Rochester in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Rochester

22°C (72°F) High Temp

8°C (46°F) Low Temp

76 mm (3.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Peak lilac season transforms the city into a fragrant purple wonderland - Highland Park's 1,200 lilac bushes and 500 varieties bloom throughout May, creating Instagram-worthy scenes without summer crowds
Perfect hiking weather with temperatures ideal for Finger Lakes trails - comfortable 15-20°C (59-68°F) during peak hiking hours from 10am-4pm before evening cool-down
Rochester's famous garbage plate season kicks off as outdoor patios reopen - local institutions like Nick Tahou's expand outdoor seating, and food truck festivals return to downtown
Lake Ontario warming creates excellent fishing conditions - salmon and trout are most active in 12-15°C (54-59°F) water temperatures, with charter boats resuming full schedules after winter break

Considerations

Unpredictable rain showers can derail outdoor plans - May averages 10 rainy days with sudden downpours that last 30-60 minutes, making waterproof layers essential
Peak spring tourism pricing hits hotels and attractions - expect 20-30% higher rates than April, especially during Memorial Day weekend when occupancy exceeds 85%
Mud season affects hiking trails - popular Finger Lakes trails like Watkins Glen can be slippery and partially closed due to spring runoff and saturated ground conditions

Best Activities in May

Highland Park Lilac Festival Experience

May transforms Highland Park into Rochester's crown jewel with over 500 lilac varieties in full bloom. Morning visits (8-10am) offer the best photography light and strongest fragrance before afternoon crowds arrive. The 155-Israel park becomes a natural perfumery that locals have cherished for over 120 years. Cool spring temperatures make walking the 2.4 km (1.5 miles) of paths comfortable all day.

Booking Tip: Free admission but parking fills quickly after 11am on weekends. Festival events typically run mid-May with local vendors and live music. Arrive early or use nearby street parking and walk 400m (0.25 miles) to avoid $10 event parking fees.

Finger Lakes Wine Trail Tours

May marks the perfect start to wine country season as vineyards come alive with new growth and tasting rooms reopen full schedules. Temperatures of 15-20°C (59-68°F) make outdoor tastings comfortable, and you'll avoid the summer heat and crowds. Many wineries offer spring release events featuring wines that pair perfectly with the season's fresh local ingredients.

Booking Tip: Book designated driver tours 2-3 weeks ahead as groups typically range from $75-120 per person for half-day experiences. Many operators offer pickup from downtown Rochester hotels. Look for tours that include 4-5 wineries with food pairings to maximize the spring harvest experience.

Genesee River Gorge Hiking

Spring snowmelt creates spectacular waterfalls throughout the 2.4 km (1.5 mile) gorge system, with water levels at their most dramatic. Cool May temperatures make the challenging terrain comfortable - the main gorge trail involves 150m (492 ft) elevation changes that would be brutal in summer heat. Wildlife is most active as animals emerge from winter hiding.

Booking Tip: Self-guided activity but consider guided geology tours offered by local outdoor education groups for $25-40 per person. Waterproof hiking boots essential due to spring runoff. Allow 3-4 hours for full gorge exploration including photography stops.

Lake Ontario Charter Fishing

May offers prime fishing conditions as salmon and trout become highly active in the 12-15°C (54-59°F) water temperatures. Charter captains resume full schedules after winter break, and you'll have better availability than peak summer months. Early morning trips (5-9am) often yield the best catches before afternoon wind picks up.

Booking Tip: Book charters 10-14 days ahead through licensed operators offering 4-6 hour trips for $400-600 per boat (up to 6 people). Look for captains providing equipment and cleaning services. Weather can change quickly on the lake - flexible booking policies essential for May conditions.

Rochester Public Market Food Tours

Saturday mornings at the Public Market showcase the best of spring produce as local farms bring fresh asparagus, rhubarb, and greenhouse greens. Operating since 1905, this authentic market experience lets you taste seasonal specialties while avoiding tourist trap pricing. Cool morning temperatures make browsing the outdoor stalls comfortable until 11am.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration best experienced 8-10am on Saturdays when selection peaks and crowds are manageable. Guided food walking tours available through local culinary groups for $35-50 per person, typically including 6-8 vendor tastings and historical commentary.

Strong National Museum of Play Indoor Adventures

Perfect rainy day backup plan featuring the world's largest collection of toys and games. May's unpredictable weather makes having solid indoor options crucial, and this uniquely Rochester attraction offers 5+ hours of climate-controlled exploration. The butterfly conservatory provides tropical warmth when spring temperatures dip.

Booking Tip: Purchase timed entry tickets online to avoid weekend sellouts - general admission runs $18-25 for adults. Memorial Day weekend sees highest crowds, so weekday visits offer better experience. Allow full day as many visitors underestimate the museum's scope and end up rushing through exhibits.

May Events & Festivals

Mid May

Lilac Festival at Highland Park

Rochester's signature spring celebration featuring over 500 lilac varieties in peak bloom, live entertainment, local food vendors, and artisan markets. This 10-day festival celebrates the city's designation as having one of North America's most extensive lilac collections, dating back to the early 1900s.

Late May

Rochester International Jazz Festival Planning Events

Pre-festival showcases and venue announcements build excitement for June's main event. Local jazz clubs host preview performances and ticket pre-sales begin, offering discounted packages for the summer festival that transforms downtown Rochester.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots - spring trail conditions include mud, wet rocks, and stream crossings that can soak through regular sneakers

Packable rain jacket with hood - May's sudden downpours last 30-60 minutes and can drop temperatures by 5°C (9°F) quickly

Layering system including light fleece - morning temperatures of 8°C (46°F) require warmth that you'll want to remove by afternoon

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 6 combined with reflective lake surfaces creates stronger sun exposure than expected

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - Highland Park's hills and gorge trails have steep sections that become slippery when wet

Light backpack for day trips - Finger Lakes tours and hiking require carrying water, snacks, and weather protection layers

Casual dining clothes - Rochester's food scene ranges from garbage plates to farm-to-table restaurants requiring versatile wardrobe

Camera with weather protection - May's dramatic skies and spring blooms create exceptional photography opportunities despite variable conditions

Insect repellent - warming temperatures activate mosquitoes around Genesee River and lake areas, especially during evening hours

Insider Knowledge

Local garbage plate etiquette: Order yours 'with everything' and never eat it with a fork - locals use the plate's bread to scoop the mixture, and asking for utensils immediately marks you as an outsider

Highland Park's secret timing: Visit the lilac collection between 6-8am on weekdays for perfect lighting and zero crowds - most tourists don't realize the park opens at sunrise and provides free parking all day

Finger Lakes wine country operates on 'lake time' - tasting rooms may close early on slow weekdays despite posted hours, so call ahead if visiting Monday-Wednesday, especially in early May

Rochester's spring weather changes every 2-3 hours - locals check radar constantly and always carry layers, even on seemingly perfect mornings that can turn into afternoon storms

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming upstate New York weather follows United States patterns - Rochester's lake-effect climate creates unique conditions that can be 5-10°C (9-18°F) different from forecasts based on NYC

Scheduling outdoor activities without weather backup plans - May's 40% chance of rain on any given day requires flexible itineraries and indoor alternatives

Underestimating driving distances to Finger Lakes attractions - what looks like 30 minutes on the map often takes 45-60 minutes due to winding rural roads and spring construction delays