Memorial Day in North Dakota usually brings a mix of spring chill and those first hints of summer warmth. Most years, daytime highs land in the 60s to low 70s. Cool mornings and rain showers? Pretty common.
This blend makes the holiday weekend unpredictable. Outdoor plans like camping, grilling, or heading to the lake can end up at the mercy of the weather.
Some years, you’ll get lucky with sunshine. Other times, the weekend feels like spring just won’t let go.
You might wear a light jacket when you wake up, then switch to short sleeves by lunch. In late May, rainfall picks up, so it’s smart to prep for both dry and wet spells.
Typical Memorial Day Weather in North Dakota
Late May usually brings mild to warm afternoons and cooler nights. Rain chances stay steady, but the weather can really depend on what part of the state you’re in.
Conditions in the east and west can look pretty different. Where you go matters.
Average Temperatures During Memorial Day Weekend
By late May, most of North Dakota has moved past the worst of the spring chill. Early summer warmth takes over.
In Fargo, average highs reach about 70°F. Out west in Williston, you’ll see 69–72°F.
Daytime temps often climb into the 70s, but don’t count on it every year. Cold fronts sometimes push highs down into the 50s, especially if it’s rainy or cloudy.
On the other hand, warm days can sneak into the low 80s and give you a taste of summer.
The climate in late May supports outdoor fun, but you should expect some swings. A light jacket in the morning and breathable layers in the afternoon work best.
Daytime Versus Nighttime Conditions
You’ll notice the difference between day and night. Fargo’s average lows hover near 47°F. Williston drops to about 44°F.
Clear nights can feel chilly, even after a sunny day. If you’re camping or planning to be out late, you’ll want those extra layers.
During the day, 70°F with sun feels great. Once the sun sets, you may reach for a sweatshirt.
Humidity stays moderate, and muggy air doesn’t show up often. You probably won’t deal with sticky nights, but a breeze can make it feel cooler than you expect.
Weather Variability Across the State
North Dakota’s geography creates real differences in Memorial Day weather. The east, including Fargo and Grand Forks, sits in a humid continental climate.
You’ll see more rainfall in the east—May averages 2.5–3 inches of precipitation.
Out west in places like Williston or Dickinson, the climate is semi-arid. Rainfall drops to about 1.5–2 inches. Skies tend to be clearer, so you get more sunny afternoons.
Wind deserves a mention. Average wind speeds run 10–12 mph, and that can make evenings feel cooler. Checking local forecasts before you finalize plans is always a good idea.
Precipitation Patterns and Rain Showers
Late May in North Dakota often brings unsettled weather. Rain is common, but how much and how often really depends on where you are and what the larger weather patterns look like.
Average Precipitation Levels in Late May
By late May, average precipitation totals reach about 2 to 3 inches for the month across most of North Dakota.
This time marks the transition from spring to summer. Moisture levels rise, and storm systems get more active.
Rain usually spreads out over several days. On Memorial Day weekend, you might get light showers under a quarter inch, or sometimes more steady rain over an inch.
Snow doesn’t show up anymore, but soil moisture still matters for farmers. They rely on these late spring rains for planting and early crop growth.
The rain keeps fields damp and rivers close to normal levels.
Likelihood of Showers or Thunderstorms
You should expect a fair chance of showers or even a thunderstorm around Memorial Day.
Cool air from Canada and warmer air from the south often clash, creating unstable conditions that spark rain.
Showers tend to be scattered. One town might get steady rain, while another just a few miles away stays dry.
Thunderstorms aren’t usually severe like later in summer, but they can bring brief heavy downpours, gusty winds, and the occasional lightning show.
Most years, you’ll see at least one day with measurable rain during the holiday weekend.
It’s not usually a total washout, though. Sunshine breaks through between showers, and temps bounce back pretty fast after rain.
Regional Differences in Rainfall
Rainfall patterns in North Dakota really do vary by region. The east, including Fargo and Grand Forks, usually gets more late May precipitation than the west. Moisture from the Mississippi and Red River valleys plays a role.
Western spots like Williston and Dickinson are drier. Showers are less frequent, and when they do show up, they often move through quickly.
Central North Dakota lands somewhere in the middle, with moderate rainfall.
If you’re traveling, remember the northeast can see more persistent rain, while the southwest might stay pretty dry. These differences matter for everything from outdoor plans to farm schedules and even road trips during the busy holiday weekend.
Climate Overview for Late May
Late May in North Dakota brings a real mix—warming temps, more rainfall, and changing winds. Daytime and nighttime weather both shift as spring fades into early summer.
Transition from Spring to Summer
By the last week of May, daytime highs usually hit the upper 60s to mid-70s °F (around 20–24 °C). Nights cool off into the 40s or low 50s °F (5–11 °C).
Evenings feel crisp but not uncomfortable if you layer up.
Rainfall becomes more frequent than in April. Late May is one of the wetter stretches of the year, with several days of measurable precipitation.
Thunderstorms can pop up, especially in central and eastern parts of the state. They might bring brief heavy rain or even some hail.
Snow is rare, but not totally impossible. Some years, a late-season snow event surprises folks, mainly in the west. Most days, though, are snow-free, and by Memorial Day, the landscape is green and growing.
You get more sunshine hours, so days feel longer. Still, clouds are common on rainy days, and the weather can flip between bright and overcast pretty quickly.
Humidity and Wind Trends
Humidity in late May rises compared to earlier spring. Average relative humidity sits in the 60–70% range.
The air can feel damp, especially when it’s raining. Mornings tend to be more humid, while afternoons get a bit drier as temps climb.
Wind is just part of life here. Average speeds hover near 14–15 mph (22–24 km/h), but gusts can get stronger during storms.
The open plains let winds move freely, so breezy days are the norm.
Prevailing winds usually come from the northwest or south, depending on what the storms are doing. Southerly winds bring in warmer, moist air. Northerly winds can still deliver a chill.
This back-and-forth adds to the variable weather you’ll notice in late May.
Wind patterns also affect how fast storms move in or out. Strong gusts can make outdoor activities less comfortable, so it pays to check the forecast for wind, too.
Comparing Memorial Day Weather to Other Months
Memorial Day in North Dakota lands right in that seasonal shift from spring to summer. Temperatures, rainfall, and daylight hours all change quickly, so late May feels pretty different from both April and June.
How May Differs from April and June
April brings cooler days. Average highs sit near 13 °C (55 °F) in Fargo, and lows drop to about 2 °C (36 °F).
Rainfall is light, around 32 mm, and snowfall can still show up. April weather stays unpredictable and doesn’t always play nice for outdoor stuff.
By late May, highs rise to about 21 °C (70 °F), and lows reach 8 °C (46 °F). Rainfall jumps to 65 mm, so wetter days are more common. Snow is rare, so if it’s going to precipitate, it’s almost always rain.
June heats up more, with highs near 25 °C (77 °F) and lows around 14 °C (57 °F). Rainfall peaks at over 80 mm—the wettest month of the year.
Compared to Memorial Day, June feels more humid, stormier, and definitely warmer.
Historical Weather Trends
Long-term records show Memorial Day in North Dakota as a turning point from spring to summer. Late May has more daylight hours than April, averaging about 15 hours.
You get longer days for outdoor events.
Rain chances go up, too. Fargo records about 9 wet days in May and 5 in April. By June, you’ll see around 11 days with rain.
Wind speeds in May average around 18 kph. That’s similar to April, but a little calmer than March.
With rising temps and steady breezes, Memorial Day is more comfortable for outdoor gatherings than earlier spring, even though rain is more likely.
Regional Differences Within North Dakota
Memorial Day weather looks different depending on where you are in North Dakota. Geography and elevation matter.
The eastern Red River Valley often feels more humid. The western plains get drier air and slightly warmer daytime highs.
Local differences between cities shape what you’ll experience for outdoor plans.
Eastern vs. Western North Dakota
In the east, cities like Fargo sit in the Red River Valley. Memorial Day often brings highs near 70–72°F and lows around 47–50°F.
Rain falls more often here—about 2.5 inches in May, with around 9 days of measurable precipitation. Outdoor events can depend on the forecast.
Out west, places like Williston are drier and a bit warmer. Highs reach 72–74°F, and lows dip to 44–46°F. Rain averages about 1.8 inches in May, and it’s spread over fewer days.
Winds stay steady in both regions, but the open western plains can feel breezier.
So, you might get wetter, cooler weather in the east, while the west offers sunnier, more stable late-May days.
Notable City Weather Variations
Cities across North Dakota have their own Memorial Day quirks. Fargo, down southeast, sees more cloud cover, with about 52% of days partly clear or better.
Higher humidity makes evenings feel cooler after sunset.
Bismarck, right in the middle, balances both sides. Highs average near 70°F, and rainfall sits around 2.3 inches in May.
It’s one of the more moderate spots for late-spring events.
Williston, way up northwest, usually posts the warmest daytime highs—often 74–75°F. Rain is lighter, and you’ll see clear skies more often.
If you like drier air and fewer weather surprises, this region is often the most reliable around Memorial Day.
Tips for Planning Outdoor Activities
Late May in North Dakota usually means mild daytime highs in the upper 60s to mid-70s °F. Mornings and evenings run cooler.
Light rain showers are fairly common, so you need to balance comfort with being ready for sudden changes.
Packing and Clothing Recommendations
Pack layers to handle the range of temperatures out there. During the day, a short-sleeve shirt with a light jacket or fleece usually does the trick.
Once the sun goes down, you’ll want a warmer layer. In late May, the lows can drop into the 40s °F, so evenings can get pretty chilly if you aren’t ready for it.
Bring water-resistant outerwear, since brief showers tend to pop up. A lightweight rain jacket or poncho feels much more practical than juggling an umbrella when it’s windy.
Quick-drying pants and shoes that can handle damp ground will help you stay comfortable during hikes or outdoor stuff.
Don’t forget sun protection—sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are all must-haves. Daylight lasts over 15 hours, and even with some clouds, the UV can be surprisingly strong.
If you’re planning to hang out near lakes or open fields, it makes sense to pack some insect repellent too.
Preparing for Changing Weather
Weather around Memorial Day changes fast. Some days start sunny, but showers can roll in before you know it.
I always check the local forecast before heading out. Still, I expect the weather to shift during the day, especially in late spring. In the eastern parts of the state, afternoon rain pops up pretty often.
I like to keep a small daypack handy with a few essentials. Toss in some rain gear, an extra layer, snacks, and water. That way, you can handle surprises without cutting your plans short.
If you’re camping, make sure your tent and gear can handle wet conditions. Even a little rain can leave the ground damp for hours.
Don’t forget about the wind. It’s common to see average speeds between 9 and 12 mph, so it feels cooler than you’d expect. Secure your picnic stuff, and if you’re biking or boating, keep an eye out for gusts that might mess with your plans or safety.