Late spring · Weather & things to do
Grand Marais in May
Grand Marais warms up: highs climb to 62°F (17°C), from 49°F in April, with lows of 42°F (5°C) and about 3.2 in (82 mm) of rain.
It scores 76/100 for comfort, 5th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 62°F (17°C)
- Avg low
- 42°F (5°C)
- Rain
- 3.2 in (82 mm)
- Humidity
- 73%
- Cloud cover
- 73%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 56 min
- Comfort score
- 76/100 · Great
What May feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 62°F (17°C), good for long walks.
Lows average 42°F (5°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 3.2 in (82 mm).
Plan around May
May is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (June – September).
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (May – July), which brings about 10.4 in (264 mm) in total.
- Comfort improves from 59/100 in April to 76/100.
- Our Minnesota North Shore route recommends Jun – Oct, so May falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for May
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 42°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.2 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Grand Marais in May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
World's Best Donuts
Seasonal donut shop near the harbor since 1969.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best early morning, May–Oct.
Judge C.R. Magney State Park
Trail to the Devil's Kettle, where half the Brule River seems to vanish into a pothole.
Why now May scores 76/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Cascade River State Park
Short loop past stepped waterfalls in a narrow gorge just off Hwy 61.
Why now Highs near 62°F and 3.2 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Voyageur Brewing Company
Downtown brewery with a rooftop deck overlooking the harbor.
Gunflint Trail
57-mile road from town into Boundary Waters lake country, with moose sightings at dusk.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Nearby in May
- Duluth in May~106 mi · highs 60°F, 3.6 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Minneapolis in May~237 mi · highs 68°F, 4.3 in rain · 4°C (7°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Door County in May~242 mi · highs 57°F, 3.7 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Sleeping Bear Dunes in May~290 mi · highs 47°F, 3.5 in rain · 8°C (14°F) cooler by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~468 m to Grand Marais's ~186 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Grand Marais in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Grand Marais?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 76/100 against a best of 83 in June – September. Expect highs of 62°F (17°C) and 3.2 in (82 mm) of rain. Our Minnesota North Shore route recommends Jun – Oct, so May is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Grand Marais in May?
Average highs are 62°F (17°C) and average lows 42°F (5°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Grand Marais in May?
Some: about 3.2 in (82 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 28.5 in (723 mm).
What should I pack for Grand Marais in May?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 42°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.2 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Grand Marais
Planning Grand Marais in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.