S&P 500 in May: seasonality and history
Since 1957, the S&P 500 has risen in May in 64% of years (45 of 70), with an average return of +0.49% and a median of +1.11%. That makes May its #8 month of 12.
Average+0.49%
Years up64%
Best year1990 · +9.20%
Worst year1962 · −8.60%
The seasonal path through May
Cumulative sum of each day's average return through May, all years since 1957.
| Strongest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| May 27 | +0.33% | 58% |
| May 8 | +0.26% | 59% |
| May 26 | +0.21% | 55% |
| Weakest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| May 9 | −0.16% | 46% |
| May 11 | −0.16% | 43% |
| May 23 | −0.15% | 44% |
Seasonal trend windows touching May
- ▲ Bullish May 26 – Jun 8 · 14 days · seasonal Σ +1.63%
May in recent years
| Year | S&P 500 in May |
|---|---|
| 2026 | +5.15% |
| 2025 | +6.15% |
| 2024 | +4.80% |
| 2023 | +0.25% |
| 2022 | +0.01% |
| 2021 | +0.55% |
| 2020 | +4.53% |
| 2019 | −6.58% |
| 2018 | +2.16% |
| 2017 | +1.16% |
Questions
Is May a good month for the S&P 500?
On average, yes: +0.49% since 1957, rising in 64% of years. But the range is wide, from −8.60% in 1962 to +9.20% in 1990, so an average is a tendency, not a forecast.
What are the strongest days in May?
May 27 (+0.33%, up 58% of years), May 8 (+0.26%, up 59% of years), May 26 (+0.21%, up 55% of years).