If you’re planning a trip to the West Coast, the weather in Vancouver in May might just be your perfect match.
Spring is in full swing, the rain eases off, and sunny days start to outnumber grey ones. Trees are lush, patios are buzzing, and the city feels fully awake again.
Let’s see why May is one of the most underrated times to visit Vancouver.
☀️ Weather in Vancouver in May: What to Expect
The weather in Vancouver in May brings a mix of spring freshness and early summer vibes. Days are longer, sunnier, and warmer—but still cool enough to enjoy walking, hiking, and biking without breaking a sweat.
Expect mild mornings, warm afternoons, and more consistency than in April. While it’s not quite summer yet, you can absolutely enjoy outdoor sightseeing without bundling up or checking the sky every five minutes.
Tourists are starting to arrive, but it’s not too busy. That sweet spot means shorter lines at attractions, better restaurant availability, and room to breathe on nature trails. This is also when the city’s many outdoor festivals and farmers’ markets really kick off.
What I love most about the weather in Vancouver in May is that you can pack light, plan full days outdoors, and only really need one jacket—just in case.
And personally, May is one of my favourite months for spending long days outside, especially along the Seawall.
🌷Looking to enjoy the May flowers? Check out our complete guide to Vancouver in spring.
🌡️ Vancouver May Temperatures
- Early May: Afternoon highs around 15–17°C (59–63°F), morning lows around 8–10°C (46–50°F)
- Late May: Afternoon highs around 18–20°C (64–68°F), morning lows around 10–12°C (50–54°F)
The weather in Vancouver in May is calm, comfortable, and slowly warming up toward summer. You’ll still want a light layer in the morning, but by the afternoon, you might be down to a T-shirt. I usually carry a sweater and peel it off as the sun comes out.
Sightseeing in these temps is ideal. You won’t be sweating through museums or getting chilled on patio nights.
☔ Rainfall and Sunshine in Vancouver During May
- Average rainfall: 65 mm over 9 days
- Rain type: Light showers or overnight drizzle
- Sunshine: Around 8 hours of sun per day
Rain is much less frequent than in earlier spring months.
The weather in Vancouver in May gives you more dry days, and when it does rain, it’s usually overnight or short-lived. I’ve had entire weeks in May where I never needed an umbrella.
That said, I still toss a foldable raincoat in my backpack—because Vancouver loves a surprise sprinkle.
🌅 Daylight Hours in Vancouver in May
- Start of May: Sunrise ~5:50 AM, sunset ~8:30 PM
- End of May: Sunrise ~5:10 AM, sunset ~9:10 PM
The weather in Vancouver in May comes with long, beautiful days. You can fit in a hike, lunch on a patio, a brewery visit, and still have daylight for a sunset walk.
These are some of my favourite sunsets of the year—especially from Queen Elizabeth Park or one of Vancouver’s best beaches.
🧳 Looking for a quick getaway? Check out our list of the best road trips from Vancouver for a weekend escape.
🌬️ Wind and Humidity in Vancouver During May
- Wind: Light to moderate, around 10–18 kph (6–11 mph)
- Humidity: Comfortable
The weather in Vancouver in May is cool and dry, without the humidity of summer. You’ll feel a breeze near the water, especially in the evenings, but it’s rarely strong enough to be annoying.
When I go for a bike ride around Stanley Park in May, it’s just breezy enough to feel refreshing—not cold.
🧳 What to Wear in Vancouver in May
- Tops: T-shirts, long sleeves, light sweaters
- Bottoms: Jeans, skirts, shorts on warmer days
- Outerwear: Denim jacket, light raincoat, hoodie
- Footwear: Sneakers, waterproof flats, sandals (for warm days)
- Accessories: Sunglasses, small umbrella, hat, light scarf
Dressing for the weather in Vancouver in May is all about being ready for a warm afternoon and a cool evening.
I always bring layers, even if I think I won’t need them—because if you’re by the ocean at night, you’ll want that extra hoodie.
👉 Wanna plan around your dates? Check out Vancouver weather in April or Vancouver weather in June.
🎯 Final Thoughts on the Weather in Vancouver in May
The weather in Vancouver in May is perfect for travellers who like mild sunshine, fewer tourists, and lots of time outside.
The biggest perk? Long, dry days that feel tailor-made for exploring, hiking, and patio-hopping.
If you want a chill version of summer without the July crowds, May is a smart time to book.
The weather in Vancouver in May gives you the best of both worlds.
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