May weather forecast
Tampa, FL

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The Hillsborough River flowing under the bridge in Tampa, Florida
The Hillsborough River flowing under the bridge in Tampa, Florida

Weather in May

May signals the beginning of the hot season in Tampa, Florida. The relatively high temperatures coupled with increased humidity lead to frequent afternoon thunderstorms, inherent during this part of the year. However, these thunderstorms do not last long and often give way to clear skies. The increased rainfall of 2.64in creates an environment conducive for the city's lush greenery. As May witnesses the onset of long summer days, outdoor activities take a hit, especially during afternoons.

Temperature

The commencement of May brings an average high-temperature of a hot 86°F (30°C), marking an inconsequential divergence from April. Tampa records a mean low-temperature of 71.6°F (22°C) in May.

Heat index

The heat index value for May is estimated at a sweltering 95°F (35°C). Heightened safety actions are necessary, heat cramps and heat exhaustion are probable. Persistent activity may lead to heatstroke.
Understand that the heat index values take into account shaded locations and mild winds. Heat index values can rise by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees when in direct sunlight.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'felt air temperature' or 'real feel', gives an indication of how one might feel in terms of heat after considering humidity. A person's impression of weather can be affected by numerous aspects, among them metabolic variations, pregnancy, and activity levels. Always consider that direct sunlight exposure might heighten the heat's effects, pushing the heat index up by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees. Heat index values hold great significance to children. Kids are generally in more danger than adults because they perspire less. Their large skin surface area compared to their small bodies and the excessive heat due to their actions raises their risk.
Perspiration is the body's default response to elevated temperatures, as it promotes the evaporation of sweat to achieve cooling. An elevated level of relative humidity hinders evaporation, leading to decreased heat elimination from the body, inducing a sensation of excess heat. Overheating dangers loom when the body's heat release mechanisms are overshadowed by excessive gain.

Humidity

With an average relative humidity of 69%, May is the least humid month in Tampa.

Rainfall

In Tampa, in May, it is raining for 15.5 days, with typically 2.64" (67mm) of accumulated precipitation. Throughout the year, in Tampa, there are 178.2 rainfall days, and 32.87" (835mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

Ocean temperature

In May, the average ocean temperature in Tampa is 78.4°F (25.8°C).
Note: Water temperatures from 77°F (25°C) to 84.2°F (29°C) make swimming, diving, and similar activities highly pleasurable and enjoyable for long periods without discomfort.

Daylight

In May, the average length of the day is 13h and 32min.
On the first day of May in Tampa, sunrise is at 6:49 am and sunset at 8:04 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 6:33 am and sunset at 8:21 pm EDT.

Sunshine

The month with the most sunshine in Tampa is May, with an average of 10.9h of sunshine.

UV index

The months with the highest UV index are May through September, with an average maximum UV index of 7. A UV Index estimate of 6 to 7 represents a high health risk from exposure to the Sun's UV rays for the ordinary person.
Note: An average UV index of 7 in May transforms into this advice:
Follow precautions and abide by sun safety rules. Deterrence of sunburn is imperative. Be aware that the sun's UV radiation is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and try to reduce direct sun exposure during this period as much as possible. For a sun-safe wardrobe, go for clothes that are tightly woven and generously sized. Heed this! UV intensity is much stronger when reflected off sand and water.
Updated: Feb 10, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

How hot is May in Tampa?

In Tampa, in May, the average high-temperature is 86°F (30°C), and the average low-temperature is 71.6°F (22°C). The average heat index (a.k.a. 'real feel', 'apparent temperature'), which calculates the temperature value influenced by the moisture in the air, in May is estimated at 95°F (35°C).

What is the least humid month in Tampa?

With an average relative humidity of 69%, May is the least humid month in Tampa.

What is the average humidity in May in Tampa?

In Tampa, the average relative humidity in May is 69%.

How much does it rain in Tampa in May?

In Tampa, during May, the rain falls for 15.5 days and regularly aggregates up to 2.64" (67mm) of precipitation.

How warm is the water in May in Tampa?

In Tampa, Florida, in May, the average water temperature is 78.4°F (25.8°C). For swimming, diving, and other water activities, temperatures between 77°F (25°C) and 84.2°F (29°C) are perceived as very enjoyable and pleasurable for prolonged periods without feeling uncomfortable.

How many hours of daylight does Tampa have in May?

The average day length in May is 13h and 32min.

When are sunrise and sunset in May in Tampa?

On the first day of May in Tampa, Florida, sunrise is at 6:49 am and sunset at 8:04 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 6:33 am and sunset at 8:21 pm EDT.

What month has the most sunshine in Tampa?

The month with the most sunshine is May, with an average of 10.9h of sunshine.

How many hours of sunshine does Tampa have in May?

In May, the average sunshine duration is 10.9h.

What are the months with the highest UV index in Tampa?

The months with the highest UV index in Tampa, Florida, are May through September, with an average maximum UV index of 7.

What is the UV index reading in May in Tampa?

In Tampa, Florida, the average daily maximum UV index in May is 7. A UV Index value of 6 to 7 symbolizes a high health risk from unprotected exposure to UV radiation.
Average humidity
Average rainfall days
Average daylight
Average sunshine
Average sunshine days
Average UV index
Average cloud cover
Average visibility

Average temperature in May
Tampa, FL

Average temperature in May - Tampa, FL
  • Average high temperature in May: 86°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is August (90.3°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (67.8°F).

  • Average low temperature in May: 71.6°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is August (79°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (53.4°F).

Average pressure in May
Tampa, FL

Average pressure in May - Tampa, FL
  • Average pressure in May: 30.01"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.14"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is September (29.96"Hg).

Average wind speed in May
Tampa, FL

Average wind speed in May - Tampa, FL
  • Average wind speed in May: 7.1mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is March (7.8mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (5.8mph).

Average humidity in May
Tampa, FL

Average humidity in May - Tampa, FL
  • Average humidity in May: 69%

The month with the highest relative humidity is December (75%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is May (69%).

Average rainfall in May
Tampa, FL

Average rainfall in May - Tampa, FL
  • Average rainfall in May: 2.64"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is July (5.67").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is November (1.26").

Average rainfall days in May
Tampa, FL

Average rainfall days in May - Tampa, FL
  • Average rainfall days in May: 15.5 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (25.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (8.2 days).

Average sea temperature in May
Tampa, FL

Average sea temperature in May - Tampa, FL
  • Average sea temperature in May: 78.4°F

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (86.5°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is January (64.8°F).

Average daylight in May /
Average sunshine in May
Tampa, FL

Average daylight in May / Average sunshine in May - Tampa, FL
  • Average daylight in May: 13h and 3min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 13h and 54min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 10h and 24min).

  • Average sunshine in May: 10h and 5min

The month with the most sunshine is May (Average sunshine: 10h and 54min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 6h and 18min).

Average sunshine days in May
Tampa, FL

Average sunshine days in May - Tampa, FL
  • Average sunshine days in May: 13.6 days

The month with the most sunshine days is November (20.3 days).
The months with the least sunshine days are July and August (4.3 days).

Average UV index in May
Tampa, FL

Average UV index in May - Tampa, FL
  • Average UV index in May: 7

The months with the highest UV index are May, June, July, August and September (UV index 7).
The month with the lowest UV index is January (UV index 4).

Average cloud cover in May
Tampa, FL

Average cloud cover in May - Tampa, FL
  • Average cloud cover in May: 24

The months with the most cloud cover are January and December (Cloud cover 33).
The month with the least cloud cover is May (Cloud cover 24).

Average visibility in May
Tampa, FL

Average visibility in May - Tampa, FL
  • Average visibility in May: 6mi

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).

Tampa, Florida, USA

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