Late spring · Weather & things to do
Jasper in May
Jasper warms up: highs climb to 57°F (14°C), from 44°F in April, with lows of 38°F (3°C) and about 2.7 in (69 mm) of rain.
It scores 70/100 for comfort, 5th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 57°F (14°C)
- Avg low
- 38°F (3°C)
- Rain
- 2.7 in (69 mm)
- Humidity
- 73%
- Cloud cover
- 75%
- Daylight
- ~15 h 34 min
- Comfort score
- 70/100 · Good
What May feels like
Highs near 57°F (14°C) make for comfortable sightseeing weather.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 38°F (3°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 2.7 in (69 mm).
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 75%.
Long days help: there are roughly 15 h 34 min of daylight mid-month.
Plan around May
May is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (July & August).
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (May – July), which brings about 10.7 in (271 mm) in total.
- The year's biggest warm-up: highs jump 8°C (14°F) from April.
- Comfort improves from 49/100 in April to 70/100.
- Our Banff & Jasper Loop recommends Jun – Sep, so May falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for May
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 38°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Jasper in May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure
Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier from the Icefield Centre.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best May–Oct.
Columbia Icefield Skywalk
Glass-floored walkway 280 m above the Sunwapta Valley.
Pyramid Lake
Lake just above town with a footbridge to a small island and Pyramid Mountain behind.
Why now May scores 70/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Athabasca Falls
Powerful falls squeezing through a quartzite gorge.
Why now Highs near 57°F and 2.7 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Maligne Lake Cruise
Boat cruise to Spirit Island on Jasper's largest lake.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Nearby in May
- Lake Louise in May~129 mi · highs 47°F, 3.2 in rain · 6°C (10°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Banff in May~158 mi · highs 54°F, 3.3 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Whistler in May~283 mi · highs 51°F, 3.5 in rain · 3°C (6°F) cooler by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~1,786 m to Jasper's ~1,060 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.
Jasper in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Jasper?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 70/100 against a best of 85 in July & August. Expect highs of 57°F (14°C) and 2.7 in (69 mm) of rain. Our Banff & Jasper Loop recommends Jun – Sep, so May is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Jasper in May?
Average highs are 57°F (14°C) and average lows 38°F (3°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Jasper in May?
Some: about 2.7 in (69 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 26.6 in (676 mm).
What should I pack for Jasper in May?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 38°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Jasper in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.