Month guide · Austin · United States
Austin in May
What May is really like in Austin: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0
Quick answer
May is a shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 31°C (88°F), lows of 19°C (66°F), about 9 rainy days and roughly 13.7 hours of daylight. Hot and humid with the rainiest weather of the year; thunderstorms can bring flash flooding.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 31°C (88°F) / 19°C (66°F)
- Rainy days
- About 9
- Daylight
- About 13.7 hours
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in May
May is the 5th-warmest month in Austin: days average 31°C (88°F) against a yearly average high of 27°C (81°F), and nights fall to about 19°C (66°F). Rain falls on roughly 9 of its 31 days. Compared with April (27°C (81°F)), May is warmer; by June highs climb to around 34°C (93°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 06:37
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 20:17
- Daylight
- About 13.7 hours
Spring (March–May). Warm days, wildflowers and SXSW; storms and flash floods become more likely by May.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, May rates 3 for crowds (the peak is March at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in March). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in May
May has no major recurring festival in Austin, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in May
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Viewpoint · West Austin
Mount Bonnell
Go at sunset, but arrive early as the small parking area fills.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Couples
- Photo spot
Garden · Southwest Austin
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
The University of Texas botanical garden, founded by the former First Lady, showcases native Texas plants in meadows, gardens and an observation tower.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Nature
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
Nature · Southeast Austin
McKinney Falls State Park
Check the park's swimming status and day-pass availability before going on a weekend.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Nature
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Active
Park · Clarksville and Old West Austin
Deep Eddy Pool
The oldest swimming pool in Texas, a 1930s spring-fed pool with a shallow section for children and lap lanes, beside the hike-and-bike trail west of downtown.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Off the beaten path
What to pack
For highs near 31°C, lows near 19°C and 9 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is May a good time to visit Austin?
A shoulder-season month. If your dates are flexible, March–April and October–November are better overall. Compare every month.
Austin in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is May a good time to visit Austin?
It is a shoulder-season month. Hot and humid with the rainiest weather of the year; thunderstorms can bring flash flooding.
+How warm is Austin in May?
Average highs are around 31°C (88°F) and lows around 19°C (66°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Austin in May?
Expect rain on about 9 days of the month.