May weather forecast
Columbia, SC

Share
The Us State House of South Carolina, in Columbia, with the Wade Hampton Statue
The Us State House of South Carolina, in Columbia, with the Wade Hampton Statue

Weather in May

May marks the official transition to warm weather in Columbia, South Carolina. The city experiences an average high temperature of 81.3°F (27.4°C), affirming the arrival of summer. Cloud cover diminishes, offering clear skies for a major part of the day. There is a slight dip in wind speeds indicating calmer weather. By this time of the year, the UV index has escalated to six, advocating for sun protection when outdoors.

Temperature

As Columbia welcomes May, the average high-temperature displays a subtle shift, adjusting from a moderately hot 73.9°F (23.3°C) in April to a still warm 81.3°F (27.4°C). In the month of May, the average low-temperature in Columbia usually rests at an enjoyable 63.1°F (17.3°C).

Heat index

The heat index value for May is computed to be a tropical 86°F (30°C). Exhaustion is likely with prolonged exposure and activity. Sustaining activity may result in heat cramps.
The standards for the heat index are set for locations in shade and under light breezes. Heat index values may rise by up to 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees when exposed to direct sunlight.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'feels like' or 'felt air temperature', reflects the blend of air temperature and relative humidity to give a temperature impression. An individual's perception of weather can be influenced by a variety of factors including metabolic differences, being pregnant, and their degree of physical exertion. Direct sun exposure is noteworthy in its ability to escalate the felt temperature, potentially adding 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees to the heat index. Heat index values are quite important for children. Young ones often disregard the necessity to rest and hydrate. Thirst usually indicates advanced dehydration - hence, it is key to stay hydrated, particularly during ongoing physical activities.

Humidity

In Columbia, the average relative humidity in May is 73%.

Rainfall

In Columbia, in May, it is raining for 13.8 days, with typically 2.32" (59mm) of accumulated precipitation. In Columbia, South Carolina, during the entire year, the rain falls for 141.3 days and collects up to 25.28" (642mm) of precipitation.

Snowfall

March through November are months without snowfall.

Daylight

In Columbia, the average length of the day in May is 13h and 56min.
On the first day of May, sunrise is at 6:34 am and sunset at 8:08 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 6:13 am and sunset at 8:29 pm EDT.

Sunshine

In Columbia, the average sunshine in May is 9.8h.

UV index

In Columbia, the average daily maximum UV index in May is 6. A UV Index value of 6 to 7 symbolizes a high health hazard from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation for ordinary individuals.
Note: A maximum high daily UV index of 6 during May translates into the following directions:
Sustain precautions and conform to sun safety norms. Preventing sunburn is necessary. Avoid direct exposure to the Sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the peak period for UV radiation, noting that objects like parasols or canopies might not offer complete sun protection. Sunglasses providing both UVA and UVB protection are non-negotiable on sunlit days.
Updated: Aug 31, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What are the temperatures in May?

An average high-temperature, in May, in Columbia, is 81.3°F (27.4°C) and the average low-temperature is 63.1°F (17.3°C). In May, the average heat index (a.k.a. 'felt air temperature', 'apparent temperature'), which calculates the temperature value influenced by the moisture in the air, is computed to be 86°F (30°C).

What is the average humidity in May?

The average relative humidity in May is 73%.

How many days does it rain in May?

In Columbia, in May, it is raining for 13.8 days, with typically 2.32" (59mm) of accumulated precipitation.

When it does not snow?

March through November are months without snowfall.

How many hours of daylight does Columbia have in May?

In May, the average day length is 13h and 56min.

When are sunrise and sunset in May?

In May, on the first day of the month, sunrise is at 6:34 am and sunset at 8:08 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 6:13 am and sunset at 8:29 pm EDT.

How long on average sun shines in May?

The average sunshine duration in May in Columbia is 9.8h.

What is the UV index intensity in May?

In May, the average daily maximum UV index is 6. A UV Index value of 6 to 7 symbolizes a high hazard to health 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
Columbia, SC

Average temperature in May - Columbia, SC
  • Average high temperature in May: 81.3°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (91.6°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (52.9°F).

  • Average low temperature in May: 63.1°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (73.8°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (37.9°F).

Average pressure in May
Columbia, SC

Average pressure in May - Columbia, SC
  • Average pressure in May: 30.02"Hg

The months with the highest atmospheric pressure are January, November and December (30.14"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.97"Hg).

Average wind speed in May
Columbia, SC

Average wind speed in May - Columbia, SC
  • Average wind speed in May: 7.1mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (8.5mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (5.5mph).

Average humidity in May
Columbia, SC

Average humidity in May - Columbia, SC
  • Average humidity in May: 73%

The month with the highest relative humidity is December (74%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are January, July and November (69%).

Average rainfall in May
Columbia, SC

Average rainfall in May - Columbia, SC
  • Average rainfall in May: 2.32"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is December (2.91").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is September (1.46").

Average rainfall days in May
Columbia, SC

Average rainfall days in May - Columbia, SC
  • Average rainfall days in May: 13.8 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (16.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is October (7.3 days).

Average snowfall in May
Columbia, SC

Average snowfall in May - Columbia, SC
  • Average snowfall in May: 0"

The month with the highest snowfall is February (0.47").
The months with the least snowfall are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0").

Average snowfall days in May
Columbia, SC

Average snowfall days in May - Columbia, SC
  • Average snowfall days in May: 0 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (0.3 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0 days).

Average daylight in May /
Average sunshine in May
Columbia, SC

Average daylight in May / Average sunshine in May - Columbia, SC
  • Average daylight in May: 13h and 5min

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

  • Average sunshine in May: 9h and 5min

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 42min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 5h and 18min).

Average sunshine days in May
Columbia, SC

Average sunshine days in May - Columbia, SC
  • Average sunshine days in May: 15.6 days

The month with the most sunshine days is October (22.7 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (11.7 days).

Average UV index in May
Columbia, SC

Average UV index in May - Columbia, SC
  • Average UV index in May: 6

The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February and December (UV index 3).

Average cloud cover in May
Columbia, SC

Average cloud cover in May - Columbia, SC
  • Average cloud cover in May: 34

The months with the most cloud cover are February and December (Cloud cover 42).
The months with the least cloud cover are June and October (Cloud cover 29).

Average visibility in May
Columbia, SC

Average visibility in May - Columbia, SC
  • 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).

Columbia, South Carolina, USA

Weather forecast for your location

1. Click Locate me button
2. Allow the app to use your location