May weather forecastColumbus, OH

An evening autumn view of the cityscape of Columbus, OhioAn evening autumn view of the cityscape of Columbus, Ohio

May

Weather in May

May signals the truly warm season in Columbus, Ohio. The high temperature soars to 72°F (22.2°C) and drops only to a pleasant 54.9°F (12.7°C) of low. The month is quite wet with 3.62" (92mm) of rainfall. Greenery takes over the cityscape, and daylight extends, encouraging outdoor activities. With long sunlight hours, remember to bring sunscreen for skin protection during the day.

Temperature

With the beginning of May, Columbus's average high-temperature sees an increase, transitioning from an enjoyable 61.5°F (16.4°C) in April to an agreeable 72°F (22.2°C). Throughout May, the temperature falls to an average low of 54.9°F (12.7°C).

Humidity

The average relative humidity in May is 76%.

Rainfall

The month with the most rainfall is May, when the rain falls for 18.4 days and typically aggregates up to 3.62" (92mm) of precipitation.

Snowfall

In Columbus, snow does not fall in May through September.

Daylight

In Columbus, the average length of the day in May is 14h and 24min.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 6:30 am and sunset at 8:27 pm. On the last day of May, in Columbus, sunrise is at 6:05 am and sunset at 8:54 pm EDT.

Sunshine

In May, the average sunshine is 8.9h.

UV index

May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index. A UV Index value of 6 to 7 symbolizes a high health risk from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation for the ordinary person.
Note: The UV index of 6 during May leads to these advisories:
Avoid overexposure. Fair-skinned individuals can burn in under 20 minutes. Avoid direct exposure to the Sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the peak period for UV radiation, noting that objects like parasols or canopies might not offer complete sun protection. Fend off the sun's harsh rays with appropriate clothing, a wide-brim hat, and UV-protective sunglasses. Consider this! The reflection from snow can almost double the intensity of the Sun's UV radiation.
Updated: Aug 13, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

May temperatures vary between a high-temperature of 72°F (22.2°C) and a low-temperature of 54.9°F (12.7°C).

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

The month with the most rainfall in Columbus is May, when the rain falls for 18.4 days and typically aggregates up to 3.62" (92mm) of precipitation.

In May, the rain falls for 18.4 days. Throughout May, 3.62" (92mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

In Columbus, snow does not fall in May through September.

In May, it doesn't snow. April is the latest month when it typically snows.

In May, the average day length is 14h and 24min.

On the first day of May in Columbus, sunrise is at 6:30 am and sunset at 8:27 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 6:05 am and sunset at 8:54 pm EDT.

In May, the average sunshine duration in Columbus is 8.9h.

The months with the highest UV index are May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6.

The average daily maximum UV index in May is 6. A UV Index of 6 to 7 symbolizes a high health threat from 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 sunshine
Average sunshine days
Average UV index
Average cloud cover
Average visibility

Average temperature in May
Columbus, OH

  • Average high temperature in May: 72°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (83.1°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (33.4°F).

  • Average low temperature in May: 54.9°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (65.5°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (21.6°F).

Average pressure in May
Columbus, OH

  • Average pressure in May: 29.98"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.14"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.94"Hg).

Average wind speed in May
Columbus, OH

  • Average wind speed in May: 7.4mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (9.4mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (5.5mph).

Average humidity in May
Columbus, OH

  • Average humidity in May: 76%

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

Average rainfall in May
Columbus, OH

  • Average rainfall in May: 3.62"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (3.62").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is September (1.69").

Average rainfall days in May
Columbus, OH

  • Average rainfall days in May: 18.4 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (18.4 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (9.1 days).

Average snowfall in May
Columbus, OH

  • Average snowfall in May: 0"

The month with the highest snowfall is February (3.31").
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days in May
Columbus, OH

  • Average snowfall days in May: 0.2 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (12.9 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight in May /
Average sunshine in May
Columbus, OH

  • Average daylight in May: 14h and 24min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 0min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 24min).

  • Average sunshine in May: 8h and 54min

The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 10h and 24min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 3h and 30min).

Average sunshine days in May
Columbus, OH

  • Average sunshine days in May: 10.1 days

The month with the most sunshine days is November (16.6 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is May (10.1 days).

Average UV index in May
Columbus, OH

  • Average UV index in May: 6

The months with the highest UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 2).

Average cloud cover in May
Columbus, OH

  • Average cloud cover in May: 41

The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 63).
The month with the least cloud cover is August (Cloud cover 29).

Average visibility in May
Columbus, OH

  • Average visibility in May: 6mi

The months with the highest visibility are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January and February (5mi).