Late spring · Weather & things to do
Sonoma in May
Sonoma warms up: highs climb to 76°F (24°C), from 67°F in April, with lows of 50°F (10°C) and about 0.9 in (22 mm) of rain.
At 98/100 for comfort (2nd of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 76°F (24°C)
- Avg low
- 50°F (10°C)
- Rain
- 0.9 in (22 mm)
- Humidity
- 69%
- Cloud cover
- 35%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 05 min
- Comfort score
- 98/100 · Great
What May feels like
Warm afternoons near 76°F (24°C) make long days outdoors easy.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 50°F (10°C), about 14°C (25°F) below the afternoon high.
Rain is scarce: about 0.9 in (22 mm) for the whole month.
Sunny spells dominate: cloud cover averages 35%.
Plan around May
May is one of Sonoma's best months on the climate data.
- First warm month: highs reach 76°F, up from 67°F in April.
- Comfort improves from 95/100 in April to 98/100.
- May sits inside the Apr – Oct window our California Wine Country route recommends.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clothes76°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 50°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Sonoma in May
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Mission San Francisco Solano
The last of California's 21 missions, part of Sonoma State Historic Park.
Why now May scores 98/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Sonoma Plaza
California's largest town square, ringed by tasting rooms and shops.
Why now Highs near 76°F and 0.9 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Basque Boulangerie Café
Plaza bakery for pastries, coffee and sandwiches to take on the road.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Jack London State Historic Park
Ranch trails, vineyard views and the ruins of Jack London's Wolf House.
The Girl & the Fig
Wine-country French cooking just off the plaza, open since 1997.
Nearby in May
- Napa in May~18 mi · highs 73°F, 0.9 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Healdsburg in May~31 mi · highs 66°F, 1.2 in rain · 5°C (10°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- San Francisco in May~36 mi · highs 66°F, 0.7 in rain · 5°C (9°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Old Sacramento Waterfront in May~55 mi · highs 80°F, 0.9 in rain · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~266 m to Sonoma's ~26 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.
Sonoma in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Sonoma?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 98/100. Expect highs of 76°F (24°C) and 0.9 in (22 mm) of rain. May is inside the Apr – Oct window our California Wine Country route recommends.
How hot is Sonoma in May?
Average highs are 76°F (24°C) and average lows 50°F (10°C), making it the 6th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Sonoma in May?
Not much: about 0.9 in (22 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 5th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 27.1 in (689 mm).
What should I pack for Sonoma in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (76°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 50°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Routes in season in May
- California Wine Country Apr – Oct
Planning Sonoma in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.