What May feels like in Washington DC
Late spring arrives in Washington DC with May. Afternoons are warm and pleasant, good for long days out. After sunset it cools off noticeably — nights stay mild. Some humidity hangs in the air, noticeable when the sun is strong.
Rain in Washington DC in May
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. When rain comes it is heavy, about 9.7 mm (0.4 in) per wet day, often in short, strong bursts. That is close to Washington DC's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 9.8 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in May
Mid-month, Washington DC gets 14 h 16 min of daylight, from sunrise near 5:56 am to sunset near 8:12 pm. Days are getting longer: 1 h 5 min more daylight than in mid-April. Measured sunshine covers about 71% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How May compares to the rest of the year
In Washington DC's temperature order, May sits as the 5th warmest month. Against April, the average high is 4.8°C (8.6°F) higher, with 21 mm more rain. The warm-up continues into June. By June, typical highs are 29.1°C (84.4°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — good conditions for sitting outside.
Tips for visiting Washington DC in May
Versatile Layers
Days are noticeably warmer than nights — layers you can add or remove.
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Washington DC in May?
Expect around 23.9°C (75°F) in the afternoon and 13.4°C (56.1°F) at night, which most visitors would call warm.
Does it rain a lot in Washington DC in May?
It does: about 12 rainy days bring roughly 117 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Washington DC in May?
The numbers point to versatile layers, rain protection and sunglasses. Bring something extra for the cooler evenings.
Is May or June better for visiting Washington DC?
On our 12-month climate ranking, May comes out ahead (#6 of 12 vs #9). June is warmer and has more rainy days.