When to go · Whistler
Whistler in May
Good month. Outside the best window (Dec–Apr for snow; Jul–Sep for biking and hiking). Across Canada: Victoria Day weekend opens the season; Rockies lakes still frozen at altitude.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Good
- Temperature
- 16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C) / 4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 12
- Crowds
- Medium
- Canada overall
- Prices
- Medium
- Canada overall
Verdict
Outside the best window (Dec–Apr for snow; Jul–Sep for biking and hiking). Across Canada: Victoria Day weekend opens the season; Rockies lakes still frozen at altitude.
Is another month better than May?
May is rated good. These months rate higher:
- JulyGreatInside Whistler's best window: Dec–Apr for snow; Jul–Sep for biking and hiking.
- AugustGreatInside Whistler's best window: Dec–Apr for snow; Jul–Sep for biking and hiking.
- SeptemberGreatInside Whistler's best window: Dec–Apr for snow; Jul–Sep for biking and hiking.
- DecemberGreatInside Whistler's best window: Dec–Apr for snow; Jul–Sep for biking and hiking.
Weather in May
- WhistlerHighs around 16 °C (61 °F), lows around 4 °C (39 °F), rain on about 12 daysHighs around 61 °F (16 °C), lows around 39 °F (4 °C), rain on about 12 days
- Pacific coast, Canada · Vancouver, Victoria, Tofino, Whistler (ski)best weather
Mild and rainy October–April, with snow only in the mountains; dry, sunny summers.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Canada overall
- Medium
- Prices · Canada overall
- Medium
Canada overall: Victoria Day weekend opens the season; Rockies lakes still frozen at altitude.
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Whistler, side by side.
Verdict
May: Good
Jan: Great (better)
Daytime high
May: 16 °C (61 °F)61 °F (16 °C)
Jan: 1 °C (34 °F)34 °F (1 °C)
Night low
May: 4 °C (39 °F)39 °F (4 °C)
Jan: -5 °C (23 °F)23 °F (-5 °C)
Rain days
May: 12 (better)
Jan: 18
Crowds
May: Medium
Jan: Low
Prices
May: Medium
Jan: Low
Festivals listed
May: 0
Jan: 0
May: Outside the best window (Dec–Apr for snow; Jul–Sep for biking and hiking). Across Canada: Victoria Day weekend opens the season; Rockies lakes still frozen at altitude.
January: Inside Whistler's best window: Dec–Apr for snow; Jul–Sep for biking and hiking.
Whistler: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
- A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast