Montreal in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Montreal

19°C (66°F) High Temp

8°C (46°F) Low Temp

86 mm (3.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect shoulder season pricing - hotel rates drop 30-40% from summer peaks while attractions remain fully open
Lilac season transforms the city into a fragrant wonderland, with over 50,000 trees blooming from mid to late May across Mount Royal and neighborhoods
Terrace season begins - restaurant patios open by mid-May when temperatures consistently hit 15°C (59°F), marking the start of Montreal's legendary outdoor dining culture
Festival season launches with over 15 major events starting in May, including the world's largest jazz festival preparations and Nuit Blanche

Considerations

Highly unpredictable weather requires layered packing - mornings can be 8°C (46°F) while afternoons hit 19°C (66°F), with sudden rain showers
Construction season intensifies as winter damage repairs begin, potentially affecting major tourist routes and creating detours
Some outdoor attractions like La Ronde amusement park operate limited schedules until Victoria Day weekend (May 19, 2025)

Best Activities in May

Mount Royal Park Spring Hiking

May is peak season for Mount Royal's transformation with lilac blooms, migrating birds, and clear city views before summer haze. Cool mornings (8-12°C/46-54°F) make the 1.6 km (1 mile) summit trail comfortable, while afternoon warmth is perfect for picnicking. Locals flock here for weekend brunches and sunset views from Kondiaronk Belvedere.

Booking Tip: Free self-guided activity. Paid guided nature walks typically cost CAD $15-25 per person. Best times are early morning (7-9am) for bird watching or late afternoon (4-6pm) for golden hour photography. Check current guided tour options in booking section below.

Old Montreal Cobblestone Walking Tours

May's mild temperatures make extensive walking comfortable before summer heat and crowds peak. Morning tours (9-11am) benefit from cooler 10-15°C (50-59°F) temperatures and soft lighting on 17th-century architecture. Spring weather reveals architectural details often obscured by winter coverings, and café terraces begin opening for post-tour refreshments.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours are free with downloadable apps. Professional guided tours range CAD $25-40 per person for 2-3 hours. Book 3-5 days ahead for weekend tours. Afternoon tours (2-4pm) work well but bring layers for temperature changes. See current tour options in booking section below.

Bixi Bike Share Network Exploration

Montreal's 10,000-bike sharing system fully activates in May after winter storage. Cool morning temperatures (8-12°C/46-54°F) are ideal for longer rides along the 700 km (435 miles) of bike paths. May offers perfect conditions before summer humidity peaks, and you'll join locals in their post-winter cycling renaissance along the Lachine Canal and waterfront.

Booking Tip: Day passes cost CAD $5.25, weekly passes CAD $17.95. Stations are 300 m (980 ft) apart in central areas. Morning rides (8-10am) and early evening (5-7pm) offer best availability and weather. Apps show real-time bike availability. Download Bixi Montreal app before arrival.

Jean-Talon Market Seasonal Produce Tours

May marks the arrival of Quebec's first local harvests - rhubarb, asparagus, and greenhouse vegetables join imported spring produce. Market vendors are energized after the long winter, offering generous samples and cooking tips. Cool morning temperatures keep produce fresh longer, and the covered sections provide shelter during May's occasional rain showers.

Booking Tip: Market entry is free. Food walking tours typically cost CAD $65-85 per person for 3-hour experiences including tastings. Visit Tuesday-Saturday for full vendor selection, mornings (9-11am) for peak freshness and energy. Book food tours 7-10 days ahead for weekends. Check current culinary tour options below.

St. Lawrence River Scenic Cruises

May launches Montreal's river cruise season with comfortable temperatures for deck viewing and minimal summer crowds. The river's spring flow is robust, and visibility is excellent before summer haze. Afternoon departures (2-4pm) benefit from warmed cabin areas when temperatures reach 15-19°C (59-66°F), while evening cruises offer impressive city lights as sunset comes later in spring.

Booking Tip: Seasonal cruises begin mid-May, typically costing CAD $30-55 for 1.5-hour scenic tours. Book 5-7 days ahead as early season availability is limited. Bring layers for temperature changes on water - it's 3-5°C (5-9°F) cooler on river. Check current cruise schedules in booking section below.

Underground City Exploration

May's variable weather makes Montreal's 32 km (20 miles) of underground tunnels invaluable for rainy day alternatives. The Underground City connects 1,700 shops, restaurants, and attractions, allowing full days of exploration regardless of weather. Spring shopping sales coincide with May weather transitions, and locals use the network heavily during unpredictable spring storms.

Booking Tip: Free to explore independently using RESO network maps. Guided underground tours cost CAD $20-30 per person for 2-hour experiences. Download offline maps before exploring as cell service varies underground. Tours typically run 3 times daily and fill quickly on rainy days. See current guided tour options below.

May Events & Festivals

Early March (Note: This actually occurs in February/March, not May)

Nuit Blanche sur Tableau

Montreal's all-night arts festival transforms the Quartier des Spectacles with free installations, performances, and exhibits from sunset to sunrise. Over 100,000 visitors explore interactive art in mild May weather, perfect for walking between venues.

May 17-19, 2025

Victoria Day Weekend Celebrations

Long weekend (May 17-19, 2025) marks Montreal's unofficial summer launch with special events, extended restaurant hours, and the opening of seasonal attractions like La Ronde's full operations and expanded river cruise schedules.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - pack t-shirts, long sleeves, and a medium-weight jacket for 11°C (20°F) daily temperature swings

Waterproof jacket with hood - May averages 10 rainy days with sudden afternoon showers lasting 20-45 minutes

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - cobblestones in Old Montreal become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) daily

Sun protection despite variable weather - UV index reaches 8 on clear days, and reflection off limestone buildings intensifies exposure

Light scarf or neck warmer - morning temperatures around 8°C (46°F) make neck coverage comfortable for early sightseeing

Compact umbrella - more convenient than rain jacket for brief showers while maintaining mobility for photography

Breathable cotton or merino wool base layers - 70% humidity with temperature fluctuations requires moisture-wicking fabrics

Light sweater for air-conditioned spaces - museums, restaurants, and the Underground City maintain 18-20°C (64-68°F) year-round

Daypack with rain cover - protects electronics and documents during sudden weather changes while exploring

Closed-toe shoes for evening - temperatures drop quickly after sunset, and restaurant terraces can be cool until late May

Insider Knowledge

Download the STM app before arrival - Montreal's metro system offers unlimited weekend passes for CAD $14.50, perfect for May weather flexibility when surface walking becomes uncomfortable

Restaurant terraces open inconsistently in May based on daily temperatures - call ahead or check social media for same-day terrace availability, especially for popular spots

Locals start 'terrace hopping' (terrasse-jumping) in May, moving from indoor to outdoor spaces as weather permits - embrace this flexibility in your daily plans

Many seasonal food trucks and outdoor vendors return to Parc Jean-Drapeau and waterfront areas in mid-May, offering authentic local food at 40-50% less than restaurant prices

Avoid These Mistakes

Underdressing for morning activities - 8°C (46°F) mornings require more layers than many visitors expect, especially for early Mount Royal hikes or market visits

Booking rigid outdoor schedules - May weather changes rapidly, so maintain flexibility for indoor alternatives during unexpected rain or temperature drops

Assuming all summer attractions are fully operational - many outdoor venues like La Ronde and some river cruises run limited schedules until Victoria Day weekend