May weather forecast
Wilmington, NC

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A creative creation on a large field in Wilmington, North Carolina
A creative creation on a large field in Wilmington, North Carolina

Weather in May

May's weather in Wilmington, North Carolina, USA, leans towards the warmer side. Temperatures continue to rise, signifying the onset of the summer season. Rainfall also increases, adding a touch of humidity to the air. The sunny beaches become a hotspot for tourists and locals alike as the sea temperature warms up. The Wilmington Harborfest becomes an epicenter of activities, best enjoyed amidst the balmy May weather.

Temperature

With the onset of May, Wilmington's weather sees a minor temperature rise, transitioning from a pleasant 70.7°F (21.5°C) in April to a warm 78.6°F (25.9°C). An average low-temperature of 65.5°F (18.6°C) marks the nights throughout May.

Humidity

The average relative humidity in May is 76%.

Rainfall

In Wilmington, in May, during 16.3 rainfall days, 3.58" (91mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated. Throughout the year, there are 182.5 rainfall days, and 41.42" (1052mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

Snowfall

April through December are months without snowfall.

Ocean temperature

In May, the average ocean temperature in Wilmington, North Carolina, is 70.7°F (21.5°C).
Note: Swimming becomes less enjoyable for most at a surface water temperature of 70.7°F (21.5°C). As the temperature decreases below 69.8°F (21°C), breathing becomes increasingly difficult.

Daylight

In May, the average length of the day in Wilmington is 13h and 58min.
On the first day of May, sunrise is at 6:21 am and sunset at 7:56 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 6:01 am and sunset at 8:18 pm EDT.

Sunshine

In May, the average sunshine is 10.1h.

UV index

The average daily maximum UV index in May is 6. A UV Index reading of 6 to 7 represents a high health risk from unprotected exposure to Sun's UV rays for ordinary individuals.
Note: The maximum UV index, 6 during May, leads to the following recommendations:
Follow precautions and abide by sun safety rules. Deterrence of sunburn is imperative. Remember that the sun's UV radiation is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Make an effort to avoid direct sun exposure during these hours. On bright days sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays should be worn. A hat with a wide brim is extremely helpful, as it can prevent roughly 50% of UV radiation from reaching the eyes. Be vigilant! The Sun's UV rays get a boost from sand and water reflections.
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Frequently asked questions

What is the average May temperature in Wilmington?

During May, Wilmington experiences an average high-temperature of 78.6°F (25.9°C) and a low-temperature of 65.5°F (18.6°C).

What is the average humidity in May in Wilmington?

In Wilmington, the average relative humidity in May is 76%.

How many days does it rain in May in Wilmington?

In May, in Wilmington, the rain falls for 16.3 days. Throughout May, 3.58" (91mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When it does not snow in Wilmington?

April through December are months without snowfall in Wilmington, North Carolina.

What is the ocean temperature in May in Wilmington?

In Wilmington, the average seawater temperature in May is 70.7°F (21.5°C). For swimming, a surface water temperature of 70.7°F (21.5°C) is not enjoyable for the majority. It is not considered safe, as controlling breathing becomes progressively more difficult as water temperature decreases below 69.8°F (21°C).

What is the average length of the day in May in Wilmington?

The average day length in May is 13h and 58min.

When are sunrise and sunset in May in Wilmington?

On the first day of May, sunrise is at 6:21 am and sunset at 7:56 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 6:01 am and sunset at 8:18 pm EDT.

How long on average sun shines in May in Wilmington?

In May, the average sunshine duration in Wilmington, North Carolina, is 10.1h.

What is the UV index reading in May in Wilmington?

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

Average temperature in May
Wilmington, NC

Average temperature in May - Wilmington, NC
  • Average high temperature in May: 78.6°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (87.6°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (54°F).

  • Average low temperature in May: 65.5°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (75.4°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (40.1°F).

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Average pressure in May
Wilmington, NC

Average pressure in May - Wilmington, NC
  • Average pressure in May: 30.03"Hg

The months with the highest atmospheric pressure are January and December (30.13"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.97"Hg).

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Average wind speed in May
Wilmington, NC

Average wind speed in May - Wilmington, NC
  • Average wind speed in May: 8.6mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (9.5mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (7mph).

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Average humidity in May
Wilmington, NC

Average humidity in May - Wilmington, NC
  • Average humidity in May: 76%

The months with the highest relative humidity are August, September and December (77%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are January and March (73%).

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Average rainfall in May
Wilmington, NC

Average rainfall in May - Wilmington, NC
  • Average rainfall in May: 3.58"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (5.59").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (1.93").

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Average rainfall days in May
Wilmington, NC

Average rainfall days in May - Wilmington, NC
  • Average rainfall days in May: 16.3 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (22.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (10.6 days).

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Average snowfall in May
Wilmington, NC

Average snowfall in May - Wilmington, NC
  • Average snowfall in May: 0"

The month with the highest snowfall is January (0.75").
The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (0").

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Average snowfall days in May
Wilmington, NC

Average snowfall days in May - Wilmington, NC
  • Average snowfall days in May: 0 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (0.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0 days).

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Average sea temperature in May
Wilmington, NC

Average sea temperature in May - Wilmington, NC
  • Average sea temperature in May: 70.7°F

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (82.8°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (57.5°F).

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Average daylight in May /
Average sunshine in May
Wilmington, NC

Average daylight in May / Average sunshine in May - Wilmington, NC
  • Average daylight in May: 14h and 0min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 24min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 54min).

  • Average sunshine in May: 10h and 1min

The months with the most sunshine are June and July (Average sunshine: 10h and 48min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 5h and 30min).

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Average sunshine days in May
Wilmington, NC

Average sunshine days in May - Wilmington, NC
  • Average sunshine days in May: 11.7 days

The month with the most sunshine days is October (18.1 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is August (6.3 days).

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Average UV index in May
Wilmington, NC

Average UV index in May - Wilmington, NC
  • Average UV index in May: 6

The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February and December (UV index 3).

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Average cloud cover in May
Wilmington, NC

Average cloud cover in May - Wilmington, NC
  • Average cloud cover in May: 31

The months with the most cloud cover are February and December (Cloud cover 40).
The months with the least cloud cover are June and July (Cloud cover 27).

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Average visibility in May
Wilmington, NC

Average visibility in May - Wilmington, NC
  • 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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Wilmington, North Carolina, USA

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