Hottest (avg)
#5 / 12
Chicago in May
May weather, climate averages, and packing tips.
Avg High
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight 15h
What to expect
As spring continues, May brings, where temperatures are climbing noticeably. Daytime highs average 19°C / 66°F, dropping to 11°C / 51°F at night.
The atmosphere is generally mild but frequently damp, typical of changeable seasons. Long days provide about 14.6 hours of light, giving you plenty of time for evening wandering.
Statistically, this is the wettest time of year.
May in context
How it compares to the rest of the year in Chicago.
Wettest (avg)
#1 / 12
Daylight Hours
#3 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#8 / 12
Highest UV
#3 / 12
Most Humid
#4 / 12
Temperature
- Daytime high
-
- Nighttime low
-
- Feels like (avg)
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Sunshine
- Daylight
- 14.6 hours
- UV index (max)
- 8
- Typical sun hours
- 04:29 – 19:03
Rain & Snow
- Total
-
- Rainy days
- 15
- Cloud cover
- 62%
- Snowfall
-
Humidity & Wind
- Humidity (avg)
- 73%
- Wind (avg)
-
- Wind (max gusts)
-
Frequently asked questions
Is May a good time to visit Chicago?
Typical May days in Chicago reach highs of 19°C (66°F) with nights around 11°C (52°F). It usually feels mild by day and cool after dark. It is among the wetter months, so it is wise to have some indoor backup plans or flexible activities.
What are temperatures like in May?
Daytime temperatures in May typically peak near 19°C (66°F), while nights drop to around 11°C (52°F). Expect mild afternoons and cool evenings.
How much does it rain in May?
Rainfall in May averages 117 mm (4.6 in) across roughly 15 days. Overall it is a very wet time of year, so a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes are very handy.
How many hours of daylight are there in May?
You can expect about 15 hours of daylight in May. Sunrise is typically around 04:29 and sunset near 19:03. You get long days with comfortable amounts of daylight.
Does the weather change during May?
May often starts off a little cooler and becomes noticeably warmer by the end of the month.
How strong is the sun in May?
UV levels are often high (around 8). Regular sunscreen and a hat are recommended.
Is it windy in May?
In May, average wind speeds are around 16 km/h (10 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 59 km/h (37 mph). On the ground, it is it can feel quite windy at times, particularly when weather systems move through.