Last updated: February 24, 2025
In May, Asheville showcases a vibrant tapestry of weather, with temperatures ranging from a brisk 0°C (32°F) at night to a warm 30°C (87°F) during the day, averaging a comfortable 18°C (64°F). This transition into spring is marked by 117 mm (4.6 in) of precipitation over 12 days, contributing to the lush, blooming landscape that defines the region. With an average humidity of 85%, the air is rich and invigorating, making Asheville's May an ideal time to experience the beauty and diversity of the Great Smoky Mountains.
As May arrives in Asheville, the temperatures begin to warm significantly, marking a delightful transition into spring. With minimums around 0°C (32°F) and average temperatures reaching 18°C (64°F), the city basks in a comfortable warmth that invites outdoor activities. The maximum temperatures can soar up to 30°C (87°F), suggesting plenty of sunny days perfect for exploring the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains or enjoying the vibrant local scene. Compared to the cooler months of early spring, May's mild weather not only boosts outdoor enthusiasm but also showcases the lush greenery that thrives in the area, making it a vibrant time to visit Asheville.
In May, Asheville experiences a moderate precipitation level, with 117 mm (4.6 inches) of rainfall spread over 12 days. This is reflective of the spring season, as the city transitions from the heavier rains of April, which also recorded 119 mm (4.7 inches), into the slightly drier summer months ahead. Interestingly, May's rainfall is consistent with a trend seen throughout the spring, demonstrating a fairly stable precipitation pattern in the region. Compared to both the wetter months of February and March, which saw 119 mm (4.7 inches) and 101 mm (4.0 inches) respectively, May offers a balance between lush greenery and outdoor enjoyment. As we move into the summer, it will be intriguing to see how the rain patterns evolve, especially with the increasing number of precipitation days peaking in July.
In Asheville, the month of May experiences a humidity level of 85%, slightly declining from the higher averages seen in the earlier months of the year. With a consistent 86% humidity in both January and February, and just a minimal drop to 82% in April, May maintains a sense of moisture in the air, providing a lush environment as spring peaks. The consistent humidity levels through the spring months indicate Asheville's commitment to a vibrant landscape, while the gradual decrease leading into summer suggests a shift toward slightly more comfortable conditions. This trend continues as the humidity evens out in June at 85% before dipping during the summer's height, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty without feeling overwhelmed by mugginess.
As May arrives in Asheville, residents and visitors alike should be aware that the UV Index remains at an extreme level of 11, similar to April's readings. This trend of elevated UV exposure is a reminder to take protective measures, as the burn time is a mere 10 minutes! Following a gradual increase from moderate levels in January to a startling peak in spring, the sun's intensity will continue through early summer months. With high levels persisting into June and July, it's essential to stay vigilant about sun safety during outdoor activities. For more detailed insights, check out the complete forecast at Asheville UV Index.
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As spring blossoms into summer, May shines brightly in Asheville, offering an impressive 306 hours of sunshine. This surge in sunlight follows a steady increase from 272 hours in April, reflecting the region's delightful transition into warmer days. The trend continues into June, where sunlight peaks at 323 hours, soon reaching its zenith in July. This pattern of escalating brightness not only lifts spirits but also invites residents and visitors alike to explore Asheville's stunning landscapes and vibrant outdoor activities, making May a truly enchanting time to embrace the natural beauty of this charming city.
As spring transitions into late spring, Asheville experiences a notable shift in weather patterns. May's likelihood of sunny days sits at 33%, which is a dip compared to the 53% in April. While this may suggest a slightly cloudier month, it’s important to note that this is part of a broader trend: the sunny chances gradually decline from April through June, with June offering only a 31% chance of sunshine. However, the region often rewards patience with beautiful late spring blooms and mild temperatures, making May a unique time to enjoy the outdoors, even if the sun isn’t always shining. As summer approaches, the sun’s presence becomes more intermittent, urging visitors to embrace the quaint charm of Asheville beneath the clouds.
As spring blossoms into summer, Asheville experiences a delightful increase in daylight duration. May marks a significant transition with 14 hours of sunlight, a peak that continues into June and July. This surge from 13 hours in April showcases the region’s embrace of longer days, inviting residents and visitors alike to take advantage of the vibrant outdoor activities. As the year progresses toward fall, daylight gradually diminishes, dipping back to 12 hours in September and continuing its decline toward the winter months. This pattern not only highlights the allure of May’s lengthy days but also sets the stage for Asheville's rich seasonal changes, weaving together the beauty of nature and the joy of longer sunlight.
In May, Asheville experiences a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 2.3 m/s (5 mph), slightly lower than the spring months that precede it. This subtle decline in wind speed hints at the transition into summer, as April boasts a brisker pace at 2.8 m/s (6 mph). The trend throughout the year reveals a noticeable decrease in wind intensity from the early months, with January starting fairly strong at 2.5 m/s (6 mph), before tapering off towards the summer; notably, July and August see the calmest conditions at 1.6 m/s (4 mph) and 1.6 m/s (3 mph), respectively. As May ushers in warmer weather, the lighter winds invite outdoor activities, making it a delightful time to explore Asheville’s lush landscapes.
The weather in Asheville 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 Asheville and find detailed weather information for every month.
May and January present contrasting weather conditions in Asheville. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 0°C (32°F) to a warm maximum of 30°C (87°F), with an average of 18°C (64°F). This month experiences considerable rainfall, with 117 mm (4.6 in) spread over 12 days, and a relatively high humidity of 85%. In sharp contrast, January showcases much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -15°C (5°F) and an average of only 3°C (38°F), peaking at 22°C (72°F). January is also drier, with 80 mm (3.2 in) of precipitation over 9 days and a similar humidity level of 86%. For more details on January weather, visit Asheville weather in January.
In a comparison of the weather in May and February, May generally presents much milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (32°F) to an average of 18°C (64°F), reaching a maximum of 30°C (87°F). The month sees significant rainfall, with 117 mm (4.6 in) of precipitation over about 12 days, while humidity levels are relatively high at 85%. In contrast, February features much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -9°C (16°F), an average of 6°C (44°F), and a maximum of 25°C (77°F). Despite having slightly higher precipitation at 119 mm (4.7 in) over the same number of days, the humidity remains comparable at 86%. For those interested in the nuances of weather during this time, check out Asheville weather in February.
May and March offer distinctly different weather experiences. In May, the temperatures range from a minimum of 0°C (32°F) to an average of 18°C (64°F), peaking at a maximum of 30°C (87°F), and the month generally sees about 117 mm (4.6 in) of precipitation over 12 days, with humidity at a comfortable 85%. In contrast, March experiences much colder conditions, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of -9°C (16°F) and averaging around 9°C (48°F), while also reaching a maximum of 30°C (87°F) on rare occasions. March receives slightly less rainfall at 101 mm (4.0 in), spread over 13 days, with a humidity level just a notch higher at 86%. For more detailed insights into March weather, check out Asheville weather in March.
In comparing the weather of May and April, we see a noticeable shift in temperatures and precipitation patterns. May experiences a wider temperature range, with a minimum of 0°C and a maximum of 30°C, resulting in a warmer average of 18°C. Meanwhile, April's temperatures dip to a minimum of -4°C and peak at 28°C, leading to a cooler average of 13°C. Interestingly, both months have similar precipitation levels, with May accumulating 117 mm over 12 days, slightly less than April's 119 mm that falls over 10 days. Humidity levels are also slightly higher in May at 85%, compared to April's 82%. For a more detailed look at April's climate, you can visit Asheville weather in April.
In May, the weather typically features a wide temperature range, with minimums reaching as low as 0°C (32°F), averaging around 18°C (64°F), and peaking at 30°C (87°F). This month also sees considerable precipitation, with 117 mm (4.6 in) falling over about 12 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 85%. In contrast, June offers a slightly warmer experience, with minimum temperatures starting at 6°C (44°F), an average of 21°C (70°F), and a maximum of 30°C (86°F). Precipitation decreases to 89 mm (3.5 in), but the number of rainy days rises to 14, maintaining the humidity at 85%. For a detailed overview of the weather conditions in June, you can visit Asheville weather in June.
In comparing the weather of May and July, we observe significant shifts in temperature and precipitation. May experiences a wider temperature range, with a minimum of 0°C (32°F) and a maximum of 30°C (87°F), while July's temperatures are milder, ranging from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F), resulting in a higher average of 23°C (73°F). Precipitation also differs, with May receiving 117 mm (4.6 in) over 12 days compared to July's 93 mm (3.7 in) across 18 days, indicating that May is typically wetter despite having fewer rainy days. Humidity levels remain relatively high in both months, with May at 85% and July at 83%. For more detailed insights, you can check Asheville weather in July.
In May, the weather tends to be quite variable, with temperatures ranging from a chilly 0°C (32°F) at night to a warm 30°C (87°F) during the day, while the average hovers around 18°C (64°F). This month experiences a significant amount of rainfall, with 117 mm (4.6 in) over 12 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 85%. In contrast, August offers a more consistent warmth, with temperatures ranging from a comfortable 12°C (54°F) at night to a peak of 31°C (88°F) during the day, averaging 22°C (72°F). Although slightly wetter with 126 mm (5.0 in) of precipitation over 15 days, the humidity is lower at 76%. For those interested in the specifics of summer conditions, Asheville weather in August provides detailed insights.
In May, temperatures range dramatically from a chilly 0°C (32°F) at night to a warm 30°C (87°F) during the day, averaging around 18°C (64°F). The month is characterized by higher humidity at 85% and decent rainfall, receiving about 117 mm (4.6 in) over 12 days. In contrast, September presents slightly milder morning temperatures starting at a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and reaching a maximum of 32°C (89°F), with an average temperature of 20°C (68°F). While September sees a bit more precipitation at 125 mm (4.9 in), it enjoys lower humidity levels at 76% and fewer rainy days at just 10. For a more detailed look at September weather patterns, check out Asheville weather in September.
May and October present contrasting weather patterns, with May featuring milder temperatures that range from a minimum of 0°C (32°F) to a maximum of 30°C (87°F) and averaging 18°C (64°F). In May, precipitation is relatively high at 117 mm (4.6 in) spread over approximately 12 days, with humidity levels reaching 85%. In contrast, October records cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -3°C (27°F) and a maximum of 31°C (89°F), averaging 15°C (59°F). The month sees slightly higher precipitation at 139 mm (5.5 in) over 11 days, with a marginally lower humidity of 80%. For a detailed look at what to expect, check out Asheville weather in October.
When comparing the weather in May and November, distinct contrasts emerge. May features a much warmer average temperature of 18°C (64°F), with highs reaching up to 30°C (87°F), while November's average drops significantly to 7°C (46°F), with maximum temperatures around 24°C (75°F). Precipitation is more frequent in May, with 117 mm (4.6 in) over 12 days, compared to November's 73 mm (2.9 in) over just 7 days. Humidity remains relatively high in both months, at 85% in May and 88% in November, but the cooler temperatures in November create a different feeling in the air. For more information on November's weather specifics, you can check Asheville weather in November.
May and December present two very contrasting weather experiences. In May, temperatures typically range from a chilly 0°C (32°F) at night to a warm 30°C (87°F) during the day, with an average temperature of 18°C (64°F). This month also sees around 117 mm (4.6 in) of precipitation over 12 days, accompanied by high humidity at 85%. In contrast, December is much colder, with temperatures dropping to a minimum of -12°C (11°F) and averaging only 5°C (41°F). While the maximum temperature can reach a milder 23°C (74°F), December's precipitation totals 109 mm (4.3 in) over 9 days, and humidity slightly increases to 88%. For more details on the winter weather, check out Asheville weather in December.
As May unfolds in Asheville, the weather warmly welcomes the arrival of spring, offering a delightful contrast to the chillier months preceding it. With temperatures rising, the days become increasingly pleasant, enveloped in a vibrant atmosphere filled with blooming flora. However, it's essential to prepare for the occasional rainfall, as precipitation is more frequent this month compared to earlier spring. Coupled with the higher humidity, the air feels lush and invigorating, perfect for outdoor adventures. Whether exploring the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway or enjoying local festivals, May's climate invites you to savor the beauty of Asheville in full bloom. For more in-depth insights on Asheville's weather patterns, visit Asheville Climate.