Tampa in May
In May, Tampa averages 30°C (86°F) during the day and 21°C (70°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 17 days of the month see precipitation (102 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
May is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Tampa. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Tampa
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Tampa (4th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C above the annual average (27°C). May runs 2°C warmer than April (28°C) and stays flat into June.
May sunrise & sunset in Tampa
Times shown for Tampa 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 Tampa — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Tampa's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Tampa 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 Tampa's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Tampa
Tampa 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.
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Tampa
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.
Sea temperature in Tampa — May
Across the year Tampa's sea swings from 16.9°C (January) to 31.9°C (July) — May sits at 28°C.
Tampa in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20°C / 69°F | 12°C / 53°F | 74 mm | 11 | — |
| February | 23°C / 74°F | 14°C / 58°F | 53 mm | 11 | — |
| March | 25°C / 78°F | 16°C / 61°F | 52 mm | 11 | — |
| April | 28°C / 82°F | 19°C / 66°F | 69 mm | 13 | — |
| May | 30°C / 86°F | 21°C / 70°F | 102 mm | 17 | — |
| June | 31°C / 87°F | 24°C / 75°F | 185 mm | 26 | — |
| July | 31°C / 88°F | 25°C / 77°F | 225 mm | 30 | — |
| August | 31°C / 88°F | 25°C / 77°F | 245 mm | 30 | — |
| September | 30°C / 86°F | 24°C / 74°F | 174 mm | 25 | — |
| October | 28°C / 83°F | 21°C / 69°F | 53 mm | 16 | — |
| November | 25°C / 77°F | 17°C / 62°F | 58 mm | 12 | — |
| December | 23°C / 73°F | 15°C / 58°F | 75 mm | 10 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Tampa in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Tampa in May?
In May, Tampa averages a high of 30°C (86°F) and a low of 21°C (70°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Tampa in May?
May is quite rainy in Tampa, with about 17 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Tampa?
May is hot but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Tampa in May?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Tampa for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.