Canada, North America
Montreal in May
Terraces reopen and the city exhales. The Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix now falls in late May, and hotel prices spike that weekend.
The straight answer
May is a good month to visit Montreal. Terraces reopen and the city exhales. The Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix now falls in late May, and hotel prices spike that weekend.
- Weather
- Mild, highs near 66F (19C)
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What May is like in Montreal
May is when Montreal exhales. Highs reach about 66F (19C), terraces reopen, trees leaf out and people pour into the parks. Crowds and prices are moderate for most of the month. The big exception is the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, which now falls in late May and sends hotel rates soaring citywide.
It suits couples, walkers and families who want pleasant weather before summer crowds. Budget travelers should check the Grand Prix dates and avoid that weekend unless they are going to the race. If you want the full festival season, come in June instead.
Make the most of May
What is especially good about Montreal this month.
Terrace season returns
Cafes and restaurants across the Plateau and Old Montreal move tables outside.
Canadian Grand Prix
Formula 1 races at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on Parc Jean-Drapeau, currently in late May. Book early if you are going.
Mount Royal in spring
The walk up to the Kondiaronk lookout is green and pleasant, with city views and few crowds.
What to pack for May
- Light layers and a sweater for cool evenings
- A light rain jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses
Our timing tip
Look up the Grand Prix weekend before booking, then plan your trip for the weeks either side to get much cheaper hotels.
Book Montreal for May.
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- Hotels for May
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in MontrealOpens a hotel search for Montreal in May, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in MontrealWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in MontrealTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Montreal for May. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in May
Canadian Grand Prix
Late May on the current Formula 1 calendar
Formula 1 at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. It long ran in June; hotel rates spike citywide whichever weekend it lands.
Things to do in Montreal
Old Montreal and Notre-Dame Basilica
Cobblestones, the Old Port, and the basilica's blue and gold interior. The evening AURA light show inside is worth a booking.
Mount Royal
Walk up to the Kondiaronk lookout for the city view. Sunday afternoon tam-tams by the George-Etienne Cartier monument in summer are a local ritual.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
One of Canada's leading art museums, spread over five pavilions on Sherbrooke Street.
Jean-Talon Market
One of North America's largest open-air markets, open year-round. Visit in late summer for the Quebec harvest.
Space for Life: Botanical Garden, Biodome, and Insectarium
Big, family-friendly, and great in any season. The Gardens of Light lanterns run in fall.
Parc Jean-Drapeau
The island park of Expo 67 and the Grand Prix circuit, with the Biosphere, a beach, and summer festivals.
Beat the crowds
- Visit Old Montreal early in the morning or on weekday evenings; weekend afternoons and cruise days fill Place Jacques-Cartier.
- Check the festival calendar before booking: the Grand Prix weekend and the Jazz Festival push hotel rates sharply higher, while the weeks around them are much cheaper.
- Go in September for summer weather at shoulder-season prices once the festival rush has ended.
- For winter trips, use the indoor city and the metro to move between neighborhoods and save the outdoor time for the festival nights.
Know before you go
- July 1 is Canada Day and also Quebec's traditional moving day, when leases turn over. Streets fill with moving trucks, and some businesses close.
- June 24, the Fete nationale, is a public holiday in Quebec with some closures and big free concerts.
- Terraces, the Old Port attractions, and many seasonal activities run roughly May to October. In winter, the Old Port turns to skating, and the indoor city keeps shopping running.
- Sugar shacks outside the city are seasonal, mostly March and April, and popular ones need reservations.
Montreal in May, quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Montreal?
May is a good month to visit Montreal. Terraces reopen and the city exhales. The Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix now falls in late May, and hotel prices spike that weekend.
What is the weather like in Montreal in May?
Mild, highs near 66F (19C).
Is Montreal crowded in May?
Crowds in Montreal are moderate in May; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in Montreal in May?
Canadian Grand Prix (late may on the current formula 1 calendar).
Keep planning Montreal.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in May
Before you book.
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