ERA5 almanac comparison — 8 years of real data
New Orleans vs Tampa: weather in May
Tampa edges out New Orleans for sun in May: 38% clear historically versus 30% (8-year ERA5 average, a 8-point gap). Both are viable — Tampa is the safer bet.
New Orleans
LA
- Clear days, May
- 30%
- Sample size
- n=248 days
- Avg high
- 84°F
- Early May (1st–15th)
- 40%
- Late May (16th–end)
- 21%
- Rain frequency
- 46% of days
Tampa
FL
- Clear days, May
- 38%
- Sample size
- n=248 days
- Avg high
- 87°F
- Early May (1st–15th)
- 41%
- Late May (16th–end)
- 35%
- Rain frequency
- 40% of days
Frequently asked
Is New Orleans or Tampa warmer in May?
Tampa runs warmer by day in May. New Orleans averages highs of 84°F (highs n=248 days); Tampa averages highs of 87°F (highs n=248 days) (ERA5 2018–2025). Historical averages, not a forecast.
Does it rain more in New Orleans or Tampa in May?
Days with measurable rain: New Orleans 46%, Tampa 40% (n=248 and n=248 days). ERA5 2018–2025; historical, not a forecast.
Which is sunnier in May, New Orleans or Tampa?
Tampa edges out New Orleans for sun in May: 38% clear historically versus 30% (8-year ERA5 average, a 8-point gap). Both are viable — Tampa is the safer bet.
Compare New Orleans vs Tampa 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.