May Weather in Fayetteville, United States

Last updated: February 24, 2025

In Fayetteville during May, the weather transitions to warmer conditions, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 29°C (85°F) and an average of 17°C (62°F). As spring unfolds, nights can still be cool, dipping to a minimum of -1°C (30°F). This month also witnesses considerable rainfall, accumulating around 172 mm (6.8 in) over approximately 18 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 83%. These characteristics create a humid and vibrant atmosphere, making May a unique and dynamic month for the Fayetteville community.

May Temperature in Fayetteville

In May, Fayetteville begins to shake off the chill of winter, showcasing a delightful transition towards summer. With minimum temperatures around -1°C (30°F) and an inviting average of 17°C (62°F), the month balances warmth and coolness beautifully. This trend of rising temperatures continues with maximums peaking at 29°C (85°F), a significant jump from the earlier months. Compared to April, where the max was 30°C (86°F), May offers similar warmth but with more comfortable evening air. As days grow longer and brighter, the pleasant temperatures invite outdoor activities and leisurely strolls, marking a vibrant start to the summer season in this charming city.

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

The chart illustrates May temperature patterns in Fayetteville, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec333944526268727066574338
Data source: Temperature data for Fayetteville 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 Fayetteville

May brings a noticeable uptick in precipitation to Fayetteville, with a total of 172 mm (6.8 in) recorded over 18 days. This marks the peak of the spring season, as rainfall is significantly higher compared to earlier months. The steady increase in precipitation from 101 mm in January to May’s total reflects the transition into a wetter climate, likely benefiting the lush greenery of the region. The frequency of rainy days also rises, suggesting that while May is a moist month, it offers a balance of showers interspersed with bouts of sun, enhancing the vibrant landscape just in time for summer. This pattern underscores Fayetteville’s characteristic springtime rejuvenation, where each raindrop contributes to the flourishing flora that defines the area.

May Precipitation Trends in Fayetteville

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Fayetteville, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec10216412715017213712210810813383123
Data source: Precipitation data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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May Humidity in Fayetteville

In Fayetteville, the month of May marks a subtle shift in humidity levels as average humidity drops to 83%, continuing a gentle decline from the 87% observed in January. This trend reflects the region's transition from the cooler, more moisture-laden months of winter and early spring towards drier summer conditions. Following a consistent drop from April’s 84%, May's humidity not only signals the onset of warmer weather but also hints at the approaching summer months that will see even lower humidity levels, particularly in July and August when it dips to 79% and 66%, respectively. Although November and December will bring back the higher humidity, May's relatively comfortable moisture levels create an inviting atmosphere, perfect for outdoor activities as spring unfolds.

May Average Humidity in Fayetteville

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Fayetteville, 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%87%86%84%83%83%79%66%68%78%89%86%
Data source: Humidity data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

May UV Index in Fayetteville

As May rolls into Fayetteville, the UV Index reaches a peak of 10, classifying it as very high and signifying a notable increase in solar intensity compared to the prior months. With a burn time of just 15 minutes, it's essential for residents and visitors to take protective measures when enjoying outdoor activities. This trend of escalating UV exposure continues in June and July, which see an even more intense UV Index of 11, pushing burn time down to 10 minutes. Conversely, as summer transitions into fall, UV levels gradually decline, with September and October still maintaining a very high to high range; however, the burn time extends to 15 and 25 minutes, respectively. Overall, May marks a pivotal transition into the peak UV exposure season, highlighting the importance of sun safety strategies throughout the warmer months. For more on UV conditions, visit Fayetteville UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Fayetteville for May

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Fayetteville 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec36810101111109753
Data source: Fayetteville 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 Fayetteville

As May arrives in Fayetteville, the days grow noticeably longer and sunnier, boasting 290 hours of radiant sunshine. This is a remarkable leap from the previous months, showcasing a clear upward trend as the region transitions from spring to summer. Following 240 hours in April, May's sunshine invites outdoor adventures and vibrant blossoms, perfectly setting the stage for the warm months ahead. The sun continues its ascent, with June expected to shine even brighter at 306 hours, reinforcing the area's reputation for glorious summer skies. As the year progresses, sunshine hours peak in July at 346 hours, creating a lush backdrop for community gatherings and outdoor festivities.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Fayetteville: May Highlighted

The May sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Fayetteville 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec120h148h231h240h290h306h346h314h284h245h208h158h
Data source: Fayetteville May Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Fayetteville During May

In Fayetteville, May presents a mixed bag when it comes to sunny weather, boasting a 34% chance of sunshine. While this figure is an improvement over the winter months—particularly from January's 31% and February's 22%—it falls short of the optimistic 49% seen in April. Interestingly, May’s likelihood of sun is positioned between the higher chances of June, at 38%, and the more promising months later in the year, such as September, which enjoys a 53% chance of sunnier days. As spring transitions into summer, May offers a glimpse of warmth and brightness, but it remains somewhat unpredictable, suggesting that planning outdoor activities should still come with a contingency for clouds.

Percentage of Sunny Days in May in Fayetteville

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Fayetteville 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 Fayetteville experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec31%22%46%49%34%38%50%42%53%37%48%38%
Data source: Fayetteville May chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Fayetteville in May

As spring transitions into summer, May in Fayetteville, United States, boasts a delightful 14 hours of daylight, marking a significant progression from the 11 hours experienced in March and the 13 hours of April. This increase not only invites outdoor activities and gatherings but also signals the high point of longer days leading into summer. Following May, daylight remains consistently at 14 hours in June and July, creating an enticing window for exploring the city's natural beauty. However, as the year progresses into late summer and autumn, daylight begins its gradual decline, reminding residents that the return of shorter days is inevitable. Embracing these longer daylight hours in May sets the tone for a vibrant season filled with possibilities.

Average Daylight Hours in Fayetteville for May

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Fayetteville throughout the year, with May highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9h 50m10h 47m11h 58m13h 12m14h 14m14h 45m14h 28m13h 33m12h 22m11h 9m10h 5m9h 33m
Data source: Fayetteville daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

May Winds in Fayetteville

In May, Fayetteville experiences a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 2.7 m/s (6 mph), marking a noticeable dip from the preceding months. As spring unfolds, wind speeds have been gradually declining since March, which saw a more vigorous 3.5 m/s (8 mph). This trend suggests a calmness that complements the blooming surroundings, providing a pleasant atmosphere for outdoor activities. As the warmer months approach, June continues the downward trajectory with even lighter winds at 2.3 m/s (5 mph), hinting at the tranquil summer days ahead. The moderate breezes of May create an inviting backdrop that enhances the vibrant energy of the season while offering a brief respite from the stronger winds of spring.

Average May Wind Speed in Fayetteville

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Fayetteville, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3.23.43.53.32.7 m/s2.32.11.92.53.03.03.3
Data source: Fayetteville May wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How May Weather in Fayetteville Compares to Other Months

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

May and January present strikingly different weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a frosty minimum of -1°C (30°F) to a warm maximum of 29°C (85°F), with an average of 17°C (62°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 172 mm (6.8 in) over 18 days, coupled with a relative humidity of 83%. In contrast, January's chill is more pronounced, with temperatures plunging to a minimum of -20°C (-4°F) and reaching a maximum of 20°C (68°F), averaging just 1°C (33°F). The precipitation in January is lower, at 101 mm (4.0 in), over 14 days, and the humidity is slightly higher at 87%. For more details on January weather, you can check Fayetteville weather in January.

When comparing the weather in May and February, a clear contrast emerges. May features a much milder temperature range, with minimums around -1°C (30°F) and average highs reaching 29°C (85°F), while February exhibits colder conditions, with lows plummeting to -18°C (0°F) and an average high of only 25°C (77°F). Additionally, May sees slightly more precipitation, totaling 172 mm (6.8 in) over 18 days, compared to February's 164 mm (6.4 in) spread over 17 days. The humidity levels are similarly high, with 83% in May and 87% in February, making both months feel quite damp. For more detailed information, you can check out Fayetteville weather in February.

In comparing the weather of May and March, we see notable differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. May generally experiences milder temperatures with an average of 17°C (62°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F), while March is much colder, with an average of only 7°C (44°F) and similar maximums peaking at 28°C (82°F). Precipitation in May is more abundant, totaling 172 mm (6.8 in) over 18 days, compared to March's 127 mm (5.0 in) over 15 days, indicating a wetter month as spring progresses. Additionally, humidity remains relatively high in both months, with May slightly lower at 83% compared to March's 86%. For more specific details about the weather in March, you can visit Fayetteville weather in March.

In comparing the weather of May and April, we see some notable differences. May experiences a wider temperature range, with a minimum of -1°C (30°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F), averaging 17°C (62°F). In contrast, April's temperatures range from a minimum of -6°C (22°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F), with an average of 11°C (53°F). While May brings more precipitation, totaling 172 mm (6.8 in) over 18 days, April's totals are slightly lower at 150 mm (5.9 in) over 15 days. Humidity levels are quite similar, with May at 83% and April at 84%. For more detailed insights, you can check out Fayetteville weather in April.

In comparing the weather between May and June, May tends to be cooler, with temperatures ranging from a low of -1°C (30°F) to a high of 29°C (85°F), while June offers milder temperatures, from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) up to 32°C (89°F). Additionally, May experiences more precipitation with 172 mm (6.8 in) over 18 days, compared to June's 137 mm (5.4 in) spread over 16 days. Both months share a consistent humidity level of 83%, but June generally feels more summer-like with its higher average temperatures. For more detailed weather information, you can check Fayetteville weather in June.

In comparing the weather of May and July, May tends to be much cooler, with temperatures ranging from a chilly -1°C (30°F) to a warm 29°C (85°F) and an average of 17°C (62°F). The month is also quite wet, experiencing around 172 mm (6.8 in) of precipitation over 18 days, along with high humidity levels at 83%. In contrast, July sees significantly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (52°F), an average of 22°C (72°F), and a maximum of 31°C (88°F). Additionally, July receives less rainfall, totaling 122 mm (4.8 in) over 14 days, and experiences slightly lower humidity at 79%. For more specifics, you can check Fayetteville weather in July.

May and August present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures can be quite varied, with a minimum of -1°C (30°F) and a maximum reaching 29°C (85°F), creating an average of around 17°C (62°F). The month is marked by significant precipitation, totaling 172 mm (6.8 in) over 18 days, coupled with a high humidity of 83%. In contrast, August offers a more stable climate, featuring milder minimum temperatures of 11°C (51°F), an average of 21°C (71°F), and a maximum of 32°C (90°F). Rainfall is also less frequent in August, with 108 mm (4.3 in) over 16 days and a lower humidity level of 66%. For a more detailed overview of the weather patterns, you can check out Fayetteville weather in August.

May and September present contrasting weather patterns characterized by temperature fluctuations and precipitation levels. In May, temperatures range from a chilly 1°C (30°F) at night to a warm 29°C (85°F) during the day, accompanied by significant rainfall of 172 mm (6.8 in) over 18 days, contributing to an average humidity of 83%. In contrast, September boasts milder temperatures, with nighttime lows around 4°C (40°F), daytime highs reaching up to 32°C (90°F), and significantly less rainfall at 108 mm (4.2 in) over just 10 days, resulting in a lower humidity of 68%. For more details on the climate during this month, you can visit Fayetteville weather in September.

When comparing the weather in May and October, notable differences emerge. May experiences a wider temperature range with a minimum of -1°C (30°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F), averaging 17°C (62°F). In contrast, October has slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -3°C (27°F) and a maximum of 31°C (89°F), averaging 14°C (57°F). Additionally, May sees more precipitation, totaling 172 mm (6.8 in) over 18 days, while October has 132 mm (5.2 in) of rainfall over just 11 days. Humidity levels are also somewhat higher in May at 83%, compared to October's 78%. For more detailed information, check out Fayetteville weather in October.

May and November present strikingly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures vary more widely, ranging from a chilly -1°C (30°F) to a warm 29°C (85°F), with an average of 17°C (62°F). This month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 172 mm (6.8 in) over 18 days, and humidity levels hover around 83%. In contrast, November sees much colder conditions with a minimum temperature of -13°C (8°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F), reaching a maximum of 24°C (76°F). The month is drier, with only 83 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation over 10 days and slightly higher humidity at 89%. For more detailed information about November weather, check out Fayetteville weather in November.

In comparing the weather of May and December, it's evident that May offers much warmer temperatures with an average of 17°C (62°F), ranging from a chilly low of -1°C (30°F) to a comfortable high of 29°C (85°F). In contrast, December experiences much colder conditions, with an average temperature of just 3°C (38°F), dipping to a frigid minimum of -15°C (4°F) and peaking at 20°C (67°F). Additionally, May sees significantly more precipitation, totaling 172 mm (6.8 in) over 18 days of rain, while December has 123 mm (4.8 in) of precipitation over 14 days. Both months experience high humidity levels, but December is slightly more humid at 86%, compared to May's 83%. For a closer look at the specifics, you can refer to Fayetteville weather in December.

Compare Fayetteville's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From May Weather in Fayetteville

As spring unfolds in Fayetteville, May brings a delightful shift in weather, marked by rising temperatures that contrast sharply with the cooler months preceding it. With warmer days and a comfortable average, this month invites residents and visitors alike to enjoy the blossoming outdoors. However, it's important to prepare for frequent rain, as May sees a notable increase in precipitation days, adding a humid touch to the air. This mix of warmth and moisture creates a lush environment, setting the stage for vibrant summer days ahead. For more detailed insights, check out Fayetteville Climate.