Late spring · Weather & things to do
Austin in May
The year's rain peaks now, with about 4.4 in (111 mm) falling in Austin, alongside highs near 87°F (31°C) and lows of 65°F (19°C).
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 67/100, 9th of 12.
- Avg high
- 87°F (31°C)
- Avg low
- 65°F (19°C)
- Rain
- 4.4 in (111 mm)
- Humidity
- 71%
- Cloud cover
- 57%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 32 min
- Comfort score
- 67/100 · Good
What May feels like
Heat sets the pace, with highs around 87°F (31°C). Get out early and keep the hottest hours for somewhere cool.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 65°F (19°C), about 12°C (22°F) below the afternoon high.
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 4.4 in (111 mm).
Plan around May
May sits mid-table; the best months are February – April and October – December.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, April – June.
- Comfort slips from 88/100 in April to 67/100.
- Our Texas BBQ Trail route recommends Oct – Apr, so May falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 87°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 65°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 4.4 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Austin in May
Afternoons run hot (87°F), so these picks mix early-start outdoor spots with cool indoor breaks.
Franklin Barbecue
Austin's most famous brisket, worth the morning line.
Why now A break from 87°F afternoons.
South Congress Avenue
Shopping strip with boots, vintage and the 'I love you so much' mural.
Why now Somewhere to sit out the hottest hours.
Broken Spoke
Classic honky-tonk dance hall with two-step lessons and chicken-fried steak.
Kreuz Market
Lockhart barbecue hall since 1900; meat on butcher paper, no sauce, no forks.
The Continental Club
South Congress music bar since 1955 with live country, rockabilly and blues.
Nearby in May
- Texas Hill Country in May~55 mi · highs 85°F, 4.3 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- San Antonio in May~74 mi · highs 89°F, 3.9 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Downtown Houston in May~146 mi · highs 87°F, 4.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Dallas in May~182 mi · highs 84°F, 4.6 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
These averages also cover Downtown Austin & Lady Bird Lake and Zilker Park & Barton Springs.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Austin in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Austin?
It's middling, scoring 67/100. The best months are February – April and October – December, at up to 92. Expect highs of 87°F (31°C) and 4.4 in (111 mm) of rain. Our Texas BBQ Trail route recommends Oct – Apr, so May is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Austin in May?
Average highs are 87°F (31°C) and average lows 65°F (19°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Austin in May?
Some: about 4.4 in (111 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 33.1 in (841 mm).
What should I pack for Austin in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 87°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), a warm layer for evenings (lows near 65°F) and packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 4.4 in of rain).
Planning Austin in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.