May weather forecast
Chicago, IL

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The city of Chicago in Illinois on the shores of Lake Michigan, with a superb view of the sandy beach of Oak Street
The city of Chicago in Illinois on the shores of Lake Michigan, with a superb view of the sandy beach of Oak Street

Weather in May

Chicago enjoys mild and pleasurable May with the definitive arrival of spring that transforms the city. Compared to April, the overall climatic conditions improve significantly. This month proves to be city's rainiest with rainfall recorded at 4.61" (117mm). Outdoor enthusiasts can revel in the increased daylight hours, perfect for exploring the city's attractions. Make the most of this halcyon period before the heat of the summer strikes.

Temperature

The arrival of May brings a change in Chicago's weather, with average high-temperatures moving from April's fresh 50.7°F (10.4°C) to a comfortable 61°F (16.1°C). Chicago experiences a consistent average temperature of 50.4°F (10.2°C) throughout the nights in May.

Humidity

In May, the average relative humidity is 79%.

Rainfall

In May, the rain falls for 18.3 days. Throughout May, 4.61" (117mm) of precipitation is accumulated. Throughout the year, there are 160.2 rainfall days, and 36.97" (939mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

Snowfall

Months with snowfall are January through May, November and December. May is the last month it regularly snows. During 0.2 snowfall days, in May, Chicago aggregates 0.08" (2mm) of snow. In Chicago, during the entire year, snow falls for 40.9 days and aggregates up to 13.9" (353mm) of snow.

Ocean temperature

In May, the average ocean temperature is 45°F (7.2°C).
Note: At temperatures below 50°F (10°C), swimming in a suitably protected swimsuit is feasible; otherwise, cold shock and loss of breathing control are imminent. Even a short swim, without thermal protection, at temperatures around 55.4°F (13°C) is not comfortable.

Daylight

In May, the average length of the day is 14h and 34min.
On the first day of May, sunrise is at 5:45 am and sunset at 7:49 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 5:17 am and sunset at 8:18 pm CDT.

Sunshine

In Chicago, the average sunshine in May is 8.9h.

UV index

The average daily maximum UV index in May is 4. A UV Index value of 3 to 5 symbolizes a moderate threat to health from unsafe exposure to UV radiation for the ordinary person.
Note: In May, the maximum UV index of 4 suggests these recommendations:
Take necessary precautions - Defending against sun damage is advocated. Considering the strength of solar radiation at midday, one should avoid direct Sun exposure. Protect your eyes, ears, face, and neck from the Sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat. Notice this! Nearly double the intensity of the Sun's UV radiation can be caused by snow reflection.

Frequently asked questions

What is the usual temperature for Chicago in May?

In Chicago, 61°F (16.1°C) is the average high-temperature and 50.4°F (10.2°C) is the average low-temperature during May.

What is the average humidity in May?

The average relative humidity in May is 79%.

How many days does it rain in May?

In Chicago, during May, the rain falls for 18.3 days and regularly aggregates up to 4.61" (117mm) of precipitation.

What is the last month it snows?

May is the last month it regularly snows. During 0.2 snowfall days, in May, Chicago aggregates 0.08" (2mm) of snow.

What is the ocean temperature in May?

In Chicago, the average seawater temperature in May is 45°F (7.2°C). At temperatures below 50°F (10°C), swimming in a suitably protected swimsuit is feasible; otherwise, cold shock and loss of breathing control are imminent. Even a short swim, without thermal protection, at temperatures around 55.4°F (13°C) is not comfortable.

What is the average length of the day in May?

The average day length in May is 14h and 34min.

When are sunrise and sunset in May?

On the first day of May, sunrise is at 5:45 am and sunset at 7:49 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 5:17 am and sunset at 8:18 pm CDT.

How many hours of sunshine does Chicago have in May?

In Chicago, the average sunshine duration in May is 8.9h.

What is the UV index intensity in May?

In May, the average daily maximum UV index is 4. A UV Index estimate of 3 to 5 represents a medium health risk from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation.
Average humidity
Average rainfall days
Average snowfall days
Average daylight
Average sunshine
Average sunshine days
Average UV index
Average cloud cover
Average visibility

Average temperature in May
Chicago, IL

Average temperature in May - Chicago, IL
  • Average high temperature in May: 61°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is August (77.5°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (29.7°F).

  • Average low temperature in May: 50.4°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (67.8°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (20.7°F).

Average pressure in May
Chicago, IL

Average pressure in May - Chicago, IL
  • Average pressure in May: 29.97"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.11"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.92"Hg).

Average wind speed in May
Chicago, IL

Average wind speed in May - Chicago, IL
  • Average wind speed in May: 9.4mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (12.5mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (7.7mph).

Average humidity in May
Chicago, IL

Average humidity in May - Chicago, IL
  • Average humidity in May: 79%

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (82%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is October (73%).

Average rainfall in May
Chicago, IL

Average rainfall in May - Chicago, IL
  • Average rainfall in May: 4.61"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (4.88").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is December (1.65").

Average rainfall days in May
Chicago, IL

Average rainfall days in May - Chicago, IL
  • Average rainfall days in May: 18.3 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (18.5 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (5.5 days).

Average snowfall in May
Chicago, IL

Average snowfall in May - Chicago, IL
  • Average snowfall in May: 0.08"

The month with the highest snowfall is February (3.54").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August, September and October (0").

Average snowfall days in May
Chicago, IL

Average snowfall days in May - Chicago, IL
  • Average snowfall days in May: 0.2 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (10.6 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average sea temperature in May
Chicago, IL

Average sea temperature in May - Chicago, IL
  • Average sea temperature in May: 44.8°F

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (73.9°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (36.9°F).

Average daylight in May /
Average sunshine in May
Chicago, IL

Average daylight in May / Average sunshine in May - Chicago, IL
  • Average daylight in May: 14h and 4min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 12min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 12min).

  • Average sunshine in May: 8h and 5min

The months with the most sunshine are July and August (Average sunshine: 10h and 36min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 3h and 42min).

Average sunshine days in May
Chicago, IL

Average sunshine days in May - Chicago, IL
  • Average sunshine days in May: 10.6 days

The month with the most sunshine days is December (15.5 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (9.3 days).

Average UV index in May
Chicago, IL

Average UV index in May - Chicago, IL
  • Average UV index in May: 4

The months with the highest UV index are July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 1).

Average cloud cover in May
Chicago, IL

Average cloud cover in May - Chicago, IL
  • Average cloud cover in May: 41

The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 62).
The months with the least cloud cover are July and August (Cloud cover 27).

Average visibility in May
Chicago, IL

Average visibility in May - Chicago, IL
  • Average visibility in May: 6mi

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).

Chicago, Illinois, USA

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