Vancouver weather
Our guide to the weather in Vancouver during May
Canada's grand eastern city is a thriving cultural melting pot surrounded by mountains and sea. We've looked at the most up-to-date weather data for Vancouver, covering the last 12 years up to 2024, plus we've asked our team of travel bloggers for their first-hand experiences in order to answer the most frequently asked questions about Vancouver weather in May.
What's the temperature like in Vancouver during May?
The temperature reaches around 16℃ during the daytime in May, falling away to 9℃ at night. The UV index will be moderate at this time of year, so not something to worry about for the average person. However, if you're going to be outside for long periods it's worth wearing a broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen and UV-blocking sunglasses. Remember that bright surfaces, such as water and sand increase UV exposure.
Does it rain in Vancouver during May?
On average, there will be 6 rainy days during the month, amounting to 118.3mm in total. That's a significant amount of rain. For comparison, the wettest months in the UK typically sees between 80mm and 100mm, depending on where you are. There's a small chance that you'll catch a thunderstorm during your trip.
Is it windy in Vancouver during May?
You're unlikely to experience any strong winds. Expect a light breeze that picks up slightly at times in May. With moderate air temperatures, any breeze will feel cool.
Is it too cold to swim in the sea in Vancouver during May?
The water around Vancouver is a bracing 13℃ during May and is too cold for for swimming. Those who frequently swim in cold open water might want to take a very quick dip, but prolonged exposure could cause hypothermia. A winter wetsuit will allow longer exposure to the water.
Vancouver Blog posts
From the UK's most popular travel bloggers
The Top 10 Foods to Try on Vancouver Island
13th February 2024 by The World in My Pocket
Nestled off the shores of British Columbia in Canada, Vancouver Island is a true haven for those who adore the great outdoors. With its verdant rainforests, majestic snow-capped peaks, and unspoiled coastline, it's a nature lover's dream come true. But this island gem isn't just about breathtaking landscapes; it's also a culinary paradise that will delight even the most discerning foodies. From the finest, freshest seafood to a dedication to farm-to-table goodness sourced right from the...
What to Expect from a Vancouver Whale-Watching Trip
28th June 2023 by Mini Adventures
Many wildlife enthusiasts dream of watching whales in their natural habitat, and the coast of British Columbia is a great place to do so. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, although many people find themselves wanting to do it again. Whales are large yet elusive creatures, hidden in the depths of the ocean. Seeing a humpback with my own eyes is an unforgettable travel memory that I cannot stop talking about. We booked our Vancouver whale watching trip with Wild... and it...
How to Explore Squamish from Vancouver Without a Car
28th June 2023 by Mini Adventures
When we first planned our Vancouver trip, we had grand ambitions of hiring a car and exploring the stunning scenery of British Columbia, camping in the wilderness and admiring the starry night sky. However, when we looked into car hire prices, our plans had to be altered. I had heard of Squamish before, as we had stopped off there briefly on a previous Canadian road trip to see Shannon Falls, and the locals had suggested it as a great place to stay....
8 of the Best Cheap Eats in Vancouver, BC
28th June 2023 by Mini Adventures
When it comes to eating in Vancouver on a budget, a bit of planning is essential. After spending a considerable amount on our flights and accommodation, our budget was quite tight, so finding affordable meals was a priority. Fortunately, our hostel, Samesun Vancouver, provided breakfast, which included delicious jalapeno bagels. On some days, we also had tasty meat and vegan sausage rolls from Granville....
14 places to see on a drive from Vancouver to Calgary
12th January 2021 by Hand Luggage Only
Look, there’s no beating around the bush! We’re totally in love with all the best places in Canada. Not only is it completely vast, with beautiful national parks and vibrant cities like Vancouver and Calgary, it’s also filled with the best road trips with Alberta and British Columbia being no exception. In fact, there’s a heap of places to see on a drive from Vancouver to Calgary that you really can’t miss. ...
The best places to visit on your first time in Canada
27th December 2020 by PommieTravels
If you’re a nature lover then you’ll love Canada, with its beautiful landscapes, glaciers, lakes and national parks. Canada is the second largest country in the world after Russia, so it can be difficult to know where to visit as a first-timer. Of course you’ll want to try the typical Canadian foods such as poutine and Canadian bacon, and you’ll definitely want to get out into nature and see the wildlife such as moose and bison. But where should you go? In the article below we’ll list...
21 cool and unusual things to do in Vancouver
1st March 2021 by Inside the Travel Lab
Vancouver is a city that rumbles with creative energy on top of a rich, cultural history and the kind of scenery that others would kill for. Let me share with you my favourite unusual and cool things to do in Vancouver....
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