Late spring · Weather & things to do
Downtown Tampa & the Riverwalk in May
Downtown Tampa & the Riverwalk 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
Expect proper heat: afternoons average 87°F (30°C), so plan walking and hiking for the morning and save midday for shade, lunch or a swim.
Nights cool to an average low of 70°F (21°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 3.5 in (89 mm).
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 hatstrong sun this month
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Downtown Tampa & the Riverwalk in May
Afternoons run hot (87°F), so these picks mix early-start outdoor spots with cool indoor breaks.
Ulele
Restaurant and brewery in the 1903 water works building by Ulele Spring, cooking Florida seafood and native ingredients.
Why now A break from 87°F afternoons.
Bern's Steak House
South Tampa steakhouse since 1956 with one of the world's largest wine lists and an upstairs dessert room.
Why now Somewhere to sit out the hottest hours.
Tampa Riverwalk
2.6-mile path along the Hillsborough River through downtown, the free viewing area for the midnight fireworks over the water.
Why now May scores 76/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Jackson's Bistro
Waterfront restaurant on Harbour Island with a big deck facing downtown, host of a ticketed New Year's Eve party.
Why now Highs near 87°F and 3.5 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Nearby in May
- Downtown St. Petersburg in May~16 mi · highs 87°F, 3.5 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Walt Disney World in May~63 mi · highs 89°F, 3.5 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Winter Park in May~81 mi · highs 89°F, 3.9 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- St. Augustine in May~151 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 Tampa & the Riverwalk in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Downtown Tampa & the Riverwalk?
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 Tampa & the Riverwalk 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 Tampa & the Riverwalk 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 Tampa & the Riverwalk in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 87°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Downtown Tampa & the Riverwalk
Planning Downtown Tampa & the Riverwalk in May?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.