Change trip
What to pack for United States in May
Typical May, built from ten years of weather
Some links are affiliate links. It keeps the site free.
Typical for your dates
Highs 70°F, lows 54°F, rain 12 of 31 days
wetwindyhigh UV
Sunset lands around 8:05pm. Wind averages 12 mph. No border paperwork on this one.
Packing for
Essentials
11 items · 0 packed
Rain shell (hardshell jacket)
12 rain days a month finds every seam. A real shell, not a windbreaker.
Swipe for all 5 options →
Sunscreen SPF 50
UV index of 8.4 burns exposed skin in 14.5 hours of daylight.
Polarized sunglasses
Coastal glare off water and sand intensifies at midday.
DEET or picaridin repellent
May insects emerge as temperatures rise to 21 degrees.
Tick remover
Check ankles and, if there's a dog, paws and ears every night.
Travel first aid kit
Urban hiking near parks means minor cuts and scrapes happen.
Power bank 10k–20k mAh
Fourteen hours of daylight drain phone batteries faster than you expect.
Carry-on backpack (35–45L)
Urban exploration and park visits fit a 35 to 45 liter pack.
Recommended
9 items
Moisture-wicking t-shirts
Sun hoodie (UPF long sleeve)
Wide-brim sun hat
Permethrin-treated clothing spray
Reusable water bottle
Multi-port USB-C charger (GaN)