Late spring · Weather & things to do
Williamsburg in May
Williamsburg warms up: highs climb to 77°F (25°C), from 68°F in April, with lows of 56°F (14°C) and about 4.1 in (104 mm) of rain.
It scores 79/100 for comfort, 3rd of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 77°F (25°C)
- Avg low
- 56°F (14°C)
- Rain
- 4.1 in (104 mm)
- Humidity
- 76%
- Cloud cover
- 57%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 00 min
- Comfort score
- 79/100 · Great
What May feels like
Highs settle around 77°F (25°C), warm enough for short sleeves most of the day.
Lows average 56°F (14°C).
Some rain is likely, about 4.1 in (104 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around May
May is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (April and October).
- First warm month: highs reach 77°F, up from 68°F in April.
- Comfort slips from 86/100 in April to 79/100.
- 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 clotheshighs average 77°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 4.1 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Williamsburg in May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Wren Building
The College of William & Mary's oldest building, begun in 1695, closing the west end of Duke of Gloucester Street.
Why now May scores 79/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Bruton Parish Church
Working Episcopal church from 1715 on Duke of Gloucester Street, known for its evening concerts and Christmas services.
Merchants Square
Colonial Revival shopping street at the edge of the Historic Area, with shops, cafes and The Cheese Shop.
Why now Highs near 77°F and 4.1 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Busch Gardens Williamsburg's winter event, with millions of lights, holiday shows and Santa's workshop across the European-themed park.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Grand Illumination
Colonial Williamsburg's opening of the Christmas season, with candles in windows, music across the Historic Area and fireworks.
Nearby in May
- Richmond in May~44 mi · highs 78°F, 4.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Corolla in May~78 mi · highs 67°F, 3.8 in rain · 5°C (10°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Nags Head in May~109 mi · highs 70°F, 4.0 in rain · 4°C (7°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Washington, DC in May~114 mi · highs 74°F, 4.3 in rain · 2°C (3°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.
Williamsburg in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Williamsburg?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 79/100 against a best of 86 in April and October. Expect highs of 77°F (25°C) and 4.1 in (104 mm) of rain.
How hot is Williamsburg in May?
Average highs are 77°F (25°C) and average lows 56°F (14°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Williamsburg in May?
Some: about 4.1 in (104 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 6th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 47.2 in (1199 mm).
What should I pack for Williamsburg in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 77°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 4.1 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Williamsburg
Planning Williamsburg in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.