Richmond in May

In May, Richmond averages 25°C (78°F) during the day and 15°C (59°F) at night, with around 11 days of rain (99 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 Richmond, with some rain to plan around.

25°C
Avg high
15°C
Avg low
11
Rain days
99 mm
Rainfall

How May compares to the rest of the year in Richmond

5th
warmest month of the 12
3rd
wettest month of the 12
9%
of yearly rainfall falls in May
14 h 11 min
daylight on the 15th

May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Richmond (5th of 12) and one of the wettest months (3rd 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 Richmond

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:00 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
8:11 PM
Day length
14 h 11 min

Times shown for Richmond 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 Richmond — May

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:00 AM – 5:40 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:40 AM – 6:40 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
7:31 PM – 8:31 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
8:31 PM – 9:11 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 — Richmond 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 Richmond'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 Richmond

High season

This is a busy month in Richmond — 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 Richmond

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.1
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●○
High
Peak mosquito activity. DEET 30%+, long sleeves at dawn/dusk, sleep under nets if rural.

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.

Richmond in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 9°C / 47°F 0°C / 31°F 86 mm 10
February 11°C / 53°F 1°C / 34°F 93 mm 10
March 15°C / 59°F 4°C / 39°F 85 mm 10
April 21°C / 69°F 9°C / 49°F 94 mm 10
May 25°C / 78°F 15°C / 59°F 99 mm 11
June 30°C / 85°F 19°C / 66°F 104 mm 11
July 32°C / 90°F 22°C / 72°F 102 mm 13
August 30°C / 87°F 21°C / 70°F 109 mm 12
September 28°C / 82°F 18°C / 65°F 101 mm 10
October 22°C / 71°F 12°C / 54°F 95 mm 8
November 15°C / 59°F 5°C / 42°F 78 mm 7
December 12°C / 53°F 3°C / 37°F 99 mm 10

Other cities with similar May weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Richmond in May?

In May, Richmond averages a high of 25°C (78°F) and a low of 15°C (59°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Richmond in May?

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

Is May a good time to visit Richmond?

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 Richmond 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 Richmond for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Richmond on the interactive map

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