May weather forecast
Wilmington, DE

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Bright neon lights light up the Central Business District of Wilmington, Delaware, with a scenic reflection in the Christian River
Bright neon lights light up the Central Business District of Wilmington, Delaware, with a scenic reflection in the Christian River

Weather in May

The climactic layout for May in Wilmington constitutes a mixture of relatively high temperatures, substantial daylight and increased rainfall. With 71.6°F (22°C) as the high temperature, it is the doorway through which the heat of summer steps in. As the city says goodbye to the fickleness of spring, the foundation for the upcoming warm, sunny days of June comes into being. The regularity of rain continues while the sea temperature starts showing signs of warmth.

Temperature

As April gives way to May, the average high-temperature displays an increase, moving from a refreshing 61.3°F (16.3°C) to an agreeable 71.6°F (22°C). Wilmington in May anticipates an average nighttime temperature of 54.5°F (12.5°C).

Humidity

In Wilmington, the average relative humidity in May is 77%.

Rainfall

In Wilmington, during May, the rain falls for 18.7 days and regularly aggregates up to 3.19" (81mm) of precipitation. Throughout the year, in Wilmington, there are 168.9 rainfall days, and 35.55" (903mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

Snowfall

January through May, October through December are months with snowfall in Wilmington, Delaware. May is the last month it regularly snows. During 0.1 snowfall days, in May, Wilmington aggregates 0.12" (3mm) of snow. In Wilmington, during the entire year, snow falls for 21.9 days and aggregates up to 12.05" (306mm) of snow.

Ocean temperature

In Wilmington, in May, the average water temperature is 50°F (10°C).
Note: Entering waters of 50°F (10°C) is life-endangering. A mere moment in 55.4°F (13°C) waters feels piercing cold, and below 50°F (10°C) it can lead to immediate cold shock and cessation of breathing control, depending on body resilience.

Daylight

In May, the average length of the day in Wilmington, Delaware, is 14h and 23min.
On the first day of May in Wilmington, sunrise is at 6:01 am and sunset at 7:56 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 5:36 am and sunset at 8:23 pm EDT.

Sunshine

In Wilmington, Delaware, the average sunshine in May is 8.6h.

UV index

May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index in Wilmington. A UV Index estimate of 6 to 7 represents a high health hazard from exposure to the Sun's UV rays for the ordinary person.
Note: In May, an average UV index of 6 transforms into the following instructions:
Avert overexposure. Light-skinned people might experience burning in less than 20 minutes. Be aware that the sun's UV radiation is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and try to reduce direct sun exposure during this period as much as possible. Clothes that are both tight-knit and comfortably loose are prime choices for sun protection. Warning! The reflection from snow can nearly magnify the Sun's UV radiation twofold.
Updated: Feb 10, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What are the temperatures in Wilmington in May?

During May, Wilmington experiences an average high-temperature of 71.6°F (22°C) and a low-temperature of 54.5°F (12.5°C).

What is the average humidity in May in Wilmington?

The average relative humidity in May is 77%.

How much does it rain in Wilmington in May?

In Wilmington, Delaware, in May, it is raining for 18.7 days, with typically 3.19" (81mm) of accumulated precipitation.

What is the last month it snows in Wilmington?

May is the last month it regularly snows in Wilmington, Delaware. During 0.1 snowfall days, in May, Wilmington aggregates 0.12" (3mm) of snow.

What is the water temperature in May in Wilmington?

In May, the average ocean temperature in Wilmington, Delaware, is 50°F (10°C). Swimming in 50°F (10°C) is considered life-threatening. Even a few minutes in 55.4°F (13°C) water is uncomfortable, and swimming below 50°F (10°C) may cause total loss of breathing control and cold shock, depending on a person's physique.

What is the average length of the day in May in Wilmington?

The average day length in May in Wilmington, Delaware, is 14h and 23min.

When are sunrise and sunset in May in Wilmington?

On the first day of May in Wilmington, Delaware, sunrise is at 6:01 am and sunset at 7:56 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 5:36 am and sunset at 8:23 pm EDT.

How long on average sun shines in May in Wilmington?

In Wilmington, the average sunshine duration in May is 8.6h.

What is the month with the highest UV index in Wilmington?

The months with the highest UV index are May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6.

How high is the UV index in May in Wilmington?

The average daily maximum UV index in May in Wilmington is 6. A UV Index value of 6 to 7 symbolizes a high hazard to health from unprotected exposure to UV radiation.
Average humidity
Average rainfall days
Average snowfall
Average snowfall days
Average sea temperature
Average daylight
Average sunshine
Average sunshine days
Average UV index
Average cloud cover
Average visibility

Average temperature in May
Wilmington, DE

Average temperature in May - Wilmington, DE
  • Average high temperature in May: 71.6°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (84.9°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (37°F).

  • Average low temperature in May: 54.5°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (68.4°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (25.3°F).

Average pressure in May
Wilmington, DE

Average pressure in May - Wilmington, DE
  • Average pressure in May: 30.01"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.12"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.94"Hg).

Average wind speed in May
Wilmington, DE

Average wind speed in May - Wilmington, DE
  • Average wind speed in May: 6.8mph

The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are January, February and March (8.6mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (5.4mph).

Average humidity in May
Wilmington, DE

Average humidity in May - Wilmington, DE
  • Average humidity in May: 77%

The month with the highest relative humidity is October (78%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is April (72%).

Average rainfall in May
Wilmington, DE

Average rainfall in May - Wilmington, DE
  • Average rainfall in May: 3.19"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (4.09").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (2.36").

Average rainfall days in May
Wilmington, DE

Average rainfall days in May - Wilmington, DE
  • Average rainfall days in May: 18.7 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (18.7 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (8.8 days).

Average snowfall in May
Wilmington, DE

Average snowfall in May - Wilmington, DE
  • Average snowfall in May: 0.12"

The month with the highest snowfall is March (3.58").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days in May
Wilmington, DE

Average snowfall days in May - Wilmington, DE
  • Average snowfall days in May: 0.1 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (6.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average sea temperature in May
Wilmington, DE

Average sea temperature in May - Wilmington, DE
  • Average sea temperature in May: 50°F

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (73°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (34°F).

Average daylight in May /
Average sunshine in May
Wilmington, DE

Average daylight in May / Average sunshine in May - Wilmington, DE
  • Average daylight in May: 14h and 2min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 54min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 24min).

  • Average sunshine in May: 8h and 4min

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 36min).
The month with the least sunshine is February (Average sunshine: 4h and 54min).

Average sunshine days in May
Wilmington, DE

Average sunshine days in May - Wilmington, DE
  • Average sunshine days in May: 9.8 days

The month with the most sunshine days is November (18.6 days).
The months with the least sunshine days are May and July (9.8 days).

Average UV index in May
Wilmington, DE

Average UV index in May - Wilmington, DE
  • Average UV index in May: 6

The months with the highest UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 2).

Average cloud cover in May
Wilmington, DE

Average cloud cover in May - Wilmington, DE
  • Average cloud cover in May: 46

The months with the most cloud cover are February and March (Cloud cover 47).
The month with the least cloud cover is July (Cloud cover 31).

Average visibility in May
Wilmington, DE

Average visibility in May - Wilmington, DE
  • 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).

Wilmington, Delaware, USA

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