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Washington Weather in May

May in Washington sees daytime temperatures around 26°C (79°F) and lows of 16°C (61°F) at night. With around 125 mm (4.9 in) of rainfall expected, it's worth packing a rain jacket.

Rainfall in Washington in May

You can expect rain on around 11 days based on historical patterns, with 125 mm (4.9 in) average for the month. When it rains this month, it tends to come down fairly heavily. Showers can be substantial even if they don't last all day.

Temperature in Washington in May

Washington in May gets highs of 26°C (79°F) during the day and drops to 16°C (61°F) at night. The days can feel warmer than the evenings, so packing for both parts of the day is a good idea. At 16°C (61°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.

For Washington itself, April and October generally stand out with 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.

Washington Temperature in May

Min Temperature
16°C (61°F)
Max Temperature
26°C (79°F)
Chance of Rain
37%
Precipitation
125 mm (4.9 in)
Rainy days
11 days

Washington Weather by Month

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

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 Washington in May

Warm weather calls for comfortable, breathable clothing in May. Cotton t-shirts, shorts, light dresses, and sandals are perfect. You might still want a light layer for evenings or air-conditioned places (for example buses). High rain levels are expected, so pack waterproof gear and an umbrella or poncho.

What To Do in Washington in May

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

  • Cycling
    7/10
  • Walking
    7/10
  • Camping
    6/10
  • Outdoor sports
    7/10

Washington 3-Day Forecast

More climate data for Washington

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.