Late spring · Weather & things to do
Salt Lake City in May
Salt Lake City warms up: highs climb to 70°F (21°C), from 59°F in April, with lows of 47°F (9°C) and about 2.3 in (58 mm) of rain.
May opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 89/100 (4th of 12).
- Avg high
- 70°F (21°C)
- Avg low
- 47°F (9°C)
- Rain
- 2.3 in (58 mm)
- Humidity
- 55%
- Cloud cover
- 56%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 16 min
- Comfort score
- 89/100 · Great
What May feels like
Highs settle around 70°F (21°C), warm enough for short sleeves most of the day.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 47°F (9°C), about 13°C (23°F) below the afternoon high.
About 2.3 in (58 mm) of rain falls in a typical year's May.
Plan around May
May is one of Salt Lake City's best months on the climate data.
- First warm month: highs reach 70°F, up from 59°F in April.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, March – May.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: May & June and September & October.
- Comfort improves from 77/100 in April to 89/100.
- Our Salt Lake City & Park City route is planned for Late Nov – Jan, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — May falls outside it.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clothes70°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 47°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Salt Lake City in May
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Hogle Zoo
Salt Lake's zoo at the mouth of Emigration Canyon, which runs its ZooLights evenings through December.
Why now May scores 89/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Cathedral of the Madeleine
Salt Lake's 1909 Catholic cathedral, with painted interiors and Christmas concerts by its choir school in December.
Gallivan Center Ice Rink
Outdoor rink in the downtown Gallivan Center plaza, open through the winter with skate rental.
Why now Highs near 70°F and 2.3 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Temple Square
The 10-acre Latter-day Saint headquarters, strung with lights and nativity scenes from late November through December.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Nearby in May
- Park City in May~22 mi · highs 61°F, 1.9 in rain · 5°C (9°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Capitol Reef in May~174 mi · highs 74°F, 0.8 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, drier
- Arches in May~186 mi · highs 78°F, 0.9 in rain · 4°C (8°F) warmer by day, drier
- Jackson in May~196 mi · highs 59°F, 2.5 in rain · 6°C (11°F) cooler by day, about as wet
These averages also cover Downtown Salt Lake City.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~1,744 m to Salt Lake City's ~1,300 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.
Salt Lake City in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Salt Lake City?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 89/100. Expect highs of 70°F (21°C) and 2.3 in (58 mm) of rain.
How hot is Salt Lake City in May?
Average highs are 70°F (21°C) and average lows 47°F (9°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Salt Lake City in May?
Not much: about 2.3 in (58 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 21.3 in (542 mm).
What should I pack for Salt Lake City in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (70°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 47°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Salt Lake City
Planning Salt Lake City in May?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.