May weather forecast
New Orleans, LA

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Commuter buses on the street in New Orleans, Louisiana
Commuter buses on the street in New Orleans, Louisiana

Weather in May

May, highlighting the onset of summer, breaks away the spring equilibrium by bringing a hot streak to New Orleans. The city experiences a substantial increase in average temperature highs and lows noted at 82.9°F (28.3°C) and 71.2°F (21.8°C) respectively. Consistent wind speed helps offset the heat a bit, but there's no escaping the warm grip of this month. As we progress towards June, even higher temperatures coupled with increased rainfall become a routine. All in all, May sets up the groundwork for the hotter months to come in New Orleans.

Temperature

The start of May in New Orleans is characterized by a subtle increase in the average high-temperature, transitioning from 77°F (25°C) in April to a still warm 82.9°F (28.3°C). New Orleans experiences an average low-temperature of 71.2°F (21.8°C) in the month of May.

Heat index

May's heat index is estimated at a hot 89.6°F (32°C). Continuous exposure and activity could induce a sense of tiredness and subsequently, heat cramps.
Bear in mind that the heat index values are determined for shaded areas and light breezes. Uninterrupted exposure to the sun may boost the heat index values by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'feels like' or 'apparent temperature', is the outcome of merging air's temperature and its humidity metrics. A person's impression of weather can be affected by numerous aspects, among them metabolic variations, pregnancy, and activity levels. It is essential to be conscious of the fact that direct sunlight can intensify the felt heat, leading to an elevation in the heat index by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees. Heat index values are extremely significant for children. Young ones generally face higher dangers than adults since they sweat less. Along with their large skin surface area compared totheir small bodies and increased heat production from their activities, the risks are heightened.

Humidity

The average relative humidity in May is 73%.

Rainfall

In New Orleans, in May, it is raining for 8.6 days, with typically 0.75" (19mm) of accumulated precipitation. Throughout the year, there are 112.1 rainfall days, and 9.37" (238mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

Snowfall

February through December are months without snowfall.

Daylight

The average length of the day in May is 13h and 40min.
On the first day of May, sunrise is at 6:16 am and sunset at 7:37 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 5:59 am and sunset at 7:56 pm CDT.

Sunshine

The average sunshine in May is 10.6h.

UV index

The months with the highest UV index are May through September, with an average maximum UV index of 7. A UV Index of 6 to 7 symbolizes a high health hazard from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation for average individuals.
Note: The UV index of 7 during May leads to these advisories:
Adopt measures and apply sun safety strategies. Shielding from skin and eye damage is necessary. The Sun's UV radiation is most potent between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Try to limit direct exposure to the Sun during this period. Wearing sunglasses with both UVA and UVB protection effectively reduces sun-induced eye damage.

Frequently asked questions

How hot is May?

During May, New Orleans experiences an average high-temperature of 82.9°F (28.3°C) and a low-temperature of 71.2°F (21.8°C). The average heat index (a.k.a. 'feels like', 'apparent temperature'), which factors the actual air temperature with the relative humidity, in May is estimated at 89.6°F (32°C).

What is the average humidity in May in New Orleans?

The average relative humidity in May is 73%.

How many days does it rain in May?

In New Orleans, in May, during 8.6 rainfall days, 0.75" (19mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated.

When it does not snow?

February through December are months without snowfall.

What is the average length of the day in May?

In May, the average day length is 13h and 40min.

What time are sunrise and sunset in May?

In May, on the first day of the month, sunrise is at 6:16 am and sunset at 7:37 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 5:59 am and sunset at 7:56 pm CDT.

How many hours of sunshine does New Orleans have in May?

In May, the average sunshine duration in New Orleans is 10.6h.

When is the highest UV index?

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

What is the UV index reading in May?

In New Orleans, the average daily maximum UV index in May is 7. A UV Index of 6 to 7 symbolizes a high health risk from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation.
Average humidity
Average rainfall days
Average snowfall days
Average daylight
Average sunshine
Average sunshine days
Average UV index
Average cloud cover
Average visibility

Average temperature in May
New Orleans, LA

Average temperature in May - New Orleans, LA
  • Average high temperature in May: 82.9°F

The warmest months (with the highest average high temperature) are July and August (89.4°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (60.4°F).

  • Average low temperature in May: 71.2°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is August (79.5°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (48.6°F).

Average pressure in May
New Orleans, LA

Average pressure in May - New Orleans, LA
  • Average pressure in May: 29.99"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.16"Hg).
The months with the lowest atmospheric pressure are June, August and September (29.97"Hg).

Average wind speed in May
New Orleans, LA

Average wind speed in May - New Orleans, LA
  • Average wind speed in May: 8.2mph

The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are February and April (9.8mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (6.6mph).

Average humidity in May
New Orleans, LA

Average humidity in May - New Orleans, LA
  • Average humidity in May: 73%

The months with the highest relative humidity are February and December (77%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is October (71%).

Average rainfall in May
New Orleans, LA

Average rainfall in May - New Orleans, LA
  • Average rainfall in May: 0.75"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is July (1.57").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are March and April (0.43").

Average rainfall days in May
New Orleans, LA

Average rainfall days in May - New Orleans, LA
  • Average rainfall days in May: 8.6 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (17.2 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (4.7 days).

Average snowfall days in May
New Orleans, LA

Average snowfall days in May - New Orleans, LA
  • Average snowfall days in May: 0 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (0.1 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (0 days).

Average daylight in May /
Average sunshine in May
New Orleans, LA

Average daylight in May / Average sunshine in May - New Orleans, LA
  • Average daylight in May: 13h and 4min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 0min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 10h and 18min).

  • Average sunshine in May: 10h and 4min

The month with the most sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 11h and 0min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 5h and 6min).

Average sunshine days in May
New Orleans, LA

Average sunshine days in May - New Orleans, LA
  • Average sunshine days in May: 19.3 days

The month with the most sunshine days is November (23.5 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is August (8.9 days).

Average UV index in May
New Orleans, LA

Average UV index in May - New Orleans, LA
  • 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 December (UV index 3).

Average cloud cover in May
New Orleans, LA

Average cloud cover in May - New Orleans, LA
  • Average cloud cover in May: 26

The month with the most cloud cover is December (Cloud cover 44).
The month with the least cloud cover is October (Cloud cover 24).

Average visibility in May
New Orleans, LA

Average visibility in May - New Orleans, LA
  • 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).

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

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