What May feels like in Denver
May is late spring in Denver. Daytime temperatures are mild — neither cold nor hot for walking around. Nights are cold; with a gap of about 14.8°C (26.6°F) between afternoon and night, early mornings can surprise you. The air is comfortable — neither muggy nor dry.
Rain in Denver in May
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. A rainy day brings about 7 mm (0.3 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. That is close to Denver's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 5.7 mm). May is Denver's wettest month of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in May
On 15 May the sun rises at about 5:46 am and sets around 8:06 pm local time, giving 14 h 20 min of daylight. The days are stretching out — 1 h 7 min more daylight than mid-April. The sun is out for roughly 82% of those daylight hours, so skies are mostly clear.
How May compares to the rest of the year
In Denver's temperature order, May sits as the 5th warmest month. Compared with April, afternoons are 4.7°C (8.5°F) warmer, with 28 mm more rain. The warm-up continues into June. By June, typical highs are 28.2°C (82.8°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — pleasant for gardens, parks and riversides.
- Hiking: a good fit — mild temperatures for trails.
Tips for visiting Denver in May
Versatile Layers
Mornings and evenings are cooler than midday, so dress in layers.
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Sunglasses
Plenty of sun, so bring sunglasses and a cap.
Quick questions
How warm is Denver in May?
Expect around 20.4°C (68.7°F) in the afternoon and 5.6°C (42.1°F) at night, which most visitors would call mild.
Does it rain a lot in Denver in May?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 84 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Denver in May?
The numbers point to versatile layers, rain protection and sunglasses. Add a layer for after dark.
Is May or June better for visiting Denver?
On our 12-month climate ranking, June comes out ahead (#4 of 12 vs #7). June is warmer and has fewer rainy days.