Things to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake in May

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Overview

May is a great time to visit Niagara-on-the-Lake. The weather is usually moderately chilly with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 48—62°F (9—17°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Niagara-on-the-Lake during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a sunset cruise on Lake Ontario, take a wine tour of the Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries, explore the historic Fort George National Historic Site, and more!

Niagara-on-the-Lake 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 Niagara-on-the-Lake. 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 Niagara-on-the-Lake 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 Niagara-on-the-Lake in May

Top experiences in May
Take a sunset cruise on Lake Ontario
In May, you can take a sunset cruise on Lake Ontario, where you can relax and take in the stunning views of the water and surrounding landscape as the sun sets. Many cruise companies offer special sunset tours in the spring, providing a peaceful and romantic way to experience the natural beauty of the region. Whether you're with a loved one or simply want to unwind and enjoy the serene atmosphere, a sunset cruise is a unique and memorable experience in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Take a wine tour of the Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries
May is the perfect time to explore the picturesque vineyards and wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The region is known for its award-winning wines, and a guided tour will give you the opportunity to sample a variety of vintages while learning about the winemaking process. Many wineries also offer special events and tastings in May, making it an ideal time to immerse yourself in the local wine culture.
Explore the historic Fort George National Historic Site
Fort George is a historic military fort that played a significant role in the War of 1812, and in May, you can explore the site and learn about its fascinating history. The fort offers guided tours, interactive exhibits, and reenactments that bring the past to life. The lush grounds and scenic views of Lake Ontario make for a memorable and educational experience that is unique to the spring season.
Visit the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and Butterfly Conservatory
In May, the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens are in full bloom, showcasing a stunning array of flowers and plants. The adjacent Butterfly Conservatory is also a must-visit, as it is home to thousands of butterflies from around the world. Walking through the lush gardens and experiencing the fluttering butterflies is a peaceful and enchanting experience that is unique to the spring season.
Take a bike tour along the Niagara River
May is a great time to explore the scenic beauty of the Niagara River by bike. There are several bike rental companies in Niagara-on-the-Lake that offer guided tours along the river, allowing you to take in the stunning views of the water and surrounding countryside. The mild spring weather and blooming foliage make for a delightful cycling experience that is unique to the month of May.
Take a leisurely stroll along the Niagara-on-the-Lake Heritage Trail
The Heritage Trail is a scenic walking path that winds through the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, passing by historic sites, beautiful gardens, and stunning waterfront views. In May, the trail is lined with blooming flowers and lush greenery, making it an ideal time to take a leisurely stroll and soak in the natural beauty and rich history of the area.
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Holidays in Niagara-on-the-Lake in May
May
  • Mothers' Day (May 12)
  • Victoria Day (May 20)
Other notable holidays
  • Tartan Day (April 6)
  • Vimy Ridge Day (April 9)
  • Fathers' Day (June 16)
  • National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21)
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Weather in Niagara-on-the-Lake in May

Temperatures on an average day in Niagara-on-the-Lake in May

The average temperature in Niagara-on-the-Lake in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 62°F (17°C) to a low of 48°F (9°C). Some would describe it as moderately chilly with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Niagara-on-the-Lake, July, has days with highs of 80°F (26°C) and lows of 67°F (19°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 33°F (0°C) and lows of 22°F (-5°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Niagara-on-the-Lake in May based on historical data.

Visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake? See our Niagara-on-the-Lake Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in May
62°F
highs
48°F
lows

General weather summary

Moderately chilly with a gentle breeze
Feels like
37%
Chance of rain
0.149 in
Amount
13.6 mph
Wind speed
75%
Humidity
14.7 hrs
Daylight length
5:53 AM
Sunrise
8:32 PM
Sunset
43%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 62°F (17°C) and a low of 48°F (9°C), it generally feels moderately chilly with a gentle breeze. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
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Best attractions for Niagara-on-the-Lake in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Niagara-on-the-Lake has to offer for travelers in May, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Niagara-on-the-Lake 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 Niagara-on-the-Lake for May.
Shaw Festival Theatre
1. Shaw Festival Theatre
4.8
(1488)
Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
Flagship 856-seat theatre complex staging plays written & inspired by George Bernard Shaw.
Peller Estates Winery And Restaurant
2. Peller Estates Winery And Restaurant
4.3
(1838)
Winery
Food & Drink
Stylish modern restaurant serving farm-to-table cooking along with wines grown onsite.
Konzelmann Estate Winery
3. Konzelmann Estate Winery
4.4
(1162)
Winery
Food & Drink
Scenic vineyard on Lake Ontario offering tastings, tours, wine retail & thematic events.
Fort George National Historic Site
4. Fort George National Historic Site
4.5
(3108)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Reconstructed military landmark from the War of 1812 offering tours & living history demonstrations.
Niagara-On-The-Lake Hockey
5. Niagara-On-The-Lake Hockey
4.6
(28)
Association / Organization
Museums
Trius Winery & Restaurant
6. Trius Winery & Restaurant
4.4
(1303)
Winery
Food & Drink
Red & white ice wines are both produced at this winery hosting tours & tastings.
Wayne Gretzky Estates
7. Wayne Gretzky Estates
4.3
(1968)
Winery
Food & Drink
Winery that also produces beer & whiskey, offering tastings, plus an ice rink & restaurant.
Reif Estate Winery
8. Reif Estate Winery
4.5
(858)
Winery
Food & Drink
Wine estate with eclectic varietals available to taste, plus summer dining in a fragrant garden.
Inniskillin Wines
9. Inniskillin Wines
4.6
(1168)
Winery
Food & Drink
Château des Charmes
10. Château des Charmes
4.6
(596)
Winery
Food & Drink
Sprawling vineyards in picturesque, verdant surrounds offering tours, tastings & light fare.
Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate
11. Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate
4.5
(684)
Winery
Food & Drink
Caroline Cellars
12. Caroline Cellars
4.6
(624)
Winery
Food & Drink
Outlet Collection at Niagara
13. Outlet Collection at Niagara
4.4
(18740)
Shopping mall
Shopping
Open-air shopping complex featuring 100+ brand-name outlets, plus trendy food truck eateries.
Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens
14. Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens
4.6
(6465)
Garden
Nature & Parks
Open since 1936, European-style gardens with 40 hectares of allees, roses, herbs & vegetables.
Two Sisters Vineyards
15. Two Sisters Vineyards
4.2
(1168)
Winery
Food & Drink
Acclaimed winery featuring tastings, tours & experiences on a tranquil, scenic estate.
Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery
16. Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery
4.5
(942)
Winery
Event venue
Family-owned farm since the 1860s now operating as a winery with a tasting bar & weekend tours.

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