Last updated: February 24, 2025
In Ocracoke during May, the climate showcases a warm and inviting atmosphere, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 28°C (82°F) and an average of around 21°C (71°F). While the pleasant days are ideal for exploration, visitors should be prepared for occasional rain, as the area experiences about 102 mm (4.0 in) of precipitation over 9 rainy days. With humidity levels hovering at 81%, the air feels comfortably balmy, making it a perfect time to enjoy the island's natural beauty and outdoor activities.
In May, Ocracoke begins to embrace the warmth of spring, with temperatures showing a noticeable rise compared to the earlier months. The minimum temperature starts at a comfortable 10°C (50°F), while the average climbs to 21°C (71°F), reaching a delightful maximum of 28°C (82°F). This gradual increase reflects the transition from cool spring days to the balmy summer ahead, enticing visitors to enjoy the island's stunning beaches and scenic landscapes. As flowers bloom and the sun shines more brightly, May serves as a perfect prelude to the vibrant summer months that follow, making Ocracoke an inviting retreat for both relaxation and adventure.
May in Ocracoke brings a refreshing increase in precipitation, with 102 mm (4.0 in) of rain falling over an average of 9 days. This marks a slight rise from April, where the area experienced 95 mm over 8 days, hinting at the transition into a wetter summer season. As greenery flourishes, the build-up toward the peak of the rainy months is evident, with June's anticipated 140 mm on the horizon. The consistent rainfall also complements the island's natural beauty, making May an ideal time for nature lovers to experience Ocracoke's vibrant landscapes, all while reminding visitors to stay prepared for the occasional downpour.
In Ocracoke, United States, the humidity levels in May hover around a comfortable 81%, marking a slight increase from the previous months. This moderate humidity sets the tone for the upcoming summer, as conditions remain relatively stable from April, which also recorded an 80% humidity. As the season unfolds, humidity gradually rises, peaking in July at 83% before tapering off in the fall. Overall, the May climate provides a pleasant balance, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the island's beauty without the sweltering heaviness that often accompanies the summer months.
In May, Ocracoke experiences a significant uptick in UV intensity, reaching an UV Index of 11, categorized as extreme—a level that demands heightened awareness for sun safety. With a burn time of just 10 minutes, it’s clear that the sun’s rays can be particularly harsh this month, marking a shift from the moderate levels seen in January to the potent extremes of spring. This trend continues into June and July, where the UV Index remains at 11, offering little respite from the sun’s intensity. However, as summer progresses into late August and September, the UV Index gradually decreases to 10 and then 9, still maintaining a very high exposure category, suggesting that sun precautions remain essential throughout the warmer months. As you plan your outdoor adventures, be mindful of these trends and take necessary precautions to protect your skin. For more information, visit Ocracoke UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
May brings an enchanting surge of sunshine to Ocracoke, with 329 hours basking in warm rays, marking the peak of spring's brilliance. As the year unfolds, the island transitions from the quieter, cooler months—just 168 hours in January—to a vibrant May, where daylight invigorates both nature and the community. Following the steady climb from February's 203 hours and March's 272 hours, May solidifies the upward trend, showcasing the allure of outdoor activities and blossoming landscapes. This sun-soaked month elegantly leads into the summer, where June and July continue to delight with 320 and 336 hours of sunshine, respectively. Overall, May serves as a joyful harbinger of the sunny delights that the summer months hold, making it an ideal time to experience the charm of Ocracoke.
In May, Ocracoke experiences a 51% chance of sunny weather, striking a balance between the sunnier months of April and the more overcast days typical of summer. As spring blooms, the probability of sunshine shows a promising rise from the cooler months, where January and February hover around 35-47%. Following May, a noticeable dip occurs in June, dropping to 32%, highlighting a trend that suggests spring is a prime time for sun seekers. With September boasting the highest chance of sun at 59%, May serves as a delightful precursor to the more temperate and sunny days of late summer and early fall. Overall, as the region transitions into warmer weather, May stands out as a favorable month for enjoying the outdoors amidst the emerging sunshine.
May marks a delightful transition in Ocracoke, United States, as daylight peaks at 14 hours, a significant increase from the 13 hours in April. This progression reflects the gradual lengthening of days as spring shifts into summer, with the sun rising earlier and setting later. As the month unfolds, residents and visitors can bask in the extra sunlight, ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the island's natural beauty. Interestingly, the daylight duration starts to decline after June, hinting at the seasonal ebb and flow that characterizes the year. Those longer May days not only enhance the vibrant atmosphere but also invite us to savor every moment of light before the days gradually shorten again.
In Ocracoke, May ushers in a pleasant shift in wind patterns, averaging 7.5 m/s (17 mph), slightly above the spring's earlier months. This level of wind speed makes for a comfortable yet invigorating experience, perfect for outdoor activities. As the season progresses into the hotter months of summer, wind conditions dip, with June and July both featuring lower averages around 6.8 m/s (15 mph) and 6.6 m/s (15 mph), respectively. The trend shows a gentle decline from the spring peak, continuing slightly into August. However, there’s a notable resurgence in wind speed by November, reaching 7.7 m/s (17 mph), suggesting that while May offers a sweet spot of steady breezes, the winds return with vigor as the year draws to a close.
The weather in Ocracoke 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 Ocracoke and find detailed weather information for every month.
May and January present stark contrasts in weather. In May, temperatures range from a pleasant 10°C (50°F) to a warm 28°C (82°F), with an average of 21°C (71°F) and higher humidity at 81%. This month experiences about 102 mm (4.0 in) of precipitation over 9 days, making it a relatively wetter period. In contrast, January sees much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -3°C (26°F) and a maximum of 22°C (72°F). The average temperature dips to 11°C (53°F), and although precipitation is slightly less at 88 mm (3.5 in) over the same number of days, humidity remains high at 84%. For more information, check out Ocracoke weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May to that of February, there's a noticeable shift in temperatures and precipitation patterns. May boasts a minimum temperature of 10°C (50°F) and an average of 21°C (71°F), reaching a maximum of 28°C (82°F). In contrast, February experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 1°C (34°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F), peaking at 20°C (68°F). Additionally, May enjoys slightly lower precipitation levels at 102 mm (4.0 in) over about 9 rainy days, whereas February sees 138 mm (5.4 in) across roughly 11 days of rain. Despite these differences, both months share a humidity level of 81%. For more detailed insights into February weather conditions, check out Ocracoke weather in February.
In comparing the weather between March and May, it's clear that May offers significantly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and an average high of 28°C (82°F), while March has a cooler minimum of 1°C (35°F) and an average high of 21°C (71°F). Precipitation levels are relatively similar, with May receiving 102 mm (4.0 in) over 9 days and March recording 88 mm (3.5 in) over 10 days. Humidity remains comparable, with May at 81% and March slightly lower at 80%. For a more detailed look at the weather during this time, you can check out Ocracoke weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, we see a noticeable uptick in temperatures. May boasts a minimum temperature of 10°C (50°F) and an average of 21°C (71°F), compared to April's min of 5°C (42°F) and average of 17°C (64°F). The maximum temperatures also rise, reaching 28°C (82°F) in May, while April peaks at 24°C (75°F). Precipitation levels are slightly higher in May at 102 mm (4.0 in) over 9 days, compared to April's 95 mm (3.7 in) over 8 days. Both months have similar humidity, with May at 81% and April at 80%. For a detailed look at April's weather, you can visit Ocracoke weather in April.
May and June exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F), with an average of 21°C (71°F). The month sees about 102 mm (4.0 in) of precipitation across 9 days, while humidity hovers around 81%. In contrast, June experiences warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 17°C (62°F) and an average of 25°C (77°F), peaking at 29°C (84°F). Precipitation increases to 140 mm (5.5 in) over 13 days, and humidity remains slightly elevated at 82%. For a closer look at the weather specifics in June, check out Ocracoke weather in June.
In May, temperatures begin to warm up, with a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and an average of 21°C (71°F), reaching a maximum of 28°C (82°F). However, it is relatively wet with 102 mm (4.0 in) of precipitation over about 9 days, coupled with a high humidity level of 81%. In contrast, July features noticeably warmer weather, with minimum temperatures starting at 23°C (74°F) and an average of 27°C (80°F), peaking at 30°C (85°F). July also experiences increased rainfall, totaling 159 mm (6.3 in) but spread across 15 days, and humidity rises slightly to 83%. For more specific information, you can check Ocracoke weather in July.
In May, temperatures range from a cool minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a comfortable average of 21°C (71°F), peaking at a maximum of 28°C (82°F). The month experiences about 102 mm (4.0 in) of precipitation over 9 days, accompanied by relatively high humidity at 81%. In contrast, August brings warmer weather, with a minimum temperature of 22°C (71°F) and an average of 27°C (80°F), reaching a high of 29°C (84°F). However, it sees increased rainfall, totaling 189 mm (7.4 in) over 18 days, while maintaining similar humidity levels at 82%. For more specific details on August weather, you can refer to Ocracoke weather in August.
May and September exhibit notable differences in weather, offering distinct experiences. In May, temperatures range from a cool 10°C (50°F) at night to a pleasant high of 28°C (82°F) during the day, with an average of 21°C (71°F). However, it also sees some rainfall, totaling 102 mm (4.0 in) over 9 days, and a relatively high humidity of 81%.
In contrast, September is warmer overall, with minimum temperatures not dropping below 19°C (66°F) and daily highs averaging 29°C (84°F). The month also brings more precipitation, with 148 mm (5.8 in) falling over 13 days, while humidity remains slightly lower at 80%. For more details, you can check out Ocracoke weather in September.
May and October exhibit slightly different weather patterns, characterized by moderate temperatures and varying humidity levels. In May, the minimum temperature is around 10°C (50°F), with an average of 21°C (71°F) and a maximum reaching 28°C (82°F). Precipitation is prevalent, with about 102 mm (4.0 in) falling over 9 days, and humidity levels are relatively high at 81%.
In contrast, October experiences a slight increase in the minimum temperature at 12°C (53°F), while the average temperature remains similar at 22°C (72°F), and the maximum temperature is slightly lower at 27°C (82°F). October has less precipitation, totaling 89 mm (3.5 in) over just 8 days, with a marginally lower humidity level of 79%. For more specific insights about the conditions in October, you can visit Ocracoke weather in October.
May and November present contrasting yet mild weather patterns. In May, temperatures typically range from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a warm average of 21°C (71°F), peaking at 28°C (82°F). The month sees about 102 mm (4.0 inches) of precipitation over 9 days, with humidity levels around 81%. In contrast, November experiences cooler conditions with a minimum temperature of 5°C (42°F) and an average of 17°C (62°F), reaching a maximum of 25°C (78°F). Precipitation increases slightly in November to 129 mm (5.1 inches) over the same number of rainy days, while humidity remains comparable at 83%. For more details on the November weather, you can check out Ocracoke weather in November.
May and December exhibit contrasting weather patterns, highlighting the transition from spring to winter. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F), with an average of 21°C (71°F). The month experiences moderate rainfall, totaling 102 mm (4.0 in) over 9 days, accompanied by relatively high humidity at 81%.
In December, temperatures drop significantly, with a minimum of 2°C (36°F) and a maximum of 22°C (72°F), averaging around 14°C (57°F). This month sees increased precipitation, amounting to 144 mm (5.7 in) across 11 days, and a slight rise in humidity to 84%. For a more detailed look at December weather, refer to Ocracoke weather in December.
As we step into May, Ocracoke greets visitors with a delightful blend of warmth and humidity, making it a pivotal transition month toward summer. The average temperatures rise noticeably, inviting outdoor activities, while occasional rainfall adds a refreshing touch to the lush landscape. Compared to the cooler and drier months that precede it, May showcases an increase in both warmth and moisture, establishing a vibrant atmosphere brimming with life. The signature 81% humidity creates a tropical feel that distinguishes it from the earlier spring months. For more insights into Ocracoke's evolving climate, check out Ocracoke Climate.