Things to do in Breckenridge in May

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Overview

May is a less popular time to visit Breckenridge. The weather is usually cold with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 26—52°F (-3—11°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Breckenridge during this time. Some of our top recommendations: explore the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance museums and historic sites, go whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River, take a scenic hike to Mohawk Lakes, and more!

Breckenridge 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 Breckenridge. 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 Breckenridge 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 Breckenridge in May

Top experiences in May
Explore the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance museums and historic sites
May is a great time to delve into the rich history of Breckenridge by visiting the various museums and historic sites operated by the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance. From the Barney Ford House Museum to the Edwin Carter Discovery Center, these attractions offer a fascinating glimpse into the town's past. You can learn about the area's mining heritage, explore historic buildings, and gain insight into the lives of early settlers. The Breckenridge Heritage Alliance provides a unique and educational experience that allows visitors to connect with the town's heritage in a meaningful way.
Go whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River
May is the perfect time to experience the thrill of whitewater rafting in Breckenridge. The melting snow from the mountains creates fast-flowing rapids, making it an exciting adventure for both beginners and experienced rafters. The Arkansas River offers stunning views of the surrounding scenery, and the cool mountain water provides a refreshing break from the springtime heat. Whether you're looking for a leisurely float or an adrenaline-pumping ride, whitewater rafting in May is an unforgettable experience in Breckenridge.
Take a scenic hike to Mohawk Lakes
In May, the snow begins to melt, revealing the beautiful hiking trails around Breckenridge. One of the most stunning hikes to take during this time is the trek to Mohawk Lakes. The trail winds through lush forests and meadows, offering breathtaking views of wildflowers in full bloom. As you ascend higher, you'll be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and alpine lakes. The cool, crisp air and the peaceful serenity of the area make this hike a must-do experience in Breckenridge in May.
Go fly fishing in the Blue River
May is an excellent time to go fly fishing in the Blue River, as the water levels are ideal for catching trout. The river is known for its abundance of rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout, making it a popular destination for anglers. Whether you're a seasoned fly fisherman or a beginner, the Blue River offers a peaceful and scenic setting for casting your line. The tranquil sounds of the rushing water and the stunning mountain backdrop create a serene and memorable fishing experience in Breckenridge in May.
Take a hot air balloon ride over the Rockies
May is a great time to take a hot air balloon ride over the majestic Rocky Mountains. The clear skies and mild weather provide perfect conditions for a peaceful and scenic flight. As you soar above the rugged peaks and valleys, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The tranquility of the experience, combined with the awe-inspiring beauty of the mountains, makes a hot air balloon ride a truly unique and unforgettable way to experience Breckenridge in May.
Go mountain biking on the extensive trail system
May is the perfect time to hit the mountain biking trails in Breckenridge, as the snow melts and the trails become accessible. The town offers an extensive network of trails for riders of all skill levels, from gentle, scenic rides to challenging downhill descents. The crisp mountain air and the stunning natural surroundings make for an exhilarating and rewarding biking experience. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a beginner, exploring the trails in Breckenridge is a fantastic way to
Go horseback riding through the wildflower-filled meadows
In May, the meadows around Breckenridge burst into bloom with colorful wildflowers, creating a picturesque backdrop for a horseback riding adventure. Riding through the lush, fragrant fields and taking in the stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains is a truly magical experience. Whether you're a novice rider or an experienced equestrian, exploring the area on horseback offers a peaceful and immersive way to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of Breckenridge in May.
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Holidays in Breckenridge in May
May
  • Cinco de Mayo (May 5)
Other notable holidays

Weather in Breckenridge in May

Temperatures on an average day in Breckenridge in May

The average temperature in Breckenridge in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 52°F (11°C) to a low of 26°F (-3°C). Some would describe it as cold with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Breckenridge, July, has days with highs of 72°F (22°C) and lows of 43°F (6°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 24°F (-5°C) and lows of 3°F (-16°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Breckenridge in May based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in May
52°F
highs
26°F
lows

General weather summary

Cold with a gentle breeze
Feels like
42%
Chance of rain
0.157 in
Amount
11.2 mph
Wind speed
77%
Humidity
14.3 hrs
Daylight length
5:50 AM
Sunrise
8:10 PM
Sunset
52%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 52°F (11°C) and a low of 26°F (-3°C), it generally feels cold with a gentle breeze. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket and remember to bring an umbrella
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Best attractions for Breckenridge in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Breckenridge has to offer for travelers in May, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Breckenridge 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 Breckenridge for May.
Breckenridge Ski Resort
1. Breckenridge Ski Resort
4.7
(15131)
Ski resort
Nature & Parks
Full-service recreational facility with ski lessons, rentals, on-site lodging & terrain parks.
S Main St
2. S Main St
5.0
(4)
Notable street
Sights & Landmarks
Expansive roadway lined with restaurants & hotels, plus an ice rink & hiking trails nearby.
Epic Discovery at Breckenridge
3. Epic Discovery at Breckenridge
3.7
(272)
Amusement park
Nature & Parks
Boreas Pass Rd
4. Boreas Pass Rd
Sights & Landmarks
Scenic Drives
McCullough Gulch Trailhead
5. McCullough Gulch Trailhead
4.7
(191)
Hiking area
Nature & Parks
Start point of a popular hiking trail leading to White Falls & an alpine lake, with mountain views.
Breckenridge Distillery: Retail, Tours, Tastings on Airport Rd
6. Breckenridge Distillery: Retail, Tours, Tastings on Airport Rd
4.1
(437)
Distillery
Food & Drink
Craft distillery with rustic tasting room & stylish New American dining room from a 'Top Chef' alum.
Broken Compass Brewing
7. Broken Compass Brewing
4.8
(707)
Brewery
Food & Drink
Vail Pass Bike Path
8. Vail Pass Bike Path
4.8
(119)
Hiking area
Sights & Landmarks
Breckenridge Nordic Center
9. Breckenridge Nordic Center
4.8
(519)
Ski resort
Outdoor Activities
Destination for snowshoeing & cross-country skiing with rentals & a rustic lodge-restaurant.
Carter Park and Pavilion
10. Carter Park and Pavilion
4.7
(954)
Park
Nature & Parks
Sports courts & ball fields, plus a sledding hill, dog-friendly play area & heated picnic shelter.
Tenmile Range Peak 10
11. Tenmile Range Peak 10
4.5
(2)
Mountain peak
Nature & Parks
Highest numbered mountain in an expansive range, providing routes for climbers to the summit.
The O2 Lounge
12. The O2 Lounge
4.4
(227)
Oxygen cocktail spot
Sights & Landmarks
Bright, comfortable cafe offering oxygen sessions, coffee, smoothies & high-speed Internet access.
Hoosier Pass
13. Hoosier Pass
4.8
(93)
Mountain pass
Sights & Landmarks
Mountain pass along State Highway 9 in the Rockies that provides access to skiing & hiking areas.
Breckenridge History: Barney Ford Museum
14. Breckenridge History: Barney Ford Museum
4.6
(94)
Local history museum
Museums
Period exhibits in the 1882 home of escaped slave, entrepreneur & civil rights leader Barney Ford.
Breckenridge Recreation Center
15. Breckenridge Recreation Center
4.5
(142)
Recreation center
Fun & Games
Mohawk Lake
16. Mohawk Lake
4.9
(30)
Lake
Sights & Landmarks
Alpine lake above the tree line, reached via a scenic hiking trail with a waterfall & mining cabin.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Breckenridge?

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

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