Banff National Park
Snowy mountains, clear blue lakes and green forests make Banff National Park a wonderful bucket list destination. The pristine wilderness is a mecca for walkers.
Banff Weather in May
May in Banff typically sees daytime highs of 8°C (46°F) and nighttime lows of -3°C (27°F). Rainfall is also possible this month, so it's worth packing an umbrella.
Rainfall in Banff in May
You can expect snow/rain on around 11 days based on historical patterns, with 85 mm (3.3 in) average for the month. When showers do arrive, they tend to be on the heavier side. Worth being prepared even if rain days are not that numerous.
Temperature in Banff in May
Expect highs of 8°C (46°F) in Banff in May, with nights dropping to around -3°C (27°F). Temperatures remain on the cold side all day. A proper warm jacket is worth having, not just for evenings. With lows of -3°C (27°F), nights are freezing. Packing a spare blanket is worth considering if you're staying somewhere that might not be fully heated.
Sunshine in Banff in May
Enjoy a sunny month with about 203 hours of sunshine, making it one of the brighter months of the year despite the cool conditions.May in Banff has its charm, but if you're looking for destinations with pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, our weather planner can help you explore other options in the world.
Banff Temperature in May
Min Temperature
-3°C (27°F)
Max Temperature
8°C (46°F)
Chance of Rain
38%
Precipitation
85 mm (3.3 in)
Rainy days
11 days
Humidity
40%
Sunshine
203 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Banff Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Banff - and find the best time to visit.
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Banff typically rise from around 13°C (55°F) at the start of May to approximately 17°C (63°F) by the end. Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from -2°C (28°F) to 3°C (37°F).
Average temperatures in May
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in May
Historical weather records for Banff in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Banff spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Banff historical weather extremes in May
Based on 50 years of weather observations in Banff between 1976 and 2026, these are the recorded extremes.
- On May 7, 1996, Banff saw its coldest May day with temperatures maxing out at -4°C (25°F).
- The coldest night in May in Banff was on May 8, 2002, with a minimum of -11°C (12°F).
Best Places in Canada in May
Find out more about the weather in Canada and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Canada in May →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).
What to Wear in Banff in May
We recommend to layer up for chilly conditions in Banff in May. You could start with thermal underwear or a good base layer to keep your core warm on the cooler days this month. Maybe also add a sweater or fleece, and top it off with a windproof jacket. High rain levels are expected, so pack waterproof gear and an umbrella or poncho. You'll definitely want to pack sunglasses and sunscreen. There will be plenty of bright sunshine this month.
What To Do in Banff in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
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Swimming4/10 -
Cycling4/10 -
Walking4/10 -
Camping1/10 -
Outdoor sports4/10
Banff 3-Day Forecast
More climate data for Banff
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full Banff climate overview or explore weather in Canada.
Popular in May
Where to go in May - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Niagara Falls
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