Raleigh in May
In May, Raleigh averages 26°C (80°F) during the day and 16°C (60°F) at night, with around 11 days of rain (100 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
May offers comfortable temperatures in Raleigh, with some rain to plan around.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Raleigh
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Raleigh (5th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (6th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 5°C above the annual average (22°C). May runs 4°C warmer than April (22°C) and warms a further 4°C into June (30°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Raleigh
Times shown for Raleigh 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 Raleigh — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Raleigh's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Raleigh 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 Raleigh's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Raleigh
Raleigh 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 Raleigh
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.
Raleigh in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10°C / 51°F | 1°C / 34°F | 102 mm | 10 | — |
| February | 14°C / 56°F | 4°C / 38°F | 92 mm | 10 | — |
| March | 17°C / 62°F | 6°C / 43°F | 91 mm | 11 | — |
| April | 22°C / 72°F | 11°C / 51°F | 108 mm | 10 | — |
| May | 26°C / 80°F | 16°C / 60°F | 100 mm | 11 | — |
| June | 30°C / 86°F | 20°C / 68°F | 113 mm | 13 | — |
| July | 32°C / 90°F | 22°C / 72°F | 109 mm | 15 | — |
| August | 31°C / 87°F | 21°C / 71°F | 122 mm | 14 | — |
| September | 28°C / 82°F | 19°C / 66°F | 146 mm | 12 | — |
| October | 23°C / 73°F | 13°C / 56°F | 92 mm | 8 | — |
| November | 16°C / 61°F | 7°C / 44°F | 90 mm | 8 | — |
| December | 13°C / 56°F | 4°C / 40°F | 103 mm | 10 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Raleigh in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Raleigh in May?
In May, Raleigh averages a high of 26°C (80°F) and a low of 16°C (60°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Raleigh in May?
May can be fairly wet in Raleigh, with about 11 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Raleigh?
May is warm. 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.