May weather forecast
Yosemite National Park, CA

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Part of Merced River in the valley below the Yosemite National Park Mountains, California
Part of Merced River in the valley below the Yosemite National Park Mountains, California

Weather in May

With May comes a noticeable transition from spring to summer in Yosemite National Park. A stark contrast from the winter season, May sees a near absence of snowfall with only 0.2" (5mm) recorded on average. Weather conditions significantly improve, leading to an increase in the park's footfall. Most of the snow melts away, revealing the large expansive greens and the cascading waterfalls to their fullest. Between sunrise and sunset, a 14.2 hours of daylight combined with 11 hours of sunshine pave way for various outdoor recreational activities.

Temperature

The start of May brings a subtle rise in the average high-temperature, moving from a refreshing 65.8°F (18.8°C) in April to an agreeable 72.9°F (22.7°C). In Yosemite National Park, the average temperature during the nights of May marks a significant drop from the daily high, settling at an icy 41.5°F (5.3°C).

Rainfall

In Yosemite National Park, in May, during 5 rainfall days, 1.46" (37mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated. Throughout the year, there are 65 rainfall days, and 36.26" (921mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

Snowfall

January through May, October through December are months with snowfall in Yosemite National Park. May is the last month it regularly snows. Throughout May, Yosemite National Park aggregates 0.2" (5mm) of snow. In Yosemite National Park, during the entire year, snow aggregates up to 65.31" (1659mm).

Daylight

In Yosemite National Park, the average length of the day in May is 14h and 14min.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 6:01 am and sunset at 7:49 pm. On the last day of May, sunrise is at 5:37 am and sunset at 8:14 pm PDT.

Sunshine

In Yosemite National Park, the average sunshine in May is 11h.

UV index

The average daily maximum UV index in May is 9. A UV Index of 8 to 10 symbolizes a very high health risk from exposure to the Sun's UV rays for the average person.
Note: During May, 9 as the daily maximum UV index converts into the following advice:
Protection is paramount; otherwise, swift harm can come to the skin and eyes. Stay in the shade and limit direct Sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a time when UV radiation is particularly strong. Remember, however, that shade structures may not provide complete protection. Loose clothes with a tight weave are optimal for safeguarding yourself against the Sun's rays. Mind you! Snow reflection can increase the intensity of the Sun's UV radiation nearly twofold.
Updated: Jul 31, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the usual temperature for Yosemite National Park in May?

May temperatures vary between a high-temperature of 72.9°F (22.7°C) and a low-temperature of 41.5°F (5.3°C).

How many days does it rain in May in Yosemite National Park?

In May, the rain falls for 5 days. Throughout May, 1.46" (37mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

What is the last month it snows in Yosemite National Park?

May is the last month it regularly snows. Throughout May, Yosemite National Park aggregates 0.2" (5mm) of snow.

How many hours of daylight does Yosemite National Park have in May?

In Yosemite National Park, the average day length in May is 14h and 14min.

When are sunrise and sunset in May in Yosemite National Park?

In May, on the first day of the month, sunrise is at 6:01 am and sunset at 7:49 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 5:37 am and sunset at 8:14 pm PDT.

How many hours of sunshine does Yosemite National Park have in May?

The average sunshine duration in May is 11h.

What is the UV index reading in May?

The average daily maximum UV index in May is 9. A UV Index of 8 to 10 symbolizes a very high hazard to health from unsafe exposure to Sun's UV rays.
Average rainfall days
Average snowfall
Average daylight
Average sunshine
Average UV index

Average temperature in May
Yosemite National Park, CA

Average temperature in May - Yosemite National Park, CA
  • Average high temperature in May: 72.8°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (89.9°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (47.2°F).

  • Average low temperature in May: 41.6°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (53.2°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (25.6°F).

Average rainfall in May
Yosemite National Park, CA

Average rainfall in May - Yosemite National Park, CA
  • Average rainfall in May: 1.5"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is January (6.5").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is August (0.2").

Average rainfall days in May
Yosemite National Park, CA

Average rainfall days in May - Yosemite National Park, CA
  • Average rainfall days in May: 5 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is March (10 days).
The months with the least rainy days are July and August (1 days).

Average snowfall in May
Yosemite National Park, CA

Average snowfall in May - Yosemite National Park, CA
  • Average snowfall in May: 0.2"

The month with the highest snowfall is January (16.2").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average daylight in May /
Average sunshine in May
Yosemite National Park, CA

Average daylight in May / Average sunshine in May - Yosemite National Park, 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 36min).

  • Average sunshine in May: 11h

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 12h).
The months with the least sunshine are January and December (Average sunshine: 6h).

Average UV index in May
Yosemite National Park, CA

Average UV index in May - Yosemite National Park, CA
  • Average UV index in May: 9

The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 11).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 2).

Yosemite National Park, California, USA

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