Burning man festival
In the middle of the Black Rock Desert every year a surreal city arises, the third largest city in Nevada complete with 50,000 inhabitants. This is most well-known festival in the world; Burning Man.
During May, Reno experiences high daytime temperatures of 23°C (73°F) and cooler nights around 7°C (45°F). Some rainfall is typical during this period.
If you favor pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall, May is one of the best months to visit Reno.
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Reno - and find the best time to visit.
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Reno typically rise from around 20°C (68°F) at the start of May to approximately 25°C (77°F) by the end. Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from 5°C (41°F) to 10°C (50°F).
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Browse day-by-day weather records for Reno spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Based on weather observations in Reno between 1976 and 2026, these are the recorded extremes during 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 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).
For Reno 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. Almost no rain is expected, so no need to bring rain gear. And with plenty of sunshine hours, don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and maybe a sun hat.
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full Reno climate overview or explore weather in the United States of America.
Where to go in May - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
Burning man festival
In the middle of the Black Rock Desert every year a surreal city arises, the third largest city in Nevada complete with 50,000 inhabitants. This is most well-known festival in the world; Burning Man.
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