Things to do in Whistler in May

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Overview

May is a good time to visit Whistler. The weather is usually cold, humid but cool, with temperatures ranging from 34—47°F (1—8°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Whistler during this time. Some of our top recommendations: go bear watching to see the black bears emerging from hibernation in Whistler, go mountain biking on the world-renowned trails of Whistler, go golfing on the world-class golf courses of Whistler, and more!

Whistler has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your May trip to Whistler. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to May. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Whistler in May. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout May, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Whistler in May

Top experiences in May
Go bear watching to see the black bears emerging from hibernation in Whistler
May is the time when the black bears of Whistler come out of hibernation, and bear watching tours offer a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The experienced guides provide valuable insight into the behavior and habits of the bears, making for an educational and unforgettable wildlife viewing experience.
Go mountain biking on the world-renowned trails of Whistler
May marks the beginning of the mountain biking season in Whistler, and the trails are in prime condition for riding. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, there are trails for every skill level, and the stunning scenery and adrenaline-pumping descents make for an unforgettable biking experience.
Go golfing on the world-class golf courses of Whistler
May is the start of the golf season in Whistler, and the lush, green fairways and stunning mountain backdrops make for an exceptional golfing experience. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a beginner, the challenging courses and breathtaking scenery provide a memorable and enjoyable day on the links.
Go hiking to see the stunning waterfalls and alpine lakes of Whistler
In May, the snow begins to melt, creating a network of rushing waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes that are a hiker's paradise. The trails are less crowded, and the mild weather makes for comfortable hiking conditions, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Whistler's wilderness.
Go zip-lining through the old-growth forests of Whistler
May is the perfect time to soar through the treetops and experience the thrill of zip-lining in the crisp, fresh air. The lush greenery and blooming wildflowers add to the beauty of the forest, and the exhilarating zip-line rides offer a unique perspective of Whistler's natural landscape.
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Go horseback riding through the scenic trails and meadows of Whistler
In May, the wildflowers are in full bloom, and the snow-capped mountains provide a stunning backdrop for a leisurely horseback ride. The experienced guides lead you through the picturesque landscape, offering a unique and peaceful way to explore the natural beauty of Whistler.
Take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Whistler Mountain for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys
In May, the snow-capped peaks and lush greenery create a stunning contrast that is truly a sight to behold. The gondola ride offers a peaceful and serene way to take in the natural beauty of Whistler and is a must-do activity for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Go skiing or snowboarding on the last of the spring snow at Whistler Blackcomb
May is the last month of the ski season in Whistler, and it's the perfect time to hit the slopes before the snow melts away. The weather is milder, the days are longer, and the crowds are smaller, making for a more enjoyable and relaxed skiing or snowboarding experience.
Go fishing in the pristine rivers and lakes of Whistler for a chance to catch rainbow trout and salmon
May is the prime time for fishing in Whistler, as the rivers and lakes are teeming with fish that are eager to bite. Whether you're a novice angler or an experienced fisherman, the tranquil setting and abundance of fish make for a rewarding and relaxing day of fishing.
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Holidays in Whistler in May
May
  • Mothers' Day (May 11)
  • Victoria Day (May 19)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Whistler in May

Temperatures on an average day in Whistler in May

The average temperature in Whistler in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 47°F (8°C) to a low of 34°F (1°C). Some would describe it as cold, humid but cool.

For comparison, the hottest month in Whistler, August, has days with highs of 67°F (20°C) and lows of 47°F (8°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 27°F (-3°C) and lows of 13°F (-11°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Whistler in May based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in May
47°F
highs
34°F
lows

General weather summary

Cold, humid but cool
Feels like
37%
Chance of rain
0.150 in
Amount
5.2 mph
Wind speed
91%
Humidity
15.4 hrs
Daylight length
5:26 AM
Sunrise
8:50 PM
Sunset
33%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 47°F (8°C) and a low of 34°F (1°C), it generally feels cold, humid but cool. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket
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Best attractions for Whistler in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Whistler has to offer for travelers in May, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Whistler that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Whistler for May.
Whistler Blackcomb
1. Whistler Blackcomb
4.6
(5164)
Ski resort
Outdoor Activities
Renowned year-round resort known for skiing, snowboarding, biking & more, plus spas, shops & cafes.
Lost Lake
2. Lost Lake
4.7
(256)
Lake
Nature & Parks
Picturesque, mountain lake featuring swimming & sunbathing, plus hiking, biking & skiing trails.
Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre
3. Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre
4.7
(1153)
Museum
Aboriginal art gallery
Modern, rustic-style facility with cultural exhibits on the Squamish & Lil'wat Nation, plus events.
Brandywine Falls Provincial Park
4. Brandywine Falls Provincial Park
4.7
(2965)
State park
Nature & Parks
Park with a 70-m. waterfall over a wall of volcanic rocks, plus hiking trails & picnic areas.
Whistler Sliding Centre
5. Whistler Sliding Centre
4.8
(442)
Sports complex
Fun & Games
A state-of-the-art, 1,450m ice track with passenger bobsleigh and skeleton rides.
Whistler Mountain Bike Park
6. Whistler Mountain Bike Park
4.8
(2275)
Ski resort
Outdoor Activities
Several trails are provided for mountain biking adventures at this park with food & a bike shop.
Whistler Olympic Plaza
7. Whistler Olympic Plaza
4.6
(4263)
Ice skating rink
Nature & Parks
Green space with a play area, outdoor ice rink & snow zone, plus concerts & the Olympic rings.
Parking Lot For Train Wreck Trail
8. Parking Lot For Train Wreck Trail
4.5
(124)
Parking lot
Outdoor Activities
Audain Art Museum
9. Audain Art Museum
4.6
(724)
Art museum
Museums
Displays at this modern hub range from works & masks of early area peoples to contemporary pieces.
Valley Trail
10. Valley Trail
4.7
(7)
Outdoor Activities
Hiking Trails
Gentle hikes to lakes & forest picnic areas on paved trails also suitable for cyclists & joggers.
Whistler Olympic Park
11. Whistler Olympic Park
4.6
(302)
Ski resort
Outdoor Activities
Whistler Visitor Centre
12. Whistler Visitor Centre
4.4
(1069)
Visitor center
Information centers
Whistler Public Library
13. Whistler Public Library
4.8
(115)
Public library
Libraries
Alexander Falls
14. Alexander Falls
4.7
(46)
Waterfall
Nature & Parks
Whistler Brewing Company
15. Whistler Brewing Company
4.4
(324)
Brewery
Food & Drink
Rainbow Park
16. Rainbow Park
4.7
(856)
Park
Nature & Parks
Lakefront beach & grassy area with a dog park, sand volleyball & dramatic mountain views.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Whistler?

Get inspired for your trip to Whistler with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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