Leiden Weather in May
Leiden in May sees moderate daytime temperatures of 17°C (63°F) and nighttime lows of 10°C (50°F). Rainfall is fairly high this month at around 65 mm (2.6 in), so pack a rain jacket to stay dry.
Rainfall in Leiden in May
The climate data from previous years indicates about 14 days of rain, averaging 65 mm (2.6 in) for the month. Rain this month is fairly typical, a standard mix of wet and dry days with no particularly heavy or persistent showers.
Temperature in Leiden in May
If you're visiting Leiden in May, expect highs of 17°C (63°F) and overnight lows around 10°C (50°F). The difference between afternoon and evening temperatures is usually noticeable. Nights drop to 10°C (50°F). Cold nights like these are actually great for sleeping well, as long as you have a warm enough duvet.
Sunshine in Leiden in May
Enjoy a sunny month with about 232 hours of sunshine, the clear skies make Leiden even more beautiful.
Wind Speed in Leiden in May
Average wind conditions reach 5 m/s (10 knots) in May. This creates lively weather with fresh winds that make small trees sway noticeably. Remember this is an average: some days are less windy while others have particularly active windy conditions.Should you favor a climate that's both dry and comfortably warm, June, July, August and September typically offer the most agreeable 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 Netherlands, check out our Leiden's climate page.
Leiden Temperature in May
Min Temperature
10°C (50°F)
Max Temperature
17°C (63°F)
Chance of Rain
47%
Precipitation
65 mm (2.6 in)
Rainy days
14 days
Humidity
78% *
Windspeed
5 m/s (10 knots) *
Sunshine
232 hours *
Percentage Sunshine
44% *
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Leiden typically rise from around 15°C (59°F) at the start of May to approximately 18°C (64°F) by the end. Nights are cool, with lows typically ranging from 7°C (45°F) to 10°C (50°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 Leiden in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Leiden spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Leiden historical weather extremes in May
Based on 50 years of weather observations (1976-2026), these are the most extreme conditions recorded in Leiden.
- On May 27, 2017, temperatures climbed to 31°C (88°F), marking the warmest May day on record.
- The lowest daytime temperature in May was 6°C (43°F), recorded on May 4, 1979.
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to 0°C (32°F) on May 3, 1981, marking the coldest May night on record.
Best Places in the Netherlands in May
Find out more about the weather in the Netherlands and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of the Netherlands in May →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in Leiden in May
Comfortable temperatures call for an easy wardrobe in May. Pack summer basics like t-shirts and shorts, but include a light jacket for cooler moments. A pair of comfortable walking shoes is essential. Wet weather is likely, so pack waterproof gear for multiple rainy days. And with plenty of sunshine hours, don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and maybe a sun hat.What To Do in Leiden 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 Netherlands, check out our Leiden's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed
See the full Leiden climate overview or explore weather in the Netherlands.
