Late spring · Weather & things to do
Helena-West Helena in May
Helena-West Helena warms up: highs climb to 80°F (27°C), from 73°F in April, with lows of 61°F (16°C) and about 5.4 in (136 mm) of rain.
It scores 75/100 for comfort, 6th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 80°F (27°C)
- Avg low
- 61°F (16°C)
- Rain
- 5.4 in (136 mm)
- Humidity
- 77%
- Cloud cover
- 54%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 48 min
- Comfort score
- 75/100 · Great
What May feels like
Days are warm, averaging 80°F (27°C).
After dark, temperatures fall to about 61°F (16°C).
With 77% average humidity, it feels muggy.
Expect regular rain: about 5.4 in (136 mm) falls in the month.
Plan around May
May is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (April and October & November).
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, March – May.
- Humidity season begins: 77% on average, up from 78% in April.
- Comfort slips from 81/100 in April to 75/100.
- Our Arkansas Delta Blues & Bites route recommends Oct – Apr, so May falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clothes80°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Quick-dry fabrics77% average humidity
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoesfrequent rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Helena-West Helena in May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Arkansas Delta Heritage Trail State Park
Rail-trail running through Delta farmland and bottomland forest south of Helena.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best spring or fall.
Delta Que & Brew
Cherry Street barbecue spot for brisket, pulled pork and ribs.
Why now May scores 75/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Freedom Park
Outdoor site interpreting the Civil War camp where formerly enslaved people sought freedom.
Why now Highs near 80°F and 5.4 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Pillow-Thompson House
1896 Queen Anne home showing Helena's cotton-era prosperity; tours by arrangement.
Helena River Park
Levee-top boardwalk overlooking the Mississippi River behind downtown.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Nearby in May
- Clarksdale in May~23 mi · highs 81°F, 5.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Memphis in May~53 mi · highs 80°F, 5.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Branson in May~208 mi · highs 77°F, 5.5 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Eureka Springs in May~219 mi · highs 75°F, 5.9 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, 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.
Helena-West Helena in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Helena-West Helena?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 75/100 against a best of 87 in April and October & November. Expect highs of 80°F (27°C) and 5.4 in (136 mm) of rain. Our Arkansas Delta Blues & Bites route recommends Oct – Apr, so May is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Helena-West Helena in May?
Average highs are 80°F (27°C) and average lows 61°F (16°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Helena-West Helena in May?
Yes: about 5.4 in (136 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 52.4 in (1331 mm).
What should I pack for Helena-West Helena in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (80°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), quick-dry fabrics (77% average humidity), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (frequent rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Helena-West Helena
Planning Helena-West Helena in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.