Weather in Miami in May

How May compares

May is the 5th warmest month of the year in Miami and ranks 32nd of 134 destinations we compare for May - see where else is hot in May. Within United States it is 4th of 6 (United States in May). Against London's average high of 16.6°C in May, Miami is 11.6°C warmer by day and 15.1°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in May

The typical May day in Miami peaks at 28.2°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 30.0°C or more. About 99% of days top 25°C and 1 in 9 pass 30°C. Nights average 23.4°C; one night in ten drops to 21.5°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest May day here reached 32.8°C (2008-05-12) and the coldest night 15.2°C (1992-05-08).

Rain in May

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 12 days with 1 mm or more, 99 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest May was 2018 with 442 mm, the driest 1992 with 6 mm. Humidity averages 73%.

Sea temperature in May

The sea averages 26.8°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 25.8°C to 27.3°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (29.9°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 7.3 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 13.3 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:35 and sets about 19:59 local time in mid-May. Average cloud cover is 45%.

Is May a good time to visit Miami?

It is a reasonable choice: hot days but expect showers. The best months for Miami on our scoring are March, February, April; months averaging 25°C or more: Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov.

Expect heat that lasts into the evening

Pack for hot days and warm evenings rather than a big drop in temperature after sunset. With 99% of days reaching 25°C, warmth is about as dependable as anything in May's weather. Humidity averages 73%, so the heat can feel more tiring than the temperature alone suggests, particularly when you are walking around at midday. Loose, breathable clothing and opportunities to get out of the sun will make the day more comfortable. Days reaching 30°C occur, but they are not the norm. May suits travellers who enjoy sustained warmth; it is less appealing if you prefer cool nights or spending the whole day outside without breaks.

Allow for rain, not just sunshine

Rain is the main compromise: May has about 12 rainy days, so a dry holiday is not something to count on. There is still about 7.3 hours of sunshine a day within 13.3 hours of daylight, leaving scope for time outdoors without treating every day as guaranteed beach weather. Keep outdoor plans movable and take a lightweight waterproof that will not feel too heavy in the heat. The long daylight hours give you flexibility, but they do not tell you when rain will arrive. If wet weather would spoil the trip for you, May is a less comfortable choice than its warm temperatures might initially suggest.