May weather forecast
Durham, NC

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The amazing skyscape of Durham City in North Carolina
The amazing skyscape of Durham City in North Carolina

Weather in May

The pleasant climate continues into May with increased temperature ranges. Contrary to April, rainfall significantly rises to 3.11" (79mm), making it the month with the most rainfall until now in the year. Despite the elevated humidity, longer periods of daylight coupled with the highest number of sunshine hours yet noticed this year creates an inviting environment for outdoor activities. Monthly wind speeds drop, fostering a more stagnant air, however, the warmer and wetter conditions prevalent in this month offer a contrasting meteorological disposition compared to the preceding weeks.

Temperature

The start of May signals a slight increase in the average high-temperature, moving from a pleasant 70.5°F (21.4°C) in April to a warm 78.6°F (25.9°C). May sees the temperature falling to a mean low of 59.4°F (15.2°C).

Humidity

The average relative humidity in May is 76%.

Rainfall

In May, the rain falls for 17.1 days. Throughout May, 3.11" (79mm) of precipitation is accumulated. Throughout the year, there are 150.7 rainfall days, and 29.41" (747mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

Snowfall

In Durham, snow does not fall in April through November.

Daylight

In Durham, the average length of the day in May is 14h and 5min.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 6:22 am and sunset at 8:03 pm. On the last day of May, sunrise is at 6:00 am and sunset at 8:26 pm EDT.

Sunshine

The average sunshine in May is 9.3h.

UV index

The months with the highest UV index are May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6. A UV Index of 6 to 7 symbolizes a high health vulnerability from unsafe exposure to UV radiation for average individuals.
Note: The daily maximum UV index of 6 in May interprets into the following advice:
Inhibit overexposure. Warding off sun damage is of utmost importance. Remember that the sun's UV radiation is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Make an effort to avoid direct sun exposure during these hours. Enhance your sun protection with tightly woven, yet airy clothing.
Updated: Aug 29, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the average May temperature?

In May, in Durham, the average high-temperature is 78.6°F (25.9°C), and the average low-temperature is 59.4°F (15.2°C).

What is the average humidity in May?

In May, the average relative humidity is 76%.

How much does it rain in May?

In Durham, in May, it is raining for 17.1 days, with typically 3.11" (79mm) of accumulated precipitation.

When it does not snow?

April through November are months without snowfall.

How many hours of daylight does Durham have in May?

In Durham, the average day length in May is 14h and 5min.

When is the sunrise / sunset in May?

On the first day of May, sunrise is at 6:22 am and sunset at 8:03 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 6:00 am and sunset at 8:26 pm EDT.

How long on average sun shines in May?

In Durham, the average sunshine duration in May is 9.3h.

What is the month with the highest UV index?

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

What is the UV index reading in May?

In May, the average daily maximum UV index is 6. A UV Index estimate of 6 to 7 represents a high health risk from unsafe exposure to Sun's UV rays.
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
Durham, NC

Average temperature in May - Durham, NC
  • Average high temperature in May: 78.6°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (90.3°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (47.7°F).

  • Average low temperature in May: 59.4°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (70.2°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (32.2°F).

Average pressure in May
Durham, NC

Average pressure in May - Durham, NC
  • Average pressure in May: 30.02"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.15"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.96"Hg).

Average wind speed in May
Durham, NC

Average wind speed in May - Durham, NC
  • Average wind speed in May: 6.2mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (7.4mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (4.8mph).

Average humidity in May
Durham, NC

Average humidity in May - Durham, NC
  • Average humidity in May: 76%

The month with the highest relative humidity is December (77%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is July (71%).

Average rainfall in May
Durham, NC

Average rainfall in May - Durham, NC
  • Average rainfall in May: 3.11"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (3.19").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is October (1.89").

Average rainfall days in May
Durham, NC

Average rainfall days in May - Durham, NC
  • Average rainfall days in May: 17.1 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (17.1 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (7.7 days).

Average snowfall in May
Durham, NC

Average snowfall in May - Durham, NC
  • Average snowfall in May: 0"

The month with the highest snowfall is January (1.93").
The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0").

Average snowfall days in May
Durham, NC

Average snowfall days in May - Durham, NC
  • Average snowfall days in May: 0 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (2.3 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
Durham, NC

Average daylight in May / Average sunshine in May - Durham, NC
  • Average daylight in May: 14h and 1min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 36min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 48min).

  • Average sunshine in May: 9h and 2min

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 36min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 5h and 24min).

Average sunshine days in May
Durham, NC

Average sunshine days in May - Durham, NC
  • Average sunshine days in May: 12.3 days

The month with the most sunshine days is November (20.8 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (11.9 days).

Average UV index in May
Durham, NC

Average UV index in May - Durham, NC
  • 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 and December (UV index 2).

Average cloud cover in May
Durham, NC

Average cloud cover in May - Durham, NC
  • Average cloud cover in May: 40

The month with the most cloud cover is February (Cloud cover 44).
The month with the least cloud cover is June (Cloud cover 32).

Average visibility in May
Durham, NC

Average visibility in May - Durham, NC
  • 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).

Durham, North Carolina, USA

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