Washington
Weather by month
Current –

Washington Weather in May

During May, Washington experiences high daytime temperatures of 22°C (72°F) and cooler nights around 9°C (48°F). Expect quite a bit of rainfall. Around 98 mm (3.9 in) is typical.

Rainfall in Washington in May

Expect around 15 days of rain based on historical data, with 98 mm (3.9 in) average. Rain this month is fairly typical, a standard mix of wet and dry days with no particularly heavy or persistent showers.

Temperature in Washington in May

May is one of the better months to visit Washington. Expect 22°C (72°F) during the day and 9°C (48°F) at night. This gives the month a fairly typical daily rhythm, with warmer afternoons and more comfortable nights. With lows around 9°C (48°F), nights are cold. The upside is that cool, crisp nights are often the best for a deep sleep.

Sunshine in Washington in May

With approximately 217 hours of sunshine, the days are filled with clear skies. It makes it a perfect month for being outside.

If you favor pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall, May is one of the best months to visit Washington.

Washington Temperature in May

Min Temperature
9°C (48°F)
Max Temperature
22°C (72°F)
Chance of Rain
50%
Precipitation
98 mm (3.9 in)
Rainy days
15 days
Humidity
63% *
Sunshine
217 hours *
Percentage Sunshine
48% *
* Data from: Pittsburgh, the United States of America (36 KM, 22 Miles).

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

Comfortable temperatures call for an easy wardrobe in May. Pack summer basics like t-shirts and shorts, but include a light jacket for cooler moments. A pair of comfortable walking shoes is essential. Expect heavy rainfall, so bring good rain protection and waterproof bags. And with plenty of sunshine hours, don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and maybe a sun hat.

What To Do in Washington in May

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

  • Cycling
    9/10
  • Walking
    9/10
  • Barbeque
    8/10
  • Camping
    4/10
  • Outdoor sports
    9/10

Washington 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.