ERA5 almanac comparison — 8 years of real data
Charleston vs Memphis: weather in May
Charleston edges out Memphis for sun in May: 37% clear historically versus 32% (8-year ERA5 average, a 5-point gap). Both are viable — Charleston is the safer bet.
Charleston
SC
- Clear days, May
- 37%
- Sample size
- n=248 days
- Avg high
- 80°F
- Early May (1st–15th)
- 44%
- Late May (16th–end)
- 31%
- Rain frequency
- 40% of days
Memphis
TN
- Clear days, May
- 32%
- Sample size
- n=248 days
- Avg high
- 81°F
- Early May (1st–15th)
- 28%
- Late May (16th–end)
- 36%
- Rain frequency
- 43% of days
Frequently asked
Is Charleston or Memphis warmer in May?
Memphis runs warmer by day in May. Charleston averages highs of 80°F (highs n=248 days); Memphis averages highs of 81°F (highs n=248 days) (ERA5 2018–2025). Historical averages, not a forecast.
Does it rain more in Charleston or Memphis in May?
Days with measurable rain: Charleston 40%, Memphis 43% (n=248 and n=248 days). ERA5 2018–2025; historical, not a forecast.
Which is sunnier in May, Charleston or Memphis?
Charleston edges out Memphis for sun in May: 37% clear historically versus 32% (8-year ERA5 average, a 5-point gap). Both are viable — Charleston is the safer bet.
Compare Charleston vs Memphis in another month
All percentages are historical averages from the ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, 8 full years (2018–2025). “Clear” means avg high ≥ 72 °F, precipitation < 1 mm, and a non-precipitation weather code. This is history, not a forecast. The live forecast for any destination is on its own page and may differ from the long-run average. Data from Open-Meteo.