How Many Days Until May?
May 2025 begins on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
About May
May is the fifth month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars and has 31 days. It signifies the height of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, characterized by blooming flowers, warmer weather, and increasing daylight. The month is named after Maia, the Greek goddess of fertility and growth.
May: The Heart of Spring
Origin of the Month
May is named after Maia, the Greek goddess associated with fertility, growth, and nurturing. The Romans celebrated the festival of Bona Dea, a similar goddess, during May. It was the third month in the early Roman calendar.
Peak Bloom Season
May is renowned for its abundance of flowering plants. Trees are fully leafed out, and many iconic spring flowers like tulips, lilacs, and peonies reach their peak bloom. This makes May a popular time for gardening and visiting botanical gardens.
Transition to Summer
While technically spring, May often brings summer-like weather to many regions in the Northern Hemisphere. Days become significantly longer and warmer, encouraging more outdoor activities and signaling the approaching summer solstice.
Increased Wildlife Activity
Insect populations, including pollinators like bees and butterflies, become highly active. Bird nesting and raising young are in full swing. Mammals are active, raising their offspring born earlier in spring.
May Symbols
Birthstone
Emerald, a vibrant green gemstone symbolizing rebirth, love, and wisdom. Emeralds have been treasured since ancient times.
Astrological Signs
Taurus (April 20 - May 20) and Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
Flowers
Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn. Lily of the Valley signifies sweetness and humility, while Hawthorn represents hope and supreme happiness.
May Weather Patterns
May typically features pleasant and warming weather in the Northern Hemisphere, though conditions can vary significantly depending on latitude and geography. Key characteristics include:
- Rising Temperatures: Average daily temperatures climb steadily, often reaching comfortable levels for outdoor activities.
- Increased Sunshine: Daylight hours continue to lengthen, providing more sunlight for plant growth and outdoor recreation.
- Variable Precipitation: While "April showers" may subside, May can still bring significant rainfall, sometimes in the form of thunderstorms as warmer air holds more moisture.
- Reduced Frost Risk: The risk of frost diminishes significantly in most temperate regions, allowing for the planting of tender annuals and vegetables.
- Southern Hemisphere Autumn: Conversely, May marks late autumn in the Southern Hemisphere, with cooling temperatures and decreasing daylight.
This combination of warmth, light, and adequate moisture fuels the rapid growth characteristic of late spring.
May Holidays & Observances
May Day / International Workers' Day
Traditional spring festival in many cultures (May Day) and a commemoration of labor rights (International Workers' Day).
Cinco de Mayo
Commemorates the Mexican Army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Widely celebrated in the US.
Mother's Day (US, Canada, Australia)
Celebration honoring mothers, motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society.
Memorial Day (US)
Federal holiday honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the armed forces.
Ascension Day
Christian holiday commemorating Jesus Christ's ascension into heaven, typically 40 days after Easter.
Victoria Day (Canada)
Canadian statutory holiday celebrated on the last Monday preceding May 25, honoring Queen Victoria's birthday.
May Month-Long Observances
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Recognizing the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history and culture of the US.
Mental Health Awareness Month
Raising awareness about mental health issues and reducing the stigma associated with mental illness.
National Bike Month
Promoting bicycling for transportation, fitness, and recreation, encouraging people to ride more often.
National Barbecue Month
Celebrating the tradition of barbecue cooking as warmer weather encourages outdoor grilling.
Memorial Day: Remembrance and Beginning
Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May in the United States, serves a dual purpose. Primarily, it is a solemn day of remembrance for those who died while serving in the U.S. military. It originated after the Civil War as Decoration Day, a time for decorating the graves of fallen soldiers.
Acts of Remembrance
Visiting Cemeteries
Many people visit cemeteries and memorials to place flags or flowers on the graves of military personnel.
Parades & Ceremonies
Towns and cities often hold parades featuring veterans and military units, followed by memorial ceremonies.
National Moment of Remembrance
Americans are asked to pause for one minute at 3:00 PM local time for a moment of reflection.
Taps
The bugle call "Taps" is traditionally played at military funerals and memorial services.
Unofficial Start of Summer
Memorial Day weekend also marks the unofficial beginning of the summer season in the United States. Many people take advantage of the three-day weekend for:
Barbecues and picnics
Beach trips and swimming
Camping and outdoor recreation
Retail sales and shopping
It's important to balance these activities with the holiday's true meaning of honoring fallen service members.
May Activities & Ideas
Gardening & Planting
- Plant warm-season vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, squash)
- Sow annual flower seeds directly into beds
- Install summer-flowering bulbs like dahlias and gladioli
- Mulch garden beds to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- Set up irrigation systems for the warmer months
Outdoor Dining
- Host a barbecue or cookout for Memorial Day
- Plan picnics in local parks or scenic spots
- Visit farmers' markets for fresh spring produce
- Dine outdoors at restaurants with patios
- Try grilling new recipes featuring seasonal ingredients
Explore Nature
- Go hiking or biking on trails
- Visit state or national parks
- Go camping as weather becomes more reliable
- Identify local wildflowers and blooming trees
- Plan a kayaking or canoeing trip
Attend Festivals
- Look for local spring festivals and fairs
- Attend outdoor concerts or music events
- Visit art shows or craft fairs
- Participate in community events for Memorial Day
- Check schedules for Cinco de Mayo celebrations
Interesting May Facts
In any given year, no month begins or ends on the same day of the week as May.
The Indianapolis 500 car race is traditionally held over Memorial Day weekend in May.
May is considered an unlucky month for marriage in some old traditions ("Marry in May, rue the day"), though this superstition is largely ignored today.
May 4th is unofficially celebrated as "Star Wars Day" ("May the Fourth be with you").