Late spring · Weather & things to do
Downtown St. Petersburg in May
Downtown St. Petersburg warms up: highs climb to 87°F (30°C), from 81°F in April, with lows of 70°F (21°C) and about 3.5 in (89 mm) of rain.
It scores 76/100 for comfort, 8th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 87°F (30°C)
- Avg low
- 70°F (21°C)
- Rain
- 3.5 in (89 mm)
- Humidity
- 69%
- Cloud cover
- 44%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 23 min
- Comfort score
- 76/100 · Great
What May feels like
Heat sets the pace, with highs around 87°F (30°C). Get out early and keep the hottest hours for somewhere cool.
Lows average 70°F (21°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.5 in (89 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around May
May is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (November – April).
- Comfort slips from 91/100 in April to 76/100.
- Our Tampa 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 clotheshighs average 87°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.5 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Downtown St. Petersburg in May
Start early and take shelter at midday: the picks below pair morning outings with places to cool off.
St. Pete Pier
Quarter-mile pier into Tampa Bay with parks, restaurants, a splash pad and a rooftop deck at its head.
Why now May scores 76/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish
Roadside smokehouse since 1951 serving mullet and mackerel smoked over red oak, with smoked-fish spread.
Why now A break from 87°F afternoons.
Fort De Soto Park
County park on five keys at the mouth of Tampa Bay, with white-sand beaches, a 1898 fort and fishing piers.
Why now Highs near 87°F and 3.5 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Sunken Gardens
Century-old botanical garden in a sinkhole, with waterfalls, flamingos and thousands of tropical plants.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Nearby in May
- Downtown Tampa & the Riverwalk in May~16 mi · highs 87°F, 3.5 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Walt Disney World in May~78 mi · highs 89°F, 3.5 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Winter Park in May~96 mi · highs 89°F, 3.9 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- St. Augustine in May~167 mi · highs 81°F, 4.2 in rain · 3°C (6°F) cooler by day, wetter
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 St. Petersburg in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Downtown St. Petersburg?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 76/100 against a best of 91 in November – April. Expect highs of 87°F (30°C) and 3.5 in (89 mm) of rain.
How hot is Downtown St. Petersburg in May?
Average highs are 87°F (30°C) and average lows 70°F (21°C), making it the 4th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Downtown St. Petersburg in May?
Some: about 3.5 in (89 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 5th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 56.7 in (1441 mm).
What should I pack for Downtown St. Petersburg 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), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.5 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Downtown St. Petersburg
Planning Downtown St. Petersburg in May?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.