What May feels like in Houston
May is late spring in Houston. Afternoons are hot, so sightseeing works best in the morning or evening. Evenings bring a clear drop in temperature, and nights stay warm. High humidity makes the heat feel heavier and sticky, especially on still afternoons.
Rain in Houston in May
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. Rain tends to come in heavy bursts: about 12.8 mm (0.5 in) on an average rainy day. Across the year Houston averages about 10.9 mm per rainy day, so May is typical. May is Houston's wettest month of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in May
On 15 May the sun rises at about 6:29 am and sets around 8:06 pm local time, giving 13 h 37 min of daylight. Since mid-April the day has gained 46 min. The sun is out for roughly 76% of those daylight hours, so there are plenty of bright spells.
How May compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, May comes out as the 5th warmest month in Houston. Against April, the average high is 3.5°C (6.3°F) higher, with 25 mm more rain. June continues the upward trend. June averages a high of 32.3°C (90.1°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
Tips for visiting Houston in May
Versatile Layers
Days are noticeably warmer than nights — layers you can add or remove.
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 Houston in May?
Expect around 29.3°C (84.7°F) in the afternoon and 20.6°C (69.1°F) at night, which most visitors would call hot.
Does it rain a lot in Houston in May?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 153 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Houston in May?
The numbers point to versatile layers, rain protection and sun protection. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is May or June better for visiting Houston?
May scores better on our climate ranking (#8 of 12 vs #10), rated Good against Fair. June is warmer and has more rainy days.