Avg High
Washington in May
Verdict
In Washington, May has a distinct spring feel. As the season moves along, temperatures are climbing noticeably. You can usually expect a warm month that feels variable day to day. Breezes can be part of the character, especially in exposed spots.
It suits travellers who want straightforward weather for sightseeing and day trips. Lookouts and coastal walks can feel sharper when the wind is up.
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight
14h
What to expect
- Temperature feel - Pleasant warmth with a noticeable cool-down after sunset. The “feels like” is usually in line with the air temperature.
- Rain pattern - Frequent rain spells. Expect damp surfaces and slick paths. Rain can be part of the daily rhythm.
- Midday sun - Sun protection matters. Cloud cover doesn't always mean low UV, so still protect your skin. Shade breaks feel genuinely worthwhile.
- Wind feel - Often breezy, and expect sharp gusts that can change plans in exposed areas. Sheltered streets can feel fine, but open areas feel very different.
May in context
How it compares to the rest of the year in Washington.
Hottest (avg)
#5 / 12
Wettest (avg)
#4 / 12
Daylight Hours
#3 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#8 / 12
Highest UV
#3 / 12
Most Humid
#7 / 12
Temperature
- Daytime high
-
- Nighttime low
-
- Feels like (avg)
-
Sunshine
- Daylight
- 14.3 hours
- UV index (max)
- 8
- Typical sun hours
- 04:55 – 19:13
Rain & Snow
- Total
-
- Rainy days
- 14
- Cloud cover
- 60%
- Snowfall
-
Humidity & Wind
- Humidity (avg)
- 69%
- Wind (avg)
-
- Wind (max gusts)
-
Frequently asked questions
Is May a good time to visit Washington?
Typical May days in Washington reach highs of 24°C (75°F) with nights around 13°C (55°F). It usually feels warm by day and cool after dark. Overall, May sits in the middle of the Washington climate range.
What are temperatures like in May?
In May, you can usually expect highs of 24°C (75°F) and lows near 13°C (55°F). That means warm days and cool nights, so pack layers you can add or remove.
How much does it rain in May?
Rainfall in May averages 104 mm (4.1 in) across roughly 14 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 14 hours of daylight in May. Sunrise is typically around 04:55 and sunset near 19:13. You get long days with comfortable amounts of daylight.
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 10 km/h (6 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 50 km/h (31 mph). On the ground, it is it can feel quite windy at times, particularly when weather systems move through.