What May feels like in Austin
For Austin, May is late spring on the calendar. Expect proper heat in the afternoon — slow down between noon and four. After dark the temperature drops clearly: nights stay warm. The air carries some moisture, so hot spells feel a little sticky.
Rain in Austin in May
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 3. Rain tends to come in heavy bursts: about 12.8 mm (0.5 in) on an average rainy day. That is heavier than Austin's usual 10.1 mm per rainy day across the year. May is Austin's wettest month of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in May
Mid-month, Austin gets 13 h 39 min of daylight, from sunrise near 6:37 am to sunset near 8:17 pm. Days are getting longer: 47 min more daylight than in mid-April. About 73% 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 Austin. Compared with April, afternoons are 3.3°C (5.9°F) warmer, with 57 mm more rain. The warm-up continues into June. By June, typical highs are 33.4°C (92.1°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
Tips for visiting Austin in May
Versatile Layers
Mornings and evenings are cooler than midday, so dress in layers.
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Sun Protection
Loose, breathable clothing plus sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Austin in May?
Expect around 29.7°C (85.5°F) in the afternoon and 19.7°C (67.5°F) at night, which most visitors would call hot.
Does it rain a lot in Austin in May?
It does: about 12 rainy days bring roughly 154 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Austin in May?
Based on the averages: versatile layers, rain protection and sun protection. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is May or June better for visiting Austin?
May scores better on our climate ranking (#9 of 12 vs #12), rated Good against Fair. June is warmer and has fewer rainy days.