Cape May Weather in May
May in Cape May typically sees daytime highs of 22°C (72°F) and nighttime lows of 12°C (54°F). With the least rainfall of the year, it's a reliably dry month.
Rainfall in Cape May in May
Dry conditions dominate this month. A great time for outdoor fun and exploration. This month experiences about 11 days of rain according to historical data, averaging 73 mm (2.9 in). Neither particularly heavy nor particularly frequent, the rain this month is about average. A light jacket should be enough on most wet days.
Temperature in Cape May in May
The perfect temperature in Cape May in May makes it a solid month to visit, with 22°C (72°F) during the day and 12°C (54°F) at night. A light jacket or extra layer can be useful, especially outside the warmest hours of the day. Nights cool down to 12°C (54°F), so a light jacket or extra layer is useful once the sun goes down. On the plus side, the cooler nights make for comfortable sleeping conditions.
Average water temperature in May
The water temperature is 15°C (59°F) — chilly, but perfectly fine for a swim if you're not too sensitive to cold water. A short wetsuit can make longer sessions more comfortable.Our weather planner can help you find worldwide destinations with pleasant weather during this period. May and July typically offer the best weather for Cape May.
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 Cape May's climate page.
Cape May Temperature in May
Min Temperature
12°C (54°F)
Max Temperature
22°C (72°F)
Water Temperature
15°C (59°F)
Chance of Rain
37%
Precipitation
73 mm (2.9 in)
Rainy days
11 days
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Cape May typically rise from around 20°C (68°F) at the start of May to approximately 24°C (75°F) by the end. Nights are cool, with lows typically ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 16°C (61°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 Cape May in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Cape May spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Cape May historical weather extremes in May
According to our 50 years of weather records for Cape May, the following extremes were recorded between 1976 and 2026.
- Cape May recorded its highest May temperature of 35°C (95°F) on May 20, 1996.
- The lowest daytime temperature in May was 9°C (48°F), recorded on May 2, 1995.
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to 0°C (32°F) on May 5, 2003, marking the coldest May night on record.
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 →
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What to Wear in Cape May 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. Expect water temperatures of around 15°C (59°F), which is definitely too cold for comfortable swimming. Your luggage space is better used for other items.What To Do in Cape May 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 Cape May's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Water Temp
See the full Cape May climate overview or explore weather in the United States of America.
