Cincinnati Weather in May
With daytime temperatures of 24°C (75°F) and nighttime lows of 12°C (54°F), May in Cincinnati brings high temperatures during the day. Do keep in mind that quite a bit of rainfall is typical. Around 103 mm (4.1 in) falls on average.
Rainfall in Cincinnati in May
Typically, you can expect about 13 days of rain this month, with 103 mm (4.1 in) on average. When showers do arrive, they tend to be on the heavier side. Worth being prepared even if rain days are not that numerous.
Temperature in Cincinnati in May
If you're visiting Cincinnati in May, expect highs of 24°C (75°F) and overnight lows around 12°C (54°F). Overall, the month follows a fairly predictable daily temperature pattern. With lows of 12°C (54°F), nights are cool. If you're out after dark, an extra layer will keep you comfortable. The cooler air at night is also great for getting a good rest.
Sunshine in Cincinnati in May
Expect sunny days throughout the month, with an estimated 251 hours of sunshine. This makes it a pleasant time to visit Cincinnati.For Cincinnati itself, September and October generally stand out with 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 Cincinnati's climate page.
Cincinnati Temperature in May
Min Temperature
12°C (54°F)
Max Temperature
24°C (75°F)
Chance of Rain
43%
Precipitation
103 mm (4.1 in)
Rainy days
13 days
Humidity
66%
Sunshine
251 hours
Percentage Sunshine
56%
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Cincinnati typically rise from around 21°C (70°F) at the start of May to approximately 26°C (79°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 Cincinnati in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Cincinnati spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Cincinnati historical weather extremes in May
Based on 50 years of weather observations in Cincinnati between 1976 and 2026, these are the recorded extremes.
- On May 31, 1988, temperatures climbed to 34°C (93°F), marking the warmest May day on record.
- The lowest daytime temperature in May was 9°C (48°F), recorded on May 1, 2023.
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to -2°C (28°F) on May 9, 2020, 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
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What to Wear in Cincinnati in May
For Cincinnati 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. You'll definitely want to pack sunglasses and sunscreen. There will be plenty of bright sunshine this month.What To Do in Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full Cincinnati climate overview or explore weather in the United States of America.
