What May feels like in Nashville
May is late spring in Nashville. Days are warm enough for short sleeves, and time outdoors is easy. Evenings bring a clear drop in temperature, and nights stay mild. The air carries some moisture, so hot spells feel a little sticky.
Rain in Nashville in May
May is persistently wet here: some rain falls on about one day in 2. Rainy days are intense, averaging about 10.1 mm (0.4 in) — downpours rather than drizzle. The yearly figure is similar, around 10.8 mm per wet day.
Daylight and sunshine in May
Mid-month, Nashville gets 14 h 3 min of daylight, from sunrise near 5:41 am to sunset near 7:45 pm. Days are getting longer: 59 min more daylight than in mid-April. Measured sunshine covers about 75% of the daylight — 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 Nashville. Against April, the average high is 4.7°C (8.5°F) higher, with 2 mm less rain. The warm-up continues into June. June averages a high of 30.5°C (86.9°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — pleasant for gardens, parks and riversides.
Tips for visiting Nashville 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.
Sunglasses
Frequent sunshine — sunglasses and a light hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Nashville in May?
Afternoons average 25.6°C (78.1°F) and nights about 15.3°C (59.5°F) — warm by most people's standards. It is the 5th warmest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Nashville in May?
Quite a lot — 131 mm spread over about 13 days.
What should I wear in Nashville in May?
Pack versatile layers, rain protection and sunglasses. Add a layer for after dark.
Is May or June better for visiting Nashville?
May, clearly: it ranks #5 of 12 among Nashville's months, against #8 for the other. June is warmer.