Sherbrooke in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Sherbrooke
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect hiking weather with comfortable temperatures 18°C (64°F) highs and crisp mornings - Mont-Bellevue trails are at their best before summer heat
- Spring blooms transform Parc Jacques-Cartier and botanical gardens into spectacular photo opportunities - lilacs and tulips peak in mid-May
- Shoulder season pricing saves 30-40% on accommodations compared to peak summer rates, with most tourist services fully operational
- Terrace season begins - local cafés open patios and the Vieux-Nord district comes alive with outdoor dining despite cool evenings
Considerations
- Unpredictable spring weather requires layered clothing - morning frost at 4°C (39°F) can shift to afternoon warmth requiring constant wardrobe adjustments
- Frequent light rain (10 rainy days) disrupts outdoor plans - afternoon showers last 1-2 hours and can soak hiking trails for days
- Many seasonal attractions like Parc de la Gorge haven't fully reopened from winter maintenance - some trails remain muddy or partially closed
Best Activities in May
Mont-Bellevue Summit Hiking
May offers perfect hiking conditions with cool mornings and warm afternoons ideal for the 3.2 km (2 mile) summit trail. Spring runoff creates dramatic waterfalls along the Sentier des Cascades, and emerging foliage provides excellent photography without summer's dense canopy blocking views. Trail conditions are optimal after April's freeze-thaw cycle ends.
Saint-François River Cycling Tours
The 15 km (9.3 mile) riverside path is magnificent in May as spring flooding creates rushing rapids and migrating birds return. Cool temperatures 18°C (64°F) make long rides comfortable, and you'll avoid summer's tourist cyclists. Riverside cafés reopen their patios by mid-May.
Eastern Townships Wine Country Day Trips
May marks the start of vineyard season with spring pruning visible and tasting rooms reopening after winter closures. The 45-minute drive through rolling hills showcases spring's green emergence, and weekday visits avoid summer crowds. Cool weather keeps wine tastings refreshing rather than overwhelming.
Parc Jacques-Cartier Spring Photography Walks
May delivers the year's most dramatic botanical displays as 200+ tulip varieties bloom alongside heritage lilacs and emerging maple leaves. Early morning light at 7-8am creates perfect conditions for flower photography, while afternoon visits capture families enjoying the newly reopened gardens.
Historic Vieux-Nord Walking Tours
Cool May weather makes 2-hour walking tours comfortable while heritage buildings emerge from winter scaffolding and restoration work. Local guides share stories of Sherbrooke's textile industry while spring cleaning reveals architectural details hidden all winter. Terrace season begins, allowing post-tour refreshments outdoors.
Maple Farm and Sugar Shack Experiences
Late May marks the end of maple season, offering final opportunities to see traditional sugar-making processes. Cool nights still allow some sap collection, and sugar shacks serve hearty meals perfect for variable spring weather. Fewer crowds than March-April peak season but operations still active.
May Events & Festivals
Festival des Traditions du Monde
Sherbrooke's multicultural festival showcases international food, music, and crafts in Parc Quintal. Cool May weather makes outdoor performances comfortable while spring setting provides beautiful backdrop for cultural demonstrations and artisan markets.
Sherbrooke Marathon and Half-Marathon
Annual running event through city center and surrounding countryside takes advantage of May's ideal running temperatures 15-18°C (59-64°F). Route showcases spring blooms along Saint-François River and through historic neighborhoods.