Phoenix
Weather by month
Current –

Phoenix Weather in May

May in Phoenix brings very high temperatures, with daytime highs of 34°C (93°F) and nights around 19°C (66°F). Only 4.9 mm (0.2 in) of rainfall is typical, making it a largely dry month.

Rainfall in Phoenix in May

Typically, you can expect about a single day of rain this month, with 4.9 mm (0.2 in) on average. On the rare occasion it rains, expect a brief, moderate shower rather than a heavy downpour.

Temperature in Phoenix in May

Daytime temperatures in Phoenix reach 34°C (93°F) in May, dropping to 19°C (66°F) at night. Mornings and evenings are often more comfortable than the peak afternoon hours. At 19°C (66°F) overnight, it can feel quite a bit cooler after dark. Worth packing something warmer for evenings, but the cooler temperatures are ideal for sleeping.

Sunshine in Phoenix in May

Expect a lot of sunshine this month, with about 401 hours of sun. These sunny conditions add to the overall experience.

May in Phoenix has its charm, but if you're looking for destinations with pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, our weather planner can help you explore other options in the world.

Phoenix Temperature in May

Min Temperature
19°C (66°F)
Max Temperature
34°C (93°F)
Chance of Rain
3%
Precipitation
4.9 mm (0.2 in)
Rainy days
a single day
Humidity
22%
Sunshine
401 hours
Percentage Sunshine
93%

Phoenix Weather by Month

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

Daily Historical Temperatures

50-year average (1976-2025)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Phoenix typically rise from around 33°C (91°F) at the start of May to approximately 37°C (99°F) by the end. Nights are warm, with lows typically ranging from 19°C (66°F) to 23°C (73°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 Phoenix in May

Browse day-by-day weather records for Phoenix spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.

Phoenix historical weather extremes in May

Based on 50 years of weather observations in Phoenix between 1976 and 2026, these are the recorded extremes.

  • On May 28, 1983, temperatures climbed to 45°C (113°F), marking the warmest May day on record.
  • Phoenix experienced its chilliest May day on May 13, 1998, reaching only 20°C (68°F).
  • The lowest overnight temperature recorded in May was 9°C (48°F) (May 10, 1979).

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 Phoenix in May

Get ready for hot weather in May! Lightweight, breathable fabrics are your best friend during this month. Cotton and linen shirts, shorts, sundresses, and sandals will keep you comfortable. Light colors help reflect the heat, avoid wearing black. Almost no rain is expected, so no need to bring rain gear. You'll definitely want to pack sunglasses and sunscreen. There will be plenty of bright sunshine this month.

What To Do in Phoenix in May

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.

  • Swimming
    10/10
  • Cycling
    8/10
  • Walking
    8/10
  • Barbeque
    10/10
  • Camping
    10/10
  • Outdoor sports
    8/10

Phoenix 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.