Essen Weather in May
May in Essen sees daytime temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and lows of 9°C (48°F) at night. With around 72 mm (2.8 in) of rainfall expected, it's worth packing a rain jacket.
Rainfall in Essen in May
Records from the past 30 years suggest around 16 days of rain, with 72 mm (2.8 in) average for the month. Rain is frequent but mostly light this month, with brief showers more common than heavy downpours.
Temperature in Essen in May
If you're visiting Essen in May, expect perfect temperatures with highs of 20°C (68°F) and overnight lows of 9°C (48°F). Temperatures can feel cooler in the morning and evening, so layering is often the best approach. With lows around 9°C (48°F), nights are cold. The upside is that cool, crisp nights are often the best for a deep sleep.
Sunshine in Essen in May
The city usually sees around 193 hours of sunlight, indicating many sunny days — a great month for sightseeing.If you're a fan of comfortable temperatures and drier conditions, May is a great time to visit.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Germany, check out our Essen's climate page.
Essen Temperature in May
Min Temperature
9°C (48°F)
Max Temperature
20°C (68°F)
Chance of Rain
52%
Precipitation
72 mm (2.8 in)
Rainy days
16 days
Humidity
69%
Sunshine
193 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Essen typically rise from around 16°C (61°F) at the start of May to approximately 20°C (68°F) by the end. Nights are cool, with lows typically ranging from 7°C (45°F) to 11°C (52°F).
Average temperatures in May
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in May
Historical weather for Essen in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Essen spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Essen historical weather extremes in May
According to our 50 years of weather records for Essen, the following extremes were recorded between 1976 and 2026.
- Essen recorded its highest May temperature of 31°C (88°F) on May 29, 2017.
- The lowest daytime temperature in May was 7°C (45°F), recorded on May 2, 1979.
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to -1°C (30°F) on May 6, 1996, marking the coldest May night on record.
Best Places in Germany in May
Find out more about the weather in Germany and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Germany in May →
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What to Wear in Essen in May
Pleasant temperatures in May mean you can pack light but flexibel pieces. Think cotton t-shirts, comfortable walking shorts, and one warmer layer for evenings. A light sweater or denim jacket works well. Rain gear is recommended, you can expect wet weather on multiple days. You'll definitely want to pack sunglasses and sunscreen. There will be plenty of bright sunshine this month.What To Do in Essen in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Germany, check out our Essen's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full Essen climate overview or explore weather in Germany.
