May weather forecast
Raleigh, NC

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The George Washington statue overlooking the city buildings of Raleigh, North Carolina
The George Washington statue overlooking the city buildings of Raleigh, North Carolina

Weather in May

May brings along a surge in the heat, painting a vibrant picture of late spring and early summer in Raleigh. The maximum temperature soars to 78.4°F (25.8°C), offering a sun-kissed experience to the locals and visitors alike. Interspersed between the sunshine are days of rainfall, peaking for the year at 3.19" (81mm). Taking advantage of the extended daylight hours becomes easier with stable visibility. Sunblocks and hats become a necessity to protect one's skin from increased UV index.

Temperature

As May sets, the average high-temperature shows a slight increase, moving up from a pleasant 70.5°F (21.4°C) in April to a moderately hot 78.4°F (25.8°C). Throughout May, the temperature in Raleigh tends to fall to a consistent average low of 60.8°F (16°C).

Humidity

The months with the highest humidity are May, September and December, with an average relative humidity of 76%.

Rainfall

In Raleigh, in May, during 17.1 rainfall days, 3.19" (81mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated. Throughout the year, there are 163.2 rainfall days, and 32.2" (818mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

Snowfall

April through October are months without snowfall.

Daylight

In May, the average length of the day is 14h and 4min.
On the first day of May, sunrise is at 6:21 am and sunset at 8:01 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 5:59 am and sunset at 8:24 pm EDT.

Sunshine

In May, the average sunshine in Raleigh is 9.5h.

UV index

The average daily maximum UV index in May in Raleigh is 6. A UV Index of 6 to 7 symbolizes a high health hazard from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation for ordinary individuals.
Note: In May, the maximum UV index of 6 suggests these recommendations:
Adopt measures and apply sun safety strategies. Shielding from skin and eye damage is necessary. The Sun's UV radiation is most intense from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Try to avoid direct sun exposure during these hours. Sunglasses that guard against UVA and UVB rays are pivotal in minimizing sun-induced ocular damage.
Updated: Feb 13, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What are May temperatures in Raleigh?

An average high-temperature, in May, in Raleigh, is 78.4°F (25.8°C) and the average low-temperature is 60.8°F (16°C).

What is the most humid month in Raleigh?

The months with the highest humidity are May, September and December, with an average relative humidity of 76%.

What is the average humidity in May in Raleigh?

The average relative humidity in May is 76%.

How much does it rain in Raleigh in May?

In Raleigh, in May, it is raining for 17.1 days, with typically 3.19" (81mm) of accumulated precipitation.

When it does not snow in Raleigh?

April through October are months without snowfall.

How many hours of daylight does Raleigh have in May?

In May, the average day length in Raleigh, North Carolina, is 14h and 4min.

When is the sunrise / sunset in May in Raleigh?

On the first day of May in Raleigh, sunrise is at 6:21 am and sunset at 8:01 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 5:59 am and sunset at 8:24 pm EDT.

How many hours of sunshine does Raleigh have in May?

In May, the average sunshine duration in Raleigh is 9.5h.

What is the UV index reading in May in Raleigh?

The average daily maximum UV index in May is 6. A UV Index value of 6 to 7 symbolizes a high health threat from exposure to the Sun's 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
Raleigh, NC

Average temperature in May - Raleigh, NC
  • Average high temperature in May: 78.4°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (89.4°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (48°F).

  • Average low temperature in May: 60.8°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (71.1°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (32.9°F).

Average pressure in May
Raleigh, NC

Average pressure in May - Raleigh, 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
Raleigh, NC

Average wind speed in May - Raleigh, NC
  • Average wind speed in May: 7mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (8.3mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (5.3mph).

Average humidity in May
Raleigh, NC

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

The months with the highest relative humidity are May, September and December (76%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are January, March, April, June, July and November (73%).

Average rainfall in May
Raleigh, NC

Average rainfall in May - Raleigh, NC
  • Average rainfall in May: 3.19"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (3.43").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is October (2.13").

Average rainfall days in May
Raleigh, NC

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

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (18.1 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (9.1 days).

Average snowfall in May
Raleigh, NC

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

The month with the highest snowfall is January (1.46").
The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September and October (0").

Average snowfall days in May
Raleigh, NC

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

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (2.1 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
Raleigh, NC

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

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 30min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 48min).

  • Average sunshine in May: 9h and 3min

The months with the most sunshine are June and July (Average sunshine: 10h and 48min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 5h and 30min).

Average sunshine days in May
Raleigh, NC

Average sunshine days in May - Raleigh, NC
  • Average sunshine days in May: 12 days

The month with the most sunshine days is November (19.6 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (10.5 days).

Average UV index in May
Raleigh, NC

Average UV index in May - Raleigh, NC
  • Average UV index in May: 6

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

Average cloud cover in May
Raleigh, NC

Average cloud cover in May - Raleigh, NC
  • Average cloud cover in May: 38

The month with the most cloud cover is February (Cloud cover 42).
The month with the least cloud cover is June (Cloud cover 30).

Average visibility in May
Raleigh, NC

Average visibility in May - Raleigh, 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).

Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

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