May is the month many people wait for. Days grow longer, the sun climbs higher and temperatures finally push above 15°C. Shorts season officially begins.
How warm does it get in May?
Average daytime temperatures in May range from 16 to 20°C in the Netherlands. That's significantly warmer than April, though there's real variation. A cold May with a lot of cloud cover can average 14°C. A warm May can see peaks above 25°C.
| Week | Avg. daytime temp. | Expected feels-like (sunny) |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 (early May) | 15–17°C | 16–21°C |
| Weeks 2–3 (mid May) | 17–19°C | 19–24°C |
| Week 4 (late May) | 18–21°C | 20–26°C |
May is good, but not perfect
May is also the rainiest month of spring. Showers arrive quickly, sometimes with gusts of wind. On days with much wind and cloud cover, the feels-like temperature drops back to 12–14°C — not shorts weather at all.
The typical May pattern is: a few nice days followed by a cooler, rainy spell. Then sunshine again. Don't expect the stable summer warmth you'd get in July.
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When is May definitely shorts weather?
Shorts work well in May when:
- Temperature is 18°C or above
- Little wind
- Sun is out or it's cloudy but dry
On those days the feels-like temperature is high enough for comfortably being outside without long trousers. For evening outings, pack a jacket — May evenings cool quickly to 10–12°C.
May evenings: bring a layer
A common mistake in May: it's 21°C during the day, you put on shorts and head out for the evening with no extra layer. By 8 PM in May the temperature drops fast. After sunset you're looking at 13°C, and with a breeze that feels like 9–10°C.
May is perfect for daytime shorts — plan your evening a little warmer.
Conclusion
May is the official start of shorts season in the Netherlands, but it's an inconsistent month. Good days are plentiful, but check the weather before grabbing the shorts. Feels-like temperature and wind make the difference.