Moncton in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Moncton
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak spring migration season - Bay of Fundy sees thousands of shorebirds including rare species, best viewing from May 15-30 at Johnson's Mills wetland boardwalk just 30 minutes southeast
- Magnetic Hill Zoo reopens outdoor exhibits after winter closure, including new Arctic fox habitat that debuted in late 2024 - animals are most active in the cooler May temperatures before summer heat
- Perfect hiking weather with trails finally snow-free but not yet buggy - Fundy National Park trails accessible without winter gear but before black fly season starts in mid-June
- Université de Moncton campus comes alive with spring festivals and outdoor concerts, creating authentic local cultural experiences that most tourists miss completely
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather swings from 2°C to 22°C (36°F to 72°F) within days - you'll need both winter jacket and t-shirts, making packing challenging for international travelers
- Many seasonal attractions still closed until Victoria Day (May 19) including several Shediac area lobster restaurants and some Magnetic Hill area tourist facilities
- Mud season on hiking trails - first 2 weeks of May can be sloppy and slippery on forest trails as frost leaves the ground, requiring proper boots
Best Activities in May
Bay of Fundy Tidal Bore Rafting
May offers perfect conditions for tidal bore rafting on the Petitcodiac River with spring tides averaging 3.5m (11.5 ft) higher than summer levels. Water is still cold enough (8-12°C/46-54°F) that operators provide full wetsuits, but air temperatures are comfortable for the 2-hour experience. Spring runoff makes for more dramatic rapids.
Hopewell Rocks Ocean Floor Walking
May is ideal for exploring the famous flowerpot rocks - cooler temperatures make the 1.2km (0.75 mile) beach walk comfortable, and you'll avoid summer crowds while still having 9+ hours of daylight. Low tide times in May often align perfectly with mid-morning visits (10-11am), giving you 3-4 hours to explore before tide returns.
Acadian Historical Village Tours
Village reopens for full season on May 15th with costumed interpreters demonstrating traditional spring activities like maple syrup making and sheep shearing that don't happen in summer tours. May weather is perfect for the extensive outdoor walking required - comfortable but not hot, and historical buildings aren't stuffy yet.
Kouchibouguac National Park Cycling
Park's 60km (37 miles) of cycling trails are finally snow-free and dry by early May, before summer's intense heat and humidity. The 15km (9.3 mile) Callanders Beach circuit is perfect in May's mild temperatures, and you'll often spot harbor seals that are less active in warmer months.
Downtown Moncton Food Walking Tours
May is perfect walking weather for exploring Main Street's emerging food scene without summer's humidity. Spring menu launches at local restaurants feature fiddleheads (available only May-June) and other Maritime seasonal ingredients. 2-3 hour walking tours cover 1.5km (0.9 miles) comfortably.
Fundy National Park Waterfall Hiking
May offers the year's most spectacular waterfalls due to snowmelt and spring rains - Dickson Falls and Third Vault Falls run at 200-300% of summer volume. Trails are finally accessible without microspikes but still cool enough for comfortable hiking. The 2km (1.2 mile) Dickson Falls loop takes 45 minutes versus 30 in summer due to photo stops.
May Events & Festivals
Université de Moncton Frye Festival
Annual literary festival featuring Maritime authors, poetry readings, and bilingual cultural performances. Unique opportunity to experience Acadian culture through contemporary arts rather than just historical sites. Most events are free and outdoors when weather permits.