Victoria in May
Discover the Spectacular Things to See and Do During Your Visit

If you are planning a trip to Victoria in May, then you’ve probably got questions like:

• what’s the weather going to be like
• what to pack and what to wear while you are here
• what’s happening in Victoria in May
• what are some things to do
• and what local food is in season

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Busy harbour on an early evening in May

If you’re visiting in May, you're in for a real treat with colourful flowers everywhere, bright blue skies, warmer days and little chance of rain. Festivals and activities really start ramping up at this time of year and we welcome over 50 cruise ships with approximately 144,000 passengers in this month alone! 

All the farmers markets that moved indoors for the winter are back outside again and the ones that only operate in summer months kick off their seasons too. See our full list of markets in the region for dates and time.

Lilacs bursting with colour and fragrance!

Monday, May 20, 2024 is Victoria Day in Canada and is a statutory holiday. Most shops and activities are open on this day however all schools, banks and government offices are closed. The day honours Queen Victoria's birthday (King Charles' great-great-great grandmother) and has been celebrated in Canada since 1845. The Queen's actual birth date was May 24, 1819 and the holiday is affectionately referred to as "May two-four". It is the unofficial beginning of summer in Canada.

The City of Victoria is also named after this Queen, so it's a pretty special day around here! One of the ways we celebrate is by hosting one of the largest parades in the Pacific Northwest, attracting over 100,000 people. The parade features Canadian and American marching bands, community and commercial floats and numerous cultural performances. Get there early to claim your viewing spot on the parade route.  The 124th annual parade is scheduled to be held on May 20, 2024 starting at 9am – Douglas and Finlayson to Douglas and Courtney. If you're in Victoria in May, this is a spectacular sight not to be missed!

En route to march in the Victoria Day parade

Weather in May

Victoria in May is absolutely beautiful. The average high temperature is 18 degrees with lows around 8. It is much drier than April with an average precipitation of just 26 mm. We are getting closer to summer solstice and people are out and about, enjoying the longer, brighter days. To make the most of your visit to Victoria in May, we invite you to join us in one of our amazing outdoor activities. I recommend you check out the many activities found through Viator. Viator will connect you with locals who provide guided tours or help you find tickets to local activities. 

Looking out towards the Juan de Fuca Strait with low lying clouds in the distance

Dressing for the Weather

Capris and sandals are definitely making their way out of winter storage by now. Summer is in the air and locals are dressing like it. But depending on what kind of climate you are used to, you may or may not find a daytime temperature of 18C warm enough for summer clothes, especially when you factor in the almost constant light ocean breeze. So, if you are used to warmer weather, you may still be most comfortable in long-sleeved tops, pants and closed-toe shoes. When it cools down in the evening, there's a good chance you will want a light jacket or sweater also. I'm a big fan of fleece jackets like this one. 

Early May evening at the mouth of the Inner Harbour

What's in Season

Several of our local restaurants take advantage of local seafood, meats, cheeses, breads, beers, wines and produce. May still has somewhat limited fresh fruits and vegetables but what is available is bursting with flavour - especially the asparagus! Food tours are an extremely popular way to try a variety of local specialties and learn about the city.

What's Blooming at Butchart Gardens

A visit to Butchart Gardens is a bucket-list item for many - and we can't blame them. Here's what's blooming at the gardens in May:

Things to Do in Victoria in May

May is definitely a time to get outside and enjoy the plethora of activities in the region. From the international flair of the Swiftsure Yacht Races to the community spirit of Buccaneer Days in Esquimalt, you'll love being in Victoria in May. 

And if you just want to go for a stroll or a bike ride, you'll find a fabulous network of flat and accessible trails throughout the region. The main trail is the Galloping Goose Trail which connects to the Lochside trail heading to Sidney and the E&N trail that goes through View Royal and Esquimalt. The entire network connects Sidney to Sooke.

You'll see families and people of all ages out and about on their scooters and bikes or walking or jogging.

The network of trails goes right through our downtown core and now includes easy access to our dedicated bike lanes and secure bike valet located at city hall. 

There are several places to rent bikes if you want to join them. Or even better, book yourself on a guided bike tour with a local. 

Ready for Buccaneer Days - Check out her adorable pirate headband!

Festivals and Events in Victoria in May include: 

• 14-Apr-24 to 27-Oct-24 - Cruise Ship Season, Port of Victoria 
• 02-May-24 to 05-May-24 - BC Boat Show, Port Sidney Marina, Sidney
  
• 04-May-24 to 05-May-24 - Victoria Pet Expo, G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre
• 10-May-24 to 12-May-24 - Buccaneer Days, Bullen Park, Esquimalt 
• 12-May-24 - Mother's Day
  
• 16-May-24 to 19-May-24 - Luxton Spring Fair, Luxton Hall
• 18-May-24 to 19-May-24 - 161st Highland Games and Celtic Festival, Topaz Park
• 20-May-24 - Victoria Day, STAT holiday
• 20-May-24 - Victoria Day Parade, Douglas St from Finlayson to Courtney
• 25-May-24 to 26-May-24 -  Scattered Artists Studio Tour, various locations
  
• 25-May-24 to 26-May-24 - Swiftsure International Yacht Race, Clover Point and Juan de Fuca Strait 
• 25-May-24 to 26-May-24 - Victoria Ultimate Hobby And Toy Show, G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre
• 26-May-24 - Fairway Gorge Super Sprints Races, Fairway Gorge Paddling Club (FGPC)
• May 2024 to September 2024 - Harbour Ferry Ballet, Sundays at 10:45 am in the Inner Harbour and occasionally on Saturday as well (as of early March, 2024 dates not yet published)

I truly hope you enjoy your visit to Victoria in May in 2024.

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