What May feels like in Toronto
In Toronto, May brings late spring. Afternoons are cool, pleasant for walking as long as you keep a layer on. Once the sun goes down the air changes: nights are cool. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Toronto in May
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. Wet days average about 7.4 mm (0.3 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. Across the year Toronto averages about 7 mm per rainy day, so May is typical.
Daylight and sunshine in May
Mid-month, Toronto gets 14 h 41 min of daylight, from sunrise near 5:53 am to sunset near 8:34 pm. The days are stretching out — 1 h 18 min more daylight than mid-April. Measured sunshine covers about 75% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How May compares to the rest of the year
May is the 5th warmest month of the year in Toronto. Against April, the average high is 6.7°C (12.1°F) higher, with 12 mm less rain. The warm-up continues into June. By June, typical highs are 22.6°C (72.7°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — daytime temperatures are fine for walking around.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — pleasant for gardens, parks and riversides.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
Tips for visiting Toronto in May
Versatile Layers
Pack pieces you can take off by noon and put back on at dusk.
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Light Jacket
A light jacket or knit layer is enough for most of the day.
Sunglasses
Frequent sunshine — sunglasses and a light hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Toronto in May?
Afternoons average 17.1°C (62.8°F) and nights about 8.7°C (47.7°F) — cool by most people's standards. It is the 5th warmest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Toronto in May?
It does: about 10 rainy days bring roughly 74 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Toronto in May?
The numbers point to versatile layers, rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses. Bring something extra for the cooler evenings.
Is May or June better for visiting Toronto?
On our 12-month climate ranking, June comes out ahead (#4 of 12 vs #5). June is warmer.