Last updated: February 24, 2025
May in Durham, United States brings a delightful range of temperatures, with peaks reaching up to 36°C (97°F) and an average of 21°C (70°F), while cooler nights dip to a minimum of 4°C (39°F). This month also experiences 118 mm (4.6 in) of precipitation over 11 days, resulting in a relatively high humidity level of 81%. Visitors and locals alike can enjoy warm days interspersed with refreshing rain, making it an intriguing time for outdoor activities and exploration in the vibrant community.
In Durham, United States, the month of May marks a delightful transition into warmer weather, with temperatures showcasing a significant rise from the chill of earlier months. The minimum temperature settles around 4°C (39°F), while the average climbs to a pleasant 21°C (70°F), peaking at a toasty 36°C (97°F). This shift reflects a clear trend of increasing warmth as spring unfolds, paving the way for the summer heat that follows in June and July. May truly embodies the earth coming to life, with sunshine and milder days that invite outdoor activities, contrasting sharply with the bitter cold of January.
In May, Durham experiences a notable increase in precipitation, with 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain falling over 11 days. This amounts to a slight uptick from the previous month, indicating a trend of relatively consistent rainfall as spring transitions into summer. April's rainfall, at 116 mm, sets the stage for May’s wet conditions, while June follows closely with an average of 121 mm, hinting at an overall lush environment. The frequency of rainy days in May aligns with the seasonal shift, creating a vibrant backdrop for the blooming flora. As the year progresses, the steady precipitation hints at Durham's rich, verdant landscapes enhanced by these spring showers.
As May unfolds in Durham, the humidity settles at a comfortable 81%, maintaining the same level seen in both March and June. This consistent humidity reflects a gradual decline from the wetter months of winter, where January peaks at a notable 85%, and February follows closely at 82%. April serves as a transitional month, slightly easing to 80%, setting the stage for May’s stability. The trend appears to stabilize into the summer months, with July and August also averaging 81% and 80%, respectively. Overall, May’s humidity offers a refreshing balance, bridging the wetness of spring with the forthcoming warmth of summer.
As May unfolds in Durham, the UV Index peaks at an alarming 11, signaling an extreme level of sun exposure that demands caution. This stark increase follows a trend from the previous months, jumping from a moderate 4 in January to a staggering 10 in April, and now reaching the highest alert level. With a burn time of just 10 minutes, it's crucial for residents and visitors alike to prioritize sun safety through protective clothing and sunscreen to mitigate the risks of prolonged exposure. This month caps off a rapid escalation in UV intensity which is sustained into June and July. For more information on how to protect yourself from harmful UV rays, check out the Durham UV Index.
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In Durham, United States, May heralds the peak of sunshine, boasting an impressive 306 hours of radiant daylight. This month marks a noticeable transition from the earlier spring months, as the daylight hours surge from 284 in April to a whopping 323 in June. The upward trend continues through the summer, with July receiving the most sunlight at 352 hours. As we move into late summer and fall, the daylight gradually wanes, with September, October, and November seeing a steady decline. This natural ebb and flow of sunshine not only enriches the landscape but also sets the stage for vibrant outdoor activities, making May a delightful month to enjoy the blossoming beauty of the season.
In Durham, United States, May brings a 38% chance of sunny weather, a notable dip from the more promising 60% in April. This decrease might suggest that spring is transitioning into a more variable weather pattern as summer approaches. Interestingly, the likelihood of sunshine fluctuates throughout the year, with the highest chances appearing in November at 63%, while June and July experience a downturn, both at 34% and 45%, respectively. These trends indicate that while May may offer some sunny days, it’s essential to remain prepared for those spring showers as the warmer months loom.
As spring unfolds in Durham, United States, the increase in daylight hours becomes a striking feature of the May landscape. This month boasts an average of 14 hours of daylight, reflecting a noticeable rise from only 10 hours at the beginning of the year in January and February. The transition from winter to spring is marked by a gradual ascent, with March ushering in an additional hour of light, followed by an impressive surge to 13 hours in April. As daylight peaks during May, the days remain bright and inviting, with June, July, and early August sustaining this length before a gentle decline begins. This rhythm of light signifies not only the changing seasons but also invites residents to embrace outdoor activities, heralding a vibrant summer ahead.
In May, Durham experiences a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 2.6 m/s (6 mph), slightly lower than the preceding months. This mild wind is characteristic of spring, as the region transitions from the cooler temperatures of early spring to the warmer days ahead. Notably, while wind speeds in April were a bit brisker at 3.3 m/s (7 mph), May's calmness sets the stage for outdoor activities as residents relish the blooming landscapes. This trend of gradually decreasing wind speeds continues into June, indicating a shift toward more stable, pleasant weather that people in Durham eagerly embrace as summer approaches.
The weather in Durham 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 Durham and find detailed weather information for every month.
May and January present contrasting weather patterns, highlighting the shift from cool to warm seasons. In May, temperatures range from a chilly 4°C (39°F) at night to a warm average of 21°C (70°F), peaking at a scorching 36°C (97°F) during the day, accompanied by significant humidity at 81%. Rainfall is also prevalent, with 118 mm (4.6 in) of precipitation over approximately 11 days. Conversely, January experiences much colder conditions, with minimum temperatures plummeting to -15°C (6°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F). While the maximum temperature reaches a milder 25°C (77°F), the precipitation is lower at 89 mm (3.5 in) over 9 days, coupled with a slightly higher humidity of 85%. For more details on January weather, you can visit Durham weather in January.
May and February present contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures swing from a cool minimum of 4°C (39°F) to a warm maximum of 36°C (97°F), averaging around 21°C (70°F). Despite experiencing similar total precipitation to February at 118 mm (4.6 in) over 11 days, May’s higher average temperature and humidity at 81% create a noticeably warmer atmosphere. Conversely, February has a chillier climate, with temperatures ranging from a low of -6°C (21°F) to a high of 27°C (81°F), averaging just 9°C (48°F). The humidity level is slightly higher at 82%, but the overall cooler temperatures make it feel much less tropical than May. For more insights on February weather, check out this link: Durham weather in February.
In comparing the weather of May and March, May tends to be significantly warmer, with average temperatures reaching 21°C (70°F) compared to March's 11°C (53°F). While March experiences a minimum temperature as low as -5°C (24°F), May’s temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to a maximum of 36°C (97°F). Precipitation levels are higher in May, accumulating 118 mm (4.6 in) across 11 rainy days, while March receives 84 mm (3.3 in) over just 10 days. Interestingly, both months share the same humidity level of 81%, indicating that while May is warmer and wetter, the humidity remains consistent throughout both months. For a closer look at March weather specifically, visit Durham weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, we see a noticeable increase in temperature. May starts with minimums of 4°C (39°F) and averages around 21°C (70°F), while April features colder lows of -1°C (31°F) and average temperatures of 16°C (62°F). The maximum temperatures in May can soar up to 36°C (97°F), compared to April's peak of 31°C (88°F). Precipitation levels are similar, with May receiving 118 mm (4.6 in) over 11 days and April seeing 116 mm (4.6 in) over 10 days. Humidity remains relatively high in both months, with May at 81% and April at 80%. For more details on April weather specifics, check out Durham weather in April.
May and June weather show a transition to warmer conditions, with June offering slightly milder nights and higher average temperatures. In May, minimum temperatures drop to around 4°C (39°F), while in June they rise to a comfortable 12°C (55°F). Both months can experience maximum temperatures reaching up to 36°C (97°F), but June has a higher average temperature of 24°C (76°F) compared to May's 21°C (70°F). Rainfall is quite similar, with May receiving 118 mm (4.6 in) over 11 days, whereas June sees a slight increase to 121 mm (4.8 in) over 13 days. Despite both months having a humidity level of 81%, June tends to feel much warmer overall. For a closer look at what to expect, you can check out Durham weather in June.
In comparing the weather of May and July, it's clear that July tends to be warmer overall. May experiences a wider temperature range with minimums dropping to 4°C (39°F) and daytime highs peaking at 36°C (97°F), while July’s temperatures are consistently higher, with minimums starting at 16°C (61°F) and maximums reaching up to 37°C (99°F). Precipitation levels are similar in both months, with May recording 118 mm (4.6 in) and July slightly lower at 114 mm (4.5 in), though July sees a few more rainy days, totaling 14 compared to May's 11. Interestingly, both months share the same humidity level at 81%, creating a consistently muggy atmosphere. For more detailed insights about July's weather, you can visit Durham weather in July.
May and August present distinct weather patterns, though both can see high temperatures reaching up to 36°C (97°F). In May, temperatures range from a cooler minimum of 4°C (39°F) to an average of 21°C (70°F), while August enjoys milder minimums starting at 15°C (59°F) with an average of 26°C (78°F). May experiences significant rainfall with 118 mm (4.6 in) over 11 days, whereas August has slightly more at 128 mm (5.1 in) across 15 days. Humidity levels are similar, with May at 81% and August at 80%. For a closer look at the specifics for August, you can visit Durham weather in August.
In comparing the weather between May and September, May tends to have a broader temperature range, with minimums dropping to 4°C (39°F) and maximums reaching as high as 36°C (97°F), whereas September's temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 35°C (96°F). Both months experience notable precipitation, with May receiving 118 mm (4.6 inches) over 11 days and September slightly higher at 128 mm (5.1 inches) but over just 9 days. Humidity is also similar, with May averaging 81% and September at 79%, making both months feel quite humid. For a detailed look at September's conditions, you can check out Durham weather in September.
In comparing the weather between May and October, we observe some notable differences and similarities. May generally enjoys warmer temperatures with an average high of 21°C (70°F) compared to October's average of 18°C (65°F), although both months can reach highs around 36°C (97°F) and 36°C (98°F), respectively. Precipitation is slightly higher in May, with an average of 118 mm (4.6 in) over 11 days, compared to October's 97 mm (3.8 in) over 9 days. Humidity levels are quite similar, with May at 81% and October slightly lower at 80%. For a more detailed look at October weather, you can visit Durham weather in October.
May and November present strikingly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to a maximum of 36°C (97°F), with an average of 21°C (70°F), making it a warm month with significant humidity at 81%. Additionally, May experiences more precipitation, with 118 mm (4.6 in) spread across 11 days. In contrast, November brings cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (25°F), an average of 10°C (51°F), and a maximum of 29°C (84°F). The month has lower precipitation at 81 mm (3.2 in) over just 7 days, along with slightly higher humidity at 85%. For more details on November weather, you can check Durham weather in November.
May and December present contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to a maximum of 36°C (97°F), with an average of 21°C (70°F). The month experiences about 118 mm (4.6 in) of precipitation over 11 days and maintains a humidity level of 81%. In stark contrast, December brings cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -7°C (19°F), an average of 8°C (46°F), and a maximum of 23°C (73°F). Precipitation in December is slightly lower at 107 mm (4.2 in) over 9 days, accompanied by a higher humidity level of 86%. For more specific details on December weather, you can visit Durham weather in December.
As May arrives in Durham, the weather exhibits a dramatic transformation compared to the cooler months preceding it. With balmy temperatures and increasing humidity, this month marks a significant shift toward warmer, sunnier days. While rain showers may brush through occasionally, bringing much-needed moisture, these become less frequent in the lead-up to summer. This combination of warmth and occasional rain creates an inviting atmosphere for outdoor activities, making May a delightful time to explore the beauty of Durham. For a detailed overview of Durham's weather patterns, be sure to check out Durham Climate.