May weather forecast
Detroit, MI

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The downtown city of Detroit, Michigan viewed from a bird
The downtown city of Detroit, Michigan viewed from a bird's eye angle

Weather in May

May brings a real promise of spring to Detroit with higher temperatures around 65.3°F (18.5°C). Transitioning from April, the days become longer and warmer. The city is beautifully awash with blooming plants and vibrant greenery. Light clothing becomes standard as residents prepare for eventual summer heat. Enjoying sunny days outside becomes even more desirable, with the Detroit Riverwalk attracting both locals and tourists.

Temperature

May's arrival coincides with a temperature rise, moving from April's cool 53.1°F (11.7°C) to an enjoyable 65.3°F (18.5°C). Throughout the nights in May, an average low-temperature of 50.2°F (10.1°C) is noted.

Humidity

The average relative humidity in May is 75%.

Rainfall

The month with the most rainfall is May, when the rain falls for 16.8 days and typically aggregates up to 2.87" (73mm) of precipitation.

Snowfall

Months with snowfall are January through May, October through December. May is the last month it regularly snows in Detroit. During 0.3 snowfall days, in May, Detroit aggregates 0.43" (11mm) of snow. Throughout the year, there are 54.3 snowfall days, and 14.84" (377mm) of snow is accumulated.

Ocean temperature

In May, the average ocean temperature is 48.9°F (9.4°C).
Note: It is advised against swimming in 48.9°F (9.4°C) when it drops below 50°F (10°C). Such temperatures can cause extreme cold shock, leading to hyperventilation.

Daylight

In May, the average length of the day is 14h and 37min.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 6:26 am and sunset at 8:32 pm. On the last day of May, sunrise is at 5:58 am and sunset at 9:01 pm EDT.

Sunshine

The average sunshine in May is 8.9h.

UV index

In Detroit, the average daily maximum UV index in May is 5. A UV Index value of 3 to 5 symbolizes a moderate threat to health from unsafe exposure to UV radiation for average individuals.
Note: A maximum daily UV index of 5 during May morphs into the following directions:
Exercise prudence. Persons with fair skin could be burned in under 30 minutes. Avoiding the Sun's peak radiation during midday hours is essential for health and safety. Employ a wide-brim hat for potent defense against up to 50% of UV rays. Be attentive! The reflective property of snow can nearly double the Sun's UV radiation.
Updated: Jun 17, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the average May temperature?

The high-temperature during May is 65.3°F (18.5°C) and the low-temperature is 50.2°F (10.1°C).

What is the average humidity in May?

In May, the average relative humidity is 75%.

What is the wettest month?

The month with the most rainfall is May, when the rain falls for 16.8 days and typically aggregates up to 2.87" (73mm) of precipitation.

How much does it rain in May?

In Detroit, during May, the rain falls for 16.8 days and regularly aggregates up to 2.87" (73mm) of precipitation.

What is the last month it snows?

May is the last month it regularly snows. During 0.3 snowfall days, in May, Detroit aggregates 0.43" (11mm) of snow.

How cold is the water in May?

In May, the average ocean temperature is 48.9°F (9.4°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 May, the average day length is 14h and 37min.

When are sunrise and sunset in May?

On the first day of May, sunrise is at 6:26 am and sunset at 8:32 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 5:58 am and sunset at 9:01 pm EDT.

How long on average sun shines in May?

The average sunshine duration in May is 8.9h.

How high is the UV index in May?

In May, the average daily maximum UV index in Detroit is 5. A UV Index of 3 to 5 symbolizes a medium hazard to health from unprotected exposure to UV radiation.
Average humidity
Average rainfall days
Average snowfall days
Average daylight
Average sunshine
Average sunshine days
Average UV index
Average cloud cover
Average visibility

Average temperature in May
Detroit, MI

Average temperature in May - Detroit, MI
  • Average high temperature in May: 65.3°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (79.9°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (29.3°F).

  • Average low temperature in May: 50.2°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (65.8°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (19.6°F).

Average pressure in May
Detroit, MI

Average pressure in May - Detroit, MI
  • Average pressure in May: 29.98"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.1"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.93"Hg).

Average wind speed in May
Detroit, MI

Average wind speed in May - Detroit, MI
  • Average wind speed in May: 8.2mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (10.5mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (6.8mph).

Average humidity in May
Detroit, MI

Average humidity in May - Detroit, MI
  • Average humidity in May: 75%

The month with the highest relative humidity is February (85%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are July and August (73%).

Average rainfall in May
Detroit, MI

Average rainfall in May - Detroit, MI
  • Average rainfall in May: 2.87"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (2.87").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is February (1.22").

Average rainfall days in May
Detroit, MI

Average rainfall days in May - Detroit, MI
  • Average rainfall days in May: 16.8 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (16.8 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (7.1 days).

Average snowfall in May
Detroit, MI

Average snowfall in May - Detroit, MI
  • Average snowfall in May: 0.43"

The month with the highest snowfall is January (4.29").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days in May
Detroit, MI

Average snowfall days in May - Detroit, MI
  • Average snowfall days in May: 0.3 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (14.5 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average sea temperature in May
Detroit, MI

Average sea temperature in May - Detroit, MI
  • Average sea temperature in May: 48.9°F

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (75.4°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (32.7°F).

Average daylight in May /
Average sunshine in May
Detroit, MI

Average daylight in May / Average sunshine in May - Detroit, MI
  • Average daylight in May: 14h and 4min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 12min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 6min).

  • Average sunshine in May: 8h and 5min

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 36min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 3h and 12min).

Average sunshine days in May
Detroit, MI

Average sunshine days in May - Detroit, MI
  • Average sunshine days in May: 12.3 days

The month with the most sunshine days is November (15.2 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is February (10.7 days).

Average UV index in May
Detroit, MI

Average UV index in May - Detroit, MI
  • Average UV index in May: 5

The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 6).
The month with the lowest UV index is December (UV index 1).

Average cloud cover in May
Detroit, MI

Average cloud cover in May - Detroit, MI
  • Average cloud cover in May: 40

The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 67).
The month with the least cloud cover is July (Cloud cover 27).

Average visibility in May
Detroit, MI

Average visibility in May - Detroit, MI
  • Average visibility in May: 6mi

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

Detroit, Michigan, USA

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