Cincinnati
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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.

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%

Cincinnati Weather by Month

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

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 records 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
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 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.

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

Cincinnati 3-Day Forecast

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.