Late spring · Weather & things to do
Downtown Jacksonville & Southbank in May
Downtown Jacksonville & Southbank warms up: highs climb to 88°F (31°C), from 81°F in April, with lows of 65°F (18°C) and about 3.6 in (91 mm) of rain.
It scores 73/100 for comfort, 8th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 88°F (31°C)
- Avg low
- 65°F (18°C)
- Rain
- 3.6 in (91 mm)
- Humidity
- 68%
- Cloud cover
- 45%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 32 min
- Comfort score
- 73/100 · Good
What May feels like
Heat sets the pace, with highs around 88°F (31°C). Get out early and keep the hottest hours for somewhere cool.
There's a big swing between day and night, about 13°C (23°F), so mornings and evenings feel much cooler than the afternoon.
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 3.6 in (91 mm).
Plan around May
May is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (February – April and November).
- Comfort slips from 89/100 in April to 73/100.
- Our Jacksonville New Year's Eve route is planned for Dec 30 – Jan 1, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — May falls outside it.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clothes88°F afternoons
- 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 3.6 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Downtown Jacksonville & Southbank in May
Afternoons run hot (88°F), so these picks mix early-start outdoor spots with cool indoor breaks.
Taverna
Mediterranean and Italian restaurant on San Marco Square, with wood-fired dishes and a long wine list.
Why now May scores 73/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Intuition Ale Works
Local brewery on East Bay Street near the stadium, with a rooftop deck looking back at the skyline.
Why now A break from 88°F afternoons.
Southbank Riverwalk
Boardwalk along the south bank of the St. Johns with a straight-on view of the downtown skyline and Main Street Bridge.
Why now Highs near 88°F and 3.6 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Friendship Fountain
Lit 1965 fountain on the Southbank Riverwalk, facing downtown across the river.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Nearby in May
- Jacksonville Beach in May~16 mi · highs 78°F, 3.5 in rain · 5°C (9°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Amelia Island in May~27 mi · highs 78°F, 3.5 in rain · 5°C (9°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- St. Augustine in May~36 mi · highs 81°F, 4.2 in rain · 4°C (7°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Winter Park in May~121 mi · highs 89°F, 3.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
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.
Downtown Jacksonville & Southbank in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Downtown Jacksonville & Southbank?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 73/100 against a best of 90 in February – April and November. Expect highs of 88°F (31°C) and 3.6 in (91 mm) of rain.
How hot is Downtown Jacksonville & Southbank in May?
Average highs are 88°F (31°C) and average lows 65°F (18°C), making it the 4th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Downtown Jacksonville & Southbank in May?
Some: about 3.6 in (91 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 5th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 50.6 in (1286 mm).
What should I pack for Downtown Jacksonville & Southbank in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (88°F afternoons), 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 3.6 in of rain).
More on Downtown Jacksonville & Southbank
Planning Downtown Jacksonville & Southbank in May?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.