Washington Weather in May
May in Washington brings high temperatures around 24°C (75°F) during the day, dropping to 14°C (57°F) at night, with quite a bit of rainfall expected, averaging around 106 mm (4.2 in) for the month.
Rainfall in Washington in May
Historically, approximately 13 days this month are expected to have rain, averaging 106 mm (4.2 in). 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 Washington in May
Expect highs of 24°C (75°F) in Washington in May, with nights dropping to around 14°C (57°F). The days can feel warmer than the evenings, so packing for both parts of the day is a good idea. Nights drop to around 14°C (57°F), which is noticeably cooler than the daytime. A light jacket for the evening is a sensible addition, and the cool nights tend to make sleeping comfortable.
Sunshine in Washington in May
Expect sunny days throughout the month, with an estimated 259 hours of sunshine. This makes it a pleasant time to visit Washington.
Wind Speed in Washington in May
Wind speeds average 4 m/s (8 knots) during May. At this speed, expect moderate winds that can raise dust and move small branches. Since this is an average, some days have gentle light winds while others experience stronger breezes that are quite noticeable.If you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures, April and September typically offer 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.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our Washington's climate page.
Washington Temperature in May
Min Temperature
14°C (57°F)
Max Temperature
24°C (75°F)
Chance of Rain
42%
Precipitation
106 mm (4.2 in)
Rainy days
13 days
Humidity
64% *
Windspeed
4 m/s (8 knots) *
Sunshine
259 hours *
Percentage Sunshine
59% *
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Washington typically rise from around 22°C (72°F) at the start of May to approximately 26°C (79°F) by the end. Nights are pleasant, with lows typically ranging from 12°C (54°F) to 18°C (64°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 Washington in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Washington spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Washington historical weather extremes in May
Based on 50 years of weather observations in Washington between 1976 and 2026, these are the recorded extremes.
- The warmest day in May was on May 30, 1991, with a maximum of 36°C (97°F).
- On May 9, 2020, Washington saw its coldest May day with temperatures maxing out at 11°C (52°F).
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to 3°C (37°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
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What to Wear in Washington in May
For Washington 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 Washington 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 United States of America, check out our Washington's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed
See the full Washington climate overview or explore weather in the United States of America.
