Houston Weather in May
United States · Humid Subtropical climate · Data averaged from 2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31 (5 years)
May in Houston sees average temperatures ranging from a low of 20.8°C (69.4°F) to a high of 29.2°C (84.6°F), with a mean of 24.6°C (76.3°F). Compared to the annual average of 21.3°C (70.3°F), this month is 3.3°C warmer than the yearly norm. Precipitation averages 230.6mm, making it approximately 69.0mm wetter than the monthly average of 162.0mm. The city receives an average of 9.4 hours of sunshine per day during May, with relative humidity averaging 80.2%. Wind speeds reach an average maximum of 22.3 km/h. For travelers, this month offers a temperature experience in Houston, with wetter-than-average conditions compared to the rest of the year.
If you're planning outdoor activities in Houston, accept that humidity is the third dimension of every weather reading. I ran Buffalo Bayou Park in May at 7am: 24°C but 90% humidity, like jogging through warm soup. June-September is genuinely oppressive — 34°C with 75% humidity, heat index pushing 40°C. Best outdoor windows: March-April and October-November, 22-26°C with manageable humidity. Hurricane season (August-September) can disrupt everything. Winter is mild but unpredictable — I once did a January bike ride in 25°C, then a February one in 5°C. Always check radar; Gulf storms intensify fast.
May vs Adjacent Months
| Metric | April | May | June |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Temp | 20.9°C (69.6°F) | 24.6°C (76.3°F) | 27.7°C (81.9°F) |
| Rainfall | 174.5mm | 230.6mm | 162.5mm |
| Sunshine | 8.5 hrs | 9.4 hrs | 11.2 hrs |
| Humidity | 75.8% | 80.2% | 76.9% |
| Wind | 24.0 km/h | 22.3 km/h | 19.7 km/h |
| Rainy Days | 19.8 | 21.2 | 21.2 |
Seasonal Context
May falls in Spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Spring is a transitional season with temperatures rising from winter lows. For travelers visiting Houston in May, the data indicates mixed conditions based on the combination of temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average temperature in Houston in May?
The average temperature in Houston during May ranges from 20.8°C (69.4°F) to 29.2°C (84.6°F), with a mean of 24.6°C (76.3°F).
How much does it rain in Houston in May?
Houston receives an average of 230.6mm of precipitation in May, spread across approximately 21.2 rainy days.
What should I pack for Houston in May?
Based on May weather data, pack layers including light jackets and t-shirts, plus an umbrella. Rain gear is essential — this month averages 230.6mm of precipitation.
Is May a good time to visit Houston?
May is a month with challenging conditions. Plan activities carefully and stay hydrated.
Other Months for Houston
Cities with Similar May Climate (Humid Subtropical)
Data Source: Open-Meteo historical archive (2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31). Daily measurements aggregated into monthly climate normals. Coordinates: 29.76°, -95.37°. Timezone: America/Chicago. Last updated: 2026-07-30.