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California Weather in May

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in California, the United States of America in May.

Are you planning a trip a to California, the United States of America in May and wondering what kind of weather to expect? This page has all the details you need.

What to Expect in California in May

California, the United States of America is a region in the United States of America. California, the United States of America offers a broad spectrum of weather patterns. In May, one might encounter temperatures that range from cold to very hot, and precipitation levels ranging from almost none to moderate.

Temperatures

Based on our climate data spanning from 1990-2020, the average maximum temperature is cold in Sequoia National Park at 10°C (50°F) to very hot in Furnace Creek at 37°C (99°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 22°C (72°F) in Furnace Creek and -3°C (27°F) in Sequoia National Park.

For specific regional insights in California, the United States of America, refer to the map provided below.

Precipitation

In May, precipitation varies across different areas. From almost no rainfall in Palm Desert with an average of 0.2 mm (0.01 in) to moderate rainfall in Kirkwood with 65 mm (2.6 in).

Average sunshine

Sunshine is generally plentiful throughout many areas. Los Angeles enjoys about 276 hours of sunlight, ideal for those seeking sunny weather.

Explore California by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in California - and find the best time to visit. (based on Los Angeles)

Best Places to Visit in California in May

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across California.

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).

Popular Destinations in California

What is the weather like in May for some of the most popular destinations in California, the United States of America?

Temperature range in California (May)

Precipitation variation in California (May)

Los Angeles

In May Los Angeles generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 21°C (70°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 14°C (57°F) and low monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are excellent that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
20°C (68°F)
21°C (70°F)
22°C (72°F)
Min temperature
12°C (54°F)
14°C (57°F)
16°C (61°F)
Monthly sun hours
305 hours
276 hours
275 hours
Monthly rainfall
14 mm (0.6 in)
6.2 mm (0.2 in)
0.4 mm (0.02 in)
Monthly rainy days
3 days
2 days
0 days
Weather conditions

Big Bear Lake

In May Big Bear Lake generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 19°C (66°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 1°C (34°F) and low monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are excellent that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
15°C (59°F)
19°C (66°F)
25°C (77°F)
Min temperature
-2°C (28°F)
1°C (34°F)
5°C (41°F)
Monthly rainfall
32 mm (1.3 in)
7.9 mm (0.3 in)
2.3 mm (0.1 in)
Monthly rainy days
5 days
3 days
a single day
Weather conditions

San Francisco

In May San Francisco generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 19°C (66°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 11°C (52°F) and low monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are excellent that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
18°C (64°F)
19°C (66°F)
21°C (70°F)
Min temperature
10°C (50°F)
11°C (52°F)
12°C (54°F)
Monthly sun hours
310 hours
324 hours
312 hours
Monthly rainfall
45 mm (1.8 in)
7.1 mm (0.3 in)
5.2 mm (0.2 in)
Monthly rainy days
7 days
2 days
a single day
Weather conditions

San Diego

In May San Diego generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 21°C (70°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 15°C (59°F) and low monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are excellent that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
21°C (70°F)
21°C (70°F)
22°C (72°F)
Min temperature
13°C (55°F)
15°C (59°F)
16°C (61°F)
Monthly sun hours
280 hours
260 hours
242 hours
Monthly rainfall
15 mm (0.6 in)
9 mm (0.4 in)
0.4 mm (0.02 in)
Monthly rainy days
4 days
2 days
a single day
Weather conditions

Anaheim

In May Anaheim generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 25°C (77°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 14°C (57°F) and low monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are excellent that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
24°C (75°F)
25°C (77°F)
27°C (81°F)
Min temperature
12°C (54°F)
14°C (57°F)
16°C (61°F)
Monthly sun hours
312 hours
311 hours
301 hours
Monthly rainfall
15 mm (0.6 in)
7.2 mm (0.3 in)
0.5 mm (0.02 in)
Monthly rainy days
4 days
2 days
a single day
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in California, in the United States of America.

Popular cities in May

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in California in May.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Los Angeles 21°C (70°F) 14°C (57°F) 6.2 mm (0.2 in)
Big Bear Lake 19°C (66°F) 1°C (34°F) 7.9 mm (0.3 in)
San Francisco 19°C (66°F) 11°C (52°F) 7.1 mm (0.3 in)
San Diego 21°C (70°F) 15°C (59°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Anaheim 25°C (77°F) 14°C (57°F) 7.2 mm (0.3 in)
Palm Desert 34°C (93°F) 18°C (64°F) 0.2 mm (0.01 in)

California weather in May: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in California, the United States of America in May?

California, the United States of America typically experiences excellent weather in May, part of the season. Daytime highs in Los Angeles average around 21°C (70°F), and temperatures drop to about 14°C (57°F) at night.

What is the average temperature in California, the United States of America in May?

Average temperatures in California, the United States of America during May range from a nighttime low near 14°C (57°F) to a daytime high around 21°C (70°F) in Los Angeles.

Does California, the United States of America get a lot of rain in May?

Rain is generally moderate to light in California, the United States of America during May, with Los Angeles averaging close to 6.2 mm (0.2 in).

Is May a Good Time to Visit California, the United States of America?

We believe that May is one of the best times to visit California, the United States of America with overall excellent weather in Los Angeles. However, the weather conditions may vary depending on your destination.

Generally speaking, the best visiting conditions can be found in January, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November offering mostly excellent weather in Los Angeles.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in California.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to the United States of America? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in the United States of America.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

Bucket list

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