May weather forecastTacoma, WA

The city of Tacoma, Washington lit perfectly in the nightThe city of Tacoma, Washington lit perfectly in the night

May

Weather in May

May ushers in a desirable tempest of balmy weather as Tacoma, Washington fully embraces spring. With the mercury hitting a high of 65.8°F (18.8°C), the city sheds away any lingering signs of the past winter. The drastically reduced rainfall to 1.57" (40mm) and longer sunshine durations mark a transformation of sorts. The city begins to buzz with events, parades, and festivals celebrating the arrival of clear skies and delightful temperatures. The change in climate paves the way for more outdoor activities and a vibrant, spirited Tacoma awaits its residents.

Temperature

The shift into May brings a slight increase in the average high-temperature, moving from a mild 57.2°F (14°C) in April to a still refreshing 65.8°F (18.8°C). A noteworthy thermal contrast characterizes Tacoma's May nights, with temperatures averaging at a chilly 43.5°F (6.4°C).

Humidity

The average relative humidity in May is 74%.

Rainfall

In Tacoma, Washington, in May, during 13.3 rainfall days, 1.57" (40mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated. Throughout the year, there are 172.9 rainfall days, and 30.08" (764mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

Snowfall

April through October are months without snowfall.

Ocean temperature

In May, the average ocean temperature is 46.8°F (8.2°C).
Note: Diving into 46.8°F (8.2°C) is practical below 50°F (10°C), given you're wearing protective swim gear; without it, expect a quick onset of cold shock and a struggle to breathe. Merely touching waters at 55.4°F (13°C) feels ice-cold.

Daylight

In May, the average length of the day is 15h and 7min.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 5:51 am and sunset at 8:21 pm. On the last day of May, sunrise is at 5:17 am and sunset at 8:57 pm PDT.

Sunshine

In May, the average sunshine is 8.8h.

UV index

In Tacoma, 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 radiation for average individuals.
Note: In May, the maximum UV index of 4 suggests these recommendations:
Make use of precautions - Suggestions to resist sunburn are communicated. Being in direct Sun during midday can be harmful due to intense solar radiation; take precautions. For excellent sun protection for the eyes, ears, face, and neck, consider a wide-brim hat.

Frequently asked questions

The high-temperature during May is 65.8°F (18.8°C) and the low-temperature is 43.5°F (6.4°C).

The average relative humidity in May is 74%.

In May, the rain falls for 13.3 days. Throughout May, 1.57" (40mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

In Tacoma, snow does not fall in April through October.

In Tacoma, the average seawater temperature in May is 46.8°F (8.2°C). At temperatures below 50°F (10°C), swimming in a suitably protected swimsuit is feasible; otherwise, cold shock and loss of breathing control are imminent. Even a short swim, without thermal protection, at temperatures around 55.4°F (13°C) is not comfortable.

In Tacoma, the average day length in May is 15h and 7min.

On the first day of May, sunrise is at 5:51 am and sunset at 8:21 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 5:17 am and sunset at 8:57 pm PDT.

In Tacoma, the average sunshine duration in May is 8.8h.

In Tacoma, the average daily maximum UV index in May is 4. A UV Index reading of 3 to 5 represents a moderate vulnerability from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation.
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 sunshine
Average sunshine days
Average UV index
Average cloud cover
Average visibility

Average temperature in May
Tacoma, WA

  • Average high temperature in May: 65.8°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is August (78.1°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (43.7°F).

  • Average low temperature in May: 43.5°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is August (52.7°F).
The coldest months (with the lowest average low temperature) are February and December (34.3°F).

Average pressure in May
Tacoma, WA

  • Average pressure in May: 30.03"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.09"Hg).
The months with the lowest atmospheric pressure are March, August and September (30.01"Hg).

Average wind speed in May
Tacoma, WA

  • Average wind speed in May: 4.3mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is March (5.2mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (3.7mph).

Average humidity in May
Tacoma, WA

  • Average humidity in May: 74%

The months with the highest relative humidity are January and December (87%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is July (68%).

Average rainfall in May
Tacoma, WA

  • Average rainfall in May: 1.57"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is December (4.69").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is July (0.39").

Average rainfall days in May
Tacoma, WA

  • Average rainfall days in May: 13.3 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is March (20.1 days).
The month with the least rainy days is August (5 days).

Average snowfall in May
Tacoma, WA

  • Average snowfall in May: 0"

The month with the highest snowfall is February (2.28").
The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September and October (0").

Average snowfall days in May
Tacoma, WA

  • Average snowfall days in May: 0 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (3.2 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August, September and October (0 days).

Average sea temperature in May
Tacoma, WA

  • Average sea temperature in May: 46.8°F

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (53.7°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (45.8°F).

Average daylight in May /
Average sunshine in May
Tacoma, WA

  • Average daylight in May: 15h and 6min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 54min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 36min).

  • Average sunshine in May: 8h and 48min

The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 10h and 36min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 4h and 0min).

Average sunshine days in May
Tacoma, WA

  • Average sunshine days in May: 15.5 days

The month with the most sunshine days is August (23.4 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is February (9 days).

Average UV index in May
Tacoma, WA

  • Average UV index in May: 4

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

Average cloud cover in May
Tacoma, WA

  • Average cloud cover in May: 45

The month with the most cloud cover is December (Cloud cover 59).
The month with the least cloud cover is August (Cloud cover 27).

Average visibility in May
Tacoma, WA

  • Average visibility in May: 5mi

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