Late spring · Weather & things to do
Portsmouth in May
Portsmouth warms up: highs climb to 58°F (14°C), from 49°F in April, with lows of 48°F (9°C) and about 4.0 in (101 mm) of rain.
It scores 70/100 for comfort, 5th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 58°F (14°C)
- Avg low
- 48°F (9°C)
- Rain
- 4.0 in (101 mm)
- Humidity
- 84%
- Cloud cover
- 66%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 28 min
- Comfort score
- 70/100 · Good
What May feels like
Days are mild at around 58°F (14°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 48°F (9°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 4.0 in (101 mm).
Plan around May
May is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (September).
- Comfort improves from 54/100 in April to 70/100.
- May sits inside the May – Oct window our Boston to Portland route recommends.
What to pack for May
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 48°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 4.0 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Portsmouth in May
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Strawbery Banke Museum
Ten acres of restored houses spanning 300 years of a waterfront neighborhood.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best May–Oct.
Ceres Bakery
Long-running downtown bakery for coffee, scones and soup.
Market Square
Brick-lined center of town with shops, cafés and the North Church spire.
The Black Trumpet
Bistro and upstairs wine bar in an old waterfront building.
Why now May scores 70/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
The Press Room
Longest-running bar and live-music room in downtown Portsmouth: jazz, blues and local bands in a brick basement pub.
Nearby in May
- New Hampshire in May~42 mi · highs 67°F, 3.7 in rain · 5°C (10°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Portland, Maine in May~48 mi · highs 54°F, 4.0 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Boston in May~51 mi · highs 66°F, 3.7 in rain · 5°C (8°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- White Mountains in May~87 mi · highs 44°F, 4.3 in rain or snow · 8°C (14°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.
Portsmouth in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Portsmouth?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 70/100 against a best of 88 in September. Expect highs of 58°F (14°C) and 4.0 in (101 mm) of rain. May is inside the May – Oct window our Boston to Portland route recommends.
How cold is Portsmouth in May?
Average highs are 58°F (14°C) and average lows 48°F (9°C), making it the 6th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Portsmouth in May?
Some: about 4.0 in (101 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 52.6 in (1337 mm).
What should I pack for Portsmouth in May?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 48°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 4.0 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Routes in season in May
- Boston to Portland May – Oct
Planning Portsmouth in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.