Buffalo in May

In May, Buffalo averages 18°C (65°F) during the day and 9°C (49°F) at night, with around 11 days of rain (86 mm total).

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.

May offers comfortable temperatures in Buffalo, with some rain to plan around.

18°C
Avg high
9°C
Avg low
11
Rain days
86 mm
Rainfall

How May compares to the rest of the year in Buffalo

5th
warmest month of the 12
10th
wettest month of the 12
8%
of yearly rainfall falls in May
14 h 38 min
daylight on the 15th

May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Buffalo (5th of 12) and one of the driest months (10th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 5°C above the annual average (13°C). May runs 7°C warmer than April (12°C) and warms a further 5°C into June (23°C).

May sunrise & sunset in Buffalo

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:52 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
8:31 PM
Day length
14 h 38 min

Times shown for Buffalo local time (America/New_York), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Buffalo — May

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Buffalo's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:52 AM – 5:32 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:32 AM – 6:32 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
7:51 PM – 8:51 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
8:51 PM – 9:31 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Good
Galactic core is up but lower on the horizon; head well outside city limits for a clean view.

📅 When to book — Buffalo in May

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (High season) and Buffalo's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.

Crowds & pricing — May in Buffalo

High season

This is a busy month in Buffalo — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — May in Buffalo

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
11.6
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●○○○
Low
Mosquitoes present but manageable. Pack repellent (DEET 10-20%) for evenings near water.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Buffalo in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 0°C / 33°F -6°C / 21°F 75 mm 13
February 1°C / 34°F -6°C / 21°F 83 mm 13
March 5°C / 42°F -3°C / 27°F 81 mm 12
April 12°C / 53°F 3°C / 37°F 104 mm 14
May 18°C / 65°F 9°C / 49°F 86 mm 11
June 23°C / 74°F 15°C / 59°F 94 mm 11
July 26°C / 78°F 19°C / 65°F 103 mm 12
August 25°C / 77°F 18°C / 65°F 84 mm 12
September 23°C / 73°F 15°C / 59°F 85 mm 9
October 16°C / 60°F 10°C / 49°F 111 mm 14
November 9°C / 48°F 3°C / 37°F 86 mm 13
December 4°C / 40°F -1°C / 30°F 89 mm 14

Other cities with similar May weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Buffalo in May →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Buffalo in May?

In May, Buffalo averages a high of 18°C (65°F) and a low of 9°C (49°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Buffalo in May?

May can be fairly wet in Buffalo, with about 11 rainy days on average.

Is May a good time to visit Buffalo?

May is mild and pleasant. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Buffalo in May?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Buffalo for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Buffalo on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.