Washington DC
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Washington DC Weather in May

May in Washington DC sees daytime temperatures around 24°C (75°F) and lows of 14°C (57°F) at night. With around 104 mm (4.1 in) of rainfall expected, it's worth packing a rain jacket.

Rainfall in Washington DC in May

Expect around 12 days of rain based on historical data, with 104 mm (4.1 in) average. The rain this month tends to fall in heavier spells rather than light drizzle. When it rains, showers can be significant.

Temperature in Washington DC in May

In May, expect high temperatures in Washington DC, with highs of 24°C (75°F) and lows of 14°C (57°F) at night. This kind of day-to-night contrast is typical for this time of year. With overnight lows of 14°C (57°F), evenings can feel noticeably cooler than the daytime. An extra layer is a good idea, though the cool air makes for a good night's sleep.

Sunshine in Washington DC in May

The city usually sees around 259 hours of sunlight, indicating many sunny days , a great month for sightseeing.

Wind Speed in Washington DC in May

In May, average wind speeds reach 4 m/s (8 knots), leading to light to moderate breezes. Conditions vary from day to day, with both calm and windier periods.

If you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures, April and September typically offer the best circumstances. If you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather somewhere else in the world, our weather planner can help you explore other options.

Washington DC Temperature in May

Min Temperature
14°C (57°F)
Max Temperature
24°C (75°F)
Chance of Rain
40%
Precipitation
104 mm (4.1 in)
Rainy days
12 days
Humidity
64%
Windspeed
4 m/s (8 knots)
Sunshine
259 hours
Percentage Sunshine
59%

Washington DC Weather by Month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Washington DC - and find the best time to visit.

Best Places in the United States of America in May

Find out more about the weather in the United States of America and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of the United States of America in May →

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

What to Wear in Washington DC in May

For Washington DC in May, you'll want flexible clothing. It's wise to pack cotton shirts, comfortable shorts, and a pair of jeans for cooler evenings. A light sweater or jacket is useful for air-conditioned spaces (like buses) or unexpected cool moments. High rain levels are expected, so pack waterproof gear and an umbrella or poncho. And with plenty of sunshine hours, don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and maybe a sun hat.

What To Do in Washington DC in May

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.

  • Swimming
    9/10
  • Cycling
    9/10
  • Walking
    9/10
  • Camping
    6/10
  • Outdoor sports
    9/10

Washington DC 3-Day Forecast

Popular in May

Where to go in May - average daytime high across popular destinations.

Bucket list

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