Flagstaff in May

In May, Flagstaff averages 20°C (68°F) during the day and 7°C (44°F) at night, with around 7 days of rain (30 mm total).

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.

May is a great month to visit Flagstaff: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.

20°C
Avg high
7°C
Avg low
7
Rain days
30 mm
Rainfall

How May compares to the rest of the year in Flagstaff

5th
warmest month of the 12
5th
wettest month of the 12
6%
of yearly rainfall falls in May
14 h 1 min
daylight on the 15th

May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Flagstaff (5th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C above the annual average (17°C). May runs 4°C warmer than April (17°C) and warms a further 7°C into June (28°C).

May sunrise & sunset in Flagstaff

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:22 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
7:23 PM
Day length
14 h 1 min

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

Photography light in Flagstaff — May

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:22 AM – 5:02 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:02 AM – 6:02 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:43 PM – 7:43 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:43 PM – 8:23 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 — Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff'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 Flagstaff

High season

This is a busy month in Flagstaff — 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 Flagstaff

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.3
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.

Flagstaff in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 6°C / 42°F -4°C / 24°F 48 mm 7
February 8°C / 46°F -3°C / 26°F 44 mm 5
March 11°C / 51°F -1°C / 31°F 51 mm 7
April 17°C / 62°F 3°C / 38°F 15 mm 4
May 20°C / 68°F 7°C / 44°F 30 mm 7
June 28°C / 82°F 13°C / 56°F 11 mm 3
July 28°C / 83°F 16°C / 60°F 72 mm 13
August 27°C / 80°F 15°C / 58°F 71 mm 12
September 24°C / 75°F 12°C / 54°F 39 mm 7
October 18°C / 64°F 6°C / 43°F 27 mm 6
November 12°C / 53°F 1°C / 34°F 29 mm 4
December 6°C / 44°F -3°C / 27°F 41 mm 6

Other cities with similar May weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Flagstaff in May?

In May, Flagstaff averages a high of 20°C (68°F) and a low of 7°C (44°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Flagstaff in May?

May sees occasional rain in Flagstaff, with about 7 rainy days on average.

Is May a good time to visit Flagstaff?

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 Flagstaff in May?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full May packing list for Flagstaff for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Flagstaff on the interactive map

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