May weather forecast
Chicago, IL

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The city of Chicago in Illinois on the shores of Lake Michigan, with a superb view of the sandy beach of Oak Street
The city of Chicago in Illinois on the shores of Lake Michigan, with a superb view of the sandy beach of Oak Street

Weather in May

Chicago enjoys mild and pleasurable May with the definitive arrival of spring that transforms the city. Compared to April, the overall climatic conditions improve significantly. This month proves to be city's rainiest with rainfall recorded at 4.61". Outdoor enthusiasts can revel in the increased daylight hours, perfect for exploring the city's attractions. Make the most of this halcyon period before the heat of the summer strikes.

Temperature

The shift from April to May in Chicago, Illinois, brings an increase in the average high-temperature, moving from a cool 50.7°F to a comfortable 61°F. Nighttime temperatures in Chicago, Illinois, hover around an average low of 50.4°F in May.

Humidity

The average relative humidity in May in Chicago is 79%.

Rainfall

In Chicago, during May, the rain falls for 18.3 days and regularly aggregates up to 4.61" of precipitation. In Chicago, during the entire year, the rain falls for 160.2 days and collects up to 36.97" of precipitation.

Snowfall

January through May, November and December are months with snowfall in Chicago. May is the last month it regularly snows in Chicago, Illinois. During 0.2 snowfall days, in May, Chicago aggregates 0.08" of snow. Throughout the year, in Chicago, Illinois, there are 40.9 snowfall days, and 13.9" of snow is accumulated.

Ocean temperature

In Chicago, in May, the average water temperature is 45°F.
Note: To swim in 45°F at less than 50°F, ensure you're well-protected. Without it, be prepared for a sudden jolt of cold and breathing issues. Remember, even 55.4°F is not welcoming.

Daylight

In May, the average length of the day is 14h and 34min.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 5:46 am and sunset at 7:48 pm. On the last day of May, sunrise is at 5:18 am and sunset at 8:18 pm CDT.

Sunshine

In May, the average sunshine is 8.9h.

UV index

In Chicago, Illinois, the average daily maximum UV index in May is 4. A UV Index of 3 to 5 symbolizes a medium vulnerability from exposure to the Sun's UV rays for the average person.
Note: The maximum UV index of 4 during May leads to these instructions:
Make use of precautions - It is urged to ward off sun damage. Limiting exposure to the direct Sun during midday hours can help prevent harmful UV radiation effects. Counter UV radiation's ill effects with clothing designed for sun safety and UV-resistant eyewear. Note well! The intensity of the Sun's UV rays can be nearly doubled by snow reflection.
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FAQ

What is the usual temperature for Chicago in May?

The average high-temperature, in May, in Chicago, is 61°F, while the average low-temperature is 50.4°F.

What is the average humidity in May in Chicago?

The average relative humidity in May in Chicago, Illinois, is 79%.

How much does it rain in Chicago in May?

In Chicago, in May, it is raining for 18.3 days, with typically 4.61" of accumulated precipitation.

What is the last month it snows in Chicago?

May is the last month it regularly snows in Chicago, Illinois. During 0.2 snowfall days, in May, Chicago aggregates 0.08" of snow.

What is the water temperature in May in Chicago?

In Chicago, the average seawater temperature in May is 45°F. Swimming in 45°F is considered life-threatening. Even a few minutes in 55.4°F water is uncomfortable, and swimming below 50°F may cause total loss of breathing control and cold shock, depending on a person's physique.

How many hours of daylight does Chicago have in May?

In May, the average day length in Chicago is 14h and 34min.

When is the sunrise / sunset in May in Chicago?

In May, on the first day of the month, sunrise is at 5:46 am and sunset at 7:48 pm. On the last day of the month, in Chicago, sunrise is at 5:18 am and sunset at 8:18 pm CDT.

How many hours of sunshine does Chicago have in May?

The average sunshine duration in May is 8.9h.

How high is the UV index in May in Chicago?

The average daily maximum UV index in May in Chicago is 4. A UV Index of 3 to 5 symbolizes a medium hazard to health from unsafe exposure to Sun's UV rays.
Average high temperature
Average low temperature
Average pressure
Average wind speed
Average max. wind speed
Average wind speed gusts
Average humidity
Average rainfall
Average rainfall days
Average snowfall
Average snowfall days
Average sea temperature
Average daylight
Average sunshine
Average sunshine days
Average UV index
Average cloud cover
Average visibility

Average temperature in May
Chicago, IL

Average temperature in May - Chicago, IL
  • Average high temperature in May: 61°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is August (77.5°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (29.7°F).

  • Average low temperature in May: 50.4°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (67.8°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (20.7°F).

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Average pressure in May
Chicago, IL

Average pressure in May - Chicago, IL
  • Average pressure in May: 29.97"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.11"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.92"Hg).

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Average wind speed in May
Chicago, IL

Average wind speed in May - Chicago, IL
  • Average wind speed in May: 9.4mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (12.5mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (7.7mph).

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Average humidity in May
Chicago, IL

Average humidity in May - Chicago, IL
  • Average humidity in May: 79%

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (82%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is October (73%).

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Average rainfall in May
Chicago, IL

Average rainfall in May - Chicago, IL
  • Average rainfall in May: 4.61"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (4.88").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is December (1.65").

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Average rainfall days in May
Chicago, IL

Average rainfall days in May - Chicago, IL
  • Average rainfall days in May: 18.3 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (18.5 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (5.5 days).

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Average snowfall in May
Chicago, IL

Average snowfall in May - Chicago, IL
  • Average snowfall in May: 0.08"

The month with the highest snowfall is February (3.54").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August, September and October (0").

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Average snowfall days in May
Chicago, IL

Average snowfall days in May - Chicago, IL
  • Average snowfall days in May: 0.2 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (10.6 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

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Average sea temperature in May
Chicago, IL

Average sea temperature in May - Chicago, IL
  • Average sea temperature in May: 44.8°F

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (73.9°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (36.9°F).

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Average daylight in May /
Average sunshine in May
Chicago, IL

Average daylight in May / Average sunshine in May - Chicago, IL
  • Average daylight in May: 14h and 4min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 12min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 12min).

  • Average sunshine in May: 8h and 5min

The months with the most sunshine are July and August (Average sunshine: 10h and 36min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 3h and 42min).

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Average sunshine days in May
Chicago, IL

Average sunshine days in May - Chicago, IL
  • Average sunshine days in May: 10.6 days

The month with the most sunshine days is December (15.5 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (9.3 days).

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Average UV index in May
Chicago, IL

Average UV index in May - Chicago, IL
  • Average UV index in May: 4

The months with the highest UV index are July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 1).

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Average cloud cover in May
Chicago, IL

Average cloud cover in May - Chicago, IL
  • Average cloud cover in May: 41

The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 62).
The months with the least cloud cover are July and August (Cloud cover 27).

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Average visibility in May
Chicago, IL

Average visibility in May - Chicago, IL
  • 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).

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Chicago, Illinois, USA

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