Weather in California, United States in May

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Visiting California, United States in May

The weather in May is marginally warmer than the previous month and temperatures continue to rise slightly into June. May has average maximum temperatures of 21°C (69°F) which is nice and warm and makes sunbathing pleasant on clear days. The sunshine percentage is 68.4% making it sunny but overcast at times. The hours of sunshine per day are 9.6hrs making the days long and bright. It is a good time for sunbathing in California.

May has total rainfall of 1.2cm (0.5inches) making it extremely dry with very few light showers and most days are rain free. There are just 3 days with some rainfall so you can still enjoy the beach on the majority of rain free clear days and rainy days are few and far between.

Sea temperatures are a cold 16°C (61°F). May is too cold for swimming in California for any length of time, unless you have a wetsuit. The sea temperature in May is marginally warmer than the previous month and temperatures continue to rise slightly into June.

Consider visiting California in the months of June, July, August, September, for the best beach weather. Also consider one of our other suggestions for May.

Can you sunbathe in California in May?

Yes, May is a good time for sunbathing in California.

May has average maximum temperatures of 21°C (69°F) which is nice and warm and makes sunbathing pleasant on clear days. The sunshine percentage is 68.4% making it sunny but overcast at times. The hours of sunshine per day are 9.6hrs making the days long and bright. May has total rainfall of 1.2cm (0.5inches) making it extremely dry with very few light showers and most days are rain free. There are just 3 days with some rainfall so you can still enjoy the beach on the majority of rain free clear days and rainy days are few and far between.

More about May temperature and sunshine.

Can you swim in California in May?

No, May is too cold for swimming in California for any length of time, with the sea water at 16°C (61°F), unless you have a wetsuit.

More about May sea temperatures.

Is May a good time to holiday in California?

Yes, May is a good time for a holiday in California.

May has average maximum temperatures of 21°C (69°F) which is nice and warm and makes sunbathing pleasant on clear days. The sunshine percentage is 68.4% making it sunny but overcast at times. The hours of sunshine per day are 9.6hrs making the days long and bright. May has total rainfall of 1.2cm (0.5inches) making it extremely dry with very few light showers and most days are rain free. There are just 3 days with some rainfall so you can still enjoy the beach on the majority of rain free clear days and rainy days are few and far between. It is a good time for sunbathing in California. Sea temperatures are a cold 16°C (61°F). May is too cold for swimming in California for any length of time, unless you have a wetsuit.

More about the May temperatures and sunshine.

Is California warm in May?

Yes, California is nice and warm and makes sunbathing pleasant on clear days in May.

The average maximum temperature in California in May is 21°C (69°F). The average maximum temperature is 19°C (66°) in the previous month and 22°C (72°F) in the next month.

The average temperature in California in May is 16°C (61°F). The average temperature is 14°C (58°F) in the previous month and 18°C (64°F) in the next month.

More info about the May temperatures and sunshine.

How sunny is California in May?

The average day light hours per day in California in May are 14. The sunshine percentage is 68.4% making it sunny but overcast at times. The hours of sunshine per day are 9.6hrs making the days long and bright.

More about May sunshine.

Temperature in California in May

The weather in May is marginally warmer than the previous month and temperatures continue to rise slightly into June. The average maximum temperature in California in May is 21°C (69°F). The average maximum temperature is 19°C (66°F) in the previous month and 22°C (72°F) in the next month.

The average temperature in California in May is 16°C (61°F). The average temperature is 14°C (58°F) in the previous month and 18°C (64°F) in the next month.

The average minimum temperature in California in May is 12°C (53°F). The minimum temperature is 10°C (50°F) in the previous month and 13°C (56°F) in the next month.

Sunshine in California in May

The days in May are longer than the previous month and the days continue to get marginally longer into June. May has slightly more hours of sunshine than the previous month and hours of sunshine continue to rise slightly into June. During May the average day light hours are 14 per day in California. The sunshine percentage is 68.4% making it sunny but overcast at times. The hours of sunshine per day are 9.6hrs making the days long and bright.

The ultraviolet index in California in May is typically 10.4 during May. An ultraviolet index reading of 8 to 10 indicates a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Unprotected skin risks burning in less than 15 minutes. Take extra precautions because unprotected skin and eyes will be damaged and can burn quickly. Tanning will be safest before 10am and after 4pm but only with a good application of sun screen. For those with sensitive skin stay in the shade and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days. Watch out for relections from water that may increase ultraviolet exposure.

Sea Temperature in California in May

The average sea water temperature in California in May is 16.2°C (61.2°F) which is cool for swimming, shorty wetsuit may help you extend your time in the water. The sea temperature in May is marginally warmer than the previous month and temperatures continue to rise slightly into June.

Rainfall in California in May

May weather is marginally drier than the previous month and rainfall continues to drop slightly into June. May has fewer days of rain than the previous month and rainy days continue to drop slightly into June. The average total rainfall in California in May is 1.2cm (0.5inches) and on average there are 3 rainy days in May making it a very dry time to visit the beach.

Humidity in California in May

The maximum dew point (an indicator of humidity) in California in May is 12°C (53°F) which is very comfortable. The dew point is 10°C (51°F) in the previous month and 13°C (13°F) in the next month.

The average maximum relative humidity in California in May is typically 86.7%. The maximum relative humidity is 87.5% in the previous month and 87.9% in the next month.

The average relative humidity in California in May is typically 70.3%. The average relative humidity is 69.9% in the previous month and 72.6% in the next month.

Wind Speed in California in May

The average maximum wind speed in California in May is typically 27KM/H (17MPH). The average maximum wind speed is 27KM/H (17MPH) in the previous month and 26KM/H (16MPH) in the next month.

The average wind speed in California in May is typically 11KM/H (7MPH). The average wind speed is 11KM/H (7MPH) in the previous month and 11KM/H (7MPH) in the next month.

The average wind direction in California in May is from the West.

Monthly Averages

Suggested Beaches in May

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Beaches recommended for you today, this weekend, in the next 2 weeks or in any month of the year.