Washington D.C. · May
Run in the morning.
Comfortable average high of 75°F, dipping to 56°F at night. Expect 16 rain days — plan around the radar. Humidity rises with the sun — morning runs catch the driest, coolest window.
Avg high / low
75° / 56°F
Humidity
70%
Rain days
16/mo
Wind
10 mph
What May feels like in Washington D.C.
Sunrise
05:55
Mid-month average
Sunset
20:14
Mid-month average
Time-of-day breakdown
Morning
Coolest, driest air of the day. The window before sunrise is the most reliable comfortable hour.
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 Washington D.C. in May
The kit for May in Washington D.C.: shorts and a short-sleeve are the standard kit, a water-resistant cap or jacket on standby.
May vs the surrounding months
vs April
+9° avg high
+2 rain days
Washington D.C. in April →
May
75°F avg high
16 rain days
Best: morning
vs June
-9° avg high
+1 rain days
Washington D.C. in June →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of day to run in Washington D.C. in May?+
Morning. Humidity rises with the sun — morning runs catch the driest, coolest window.
What's the average temperature in Washington D.C. in May?+
Average high 75°F, average low 56°F.
How does May compare to surrounding months in Washington D.C.?+
Compared to April (avg high 66°F), May is warmer. Compared to June (avg high 83°F), May is cooler.
Does it rain often in Washington D.C. in May?+
Expect about 16 measurable rain days in May, on average.