United States, North America

Nashville in May

Excellent outdoor music weather and a lively calendar. Book weekends early.

BestWarm, highs near 79F (26C)

Nashville skyline, United States — NashvillePhoto: Daniel Schwen, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

May is one of the best months of the year to visit Nashville. Excellent outdoor music weather and a lively calendar. Book weekends early.

Weather: Warm, highs near 79F (26C)
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What May is like in Nashville

May is warm and green, with highs near 79F (26C) and evenings that are just right for outdoor music. Humidity starts creeping in late in the month. The calendar is lively, weekend crowds are heavy, and prices sit near their high. Everything is open and patio season is in full swing.

This is a top month for couples, groups, and families who want to be outside. Midweek trips are far calmer and cheaper than weekends. If you want lower prices with similar weather, look at late September instead.

Make the most of May

What is especially good about Nashville this month.

Outdoor music weather

Warm evenings make May the easiest month to hop between patios, rooftops, and Broadway bands without a jacket.

Day trips to Franklin and Lynchburg

Mild weather is perfect for Franklin's Civil War sites or the drive to Lynchburg.

The Nashville Zoo before the heat

Animals are more active and the paths are comfortable, a much better visit than in July.

What to pack for May

Light, breathable clothes for warm days
A thin layer for evening shows
A small umbrella for stray thunderstorms
Sunscreen and a hat

Our timing tip

Book weekend rooms early, and hit Broadway in the afternoon when the bands are just as good and you can still grab a seat.

Book Nashville for May.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Nashville
Opens a hotel search for Nashville in May, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for May
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Nashville
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Nashville
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Nashville for May. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Nashville

Full guide

Ryman Auditorium

The Mother Church of Country Music. Daytime tours plus evening shows; seeing a concert here is the best way in.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Go at opening to beat the crowds. Add the RCA Studio B tour.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Grand Ole Opry

The long-running live radio show at the Opry House, with some winter shows at the Ryman. Book ahead on weekends.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Broadway honky-tonks

Go on a weekday afternoon for the music without the weekend crush.

Tickets and tours →

The Parthenon in Centennial Park

A full-scale Parthenon replica with a giant Athena statue inside. An easy, quirky stop.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

The Hermitage

Andrew Jackson's home and plantation, with frank interpretation of slavery there.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Visit Sunday through Thursday. Weekend hotel rates can be twice midweek rates, and Broadway is far calmer.
Do Broadway in the afternoon. The bands are just as good and you can get a seat.
Book writers' rounds at the Bluebird Cafe as soon as reservations open; seats go fast.
Stay in East Nashville, Germantown, or near Music Row for quieter nights and better food.

Know before you go

Almost everything runs year-round. The Opry moves some winter shows to the Ryman, so check the venue on your ticket.
Spring brings severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes. Watch weather alerts in March through May.
Winter ice storms, while rare, can close roads and businesses for a day or more.