What May feels like in Shenzhen
May falls in Shenzhen's wet season — the rainfall numbers rise clearly above the dry months. Afternoons are hot, so sightseeing works best in the morning or evening. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights stay warm and the temperature hardly changes after dark. The air is muggy, so it feels hotter than the thermometer suggests.
Rain in Shenzhen in May
Dry days are the exception, with rain on most days. Rain tends to come in heavy bursts: about 12.9 mm (0.5 in) on an average rainy day. That is close to Shenzhen's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 10.9 mm). It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in May
On 15 May the sun rises at about 5:44 am and sets around 6:56 pm local time, giving 13 h 12 min of daylight. Days are getting longer: 33 min more daylight than in mid-April. About 65% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How May compares to the rest of the year
May is the 5th warmest month of the year in Shenzhen. Afternoons run 2.3°C (4.1°F) warmer than in April, with 107 mm more rain. Temperatures keep climbing into June. The next month's average high: 30.1°C (86.2°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
- Beach: less ideal — too many rainy days.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Shenzhen in May
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Sun Protection
Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses; light breathable clothes.
Quick questions
How warm is Shenzhen in May?
Expect around 28.8°C (83.8°F) in the afternoon and 23.4°C (74.1°F) at night, which most visitors would call hot.
Does it rain a lot in Shenzhen in May?
Yes, fairly — rain falls most days and totals about 257 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Shenzhen in May?
The numbers point to rain protection and sun protection. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is May or June better for visiting Shenzhen?
On our 12-month climate ranking, May comes out ahead (#9 of 12 vs #12). June is warmer and has more rainy days.