Last updated: February 24, 2025
In May, Washington experiences a vibrant transition from spring to summer, with average temperatures hovering around 19°C (66°F) and peaks reaching a warm 34°C (94°F). While residents enjoy the blooming landscape, they should also prepare for occasional rain, as the month typically sees 127 mm (5.0 in) of precipitation across 13 rainy days. Humidity remains relatively high at 78%, adding a touch of mugginess to the air. This unique blend of warm temperatures and significant rainfall makes May a dynamic time to explore the city's lush outdoor spaces.
In May, temperatures in Washington, United States begin to reflect the vibrant arrival of spring, showcasing a notable warmth compared to the preceding months. With a minimum of 2°C (36°F) and an average temperature reaching 19°C (66°F), residents and visitors alike can bask in the pleasant climate. The maximum temperature soars to 34°C (94°F), making it one of the warmest months thus far in the year. This upward trend from the chill of winter signifies not just a shift in temperature, but a rejuvenation of outdoor activities, as people embrace the longer days and blooming landscapes. The transition from cooler days in earlier months to the inviting warmth of May illustrates the gradual approach towards summer, inviting all to enjoy the beauty of nature and the opportunities for adventure that this time of year brings.
In May, Washington experiences a notable increase in precipitation, with an average of 127 mm (5.0 inches) of rain falling over 13 days. This uptick signifies the transition into the wetter months, as May typically sets the stage for the lush greenery of summer. The increase from the preceding months, particularly from April’s 100 mm, underscores May as a pivotal month in the state's hydrological cycle. This trend is further emphasized by the consistent pattern of rising precipitation that peaks in July, suggesting that May’s rainfall not only nourishes the landscape but also prepares it for the more abundant summer storms ahead. It’s a time when the vibrant flora begins to flourish, benefiting from this ample springtime moisture.
As spring transitions into summer, May in Washington, United States, brings a noticeable dip in humidity, averaging 78%. Following the trend of gradual decrease from earlier months, where humidity levels hovered around the low 80s in January through April, this month marks the beginning of a more comfortable, albeit still humid, season. The slight drop indicates a shift towards drier air, a precursor to the increasingly pleasant summer months ahead, where July and August will see the lowest humidity levels at 74% and 72% respectively. Overall, May serves as a pivotal point in the year’s humidity cycle, blending spring's lingering moisture with hints of summer's crispness.
As spring transitions into summer, Washington, D.C. experiences a significant rise in UV radiation, with May recording a UV Index of 10, falling into the "very high" exposure category. This marks a notable jump from earlier months; for instance, April's index was 9, already signaling the need for caution. With a burn time of just 15 minutes, residents are urged to take protective measures seriously. This trend continues into June and July, where the UV Index remains at a consistent 10, indicating that outdoor enthusiasts should be particularly vigilant during these months. As summer approaches, understanding and monitoring the UV Index is essential for safeguarding skin health while enjoying the vibrant outdoor activities that Washington has to offer. For more information on UV levels throughout the year, visit Washington UV Index.
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May brings a delightful increase in sunshine to Washington, with 281 hours of radiant rays lighting up the month. This is a significant jump from the preceding months, where April and March both enjoyed 259 hours of sunlight, marking a turning point as spring unfolds. As the days grow longer, May sets the stage for a progression into summer, which peaks in June with an impressive 330 hours of sunshine. This upward trend illustrates a region that eagerly embraces the warmth and brightness, transitioning from the milder days of early spring to the vibrant, sun-soaked months ahead. Enjoy the blossoming landscape under May's sunshine, a true precursor to the summer splendor that follows!
In Washington, the likelihood of sunny weather fluctuates throughout the year, with May offering a 40% chance of sunshine. This positions the month slightly above January’s 45% but below the more promising springs of March (52%) and April (48%). Interestingly, while May's chances dip compared to the previous months, it sets the stage for a gradual rise into summer, with July reaching a peak of 49%. This trend highlights the transitional nature of May, as sunshine becomes more frequent, ushering in brighter days ahead, even amid a backdrop of fluctuating patterns. As the seasons progress, Washingtoners can look forward to sunnier skies in the following months.
As spring advances into May, the daylight in Washington, United States, reaches a delightful peak of 14 hours, providing residents with ample opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. This significant increase from 13 hours in April marks a clear upward trend in daylight as the days grow longer, following a steady progression from the 9 hours in January. The consistency in daylight duration continues into June and July, maintaining 14 hours, but as summer begins to wane, a gradual decline sets in, with daylight dropping to 13 hours in August. Overall, the trajectory from winter's short days to the vibrant, sunlit hours of late spring and early summer reflects the region's transition into a season filled with warmth and vitality.
As spring transitions towards summer in Washington, May marks a subtle dip in average wind speed, settling at 2.8 m/s (6 mph). This gentle breeze is slightly softer than the preceding months, as wind speeds gradually declined from a peak of 3.3 m/s (7 mph) in March and April. The trend indicates a shift towards calmer conditions, which will continue into the sultry summer months. Despite this slight lull, May’s winds still invigorate the lush landscape, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities as the region bursts into vibrant colors and life, inviting locals and visitors alike to enjoy the pleasant weather.
The weather in Washington 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 and find detailed weather information for every month.
May and January present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a warm maximum of 34°C (94°F), with an average of 19°C (66°F), indicating a pleasant transition into summer. However, it also sees considerable rainfall, accumulating 127 mm (5.0 in) over approximately 13 days, and a humidity level of 78%.
In stark contrast, January experiences much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -15°C (5°F) and a maximum of 22°C (71°F), averaging just 3°C (37°F). Precipitation is lighter, totaling 61 mm (2.4 in) over about 8 days, accompanied by higher humidity at 84%. For a more detailed understanding of January conditions, you can check Washington weather in January.
In comparing the weather between May and February, the differences are quite stark. May boasts a minimum temperature of 2°C (36°F) and an average temperature of 19°C (66°F), with highs reaching up to 34°C (94°F). In contrast, February experiences significantly colder temperatures, with a minimum of -16°C (4°F) and an average of only 5°C (41°F), though it can occasionally peak at 28°C (82°F). Additionally, May sees more rainfall, with 127 mm (5.0 in) of precipitation over 13 days, while February has slightly lower precipitation levels at 98 mm (3.9 in) spread across 11 days. Humidity remains fairly high in both months, but May's 78% is notably lower than February's 83%. For a deeper look into the weather patterns for February, you can check Washington weather in February.
In comparing the weather of May and March, it is evident that May experiences significantly milder temperatures, with an average of 19°C (66°F), while March has a much cooler average of 8°C (46°F). March also has colder minimum temperatures that can drop as low as -7°C (20°F), contrasting sharply with May's minimum of 2°C (36°F). Precipitation levels are higher in May, totaling 127 mm (5.0 in) over 13 days, compared to March's 87 mm (3.4 in) over 10 days, indicating a wetter start to summer. Furthermore, humidity levels are relatively similar, with March at 83% and May at 78%. For a detailed overview of March weather, check out Washington weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, it's evident that May experiences a noticeable increase in average temperatures, with daily highs reaching up to 34°C (94°F) compared to April's maximum of 32°C (91°F). The minimum temperatures in May are also higher, starting at 2°C (36°F) compared to April's chilling low of -2°C (28°F). However, May sees more precipitation, with 127 mm (5.0 in) falling over 13 days, whereas April has slightly less rain at 100 mm (4.0 in) over 11 days. Humidity levels are fairly similar, with May at 78% and April slightly higher at 81%. For more details about April's weather, you can visit Washington weather in April.
May and June exhibit notable differences in their weather patterns. May starts with cooler nights, with minimum temperatures around 2°C (36°F), but warms up to an average of 19°C (66°F) and can reach a maximum of 34°C (94°F). In contrast, June begins with milder nights, where the minimum temperature is 9°C (48°F), and enjoys warmer daytime temperatures, averaging 24°C (75°F) and peaking at 36°C (98°F). Precipitation levels are relatively close, with May witnessing 127 mm (5.0 in) over 13 days, while June has slightly less at 118 mm (4.7 in) over 12 days, and both months experience high humidity, around 78% in May and 79% in June. For more detailed insights on June weather, you can visit Washington weather in June.
May and July exhibit contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a warm maximum of 34°C (94°F), with an average of 19°C (66°F). The month is marked by significant precipitation, totaling 127 mm (5.0 in) over 13 rainy days, combined with high humidity at 78%. In contrast, July experiences milder mornings with a minimum temperature of 15°C (59°F) and a higher average of 27°C (81°F), peaking at a sweltering 38°C (101°F). This month also sees increased rainfall, with 157 mm (6.2 in) falling across 12 days, but slightly lower humidity at 74%. For more details, visit Washington weather in July.
In May, temperatures in Washington can fluctuate significantly, ranging from a chilly 2°C (36°F) at night to a warm 34°C (94°F) during the day, with an average of 19°C (66°F). The month experiences substantial rainfall, with 127 mm (5.0 in) over approximately 13 days, leading to a humidity level of 78%. In contrast, August boasts a more consistent warmth, with minimum temperatures around 14°C (58°F) and highs reaching up to 37°C (99°F), averaging 25°C (77°F). Precipitation slightly increases to 140 mm (5.5 in), occurring over about 15 days, while humidity drops to a more comfortable 72%. For more detailed insights, check out Washington weather in August.
In comparing the weather of May and September, we notice some distinct variations. May typically experiences a broader temperature range, with minimums dropping to 2°C (36°F) and peak highs reaching up to 34°C (94°F), while the average temperature sits at 19°C (66°F). In contrast, September sees slightly warmer conditions overall, with minimum temperatures at 5°C (42°F) and maximums soaring to 36°C (97°F), averaging 22°C (72°F). Additionally, May tends to be wetter, with 127 mm (5.0 in) of precipitation over 13 days, compared to September's 95 mm (3.8 in) over 11 days. Humidity levels also differ subtly, standing at 78% in May and slightly lower at 75% in September. For more specific insights into September's climate, you can refer to Washington weather in September.
May and October each bring their own unique weather characteristics. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), with an average of 19°C (66°F). This month experiences about 127 mm (5.0 in) of precipitation over 13 days, and the humidity averages around 78%. In contrast, October sees a slightly cooler range, with minimum temperatures of 1°C (34°F) and maximums reaching 36°C (97°F), averaging 17°C (62°F). Precipitation in October is less, totaling 104 mm (4.1 in) over 9 days, while humidity rises slightly to 81%. For more detailed information about October weather, visit Washington weather in October.
May and November present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range significantly, with a minimum of 2°C (36°F) and an average of 19°C (66°F), peaking at a maximum of 34°C (94°F). The month is also characterized by higher precipitation, totaling 127 mm (5.0 in) over approximately 13 days, coupled with a humidity level of 78%. In stark contrast, November experiences colder conditions, with temperatures dropping to a minimum of -6°C (21°F) and an average of 8°C (47°F), while the maximum reaches a more moderate 25°C (78°F). Precipitation in November is less severe, totaling 81 mm (3.2 in) spread over just 7 days, yet the humidity increases slightly to 85%. For more details on November weather, visit Washington weather in November.
May and December present stark contrasts in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a mild 2°C (36°F) at night to a warm 34°C (94°F) during the day, with an average temperature of 19°C (66°F). The month also sees considerable rainfall, accumulating to 127 mm (5.0 in) over approximately 13 days, coupled with a humidity level of 78%. In contrast, December features a much chillier climate, with temperatures dropping to as low as -10°C (13°F) and rarely exceeding 20°C (69°F), resulting in an average of just 5°C (41°F). Precipitation in December is lower at 93 mm (3.7 in) over about 9 days, but the humidity rises slightly to 84%. For more detailed weather information, you can check Washington weather in December.
As May unfolds in Washington, the city bids farewell to spring chills and embraces warmer days, showcasing a remarkable transition in climate. With temperatures averaging around 19°C (66°F), May's warmth entices locals and visitors alike to explore the blossoming parks and outdoor spaces. Although the month does see about 13 days of precipitation, the overall humidity remains relatively high, lending a refreshing edge to the vibrant atmosphere. This contrasts sharply with the cooler and often more unpredictable weather of earlier months, making May a delightful time to experience the beauty of Washington. For a deeper dive into the city's climate throughout the year, check out Washington Climate.