How was May in Wales?
You may have seen that Spring 2025 broke historical climate records, marking an unprecedented season of warmth and sunshine across the UK, according to provisional Met Office statistics.
Read: Double record breaker: Spring 2025 is warmest and sunniest on UK record.
Provisional Met Office statistics for May 2025, show the UK recorded its second sunniest month, behind the 2020 top spot. It was also a warm month, with the UK recording its fifth warmest May on record and also a dry month, leaving the UK to have recorded 72% of its average May rainfall.
But how was May 2025 in Wales?
Sunshine was in abundance, with 270.2 hours recorded - 42% more than the long-term meteorological average and the second sunniest since 1910.
Mean temperatures were also up, 1.3°C higher than average and the sixth warmest since 1884.
Daytime (max) temperature was 17.6°C, which is the highest on record since 1884.
But rainfall was down, with just 51.5mm recorded, which is 59% of the long-term meteorological average.
What are the current May records for Wales?
Wales, with its diverse geography ranging from coastal plains to mountainous interiors, experiences a wide range of weather conditions in May. The highest recorded daytime temperature for the month is 17.6°C, as recorded this year. This record reflects the region’s typically mild spring climate, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean.
READ MORE: How do we know when weather records are broken?
On the colder side, the lowest May temperature recorded in Wales is 3.7°C, set in 1885. This figure, while not extreme by UK standards, shows that cool nights and the occasional frost can still occur well into late spring, especially in upland areas.
Rainfall is a defining feature of the Welsh climate, and the wettest May on record brought 213.9mm of rain in 2021. This substantial total underscores the region’s exposure to moist Atlantic air masses, which can bring prolonged periods of rain, particularly in western and mountainous areas.
READ MORE: What is the jet stream and how does it affect our weather?
Despite its reputation for rain, Wales can also enjoy generous sunshine. The sunniest May on record delivered 251 hours of sunshine in 1977. This figure demonstrates that when high pressure dominates, Wales can bask in long, bright days—perfect for enjoying its stunning natural landscapes.
May weather records for Wales reveal a broad range of conditions, from warm, sunny days to cooler nights and periods of heavy rainfall. This variability is characteristic of the season, with rapid shifts in weather patterns influenced by both Atlantic systems and local topography. The result is a diverse mix of weather, supporting the region’s lush landscapes and offering occasional spells of fine weather across hills and coastlines.
Keep up to date with weather warnings, and you can find the latest forecast on our website, on YouTube, by following us on X and Facebook, as well as on our mobile app which is available for iPhone from the App store and for Android from the Google Play store.
