Late spring · Weather & things to do
Richmond in May
Richmond warms up: highs climb to 78°F (25°C), from 69°F in April, with lows of 56°F (13°C) and about 4.4 in (111 mm) of rain.
It scores 77/100 for comfort, 4th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 78°F (25°C)
- Avg low
- 56°F (13°C)
- Rain
- 4.4 in (111 mm)
- Humidity
- 76%
- Cloud cover
- 59%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 01 min
- Comfort score
- 77/100 · Great
What May feels like
Highs settle around 78°F (25°C), warm enough for short sleeves most of the day.
Nights cool to an average low of 56°F (13°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 4.4 in (111 mm).
Plan around May
May is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (April and October).
- First warm month: highs reach 78°F, up from 69°F in April.
- Comfort slips from 85/100 in April to 77/100.
- Our Williamsburg & Richmond route is planned for Late Nov – Dec, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — May falls outside it.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clothes78°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 4.4 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Richmond in May
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Maymont
Gilded Age estate on the James River with gardens, wildlife habitats and the Dooley Mansion, decorated for the holidays.
Why now May scores 77/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Mama J's Kitchen
Jackson Ward soul food restaurant known for fried chicken, catfish and candied yams.
Sub Rosa Bakery
Wood-fired bakery in Church Hill milling its own grain for breads, croissants and pastries.
GardenFest of Lights
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden's winter light show, with lit gardens, model trains and a glowing conservatory.
Why now Highs near 78°F and 4.4 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Virginia State Capitol
Capitol designed by Thomas Jefferson after a Roman temple, with free guided tours.
Nearby in May
- Williamsburg in May~44 mi · highs 77°F, 4.1 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Shenandoah in May~85 mi · highs 68°F, 4.5 in rain · 5°C (10°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Washington, DC in May~97 mi · highs 74°F, 4.3 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Corolla in May~120 mi · highs 67°F, 3.8 in rain · 6°C (10°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.
Richmond in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Richmond?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 77/100 against a best of 86 in April and October. Expect highs of 78°F (25°C) and 4.4 in (111 mm) of rain.
How hot is Richmond in May?
Average highs are 78°F (25°C) and average lows 56°F (13°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Richmond in May?
Some: about 4.4 in (111 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 5th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 46.5 in (1182 mm).
What should I pack for Richmond in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (78°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 4.4 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Richmond in May?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.