May weather forecast
Santa Cruz, CA

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Sandy beach, scenic trees, and residential homes of the bay area in Santa Cruz, California
Sandy beach, scenic trees, and residential homes of the bay area in Santa Cruz, California

Weather in May

As spring nears its end, temperatures in Santa Cruz continue their upward trend in May. The sea temperature rises slightly, signaling the initiation of ideal beach conditions. Winds show a slight decrease from April, and total rainfall reduces further to a meager 0.67" (17mm). Consequently, outdoor activities become more enjoyable as Santa Cruz starts smothering under the pleasant California sun. The thrill of water sports starts to beckon visitors, with surfing and boating becoming particularly appealing.

Temperature

May's average high-temperature stands at a still comfortable 64.9°F (18.3°C), showing little deviation from April's 63.1°F (17.3°C). In the month of May, Santa Cruz witnesses a consistent average low-temperature of 49.1°F (9.5°C).

Humidity

In Santa Cruz, the average relative humidity in May is 74%.

Rainfall

In Santa Cruz, in May, during 6.5 rainfall days, 0.67" (17mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated. In Santa Cruz, during the entire year, the rain falls for 77.9 days and collects up to 14.45" (367mm) of precipitation.

Ocean temperature

In Santa Cruz, in May, the average water temperature is 54.1°F (12.3°C).
Note: With an efficient thermal swimsuit, one can navigate 54.1°F (12.3°C) even if it's colder than 50°F (10°C); otherwise, rapid cold shock and breathlessness might set in. Barely wading at 55.4°F (13°C) feels chilly.

Daylight

The average length of the day in May is 14h and 10min.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 6:12 am and sunset at 7:57 pm. On the last day of May, in Santa Cruz, California, sunrise is at 5:50 am and sunset at 8:21 pm PDT.

Sunshine

In May, the average sunshine in Santa Cruz is 10.3h.

UV index

In May, the average daily maximum UV index in Santa Cruz is 4. A UV Index estimate of 3 to 5 represents a medium vulnerability from unprotected exposure to Sun's UV rays for the average person.
Note: A daily maximum UV index of 4 in May translates into the following instructions:
Stay alert. Light-skinned people could suffer burns in less than 30 minutes. UV radiation is strongest from the Sun during midday; protect yourself by staying in shaded areas. Sunglasses that guard against UVA and UVB rays are pivotal in minimizing sun-induced ocular damage.

Frequently asked questions

What are May temperatures in Santa Cruz?

In May, in Santa Cruz, the average high-temperature is 64.9°F (18.3°C), and the average low-temperature is 49.1°F (9.5°C).

What is the average humidity in May in Santa Cruz?

In Santa Cruz, California, the average relative humidity in May is 74%.

How many days does it rain in May in Santa Cruz?

In Santa Cruz, during May, the rain falls for 6.5 days and regularly aggregates up to 0.67" (17mm) of precipitation.

How cold is the water in May in Santa Cruz?

In May, the average ocean temperature is 54.1°F (12.3°C). At temperatures below 50°F (10°C), swimming in a suitably protected swimsuit is feasible; otherwise, cold shock and loss of breathing control are imminent. Even a short swim, without thermal protection, at temperatures around 55.4°F (13°C) is not comfortable.

What is the average length of the day in May in Santa Cruz?

In May, the average day length in Santa Cruz, California, is 14h and 10min.

What time are sunrise and sunset in May in Santa Cruz?

On the first day of May in Santa Cruz, California, sunrise is at 6:12 am and sunset at 7:57 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 5:50 am and sunset at 8:21 pm PDT.

How long on average sun shines in May in Santa Cruz?

The average sunshine duration in May is 10.3h.

What is the UV index reading in May in Santa Cruz?

The average daily maximum UV index in May in Santa Cruz, California, is 4. A UV Index estimate of 3 to 5 represents a medium health risk from unprotected exposure to UV radiation.
Average humidity
Average rainfall days
Average daylight
Average sunshine
Average sunshine days
Average UV index
Average cloud cover
Average visibility

Average temperature in May
Santa Cruz, CA

Average temperature in May - Santa Cruz, CA
  • Average high temperature in May: 64.9°F

The warmest months (with the highest average high temperature) are August and September (73°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (57.2°F).

  • Average low temperature in May: 49.1°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is September (55.2°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is February (45.5°F).

Average pressure in May
Santa Cruz, CA

Average pressure in May - Santa Cruz, CA
  • Average pressure in May: 29.99"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.13"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is September (29.92"Hg).

Average wind speed in May
Santa Cruz, CA

Average wind speed in May - Santa Cruz, CA
  • Average wind speed in May: 7.2mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (7.4mph).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are July and August (5.5mph).

Average humidity in May
Santa Cruz, CA

Average humidity in May - Santa Cruz, CA
  • Average humidity in May: 74%

The month with the highest relative humidity is March (75%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is October (68%).

Average rainfall in May
Santa Cruz, CA

Average rainfall in May - Santa Cruz, CA
  • Average rainfall in May: 0.67"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is December (2.8").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are July and August (0.04").

Average rainfall days in May
Santa Cruz, CA

Average rainfall days in May - Santa Cruz, CA
  • Average rainfall days in May: 6.5 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is March (13.4 days).
The month with the least rainy days is August (1.2 days).

Average sea temperature in May
Santa Cruz, CA

Average sea temperature in May - Santa Cruz, CA
  • Average sea temperature in May: 54.1°F

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is September (58.2°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is April (53.9°F).

Average daylight in May /
Average sunshine in May
Santa Cruz, CA

Average daylight in May / Average sunshine in May - Santa Cruz, CA
  • Average daylight in May: 14h and 1min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 42min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 42min).

  • Average sunshine in May: 10h and 2min

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 11h and 42min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 5h and 48min).

Average sunshine days in May
Santa Cruz, CA

Average sunshine days in May - Santa Cruz, CA
  • Average sunshine days in May: 22.1 days

The month with the most sunshine days is August (27.8 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is March (16.4 days).

Average UV index in May
Santa Cruz, CA

Average UV index in May - Santa Cruz, CA
  • Average UV index in May: 4

The months with the highest UV index are June, July, August and September (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are February and November (UV index 3).

Average cloud cover in May
Santa Cruz, CA

Average cloud cover in May - Santa Cruz, CA
  • Average cloud cover in May: 30

The month with the most cloud cover is March (Cloud cover 38).
The months with the least cloud cover are July and September (Cloud cover 15).

Average visibility in May
Santa Cruz, CA

Average visibility in May - Santa Cruz, CA
  • Average visibility in May: 6mi

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).

Santa Cruz, California, USA

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