What May feels like in Phoenix
For Phoenix, May is late spring on the calendar. The heat peaks hard in the afternoon, when being outside for long is draining. Nights stay warm; with a gap of about 14.8°C (26.6°F) between afternoon and night, early mornings can surprise you. The heat is dry rather than muggy, so drink more than you think you need.
Rain in Phoenix in May
May is a dry month in Phoenix; rain falls about one day in 31. Each rainy day adds about 4.3 mm (0.2 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. That is lighter than the city's yearly norm of about 8 mm per rainy day. It is among the three driest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in May
Mid-month, Phoenix gets 13 h 52 min of daylight, from sunrise near 5:28 am to sunset near 7:20 pm. The days are stretching out — 53 min more daylight than mid-April. Measured sunshine covers about 93% of the daylight — skies are mostly clear.
How May compares to the rest of the year
In Phoenix's temperature order, May sits as the 5th warmest month. Against April, the average high is 4.2°C (7.6°F) higher, with about the same rain. The warm-up continues into June. June averages a high of 40.4°C (104.7°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — midday heat makes long walks hard.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — a cool break during the hottest hours.
Tips for visiting Phoenix in May
Versatile Layers
Mornings and evenings are cooler than midday, so dress in layers.
Sun Protection
Loose, breathable clothing plus sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Phoenix in May?
It feels very hot: typical highs are 34.2°C (93.6°F), with lows near 19.4°C (66.9°F).
Does it rain a lot in Phoenix in May?
No — May is one of the drier times, with about 1 rainy days and 4 mm in total.
What should I wear in Phoenix in May?
Pack versatile layers and sun protection. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is May or June better for visiting Phoenix?
On our 12-month climate ranking, May comes out ahead (#8 of 12 vs #9). June is warmer.