Month guide · Asheville · United States
Asheville in May
What May is really like in Asheville: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Pictured: Asheville Art Museum, Asheville · Photo: Davidhuffcreative, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
May is one of the best months to visit Asheville. Expect average highs of 24°C (75°F), lows of 11°C (52°F), about 12 rainy days and roughly 14 hours of daylight. Warm days and green mountains, with azaleas and rhododendrons beginning to bloom at higher elevations.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 24°C (75°F) / 11°C (52°F)
- Rainy days
- About 12
- Daylight
- About 14 hours
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Plan a trip to Asheville
Compare flights, places to stay and rental cars, then book with the provider you choose.
Weather in May
May is the 5th-warmest month in Asheville: days average 24°C (75°F) against a yearly average high of 20°C (68°F), and nights fall to about 11°C (52°F). Rain falls on roughly 12 of its 31 days. Compared with April (20°C (68°F)), May is warmer; by June highs climb to around 27°C (81°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 06:25
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 20:28
- Daylight
- About 14 hours
Spring (March–May). Blooms at Biltmore, wildflowers on the trails and ramps on menus, with changeable weather and occasional late frosts.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, May rates 3 for crowds (the peak is October at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in October). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in May
May has no major recurring festival in Asheville, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in May
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Nature · Around Asheville
Blue Ridge Parkway
Sections of the parkway close for winter weather and storm repairs, and some were damaged by Hurricane Helene; check the National Park Service road status before you set off.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Nature
- Outdoors
- Iconic
- Photo spot
Neighbourhood · River Arts District
River Arts District
Former mills and warehouses along the French Broad River became home to working studios for potters, painters, glassblowers and jewellers.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Art
- Shopping
Architecture · Downtown Asheville
Downtown Art Deco walk
Start at City Hall and the Buncombe County Courthouse on Pack Square, and follow the downtown Urban Trail markers set into the pavement.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- History
- Photo spot
Religious site · Downtown Asheville
Basilica of St. Lawrence
Built in 1909, this Spanish Renaissance basilica was designed by Rafael Guastavino, the Spanish architect famous for his tile vaulting.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- History
What to pack
For highs near 24°C (75°F), lows near 11°C (52°F) and 12 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is May a good time to visit Asheville?
One of the best months to visit Asheville. The other best months are June and September–October. Compare every month.
Asheville in other months
Questions travellers ask
+What time does the sun set in Asheville in May?
At about 20:28 local time in mid-May, with sunrise at about 06:25: roughly 14 hours of daylight.
+How warm is Asheville in May?
Average highs are around 24°C (75°F) and lows around 11°C (52°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Asheville in May?
Expect rain on about 12 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.