May is a warm spring month with many sunny days amid bright skies in Oregon. The average high temperatures in the state are in the pleasant 49°F (9.4°C) to 75°F (23.9°C) range, while the average low temperatures are in the mild 28°F (-2.2°C) to 46°F (7.8°C). Astoria, on the coast, averages between 46°F (7.8°C) to 60°F (15.6°C), while Ontario in the east registers the warmest, between 44°F (6.7°C) to 75°F (23.9°C). Rainfall is a moderate 1" (25mm) to 5" (127mm), with a marked decrease even in the coastal areas. Willamette Valley sees 12 to 14 sunny days, while eastern Oregon records 15 to 18 days of bright sunshine. The fresh air brings a wealth of flora and fauna to the fore. The steady melting of snow brings plenty of freshwater to the lakes and rivers. Depoe Bay is the best place for whale watching, but keep in mind that the peak period of whales passing the Oregon coast wanes by the end of May. Keep an eye on thunderstorms in May, especially in the mountains of Oregon.