Salt Lake City in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Salt Lake City
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect hiking weather - comfortable 14-28°C (57-82°F) range means you can tackle trails like Angels Landing or Big Cottonwood Canyon without summer's brutal heat
- Wildflower season peaks in May - mountain meadows explode with lupine, Indian paintbrush, and glacier lilies, making photography spectacular
- Shoulder season pricing - hotel rates drop 30-40% from ski season peaks, and you'll avoid summer tourist crowds at Temple Square and Capitol building
- Ideal outdoor festival weather - events like Living Traditions Festival benefit from mild temperatures and low chance of weather cancellations
Considerations
- Unpredictable mountain weather - temperatures can swing 14°C (25°F) in a single day, requiring layered clothing and flexible plans
- Higher elevation trails still snow-covered - anything above 2,400m (8,000 ft) may be inaccessible, limiting backcountry hiking options
- Occasional late spring storms - while rare, sudden temperature drops and rain showers can disrupt outdoor plans with little warning
Best Activities in May
Great Salt Lake State Park Exploration
May offers perfect conditions for exploring the Great Salt Lake - mild temperatures make the shoreline comfortable to walk, and spring bird migration brings thousands of species to Antelope Island. Water levels are typically stable after winter runoff, making it ideal for photography and wildlife viewing.
Temple Square and Historic Downtown Walking Tours
May's mild weather makes extensive walking comfortable. Gardens are in full bloom around Temple Square, and you can easily spend 3-4 hours outdoors without the summer heat exhaustion. Spring cleaning reveals the architecture at its cleanest and most photogenic.
Big Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Drives and Easy Hiking
May is the sweet spot for accessing lower canyon trails before summer crowds arrive. Waterfalls run high from snowmelt, wildflowers bloom along trail edges, and temperatures stay comfortable even during midday hikes. Perfect for families and moderate fitness levels.
Utah State Capitol and City Creek Center Urban Exploration
May's pleasant weather makes outdoor urban exploration enjoyable. Capitol grounds offer excellent city views without summer haze, and City Creek's outdoor shopping areas are comfortable for extended browsing. Spring air quality is typically excellent for photography.
Red Butte Garden and Natural History Museum Circuit
May showcases Red Butte Garden at its absolute peak - spring blooms, comfortable walking weather, and extended daylight hours. Combined with indoor museum visits when afternoon showers hit, this creates perfect day-long itineraries.
Park City Day Trips and Scenic Lift Rides
May offers Park City's best weather for non-skiing activities - mountain lifts operate for sightseeing, hiking trails at lower elevations open up, and Main Street festivals take advantage of mild temperatures. Only 45 minutes from Salt Lake City.
May Events & Festivals
Living Traditions Festival
Salt Lake City's multicultural celebration featuring authentic food, music, and arts from over 15 different cultures. Perfect for May's mild weather with outdoor performances and food stalls throughout Liberty Park.
Salt Lake City Marathon
Major running event that showcases the city's scenic routes and brings festive atmosphere downtown. Even non-runners enjoy the community energy and street festival atmosphere.