May Weather in Nashville, United States

Last updated: February 24, 2025

May in Nashville showcases a vibrant transition into summer, with temperatures soaring to a maximum of 34°C (93°F) while enjoying a comfortable average of 21°C (70°F). However, the month can be unpredictable, dipping as low as 4°C (40°F) on cooler days. Rainfall is a prominent feature, bringing 122 mm (4.8 in) over approximately 13 days, contributing to the lush landscapes for which the region is known. With humidity at a notable 82%, expect a mixture of warmth and occasional showers, perfect for embracing the beauty of Nashville's early summer charm.

May Temperature in Nashville

As May unfolds in Nashville, temperatures rise, marking a significant shift from the cooler months. With minimums averaging around 4°C (40°F) and maximums peaking at 34°C (93°F), the city enjoys a delightful average temperature of 21°C (70°F). This trend showcases a sharp increase from April, where temperatures hovered between the 30s to 88°F range, indicating that the warmth heralds the approach of summer. It's a perfect time to embrace outdoor activities, as the bustling music scene and vibrant park life thrive under the spring sun, highlighting Nashville's charm while inviting both locals and visitors to partake in its lively atmosphere.

May Weather in Nashville: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates May temperature patterns in Nashville, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec404552597077807874634845
Data source: Temperature data for Nashville generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

May Precipitation in Nashville

In May, Nashville experiences a shift as precipitation levels decrease to 122 mm (4.8 in), marking a significant drop from the wettest months earlier in the year. The city typically sees 13 rainy days this month, providing a balanced mix of sun and showers that nurture the vibrant spring landscape. This trend reflects a gradual tapering of rainfall as summer approaches, with conditions becoming slightly drier compared to the heavy rains of April and March. Notably, the pattern of precipitation in Nashville throughout the year showcases a clear peak in the early months, highlighting May as a transitional phase before the slightly elevated rainfall returns in June.

May Precipitation Trends in Nashville

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Nashville, with values for each month alongside May's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how May's conditions compare to those of other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec10218016415012213513813213014182145
Data source: Precipitation data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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May Humidity in Nashville

In Nashville, the month of May brings a refreshing consistency in humidity, with levels hovering around 82%. This aligns with April’s slightly higher levels and marks a transition from the wetter winter months, which peak at a notably humid 87% in January. As temperatures rise into summer, humidity begins to taper off slightly, dropping to 80% by July. May acts as a pivotal month where the city enjoys a balance, still feeling comfortably humid while paving the way for the drier conditions of late summer. This trend underscores Nashville's shift from the cool dampness of spring to the warmth of summer, making it a vibrant time to enjoy the city's blossoming beauty.

May Average Humidity in Nashville

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Nashville, with May's data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, allowing you to see how May's humidity levels compare to other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec87%86%86%82%83%83%80%74%71%78%88%88%
Data source: Humidity data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

May UV Index in Nashville

In May, Nashville experiences a very high UV Index of 10, mirroring the intensity seen in April. This means that sun exposure can lead to skin damage within just 15 minutes, urging residents and visitors to take necessary precautions. As the city transitions from the milder UV levels of winter to this peak springtime high, it's clear that sun safety becomes increasingly critical during this time. Following May, the UV Index escalates into the extreme category in June and July, reaching a notable 11, highlighting the need for vigilance as summer approaches. To stay informed and prepared, check out the detailed Nashville UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Nashville for May

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Nashville in May, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec36710101111109753
Data source: Nashville May UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

May Sunshine in Nashville

As spring transitions to summer, May in Nashville, United States, shines brilliantly with an impressive 298 hours of sunshine. This marks a significant increase from the 252 hours basked in during April, highlighting the region's vibrant embrace of warmer weather. Following this upward trend, Nashville continues to experience peak sunlight in the summer months, reaching 322 hours in June and peaking at 335 hours in July. This gradual ascent from January's modest 140 hours paints a picture of an energetic city that thrives under the golden sun, inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy its outdoor attractions and festivals. The sunny months not only enhance the natural beauty but also foster a lively atmosphere that defines Nashville's spirit.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Nashville: May Highlighted

The May sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Nashville experiences direct sunlight during the month of May, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of May with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec140h153h213h252h298h322h335h312h281h260h219h178h
Data source: Nashville May Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Nashville During May

As spring transitions into summer, May in Nashville offers a 32% chance of sunny weather, slightly dipping from the previous month. After enjoying April's relatively bright outlook of 52%, residents and visitors might find the skies a bit more variable as the month progresses. Interestingly, this pattern reflects a broader trend in which the sunniest months are typically in the fall, with November leading at a 56% chance. Overall, while May does not boast the highest likelihood of clear skies, it is preceded by a cheerful April and followed by the more promising June at 36%, hinting that Nashville’s sunny days are just around the corner.

Percentage of Sunny Days in May in Nashville

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Nashville throughout the year, with May highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Nashville experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec33%27%41%52%32%36%43%37%51%38%56%38%
Data source: Nashville May chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Nashville in May

As May unfolds in Nashville, the city basks in an invigorating 14 hours of daylight, a delightful peak that signals the true arrival of spring. This month beautifully exemplifies the gradual increase in sunlight that began in January with just 9 hours, showcasing a steady rise as winter yields to warmer days. After a significant jump to 13 hours in April, May continues the trend of expanded daylight, paving the way for outdoor activities and vibrant community events. Following this sun-filled month, Nashville will maintain its generous daylight until the end of summer, before embracing the gradual descent back into shorter days as autumn approaches. The luscious glow of May not only brightens the city but also elevates the spirits of its residents, who eagerly enjoy the longer, lighter evenings.

Average Daylight Hours in Nashville for May

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Nashville throughout the year, with May highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9h 59m10h 52m11h 59m13h 8m14h 6m14h 34m14h 18m13h 27m12h 21m11h 12m10h 13m9h 43m
Data source: Nashville daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

May Winds in Nashville

In Nashville, the month of May ushers in a gentle breeze, with an average wind speed of 2.6 m/s (6 mph), making it one of the calmer months of the year. Following a slight decline from April, where winds picked up to 2.9 m/s (6 mph), May's breeziness marks a downward trend that continues into the heat of summer. As we transition into June and July, wind speeds dip further to 2.4 m/s (5 mph) and 2.0 m/s (5 mph), respectively. This pattern reflects a shift towards warmer, more tranquil days in Music City, where the vibrant energy of spring gracefully gives way to the sultry summer air. While the gentle winds may seem modest compared to the gustier months of January and December, May's breezes still add a refreshing touch to the lush landscapes and outdoor activities that define this enchanting season.

Average May Wind Speed in Nashville

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Nashville, with values for each month shown alongside May's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how May's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3.03.13.12.92.6 m/s2.42.01.82.12.62.83.3
Data source: Nashville May wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How May Weather in Nashville Compares to Other Months

The weather in Nashville 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 Nashville and find detailed weather information for every month.

May and January offer distinctly contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a mild minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a warm maximum of 34°C (93°F), with an average of 21°C (70°F). This month is characterized by considerable precipitation, averaging 122 mm (4.8 in) over approximately 13 days, and a humidity level of 82%. In contrast, January experiences much colder conditions, with temperatures dropping as low as -15°C (5°F) and averaging just 5°C (40°F), peaking at 23°C (73°F). While January sees slightly less precipitation at 102 mm (4.0 in) over 10 days, it is accompanied by higher humidity at 87%. For more detailed information on the weather in January, visit Nashville weather in January.

When comparing the weather in May and February, notable differences emerge. May typically boasts a much warmer climate, with average temperatures ranging from a cool 4°C (40°F) to a warm 34°C (93°F), while February experiences a chillier range from -13°C (9°F) to a mild 27°C (80°F). February also has higher precipitation levels, averaging 180 mm (7.1 in) over 14 days, compared to May's 122 mm (4.8 in) over 13 days. Additionally, humidity remains relatively high in both months, with February at 86% and May slightly lower at 82%. For a more detailed overview of February weather in Nashville, you can check Nashville weather in February.

In comparing the weather of May and March, it is evident that May experiences significantly milder temperatures, with average highs reaching 21°C (70°F) and lows around 4°C (40°F), while March has a wider temperature range with highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows dipping to -8°C (17°F). Despite May being warmer overall, it has more comfortable humidity levels at 82% compared to March's 86%. Both months see a fair amount of precipitation, with March slightly wetter at 164 mm (6.4 in) over 14 days, whereas May records 122 mm (4.8 in) across 13 days. For more detailed weather patterns, you can check the Nashville weather in March.

In comparing the weather of April and May, we can see distinct differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. May boasts a higher average temperature of 21°C (70°F) compared to April’s cooler 15°C (59°F). While both months experience similar humidity levels at 82%, May sees a broader temperature range with a maximum of 34°C (93°F) compared to April's peak of 31°C (88°F). Interestingly, despite May receiving slightly less precipitation at 122 mm (4.8 in) over 13 days, it is still a relatively wet month compared to April's 150 mm (5.9 in) across 12 days. For more insights into the weather trends during April, check out Nashville weather in April.

In comparing the weather of May and June, one can observe a noticeable shift in temperatures and humidity. May experiences a minimum temperature of 4°C (40°F) and averages around 21°C (70°F), while June begins warmer, with a minimum of 11°C (52°F) and an average of 25°C (77°F). Both months share similar maximum temperatures, reaching up to 34°C (93°F) in May and slightly higher at 34°C (94°F) in June. Precipitation remains relatively consistent, with May receiving 122 mm (4.8 in) compared to June's 135 mm (5.3 in), both falling on approximately 13 days. Humidity levels are comparable, hovering around 82% in May and increasing slightly to 83% in June. For more detailed information about June weather, you can visit Nashville weather in June.

May and July present contrasting weather patterns, with May experiencing a broader range of temperatures, from a cool 4°C (40°F) to a warm 34°C (93°F), averaging 21°C (70°F). It also sees significant precipitation, amounting to 122 mm (4.8 in) over 13 days, coupled with high humidity at 82%. In contrast, July boasts warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 17°C (62°F), an average of 27°C (80°F), and a maximum of 37°C (98°F). While it has slightly more precipitation at 138 mm (5.4 in) over 15 days, the humidity levels remain relatively stable at 80%. For more detailed information about July weather, you can visit Nashville weather in July.

In comparing the weather between May and August, we observe a notable increase in temperature and a slight variation in humidity levels. May features a minimum temperature of 4°C (40°F) and an average of 21°C (70°F), reaching a maximum of 34°C (93°F). The month experiences about 122 mm (4.8 in) of precipitation over approximately 13 days and maintains a relatively high humidity of 82%. In contrast, August starts with a minimum temperature of 14°C (58°F) with an average of 26°C (78°F) and peaks at a maximum of 36°C (98°F). The precipitation rises slightly to 131 mm (5.2 in) over 15 days, but the humidity drops to 74%. For a deeper insight into what to expect, you can visit Nashville weather in August.

In comparing May and September weather, one can observe distinct variations in temperature and humidity. May features a broader temperature range, with minimums at 4°C (40°F) and maximums reaching up to 34°C (93°F), while September showcases slightly milder temperatures, beginning at 9°C (48°F) and peaking at 37°C (98°F). Precipitation levels in May and September are similar, with May receiving about 122 mm (4.8 inches) over 13 days compared to September's 130 mm (5.1 inches) over just 10 days. Additionally, May experiences higher humidity levels at 82%, whereas September's humidity drops to a more comfortable 71%. For more details on what to expect, visit Nashville weather in September.

In comparing the weather of May and October, May typically presents a warmer climate, with average temperatures around 21°C (70°F) and highs reaching up to 34°C (93°F). It experiences higher humidity at 82% and receives a significant amount of precipitation, averaging 122 mm (4.8 in) over about 13 days. In contrast, October sees cooler temperatures, with an average of 17°C (63°F) and highs peaking at 36°C (98°F). The month is slightly drier, with precipitation totaling 141 mm (5.5 in) over just 10 days and a lower humidity level of 78%. For more detailed information, you can check Nashville weather in October.

May and November present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), with an average of 21°C (70°F). This month is also marked by higher precipitation levels, totaling 122 mm (4.8 in) over approximately 13 days, and a humidity level of 82%. In stark contrast, November features much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -9°C (17°F) and an average of 9°C (48°F), peaking at 27°C (81°F). Precipitation decreases to 82 mm (3.2 in) over 9 days, while humidity rises slightly to 88%. For more details, check out Nashville weather in November.

May and December present a stark contrast in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a mild 4°C (40°F) at night to a warm 34°C (93°F) during the day, with an average of 21°C (70°F) and considerable humidity at 82%. Rainfall is also significant, totaling 122 mm (4.8 in) over 13 rainy days. In contrast, December brings much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -10°C (14°F) and a maximum of 23°C (74°F), averaging around 7°C (45°F). Though it is slightly wetter with 145 mm (5.7 in) of precipitation over 11 days, the humidity rises to 88%, contributing to an overall chill in the air. For more detailed information about December weather in Nashville, visit Nashville weather in December.

Compare Nashville's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From May Weather in Nashville

As May unfolds in Nashville, the city experiences a warming transition into spring, marked by warmer temperatures that contrast sharply with the chill of earlier months. With an average of 21°C (70°F) and occasional peaks reaching 34°C (93°F), the atmosphere invites outdoor exploration, despite a notable increase in humidity at 82%. Rainfall also becomes more prominent, with about 13 days of precipitation adding a refreshing touch to the lush scenery. This month sets the stage for vibrant greenery and lively events around the city, making it a unique time to soak in the charm of Nashville before the summer heat settles in. For a more in-depth look at weather trends, visit Nashville Climate.