May sees a significant jump in rainfall, escalating from 75mm (2.95") in
April to 120mm (4.72"), indicating the onset of rainier months ahead. With temperatures remaining high, rainfall serves as a refreshing element in the hot climate. The sea temperature rises in May, paralleling the increase in land temperature. Humidity remains comfortably high, further emphasizing the tropical climate. Rainier days, higher sea temperatures, and consistent humidity are the hallmarks of May in
Songkhla,
Thailand.
Temperature
The commencement of May brings an average high-temperature of a still hot 33°C (91.4°F), marking an inconsequential divergence from April. In Songkhla, the average low-temperature during the month of May is a warm 25.4°C (77.7°F).
Heat index
The heat index for May is calculated to be a blazing hot 47°C (116.6°F).
Alert: Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely to occur. Prolonged exertion can lead to heatstroke.
In terms of the heat index, values are set with light wind and shade conditions in mind. Direct sunlight might lead to a heat index increase by up to 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'real feel' or 'felt air temperature', gives a temperature feeling by integrating air temperature and humidity. Elements such as metabolic variations, pregnancy, and physical exertion can influence one's weather perception. One must note that being under the direct sun can escalate the heat's effects, with the heat index possibly rising by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees. Heat index values are particularly relevant to children. Younglings are generally more in peril than adults due to their reduced perspiration. Coupled with a larger skin surface relative to their tiny bodies and greater heat production because of their activity, they become more at risk.
The human body normally cools itself by perspiration. Excessive warmth is eliminated from the body by evaporation of sweat. An increase in relative humidity hinders the body's normal cooling function by reducing evaporation, thereby decreasing the rate of body cooling and enhancing the sense of warmth. As the body gains more heat than it can dissipate, there's a risk of increasing temperatures and resultant overheating.
Humidity
In May, the average relative humidity in Songkhla is 78%.
Rainfall
In Songkhla, in May, during 14 rainfall days, 120mm (4.72") of precipitation is typically accumulated. In Songkhla, during the entire year, the rain falls for 153 days and collects up to 2067mm (81.38") of precipitation.
Sea temperature
With an average sea temperature of 30.3°C (86.5°F), May is the month with the warmest seawater.
Note: Many believe that the true refreshing essence of water diminishes when temperatures rise above 30°C (86°F).
Daylight
In Songkhla, the average length of the day in May is 12h and 27min.
On the first day of May, sunrise is at 06:03 and sunset at 18:26. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 05:59 and sunset at 18:30 +07.