Cape May
Weather by month
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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 excellent 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.

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

Cape May Weather by Month

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

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 records 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 →

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 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.

  • Cycling
    9/10
  • Walking
    9/10
  • Camping
    8/10
  • Outdoor sports
    9/10

Cape May 3-Day Forecast

More climate data for Cape May

Popular in May

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

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.