Month guide · Nashville · United States
Nashville in May
What May is really like in Nashville: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Daniel Schwen, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
May is one of the best months to visit Nashville. Expect average highs of 26°C (79°F), lows of 14°C (57°F), about 12 rainy days and roughly 14.1 hours of daylight. Warm and pleasant, with the Iroquois Steeplechase horse race and the start of outdoor concert season.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 26°C (79°F) / 14°C (57°F)
- Rainy days
- About 12
- Daylight
- About 14.1 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in May
May is the 5th-warmest month in Nashville: days average 26°C (79°F) against a yearly average high of 22°C (72°F), and nights fall to about 14°C (57°F). Rain falls on roughly 12 of its 31 days. Compared with April (22°C (72°F)), May is warmer; by June highs climb to around 30°C (86°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 05:41
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 19:46
- Daylight
- About 14.1 hours
Spring (March–May). Mild and green with blossoms and tulips; severe thunderstorms and occasional tornado warnings are possible.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, May rates 4 for crowds (the peak is June at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in June). Book accommodation early: May is one of the pricier months.
Events in May
- Iroquois Steeplechase (usually May)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in May
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Museum · Midtown and Music Row
The Parthenon
The park around it is free and a pleasant place for a picnic.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Architecture
- Art
- Kids
- Rainy day
Gallery · Downtown and Lower Broadway
Frist Art Museum
An exhibition centre with no permanent collection, housed in the city's former Art Deco main post office, which shows touring exhibitions from major museums, plus a hands-on art studio for children.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Art
- Rainy day
- Architecture
- Kids
Museum · Downtown and Lower Broadway
Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum
A good follow-on for music fans who have already done the Hall of Fame.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- History
- Rainy day
- Off the beaten path
Historic site · Downtown and Lower Broadway
Ryman Auditorium
Built in 1892 as a gospel tabernacle, the Ryman was the home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974 and is known as the 'Mother Church of Country Music'.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- History
- After dark
- Architecture
What to pack
For highs near 26°C, lows near 14°C 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 Nashville?
One of the best months to visit Nashville, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are April and September–October. Compare every month.
Nashville in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is May a good time to visit Nashville?
It is one of the best months to visit Nashville. Warm and pleasant, with the Iroquois Steeplechase horse race and the start of outdoor concert season.
+How warm is Nashville in May?
Average highs are around 26°C (79°F) and lows around 14°C (57°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Nashville in May?
Expect rain on about 12 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.