May weather forecast
Washington, DC

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Rows of jacaranda trees in spring in the tidal basin of the Washington Monument in Washington city, DC, USA
Rows of jacaranda trees in spring in the tidal basin of the Washington Monument in Washington city, DC, USA

Weather in May

Exhibiting an average UV Index of 6, May marks the onset of summer in Washington, D.C. Daylight hours lengthen significantly, inviting sun-soaked outdoor activities and city tours. Cherishing the increasing warmth, one might enjoy visiting monuments, parks, and other attractions around the city. Hiking trails and outdoor events become popular getaways during this month. Despite high temperatures, occasional showers keep the city's heat mitigated.

Temperature

May in Washington witnesses an increase in the average high-temperature, moving from an enjoyable 65.1°F (18.4°C) in April to a warm 74.5°F (23.6°C). An average nighttime temperature of 57°F (13.9°C) is recorded in Washington, District of Columbia, during May.

Humidity

With an average relative humidity of 76%, May is the most humid month.

Rainfall

In Washington, District of Columbia, in May, it is raining for 16.3 days, with typically 2.64" (67mm) of accumulated precipitation. In Washington, during the entire year, the rain falls for 149.1 days and collects up to 26.14" (664mm) of precipitation.

Snowfall

April through November are months without snowfall in Washington.

Daylight

In Washington, District of Columbia, the average length of the day in May is 14h and 19min.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 6:09 am and sunset at 8:01 pm. On the last day of May, in Washington, sunrise is at 5:44 am and sunset at 8:27 pm EDT.

Sunshine

In May, the average sunshine is 8.9h.

UV index

In Washington, the average daily maximum UV index in May is 6. A UV Index estimate of 6 to 7 represents a high threat to health from exposure to the Sun's UV rays for the average person.
Note: The maximum daily UV index of 6 during May translates into the following directions:
Fend off overexposure. Sun protection is vital. Stay in the shade and limit direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV radiation is at its strongest. Remember, however, that not all shade structures provide full sun protection. For holistic sun protection encompassing the eyes, ears, face, and neck, a wide-brim hat is key.
Updated: Feb 10, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the temperature in May in Washington?

In May, in Washington, the average high-temperature is 74.5°F (23.6°C), and the average low-temperature is 57°F (13.9°C).

What is the most humid month in Washington?

May is the most humid month in Washington, with an average relative humidity of 76%.

What is the average humidity in May in Washington?

In Washington, the average relative humidity in May is 76%.

How many days does it rain in May in Washington?

In Washington, District of Columbia, during May, the rain falls for 16.3 days and regularly aggregates up to 2.64" (67mm) of precipitation.

When it does not snow in Washington?

April through November are months without snowfall in Washington.

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

The average day length in May in Washington, District of Columbia, is 14h and 19min.

When is the sunrise / sunset in May in Washington?

On the first day of May, sunrise is at 6:09 am and sunset at 8:01 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 5:44 am and sunset at 8:27 pm EDT.

How many hours of sunshine does Washington have in May?

The average sunshine duration in May in Washington, District of Columbia, is 8.9h.

What is the UV index reading in May in Washington?

In May, the average daily maximum UV index in Washington, District of Columbia, is 6. A UV Index value of 6 to 7 symbolizes a high health vulnerability from unprotected exposure to UV radiation.
Average humidity
Average rainfall days
Average snowfall
Average snowfall days
Average daylight
Average sunshine
Average sunshine days
Average UV index
Average cloud cover
Average visibility

Average temperature in May
Washington, DC

Average temperature in May - Washington, DC
  • Average high temperature in May: 74.5°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (88°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (40.6°F).

  • Average low temperature in May: 57°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (69.1°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (27.5°F).

Average pressure in May
Washington, DC

Average pressure in May - Washington, DC
  • Average pressure in May: 30.01"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.14"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.95"Hg).

Average wind speed in May
Washington, DC

Average wind speed in May - Washington, DC
  • Average wind speed in May: 6.5mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is March (7.9mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (5mph).

Average humidity in May
Washington, DC

Average humidity in May - Washington, DC
  • Average humidity in May: 76%

The month with the highest relative humidity is May (76%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are April and July (71%).

Average rainfall in May
Washington, DC

Average rainfall in May - Washington, DC
  • Average rainfall in May: 2.64"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (3.46").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (1.57").

Average rainfall days in May
Washington, DC

Average rainfall days in May - Washington, DC
  • Average rainfall days in May: 16.3 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (16.4 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (8.1 days).

Average snowfall in May
Washington, DC

Average snowfall in May - Washington, DC
  • Average snowfall in May: 0"

The month with the highest snowfall is January (2.17").
The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0").

Average snowfall days in May
Washington, DC

Average snowfall days in May - Washington, DC
  • Average snowfall days in May: 0 days

The months with the highest number of snowfall days are January and February (3.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are April, May, June, July, August, September and October (0 days).

Average daylight in May /
Average sunshine in May
Washington, DC

Average daylight in May / Average sunshine in May - Washington, DC
  • 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 30min).

  • Average sunshine in May: 8h and 5min

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 42min).
The months with the least sunshine are January, February and December (Average sunshine: 5h and 6min).

Average sunshine days in May
Washington, DC

Average sunshine days in May - Washington, DC
  • Average sunshine days in May: 12.8 days

The month with the most sunshine days is November (20 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is May (12.8 days).

Average UV index in May
Washington, DC

Average UV index in May - Washington, DC
  • Average UV index in May: 6

The month with the highest UV index is June (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 2).

Average cloud cover in May
Washington, DC

Average cloud cover in May - Washington, DC
  • Average cloud cover in May: 43

The month with the most cloud cover is March (Cloud cover 46).
The month with the least cloud cover is July (Cloud cover 30).

Average visibility in May
Washington, DC

Average visibility in May - Washington, DC
  • Average visibility in May: 5mi

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The month with the lowest visibility is May (5mi).

Washington, District of Columbia, USA

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