What May feels like in Sao Paulo
For Sao Paulo, May is late autumn on the calendar (Sao Paulo is in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons run opposite to Europe and North America). Mild afternoons make it easy to spend hours outdoors. After dark the temperature drops clearly: nights stay mild. Humidity is on the high side, but mild temperatures keep it comfortable.
Rain in Sao Paulo in May
Most days stay dry; rain arrives about one day in 4. A rainy day brings about 6.4 mm (0.3 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. That is lighter than the city's yearly norm of about 8.2 mm per rainy day. It is among the three driest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in May
In mid-May, sunrise is at about 6:33 am and sunset at about 5:33 pm (local time) — 11 h of daylight. Compared with mid-April, the day has lost 34 min. About 75% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How May compares to the rest of the year
In Sao Paulo's temperature order, May sits as the 3rd coolest month. Against April, the average high is 2.1°C (3.8°F) lower, with 25 mm less rain. Temperatures keep falling into June. June averages a high of 21.5°C (70.7°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — comfortable for long walks and picnics.
Tips for visiting Sao Paulo in May
Versatile Layers
Mornings and evenings are cooler than midday, so dress in layers.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Sao Paulo in May?
Afternoons average 22.3°C (72.1°F) and nights about 13.9°C (57°F) — mild by most people's standards. It is the 3rd coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Sao Paulo in May?
Not especially. There are about 7 rainy days (45 mm), mostly moderate rain.
What should I wear in Sao Paulo in May?
The numbers point to versatile layers and sunglasses. Add a layer for after dark.
Is May or June better for visiting Sao Paulo?
June scores better on our climate ranking (#3 of 12 vs #4), rated Great against Great. June has fewer rainy days.