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.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our Washington DC's climate page.
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%
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
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.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our Washington DC's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed
See the full Washington DC climate overview or explore weather in the United States of America.
