the UV Index peaking at 10—indicating a very high exposure category. This trend marks a continuation from April's index of 8, but with a notably shorter burn time of just 15 minutes. As the spring transitions into summer, residents and visitors alike should be vigilant about sun safety. Compared to earlier months like January and February, where moderate UV levels allowed for 30-minute burn times, May's intensity serves as a reminder of the approaching summer sun. For optimal protection and further details, check out the Washington Heights UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
May brings a delightful surge of sunshine to Washington Heights, with 271 hours of brilliant daylight illuminating the neighborhood. This increase is a part of a clear upward trend that begins in the earlier months; after a modest 148 hours in January, sunlight steadily climbs, peaking in the summer months. The transition from April to May showcases a notable jump, signifying the approach of warmer days ahead. As spring unfolds, residents relish the vibrant atmosphere created by longer daylight hours, igniting outdoor activities and community gatherings. After May, the sunlight continues to shine brightly, with June and July reflecting the sunniest months of the year, where 310 and 339 hours respectively beckon the community to savor the season.
In Washington Heights, May brings a moderate 42% chance of sunny weather, which marks a slight dip following a slightly more promising March at 57%. As the spring transitions to summer, the likelihood of sunny days in May is relatively stable, although it does fall below the preceding months of March and April, which boasted 57% and 45%, respectively. This trend reflects a typical pattern where the onset of summer can often bring about variable weather. While May may not guarantee abundant sunshine, the city's climate continues to promise enjoyable, albeit partially cloudy, days as summer approaches.
As spring unfolds in Washington Heights, the length of daylight steadily increases, culminating in May when residents bask in a delightful 14 hours of sunlight. This month marks a noticeable peak in daylight, following a gradual rise from 11 hours in March and 13 hours in April. The transition into warm summer months brings even longer days, with June reaching its zenith at 15 hours. However, after this peak, daylight begins to taper off, reflecting the cyclical nature of the seasons. The pattern showcases a vibrant spring and early summer, inviting outdoor activities, before the daylight hours gracefully recede toward the end of the year, reminding us of nature’s rhythm.
In Washington Heights, the month of May typically experiences a gentle average wind speed of 3.3 m/s (7 mph), marking a slight decrease from the more blustery conditions earlier in the spring. January and March boast the highest winds of the year at 3.5 m/s (8 mph) and 3.7 m/s (8 mph), while May finds itself in a comfortable middle ground, hinting at a transition towards calmer summer days. As temperatures rise, the winds gradually die down, leading into the summer months where averages peak at 2.5 to 2.8 m/s (6 mph). This trend illustrates a seasonal shift: the brisk winds of winter and early spring give way to the more soothing breezes of late spring and summer, creating an inviting atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
The weather in Washington Heights 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 Washington Heights and find detailed weather information for every month.
May and January present contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a warm maximum of 31°C (88°F), with an average of 17°C (62°F). The month experiences an average humidity of 69% and receives 114 mm (4.5 inches) of precipitation over about 13 days. In stark contrast, January is much colder, with temperatures plummeting to a minimum of -18°C (-1°F) and a maximum of 18°C (64°F), averaging just 1°C (34°F). This winter month has higher humidity at 84%, but significantly less precipitation, totaling 67 mm (2.7 inches) over only 7 days. For more detailed information, you can check Washington Heights weather in January.
May and February present vastly different weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a comfortable maximum of 31°C (88°F), with an average of 17°C (62°F). The month typically sees about 114 mm (4.5 in) of precipitation over 13 days and has a humidity level of 69%. In contrast, February is much colder, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of -16°C (4°F) and peaking at 20°C (68°F), averaging just 2°C (36°F). This month experiences slightly less precipitation at 102 mm (4.0 in) over 10 days, but the humidity is higher at 82%. For a more detailed look at specifics, check out Washington Heights weather in February.
In comparing the weather of May and March, May generally offers much warmer temperatures, with averages soaring to 17°C (62°F) compared to March's chilly average of 5°C (42°F). While both months experience precipitation, March sees slightly less at 98 mm (3.8 in) over 10 days, contrasted with May's higher total of 114 mm (4.5 in) across 13 days. Additionally, March tends to have lower humidity levels, recorded at 81%, compared to May's moderate humidity of 69%. For more detailed information on March conditions, you can check out Washington Heights weather in March.
In comparing the weather of April and May, it is clear that May generally experiences warmer temperatures, with an average of 17°C (62°F) compared to April’s 11°C (52°F). The minimum temperatures in May start at 3°C (37°F), slightly more comfortable than April's minimum of -1°C (31°F). While both months see similar levels of precipitation—114 mm (4.5 in) in May and 112 mm (4.4 in) in April—May has a slightly higher incidence of rainy days at 13, compared to April's 12 days. Humidity also drops in May, averaging 69% versus April's 78%, suggesting that the weather feels drier as spring progresses. For a more detailed look at April conditions, you can visit Washington Heights weather in April.
May and June exhibit a notable transition in weather patterns. May sees a wider temperature range, with minimums dropping to 3°C (37°F) and maximums peaking at 31°C (88°F), while average temperatures linger around 17°C (62°F). In contrast, June presents a milder climate, with minimums rising to 10°C (50°F) and maximums reaching 35°C (94°F), averaging 22°C (72°F). Precipitation levels slightly decrease in June to 92 mm (3.6 in) over the same number of rainy days as May, at 13 days, but the humidity remains consistent at 69%. To learn more about the weather specifics for June, you can check this link: Washington Heights weather in June.
In May, the weather can be quite variable, with temperatures ranging from a chilly 3°C (37°F) at night to a warm average of 17°C (62°F) during the day, peaking at 31°C (88°F). This month also sees a fair amount of rain, with 114 mm (4.5 in) of precipitation over 13 days and humidity levels around 69%. In contrast, July offers a more consistent warmth, with minimum temperatures at 17°C (62°F) and an average of 26°C (78°F), reaching highs of 36°C (96°F). While July experiences slightly more precipitation at 148 mm (5.8 in) over the same number of rainy days, humidity drops to 62%. For a closer look at July's weather specifics, check out Washington Heights weather in July.
May and August present quite different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a warm maximum of 31°C (88°F), with an average of around 17°C (62°F). The month experiences a significant amount of rainfall, totaling 114 mm (4.5 in) over 13 rainy days, and humidity levels are relatively high at 69%. In contrast, August offers warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a milder minimum of 16°C (61°F) to a hot maximum of 34°C (93°F), averaging 25°C (76°F). The precipitation in August is slightly higher at 127 mm (5.0 in), falling on 14 days, but humidity is lower at 65%. For more specifics on August weather, you can explore Washington Heights weather in August.
In May, temperatures range from a cool minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a warm maximum of 31°C (88°F), with an average of 17°C (62°F). This month experiences relatively high precipitation levels at 114 mm (4.5 in) over about 13 rainy days, accompanied by humidity levels around 69%. In contrast, September brings milder temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (49°F) and a maximum of 33°C (92°F), averaging 21°C (70°F). With lower precipitation at 92 mm (3.6 in) over just 9 days, September's humidity remains similar at 68%. For more details on the climate in September, you can check Washington Heights weather in September.
May and October present distinct yet somewhat similar weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly 3°C (37°F) to a warm 31°C (88°F), with an average of 17°C (62°F). The month experiences significant rainfall, totaling 114 mm (4.5 in) across 13 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 69%. In contrast, October sees slightly warmer minimum temperatures at 4°C (39°F) and a maximum of 33°C (91°F), with an average temperature of 16°C (61°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 128 mm (5.0 in) over 10 days, and the humidity rises to 74%. For more detailed information on October weather, you can check Washington Heights weather in October.
May and November exhibit contrasting weather patterns in terms of temperature and precipitation. In May, temperatures range from a mild minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a warm maximum of 31°C (88°F), with an average of 17°C (62°F). The month sees about 114 mm (4.5 in) of precipitation spread over 13 days, contributing to a humidity level of 69%. In stark contrast, November experiences much colder conditions, with temperatures dipping as low as -9°C (17°F) and peaking at 24°C (75°F), averaging around 8°C (47°F). This month has less precipitation, totaling 83 mm (3.3 in) over 8 days, but higher humidity at 82%. For more specific details about the weather in November, you can check Washington Heights weather in November.
May and December present striking contrasts in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a mild 3°C (37°F) to a warm 31°C (88°F), with an average of 17°C (62°F). The month experiences notable precipitation, totaling 114 mm (4.5 in) across 13 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 69%. In contrast, December brings a much cooler climate, with temperatures spanning from a frigid -11°C (13°F) to a maximum of 18°C (64°F), averaging just 4°C (39°F). While precipitation in December is slightly less, at 106 mm (4.2 in) over 10 days, humidity rises to 80%, contributing to a brisk and often biting chill. For more details about December weather, visit Washington Heights weather in December.
May in Washington Heights ushers in a delightful transition from the chill of spring to the warmth of summer, showcasing a vibrant tapestry of weather that contrasts with both the colder months and the sweltering summer ahead. With daytime temperatures climbing, residents can enjoy balmy afternoons, though the air remains tinged with a humidity that often brings refreshing rain on several days. The average temperature signifies a notable rise, making outdoor activities more inviting; however, the occasional fluctuation reminds us to be prepared for all possibilities. For a deeper dive into the unique characteristics of Washington Heights' weather patterns, explore the full details at Washington Heights Climate.