Late spring · Weather & things to do
Vancouver in May
Vancouver warms up: highs climb to 63°F (17°C), from 53°F in April, with lows of 50°F (10°C) and about 3.8 in (96 mm) of rain.
It scores 78/100 for comfort, 5th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 63°F (17°C)
- Avg low
- 50°F (10°C)
- Rain
- 3.8 in (96 mm)
- Humidity
- 78%
- Cloud cover
- 71%
- Daylight
- ~15 h 06 min
- Comfort score
- 78/100 · Great
What May feels like
Days are mild at around 63°F (17°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
Nights cool to an average low of 50°F (10°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.8 in (96 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Long days help: there are roughly 15 h 06 min of daylight mid-month.
Plan around May
May is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (July & August).
- The year's biggest warm-up: highs jump 6°C (11°F) from April.
- Comfort improves from 52/100 in April to 78/100.
- Our Vancouver, Whistler & Victoria route recommends Jun – Sep, so May falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for May
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 50°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Vancouver in May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Grouse Mountain
Gondola to city-and-ocean views, grizzly refuge and the steep Grouse Grind hike.
Why now May scores 78/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Miku
Waterfront sushi restaurant known for flame-seared aburi oshi sushi.
Why now Highs near 63°F and 3.8 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
137-metre bridge over a canyon plus treetop walkways and a cliffside walk.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Gastown
Oldest neighbourhood of brick warehouses, the steam clock and restaurants on cobbled Water Street.
Stanley Park Seawall
Ten-kilometre waterfront path around a forested park, with totem poles at Brockton Point.
Nearby in May
- San Juan Island in May~52 mi · highs 60°F, 2.0 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, drier
- Whistler in May~58 mi · highs 51°F, 3.5 in rain · 7°C (12°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Victoria in May~60 mi · highs 60°F, 2.0 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, drier
- Olympic NP in May~105 mi · highs 48°F, 3.4 in rain · 8°C (15°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 ~565 m to Vancouver's ~33 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.
Vancouver in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Vancouver?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 78/100 against a best of 88 in July & August. Expect highs of 63°F (17°C) and 3.8 in (96 mm) of rain. Our Vancouver, Whistler & Victoria route recommends Jun – Sep, so May is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Vancouver in May?
Average highs are 63°F (17°C) and average lows 50°F (10°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Vancouver in May?
Some: about 3.8 in (96 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 85.6 in (2175 mm).
What should I pack for Vancouver in May?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 50°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Vancouver 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.