May is when Vancouver comes outdoors. Patios open, gardens are in full bloom, the days stretch past 15 hours of light, and the calendar fills with runs, markets and the Victoria Day long weekend.
May in Vancouver at a glance
- Average high / low: 17°C / 9°C
- Precipitation: about 59 mm, on about 13 days
- Daylight: about 15 hours a day
- Sunshine: about 223 hours over the month
- What it feels like: late spring: green, bright and pleasantly mild
Weather in Vancouver in May
Highs average about 17°C and lows about 9°C. It is much drier than winter, with rain on fewer than half the days. Warm sunny spells reaching the low 20s are common late in the month. Sunset is around 9 pm.
Averages are for Vancouver International Airport, 1991 to 2020, from Environment and Climate Change Canada (sunshine 1981 to 2010). The North Shore and the mountains are cooler and wetter than the city.
What to pack for Vancouver in May
- A light jacket or rain shell
- T-shirts plus a sweater for evenings
- Comfortable shoes for walking and hiking
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
Events and festivals in May
- The BMO Vancouver Marathon, usually in early May
- The Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair in Surrey on the Victoria Day long weekend
- The Steveston Spot Prawn and Seafood Celebration as spot prawn season opens
- The Vancouver International Children’s Festival on Granville Island, usually late May or early June
- The Richmond Night Market, open on weekends
- Victoria Day long weekend in late May, the unofficial start of summer
Dates change every year. See the May events calendar for this year’s dates, or check things to do in Vancouver today and this weekend.
Things to do in Vancouver in May
- Walk through VanDusen Botanical Garden when rhododendrons and the laburnum walk are in bloom
- Cycle or walk the full Seawall
- Hike in Lynn Canyon, Deep Cove or Pacific Spirit Regional Park
- Kayak or paddleboard in Deep Cove or English Bay
- Eat fresh spot prawns at Steveston or Granville Island
- Take a day trip up the Sea-to-Sky to Squamish and Shannon Falls
Tips for visiting Vancouver in May
- Victoria Day is a statutory holiday; book accommodation early for the long weekend.
- Cruise ship season is in full swing, so downtown and Canada Place are busier on ship days.
- Higher hiking trails can still hold snow until June.
Plan your trip
Build a day out with our free trip planner, follow one of our Vancouver itineraries or browse all upcoming events in Vancouver. For time outdoors, see our beaches guide and Vancouver parks guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is May a good time to visit Vancouver?
Yes. May offers mild weather, long days, gardens in bloom and lower prices than summer.
How warm is Vancouver in May?
Daytime highs average about 17°C, with warm spells into the low 20s.
Can you swim in Vancouver in May?
The ocean is still cold, around 10 to 13°C. Most people wait until July, or use the heated outdoor pools.
Vancouver month by month
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More local guides
- Vancouver in June: Weather, Events and Things to Do
- Vancouver in April: Weather, Events and Things to Do
- Vancouver in July: Weather, Events and Things to Do
- Vancouver in March: Weather, Events and Things to Do
- Vancouver in August: Weather, Events and Things to Do
- Vancouver in February: Weather, Events and Things to Do
