Things to do in Santa Monica in May

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Overview

May is a good time to visit Santa Monica. The weather is usually mildly cool, humid but cool, with temperatures ranging from 55—73°F (13—23°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Santa Monica during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a guided walking tour of the Santa Monica Pier, go whale watching off the coast of Santa Monica, take a yoga class on the beach, and more!

Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica. 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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica in May

Top experiences in May
Take a guided walking tour of the Santa Monica Pier
The iconic Santa Monica Pier is a must-see attraction, and one of the best ways to learn about its history and significance is by taking a guided walking tour. In May, the weather is ideal for strolling along the pier and exploring its various attractions, including the amusement park rides, arcade games, and street performers. A knowledgeable guide will provide you with interesting facts and stories about the pier's past and present, giving you a deeper appreciation for this beloved landmark. Whether you're a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or just looking for a fun and informative way to spend a day in Santa Monica, a guided walking tour of the pier is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and heritage.
Go whale watching off the coast of Santa Monica
May is prime whale-watching season in Santa Monica, as migrating gray whales pass through the area on their journey north. Several local tour companies offer guided boat excursions that take you out into the Pacific Ocean for a chance to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. In addition to gray whales, you may also encounter other marine life such as dolphins, sea lions, and various species of seabirds. The experience of being out on the open water, surrounded by the vast expanse of the ocean and the possibility of encountering wildlife, is truly awe-inspiring and makes for a memorable and unique adventure in Santa Monica.
Take a yoga class on the beach
Santa Monica is known for its health and wellness culture, and one of the best ways to experience this is by taking a yoga class on the beach. In May, the weather is warm and sunny, making it the perfect time to practice yoga outdoors. Many local studios and instructors offer beach yoga classes, allowing you to stretch, relax, and meditate while enjoying the soothing sound of the ocean waves and the fresh sea breeze. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a beginner, a beach yoga class is a unique and rejuvenating experience that captures the essence of Santa Monica's laid-back and health-conscious lifestyle.
Take a sunset bike ride along the Santa Monica Beach bike path
May is a great time to enjoy the beautiful weather and stunning sunsets in Santa Monica. One of the best ways to experience this is by taking a leisurely bike ride along the iconic Santa Monica Beach bike path. As you pedal along the coastline, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Pier. The cool ocean breeze and the warm glow of the setting sun create a magical atmosphere that is truly unforgettable. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just looking for a fun way to explore the area, a sunset bike ride along the beach is a must-do experience in Santa Monica.
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Holidays in Santa Monica in May
May
  • Cinco de Mayo (May 5)
Other notable holidays

Weather in Santa Monica in May

Temperatures on an average day in Santa Monica in May

The average temperature in Santa Monica in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 73°F (23°C) to a low of 55°F (13°C). Some would describe it as mildly cool, humid but cool.

For comparison, the hottest month in Santa Monica, September, has days with highs of 84°F (29°C) and lows of 65°F (18°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 66°F (19°C) and lows of 49°F (9°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Santa Monica in May based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in May
73°F
highs
55°F
lows

General weather summary

Mildly cool, humid but cool
Feels like
4%
Chance of rain
0.021 in
Amount
9.5 mph
Wind speed
63%
Humidity
13.9 hrs
Daylight length
5:53 AM
Sunrise
7:47 PM
Sunset
71%
Cloud cover
T-shirt
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 73°F (23°C) and a low of 55°F (13°C), it generally feels mildly cool, humid but cool. With that in mind, most people would dress in something light like your favorite t-shirt
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Best attractions for Santa Monica in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Santa Monica has to offer for travelers in May, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica for May.
Santa Monica Pier
1. Santa Monica Pier
4.6
(114633)
Fishing pier
Sights & Landmarks
Storied seaside destination showcasing a range of shops & cafes, plus an amusement park & aquarium.
Santa Monica State Beach
2. Santa Monica State Beach
4.6
(999)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Maintained by the city, this beach is fringed by a range of businesses & offers many activities.
Downtown Santa Monica
3. Downtown Santa Monica
4.6
(39275)
Shopping mall
Concerts & Shows
Posh shopping district with a range of retailers, dining & entertainment along a stylish promenade.
26th St
4. 26th St
Outdoor Activities
Scenic Walking Areas
Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier
5. Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier
4.6
(13232)
Amusement park
Water & Amusement Parks
Oceanfront park with coasters, eateries & games on the pier, including an iconic Ferris wheel.
Palisades Park
6. Palisades Park
4.7
(7529)
Park
Nature & Parks
This sizable strip of grass, palm trees & walking trails features expansive ocean views.
Montana Ave
7. Montana Ave
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Santa Monica Place
8. Santa Monica Place
4.5
(14597)
Shopping mall
Shopping
Contemporary open-air mall since 1980 with luxury-brand shops, plus a food court & a movie theater.
Santa Monica Mountains
9. Santa Monica Mountains
4.8
(65)
Mountain range
Nature & Parks
Popular coastal range featuring scenic hiking trails, state parks, wildlife & sweeping sea views.
Heal the Bay Aquarium
10. Heal the Bay Aquarium
4.3
(537)
Aquarium
Nature & Parks
Education-oriented marine center with over 100 local species & hands-on exhibits like touch tanks.
Santa Monica Pier
11. Santa Monica Pier
4.6
(114633)
Fishing pier
Sights & Landmarks
Storied seaside destination showcasing a range of shops & cafes, plus an amusement park & aquarium.
Tongva Park
12. Tongva Park
4.5
(1679)
Park
Nature & Parks
Public park boasting modern architectural features plus play equipment, a splash pad & benches.
Santa Monica Sunday Main Street Farmers Markets
13. Santa Monica Sunday Main Street Farmers Markets
4.5
(303)
Farmers' market
Shopping
Celebrated Sunday market boasts farm-fresh produce, meats & dairy, plus flowers & artisanal goods.
Sprocket Cycles
14. Sprocket Cycles
4.9
(157)
Bicycle Shop
Nature & Parks
Bicycle shop carrying various models, including high-end road bikes, plus repair & fitting services.
Santa Monica Public Library
15. Santa Monica Public Library
4.2
(200)
Public library
Libraries
Annenberg Community Beach House
16. Annenberg Community Beach House
4.7
(1713)
Recreation center
Art gallery
Beach house with historic home, swimming pool, fitness classes, gym, cafe & beach equipment rentals.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Santa Monica?

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

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