São Paulo in May

In May, São Paulo averages 23°C (73°F) during the day and 13°C (55°F) at night, with around 9 days of rain (75 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 São Paulo: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.

23°C
Avg high
13°C
Avg low
9
Rain days
75 mm
Rainfall

How May compares to the rest of the year in São Paulo

10th
warmest month of the 12
8th
wettest month of the 12
5%
of yearly rainfall falls in May
10 h 59 min
daylight on the 15th

May is one of the coolest months in São Paulo (10th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C below the annual average (26°C). May runs 3°C cooler than April (26°C) and cools 1°C in June (22°C).

May sunrise & sunset in São Paulo

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:33 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
5:32 PM
Day length
10 h 59 min

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

Photography light in São Paulo — May

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:33 AM – 6:13 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:13 AM – 7:13 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
4:52 PM – 5:52 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
5:52 PM – 6:32 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Fair
Core only briefly above the horizon — a marginal month even from dark sites near São Paulo.

📅 When to book — São Paulo 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 São Paulo's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
3-4 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
3-5 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 São Paulo

High season

This is a busy month in São Paulo — 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 São Paulo

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
8.7
Very high
Limit sun exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM; SPF 30-50, reapply every 90 minutes outdoors.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●○
High
Peak mosquito activity. DEET 30%+, long sleeves at dawn/dusk, sleep under nets if rural. Check current dengue/malaria advisories for the destination.

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.

São Paulo in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 28°C / 82°F 19°C / 66°F 240 mm 16 0
February 28°C / 82°F 19°C / 66°F 215 mm 15 0
March 28°C / 82°F 18°C / 64°F 160 mm 13 0
April 26°C / 79°F 16°C / 61°F 75 mm 9 0
May 23°C / 73°F 13°C / 55°F 75 mm 9 0
June 22°C / 72°F 12°C / 54°F 55 mm 7 0
July 22°C / 72°F 11°C / 52°F 45 mm 7 0
August 24°C / 75°F 12°C / 54°F 40 mm 6 0
September 25°C / 77°F 14°C / 57°F 80 mm 9 0
October 26°C / 79°F 15°C / 59°F 125 mm 12 0
November 27°C / 81°F 17°C / 63°F 145 mm 13 0
December 27°C / 81°F 18°C / 64°F 200 mm 15 0

Other cities with similar May weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is São Paulo in May?

In May, São Paulo averages a high of 23°C (73°F) and a low of 13°C (55°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in São Paulo in May?

May sees occasional rain in São Paulo, with about 9 rainy days on average.

Is May a good time to visit São Paulo?

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 São Paulo in May?

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

Open São Paulo on the interactive map

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