Gold in May: seasonality and history
Since 2001, gold has risen in May in 50% of years (13 of 26), with an average return of +0.27% and a median of −0.16%. That makes May its #9 month of 12.
Average+0.27%
Years up50%
Best year2009 · +9.89%
Worst year2012 · −6.06%
The seasonal path through May
Cumulative sum of each day's average return through May, all years since 2001.
| Strongest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| May 6 | +0.57% | 68% |
| May 20 | +0.46% | 79% |
| May 5 | +0.32% | 72% |
| Weakest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| May 1 | −0.44% | 37% |
| May 24 | −0.36% | 44% |
| May 27 | −0.32% | 40% |
May in recent years
| Year | Gold in May |
|---|---|
| 2026 | −0.79% |
| 2025 | −0.91% |
| 2024 | +0.87% |
| 2023 | −1.76% |
| 2022 | −3.61% |
| 2021 | +7.63% |
| 2020 | +4.01% |
| 2019 | +1.79% |
| 2018 | −1.22% |
| 2017 | +0.47% |
Questions
Is May a good month for gold?
On average, yes: +0.27% since 2001, rising in 50% of years. But the range is wide, from −6.06% in 2012 to +9.89% in 2009, so an average is a tendency, not a forecast.
What are the strongest days in May?
May 6 (+0.57%, up 68% of years), May 20 (+0.46%, up 79% of years), May 5 (+0.32%, up 72% of years).