Raleigh · May
Run in the morning.
Comfortable average high of 79°F, dipping to 60°F at night. Comfortable conditions all day, but morning consistently delivers the best combination of cool air and clear skies.
Avg high / low
79° / 60°F
Humidity
68%
Rain days
13/mo
Wind
10 mph
What May feels like in Raleigh
Sunrise
06:09
Mid-month average
Sunset
20:13
Mid-month average
Time-of-day breakdown
Morning
Steady cool air, low wind, and good light. The standard runner window in most months.
Midday
Mild but UV and traffic peak. Workable if you don't mind shifting your pace.
Evening
Warm and runnable. Crowded routes but the air's typically calm.
What to wear running in Raleigh in May
The kit for May in Raleigh: shorts and a short-sleeve are the standard kit, a water-resistant cap or jacket on standby.
May vs the surrounding months
vs April
+8° avg high
+1 rain days
Raleigh in April →
May
79°F avg high
13 rain days
Best: morning
vs June
-7° avg high
-3 rain days
Raleigh in June →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of day to run in Raleigh in May?+
Morning. Comfortable conditions all day, but morning consistently delivers the best combination of cool air and clear skies.
What's the average temperature in Raleigh in May?+
Average high 79°F, average low 60°F.
How does May compare to surrounding months in Raleigh?+
Compared to April (avg high 71°F), May is warmer. Compared to June (avg high 86°F), May is cooler.
Does it rain often in Raleigh in May?+
Expect about 13 measurable rain days in May, on average.