Montreal in May

In May, Montreal averages 19°C (67°F) during the day and 9°C (47°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 16 days of the month see precipitation (70 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

May offers comfortable temperatures in Montreal, with some rain to plan around.

19°C
Avg high
9°C
Avg low
16
Rain days
70 mm
Rainfall

How May compares to the rest of the year in Montreal

5th
warmest month of the 12
10th
wettest month of the 12
6%
of yearly rainfall falls in May
14 h 54 min
daylight on the 15th

May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Montreal (5th of 12) and one of the driest months (10th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 8°C above the annual average (12°C). May runs 9°C warmer than April (11°C) and warms a further 4°C into June (24°C).

May sunrise & sunset in Montreal

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:23 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
8:17 PM
Day length
14 h 54 min

Times shown for Montreal local time (America/Montreal), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Montreal — May

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Montreal's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:23 AM – 5:03 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:03 AM – 6:03 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
7:37 PM – 8:37 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
8:37 PM – 9:17 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Fair
Core only briefly above the horizon — a marginal month even from dark sites near Montreal.

📅 When to book — Montreal in May

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (Shoulder) and Montreal's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.

Crowds & pricing — May in Montreal

Shoulder

Montreal is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.

Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — May in Montreal

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
11.3
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●○○
Moderate
Active mosquito season. DEET 25-30% repellent recommended, especially at dawn/dusk.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Montreal in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January -5°C / 23°F -13°C / 8°F 74 mm 17
February -3°C / 26°F -13°C / 9°F 80 mm 17
March 2°C / 36°F -7°C / 20°F 81 mm 18
April 11°C / 51°F 1°C / 33°F 120 mm 17
May 19°C / 67°F 9°C / 47°F 70 mm 16
June 24°C / 74°F 14°C / 58°F 121 mm 19
July 26°C / 79°F 18°C / 64°F 95 mm 20
August 25°C / 77°F 17°C / 63°F 109 mm 20
September 21°C / 70°F 13°C / 55°F 80 mm 14
October 14°C / 57°F 7°C / 44°F 135 mm 18
November 6°C / 42°F -1°C / 30°F 80 mm 17
December 0°C / 31°F -7°C / 19°F 91 mm 16

Other cities with similar May weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Montreal in May →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Montreal in May?

In May, Montreal averages a high of 19°C (67°F) and a low of 9°C (47°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Montreal in May?

May is quite rainy in Montreal, with about 16 rainy days on average.

Is May a good time to visit Montreal?

May is mild and pleasant but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Montreal in May?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Montreal for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Montreal on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.