Nashville in May
In May, Nashville averages 26°C (79°F) during the day and 15°C (60°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 19 days of the month see precipitation (123 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
May offers comfortable temperatures in Nashville, with some rain to plan around.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Nashville
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Nashville (5th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 5°C above the annual average (21°C). May runs 5°C warmer than April (21°C) and warms a further 4°C into June (30°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Nashville
Times shown for Nashville local time (America/Chicago), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Nashville — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Nashville's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Nashville 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 (Shoulder) and Nashville's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Nashville
Nashville is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Nashville
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.
Nashville in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C / 47°F | -1°C / 31°F | 115 mm | 15 | — |
| February | 11°C / 52°F | 1°C / 35°F | 162 mm | 16 | — |
| March | 16°C / 60°F | 5°C / 41°F | 132 mm | 17 | — |
| April | 21°C / 69°F | 9°C / 49°F | 137 mm | 16 | — |
| May | 26°C / 79°F | 15°C / 60°F | 123 mm | 19 | — |
| June | 30°C / 86°F | 20°C / 68°F | 154 mm | 20 | — |
| July | 32°C / 89°F | 22°C / 71°F | 167 mm | 22 | — |
| August | 30°C / 87°F | 21°C / 70°F | 200 mm | 22 | — |
| September | 28°C / 82°F | 18°C / 64°F | 125 mm | 13 | — |
| October | 22°C / 72°F | 12°C / 53°F | 128 mm | 14 | — |
| November | 15°C / 59°F | 5°C / 41°F | 102 mm | 12 | — |
| December | 11°C / 53°F | 3°C / 37°F | 137 mm | 14 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Nashville in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Nashville in May?
In May, Nashville averages a high of 26°C (79°F) and a low of 15°C (60°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Nashville in May?
May is quite rainy in Nashville, with about 19 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Nashville?
May is warm but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Nashville 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 Nashville for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.