Vancouver in May
In May, Vancouver averages 17°C (62°F) during the day and 10°C (50°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 15 days of the month see precipitation (70 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
May is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Vancouver. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Vancouver
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Vancouver (5th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C above the annual average (13°C). May runs 5°C warmer than April (12°C) and warms a further 3°C into June (19°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Vancouver
Times shown for Vancouver local time (America/Vancouver), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Vancouver — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Vancouver's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Vancouver 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 Vancouver's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Vancouver
Vancouver 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 Vancouver
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.
Vancouver in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7°C / 44°F | 2°C / 36°F | 252 mm | 21 | — |
| February | 6°C / 43°F | 1°C / 34°F | 149 mm | 20 | — |
| March | 9°C / 49°F | 3°C / 38°F | 188 mm | 21 | — |
| April | 12°C / 54°F | 6°C / 42°F | 133 mm | 20 | — |
| May | 17°C / 62°F | 10°C / 50°F | 70 mm | 15 | — |
| June | 19°C / 67°F | 13°C / 55°F | 64 mm | 15 | — |
| July | 23°C / 73°F | 15°C / 59°F | 36 mm | 10 | — |
| August | 23°C / 73°F | 15°C / 60°F | 48 mm | 10 | — |
| September | 18°C / 65°F | 12°C / 54°F | 134 mm | 16 | — |
| October | 13°C / 56°F | 8°C / 47°F | 241 mm | 20 | — |
| November | 8°C / 47°F | 4°C / 39°F | 316 mm | 21 | — |
| December | 6°C / 42°F | 1°C / 35°F | 272 mm | 21 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Vancouver in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Vancouver in May?
In May, Vancouver averages a high of 17°C (62°F) and a low of 10°C (50°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Vancouver in May?
May is quite rainy in Vancouver, with about 15 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Vancouver?
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 Vancouver in May?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Vancouver for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.