Things to do in Louisville in May

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Overview

May is a great time to visit Louisville. The weather is usually mildly cool with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 57—76°F (14—24°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Louisville during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a bourbon distillery tour, take a historic walking tour of Old Louisville, visit the Louisville Mega Cavern, and more!

Louisville 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 Louisville. 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 Louisville 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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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Louisville in May

Top experiences in May
Take a bourbon distillery tour
Louisville is located in the heart of bourbon country, and there are numerous distilleries in the area that offer tours and tastings. May is a great time to visit these distilleries, as the weather is usually pleasant and the distilleries are in full swing with their production. You can learn about the history of bourbon and see the process of how it's made, all while sampling some of the finest bourbon in the world.
Take a historic walking tour of Old Louisville
Old Louisville is a historic neighborhood known for its beautiful Victorian architecture and tree-lined streets. In May, the neighborhood is especially charming, with blooming flowers and lush gardens. You can take a guided walking tour to learn about the history and architecture of the area, and admire the stunning homes and buildings.
Visit the Louisville Mega Cavern
The Louisville Mega Cavern is a massive underground cavern that offers a variety of unique activities, such as zip lining, underground bike tours, and a ropes course. In May, the weather is perfect for exploring the cavern and taking part in these thrilling adventures. It's a one-of-a-kind experience that you won't find anywhere else.
Attend the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most famous horse races in the world, and it takes place on the first Saturday in May. The event is a spectacle of fashion, food, and of course, horse racing. It's a unique experience to witness the excitement and energy of the Derby, and it's a must-see event for anyone visiting Louisville in May.
Explore the Louisville Waterfront Park
In May, the Louisville Waterfront Park comes alive with various events and activities. From outdoor concerts to food festivals, there's always something happening at the park during this time of year. You can also enjoy the beautiful views of the Ohio River and take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront.
Attend the Kentucky Reggae Festival at the Water Tower Park
Every Memorial Day weekend, the Kentucky Reggae Festival takes place at the Water Tower Park. This three-day event features live reggae music, Caribbean food, and a laid-back atmosphere. It's a great way to kick off the summer season and enjoy some good vibes in Louisville.
Attend the Abbey Road on the River Beatles Festival
This annual festival celebrates the music of the Beatles and features live performances by tribute bands from around the world. It's a fun and nostalgic event for Beatles fans, and it's a great way to experience the music and culture of the 1960s.
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Holidays in Louisville in May
May
  • Cinco de Mayo (May 5)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Louisville in May

Temperatures on an average day in Louisville in May

The average temperature in Louisville in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 76°F (24°C) to a low of 57°F (14°C). Some would describe it as mildly cool with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Louisville, July, has days with highs of 87°F (31°C) and lows of 68°F (20°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 40°F (4°C) and lows of 24°F (-4°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Louisville in May based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in May
76°F
highs
57°F
lows

General weather summary

Mildly cool with a gentle breeze
Feels like
45%
Chance of rain
0.220 in
Amount
11.9 mph
Wind speed
78%
Humidity
14.2 hrs
Daylight length
6:32 AM
Sunrise
8:46 PM
Sunset
44%
Cloud cover
T-shirt
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 76°F (24°C) and a low of 57°F (14°C), it generally feels mildly cool with a gentle breeze. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something light like your favorite t-shirt and remember to bring an umbrella
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Best attractions for Louisville in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Louisville has to offer for travelers in May, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Louisville 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 Louisville for May.
Louisville Mega Cavern
1. Louisville Mega Cavern
4.5
(7881)
Sights & Landmarks
Sightseeing tour agency
Former limestone quarry now housing a zip line & tram, ropes course, underground bike park & events.
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
2. Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
4.7
(10462)
Museum
Event venue
A giant baseball bat marks this venue offering tours & exhibits on the sports-equipment icon.
Churchill Downs
3. Churchill Downs
4.6
(11128)
Racecourse
Sights & Landmarks
Iconic thoroughbred horse-racing track (it hosts the Kentucky Derby), with a museum & tours.
Kentucky Derby Museum
4. Kentucky Derby Museum
4.7
(4500)
Heritage museum
Museums
Films, interactive exhibits & more tell the famed horse race's story at this Churchill Downs venue.
Big Four Bridge
5. Big Four Bridge
4.8
(1348)
Bridge
Sights & Landmarks
Converted railroad bridge with seasonal lighting offering walkers scenic treks over the Ohio River.
Louisville Zoo
6. Louisville Zoo
4.5
(11266)
Zoo
Zoos & Aquariums
Modest-size zoo with habitats for gorillas, tigers & other animals, plus a splash park.
Muhammad Ali Center
7. Muhammad Ali Center
4.8
(3488)
Museum
Cultural center
Memorabilia, exhibits & videos recount the life of the famous boxing icon & activist Muhammad Ali.
Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
8. Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
4.6
(1005)
Manufacturer
Food & Drink
Local spirits producer offering guided tours & samples in polished surrounds with a souvenir shop.
Fourth Street Live!
9. Fourth Street Live!
4.3
(10700)
Social club
Sights & Landmarks
Frazier History Museum
10. Frazier History Museum
4.5
(1553)
Museum
Event venue
Sharing stories that matter through exhibitions, education, performances & events.
Louisville Slugger Field
11. Louisville Slugger Field
4.7
(3339)
Stadium
Sights & Landmarks
Home stadiumn of minor-league baseball's Louisville Bats boasting a nostalgic look & feel.
Cave Hill Cemetery & Arboretum
12. Cave Hill Cemetery & Arboretum
4.7
(214)
Cemetery
Sights & Landmarks
This picturesque burial ground established in 1846 features the graves of many notable people.
Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay
13. Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay
4.3
(9859)
Amusement park
Water & Amusement Parks
Seasonal amusement & water park with both thrill & children's rides, plus waterslides & wave pools.
Angel's Envy Distillery
14. Angel's Envy Distillery
4.5
(685)
Distillery
Food & Drink
Industrial-chic venue with a hip vibe offering tours by reservation, cocktail classes & tastings.
Conrad-Caldwell House Museum
15. Conrad-Caldwell House Museum
4.8
(455)
History museum
Sights & Landmarks
Castle-like house museum, built in 1893, featuring striking Richardsonian Romanesque architecture.
Old Louisville
16. Old Louisville
Sights & Landmarks
Neighborhoods
Old Louisville is a charming area known for its many restored Victorian mansions. The leafy streets are lined with restaurants from upscale farm-to-table foodie favorites to casual BBQ places and craft breweries. The Speed Art Museum shows Kentucky art, Native American artifacts and contemporary works in a sleek modern building. Shady Central Park hosts events like the Shakespeare Festival.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Louisville?

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

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