Sacramento in May

In May, Sacramento averages 29°C (84°F) during the day and 13°C (55°F) at night, with only about 4 rainy days.

High season

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.

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

29°C
Avg high
13°C
Avg low
4
Rain days
18 mm
Rainfall

How May compares to the rest of the year in Sacramento

5th
warmest month of the 12
7th
wettest month of the 12
3%
of yearly rainfall falls in May
14 h 16 min
daylight on the 15th

May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Sacramento (5th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (7th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C above the annual average (25°C). May runs 5°C warmer than April (24°C) and warms a further 6°C into June (34°C).

May sunrise & sunset in Sacramento

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:54 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
8:10 PM
Day length
14 h 16 min

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

Photography light in Sacramento — May

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:54 AM – 5:34 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:34 AM – 6:34 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
8:30 PM – 9:10 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 — Sacramento 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 Sacramento'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 Sacramento

High season

This is a busy month in Sacramento — 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 Sacramento

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●○○
Moderate
Active mosquito season. DEET 25-30% repellent recommended, especially at dawn/dusk.

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.

Sacramento in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 15°C / 58°F 5°C / 40°F 118 mm 9
February 17°C / 62°F 5°C / 41°F 96 mm 7
March 19°C / 67°F 7°C / 45°F 102 mm 11
April 24°C / 75°F 10°C / 49°F 37 mm 5
May 29°C / 84°F 13°C / 55°F 18 mm 4
June 34°C / 94°F 16°C / 60°F 5 mm 1
July 37°C / 98°F 17°C / 62°F 1 mm 0
August 36°C / 97°F 17°C / 62°F 1 mm 0
September 33°C / 92°F 16°C / 60°F 11 mm 1
October 27°C / 81°F 12°C / 54°F 36 mm 3
November 19°C / 65°F 7°C / 44°F 51 mm 7
December 14°C / 56°F 5°C / 40°F 132 mm 11

Other cities with similar May weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Sacramento in May?

In May, Sacramento averages a high of 29°C (84°F) and a low of 13°C (55°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Sacramento in May?

May is generally dry in Sacramento, with about 4 rainy days on average.

Is May a good time to visit Sacramento?

May is warm and mostly dry. 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 Sacramento in May?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full May packing list for Sacramento for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Sacramento on the interactive map

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