What is the weather like in Vancouver in May?

Expect temperatures between 8°C and 17°C with 29% average rain probability and about 8 hours of sunshine daily.

What is the weather like in Vancouver in May?

Vancouver in May scores 65/100 based on 30 years of climate data. Great time to visit - recommended.

Who should visit Vancouver in May?

May in Vancouver is ideal for: Cultural tourists, Business travelers.

Vancouver Weather in May | 30-Year Forecast

Avg High

17°C

Hottest around day 31

Avg Low

8°C

Coolest around day 1

Rainy Days

27days

29% avg rain chance

Sunshine

8hrs/day

Spring season

Sea Temperature in May

Pacific Ocean

13.5°C

Monthly Average

Water Feel

🥶Polar Plunge

Consider a wetsuit for extended swimming

Swim Rating

❄️Cold water hazard

Based on average sea surface temperature

Body of Water

Pacific Ocean

Vancouver coastline

Essential Travel Info for Vancouver

🗓️ Best Time to Visit 📖 Travel Guide 🍴 Food Guide

Currency

CAD

$ Canadian dollar

Language

English

+1 more

Driving

Right side

Connect

In anemergency, dial 9-1-1from any phone...

Safety

Very High Safety

GPI: 1.389

Travel Intelligence

Exclusive flight analytics & health data for Vancouver

Smart Flight Estimator

Airport-to-Airport Logistics

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Flight Connectivity Analysis

Airport traffic data & seasonal patterns

Well Connected

69/ 100

Traffic Index

Popular destination

Peak Daily Arrivals

slots per day

Peak

Jul

Low

Nov

Monthly Traffic Distribution

287

Jan

303

Feb

307

Mar

323

Apr

407

May

394

Jun

438

Jul

413

Aug

415

Sep

354

Oct

191

Nov

324

Dec

Traffic Level

Low Season

Key Connections

Calgary (YYC)

Toronto Pearson (YYZ)

Kelowna (YLW)

Edmonton (YEG)

Victoria (YYJ)

Health & Safety Advisory

CDC travel health recommendations

6 Recommendations

COVID-19

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please seeYour COVID-19 Vaccinationfor more information.

Hepatitis A

Consider hepatitis A vaccination for most travelers. It is recommended for travelers who will be doing higher risk activities, such as visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where a traveler might get infected through food or water. It is recommended for travelers who plan on eating street food.

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Canada. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Canada.

Measles

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according toCDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel.

Rabies

Dogs infected with rabies are not commonly found in Canada.Rabies is commonly found in some terrestrial wildlife species and bats.If rabies exposures occur while in Canada, rabies vaccines are typically available throughout most of the country.Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers 1) will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and 2) might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.For more information, seecountry rabies status assessments.

Yellow Fever

CDC recommendations:Vaccine isnotrecommended.Country entry requirements:Vaccine isnotrequired.Updated April 23, 2025

Source: CDC Travelers' Health

View Complete Health Guide

Is May a Good Time to Visit Vancouver?

👍Great time to visit - recommended(65/100)

Short Answer

Don't expect beach weather in Vancouver's May: 13.5°C cold seas despite 17°C air temps. Coastal scenery remains beautiful, just pack warm layers.

Decision Factors

Vaccinations required

Yellow Fever

Peak tourist season

93% of annual peak - expect crowds and peak prices

Cold sea - swimming challenging

13.5°C sea temperature - Polar Plunge

Plenty of sunshine

10.8h of sunshine daily

Calm, family-friendly seas

0.37m wave height - Lake-like

Exceptional dining scene

76 Michelin-listed restaurants

Good For

🏛️
Cultural tourists
Comfortable conditions for exploring museums and sites
💼
Business travelers
Climate-controlled meetings unaffected by weather

Who Should Avoid

🏖️
Beach lovers
Sea temperature only 13.5°C - too cold for comfortable swimming
💰
Budget travelers
Peak season means premium prices everywhere
👴
Elderly travelers
76% humidity creates difficult conditions

"According to 30YearWeather's analysis of 30 years of NASA POWER satellite data,Vancouver in May averages 17°C with 29% precipitation probability."

📊 Source: 30YearWeather.com🛰️ Data: NASA POWER (1991-2021)View Methodology →

Frequently Asked Questions: Vancouver in May

What are the temperatures in Vancouver in May?

Daytime highs average 17°C, nights drop to 8°C. Temperatures remain fairly consistent.

How many rainy days in Vancouver in May?

Expect around 27 days with measurable rainfall. Rain is unlikely to disrupt plans.

What to wear in Vancouver in May?

Layers are key. A medium-weight jacket and closed-toe shoes.

Is May peak season in Vancouver?

This is shoulder season—moderate prices and manageable crowds.

Vancouver Weather in May

Sea Temperature in May

Vancouver May Weather Calendar

Essential Travel Info for Vancouver

Travel Intelligence

Smart Flight Estimator

Flight Connectivity Analysis

Monthly Traffic Distribution

Key Connections

Health & Safety Advisory

COVID-19

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Measles

Rabies

Yellow Fever

Is May a Good Time to Visit Vancouver?

Decision Factors

Good For

Who Should Avoid

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions: Vancouver in May

What are the temperatures in Vancouver in May?

How many rainy days in Vancouver in May?

What to wear in Vancouver in May?

Is May peak season in Vancouver?