Weather in Sorrento in May

How May compares

May is the 6th warmest month of the year in Sorrento and ranks 112th of 134 destinations we compare for May - see where else is hot in May. Within Italy it is 13th of 16 (Italy in May). Against London's average high of 16.6°C in May, Sorrento is 3.8°C warmer by day and 6.7°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in May

The typical May day in Sorrento peaks at 20.4°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 23.8°C or more. Roughly 1 in 24 days top 25°C and 1 in 333 pass 30°C. Nights average 15.0°C; one night in ten drops to 12.4°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest May day here reached 32.6°C (2020-05-16) and the coldest night 8.7°C (2019-05-07).

Rain in May

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 8 days with 1 mm or more, 60 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest May was 2019 with 191 mm, the driest 2006 with 7 mm. Humidity averages 77%.

Sea temperature in May

The sea averages 18.8°C - bracing (18-22°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 17.5°C to 20.0°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (26.4°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 7.8 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 14.3 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 05:46 and sets about 20:12 local time in mid-May. Average cloud cover is 45%.

Is May a good time to visit Sorrento?

May is not the strongest month here: warm days. The best months for Sorrento on our scoring are July, August, June; months averaging 25°C or more: Jul, Aug.

Warm days without much intense heat

May's warmth is generally manageable, making it a reasonable choice if you dislike strong heat at midday. Only 4% of days reach 25°C, so do not pack as though hot afternoons are guaranteed. The warmest days reach around 24°C or more, while colder nights can fall to around 12°C or below. Light daytime clothing makes sense, but bring a jumper or jacket for sitting outside after dark. Layers are more useful than a suitcase filled entirely with summer clothes. If your priority is spending time outdoors without needing high temperatures, May offers a sensible balance; if you want consistent heat, it is less convincing.

Plenty of daylight, with rain to work around

There is plenty of time to spend outside, with about 7.8 hours of sunshine within 14.3 hours of daylight. That does not mean clear skies throughout the day, and about 8 rainy days make a lightweight waterproof a sensible addition to your bag. Keep outdoor plans movable rather than relying on every afternoon staying dry. The combination of sunshine and some rain suits a flexible holiday better than a tightly planned stay built around lying in the sun. You can make use of dry spells without treating a damp forecast as a reason to write off the whole day.

Treat swimming as an option, not the main plan

The sea is the clearest drawback for a May holiday focused on swimming. Its average temperature is 18.8°C, with a year-to-year range of 18°C to 20°C, so even a warmer year leaves it on the bracing side. If you enjoy cooler water, a dip may still appeal, but do not expect the sea to feel as comfortable as the air on a sunny afternoon. Pack swimwear if you are willing to judge conditions when you arrive, alongside something dry to put on afterwards. Travellers who want leisurely swims in warm water should not make that the centre of a May booking.