Late spring · Weather & things to do
Phoenix in May
Phoenix warms up: highs climb to 96°F (36°C), from 86°F in April, with lows of 65°F (19°C) and about 0.2 in (6 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 66/100, 8th of 12.
- Avg high
- 96°F (36°C)
- Avg low
- 65°F (19°C)
- Rain
- 0.2 in (6 mm)
- Humidity
- 22%
- Cloud cover
- 22%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 44 min
- Comfort score
- 66/100 · Good
What May feels like
Heat sets the pace, with highs around 96°F (36°C). Get out early and keep the hottest hours for somewhere cool.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 65°F (19°C), about 17°C (31°F) below the afternoon high.
The air is dry, at about 22% humidity, which keeps warmth comfortable but dries skin and lips.
Rain is scarce: about 0.2 in (6 mm) for the whole month.
Sunny spells dominate: cloud cover averages 22%.
Plan around May
May sits mid-table; the best months are November – April.
- Comfort slips from 88/100 in April to 66/100.
- May sits inside the Mar – May window our Grand Canyon & Arizona route recommends.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 96°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 65°F
- Lip balm and moisturizerdry air
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Phoenix in May
Start early and take shelter at midday: the picks below pair morning outings with places to cool off.
Pizzeria Bianco
Chris Bianco's wood-fired pizza in a 1929 brick building at Heritage Square.
Why now May scores 66/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Rusty Spur Saloon
Old Town Scottsdale saloon, open since 1951, with live country music.
Why now A break from 96°F afternoons.
Taliesin West
Frank Lloyd Wright's desert home and studio, seen on guided tours.
Desert Botanical Garden
Trails through saguaros, cacti and wildflowers from deserts worldwide.
Why now Highs near 96°F and 0.2 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Heard Museum
Deep collection of Native American art, jewelry and Hopi katsina dolls.
Why now Somewhere to sit out the hottest hours.
Nearby in May
- Papago Park & Camelback in May~7 mi · highs 95°F, 0.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Sedona in May~100 mi · highs 81°F, 0.6 in rain · 8°C (15°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Catalina Foothills in May~106 mi · highs 91°F, 0.2 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Downtown Tucson in May~106 mi · highs 92°F, 0.2 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
These averages also cover Downtown Phoenix.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~494 m to Phoenix's ~331 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Phoenix in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Phoenix?
It's middling, scoring 66/100. The best months are November – April, at up to 99. Expect highs of 96°F (36°C) and 0.2 in (6 mm) of rain. May is inside the Mar – May window our Grand Canyon & Arizona route recommends.
How hot is Phoenix in May?
Average highs are 96°F (36°C) and average lows 65°F (19°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Phoenix in May?
Not much: about 0.2 in (6 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 2nd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 10.0 in (254 mm).
What should I pack for Phoenix in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 96°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 (nights drop to 65°F) and lip balm and moisturizer (dry air).
Routes in season in May
- Grand Canyon & Arizona Mar – May
Planning Phoenix in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.