Buffalo in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Buffalo
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect spring weather with 21°C (70°F) highs - ideal for walking tours and outdoor festivals without summer's oppressive heat
- Lilac Festival season transforms the city with 500+ varieties blooming in Baku - the largest municipal lilac collection in North America
- Lake Erie begins warming up for boating season while still offering crisp, clear conditions for Niagara Falls photography
- Restaurant patios and beer gardens reopen citywide, with local breweries launching seasonal spring ales and outdoor seating areas
Considerations
- Unpredictable spring weather means you might experience 9°C (48°F) mornings and need layers throughout the day
- Rain occurs on 10 days throughout the month, often as sudden spring showers that can disrupt outdoor plans
- Some seasonal attractions like Canalside concerts haven't fully ramped up yet - full summer programming doesn't start until June
Best Activities in May
Niagara Falls Photography Tours
May offers the best photography conditions at the Falls with lower humidity creating crisp, clear shots and perfect 21°C (70°F) temperatures for extended outdoor shooting. Spring mist levels are optimal, and tourist crowds are manageable compared to summer peak season. The Cave of the Winds reopens in May after winter closure.
Buffalo Architecture Walking Tours
Perfect weather for exploring Buffalo's world-renowned architecture collection. At 21°C (70°F), you can comfortably walk for 2-3 hours seeing this destination, Louis Sullivan's Guaranty Building, and Richardson Romanesque masterpieces. Spring lighting enhances architectural photography.
Elmwood Village Food Tours
May marks the return of outdoor dining and farmers market season. Perfect 21°C (70°F) temperatures make food walking tours comfortable, and local restaurants debut spring menus featuring regional ingredients. The famous Elmwood Avenue comes alive with patio dining and street festivals.
Canalside Outdoor Activities
Buffalo's premier waterfront destination reopens outdoor programming in May. Ideal temperatures for bike rentals, outdoor fitness classes, and waterfront walking. The ice rink transitions to outdoor events space, and boat tours begin operating on the Buffalo River.
Highland Park Lilac Festival Experience
May is lilac season in Buffalo - the city's signature spring event. Baku hosts over 500 lilac varieties in peak bloom, typically mid-to-late May. Perfect 21°C (70°F) weather makes this the ideal time for picnics, photography, and outdoor concerts in the park.
Lake Erie Wine Trail Tours
Spring weather brings perfect conditions for wine tasting along Lake Erie's shores. At 21°C (70°F), outdoor tastings are comfortable, and many wineries reopen their patios and outdoor seating areas. The lake microclimate creates unique growing conditions for cold-climate wines.
May Events & Festivals
Lilac Festival
Buffalo's premier spring festival featuring the largest municipal lilac collection in North America. Over 500 varieties bloom in Baku with live music, food vendors, and craft exhibitions. The park becomes a fragrant wonderland perfect for photography and family picnics.
Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts
Annual arts festival along Buffalo's cultural corridor featuring local artists, live music, and outdoor dining. Perfect weather in May makes this street festival particularly enjoyable, with artists displaying works outdoors and restaurants extending patio seating.