Things to Do in Richmond in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Richmond
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect shoulder season weather with daytime highs around 25°C (77°F) and cool evenings at 14°C (57°F) - comfortable for walking tours without the summer heat or winter chill that keeps you indoors
- Low tourist crowds compared to summer peak season mean shorter lines at major attractions like the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and easier restaurant reservations, plus hotel rates typically run 20-30% below June-August pricing
- Garden season peaks in May with Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and Maymont Park hitting maximum bloom - azaleas, roses, and dogwoods are all showing, which only happens for about 3-4 weeks annually
- Festival season ramps up with outdoor events taking advantage of the weather before summer humidity sets in - you get the energy of high season without the crowds or prices
Considerations
- Rain happens on roughly one-third of May days (10 days typically), though showers tend to be brief afternoon affairs lasting 20-30 minutes rather than all-day washouts - still means you need backup plans
- Weather variability is real in May - you might get a 29°C (84°F) day followed by a 16°C (61°F) day, so packing becomes tricky and you can't just bring one type of clothing
- Some outdoor venues and rooftop bars don't hit full operating schedules until Memorial Day weekend, so if you visit early May you might miss out on certain experiences that locals consider summer staples
Best Activities in May
James River Park System hiking and kayaking
May hits the sweet spot for river activities - water levels from spring runoff make rapids more interesting without being dangerous, and temperatures are warm enough (25°C/77°F highs) that you don't mind getting wet but cool enough that you're not overheating on trails. The 600-acre park system has everything from easy 1.6 km (1 mile) riverside walks to technical rock scrambles. Wildflowers peak mid-May along the Buttermilk Trail. Water temperature sits around 18°C (64°F), which feels refreshing rather than shocking.
Historic neighborhood walking and cycling tours
May weather makes this ideal - you can comfortably walk 5-8 km (3-5 miles) without the July heat that turns cobblestone strolls into endurance tests. The Fan District, Church Hill, and Shockoe Bottom are walkable year-round obviously, but in May you get open windows in historic homes, outdoor cafe seating actually occupied, and residents out in their gardens. Morning temperatures around 16°C (61°F) are perfect for the uphill climbs in Church Hill. The 70% humidity sounds high but it's actually pleasant compared to the 85% you get in summer.
Brewery and distillery trail experiences
Richmond has 30-plus craft breweries and May is when outdoor beer gardens open for the season. Temperatures in the low 20s°C (low 70s°F) mean you can sit outside comfortably, and the 10 rainy days usually hit as brief afternoon showers rather than all-day events. Scott's Addition neighborhood packs a dozen breweries into walkable distance. The Canal Walk connects several downtown spots over 2.1 km (1.3 miles) of flat paved trail. Worth noting that locals tend to hit breweries Thursday-Saturday, so Tuesday-Wednesday visits mean less crowded taprooms.
Civil War historic site tours
Richmond's role as Confederate capital means significant historic sites, and May weather makes outdoor battlefield exploration actually pleasant. American Civil War Museum, Richmond National Battlefield Park, and surrounding sites involve substantial walking - often 3-5 km (2-3 miles) on uneven terrain. Doing this in 25°C (77°F) weather beats summer's 33°C (91°F) heat. Crowds are lighter than summer school group season. The 150th anniversary commemorations have ended but 2026 marks other significant dates that interpretive programs highlight. Tree canopy is fully leafed out by May, providing shade on walking trails.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and Maymont Park visits
May is objectively the best month for Richmond gardens - azaleas peak early May, roses hit mid-to-late May, and you catch the tail end of dogwood blooms. Lewis Ginter spans 50 acres with a dozen themed gardens, while Maymont offers 100 acres mixing formal gardens with natural landscapes. Both involve substantial walking - plan for 3-4 km (2-3 miles) if you explore thoroughly. The 14°C (57°F) morning temperatures are perfect for early visits before afternoon warmth. Maymont's historic mansion offers air-conditioned breaks if needed. Photography is exceptional in May light.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and museum district exploration
May's variable weather makes having solid indoor options essential, and VMFA is one of the country's top regional art museums with free general admission. The building itself stays a comfortable 21°C (70°F) while outside temps fluctuate. Special exhibitions (which do charge admission, typically 15-20 dollars) are less crowded in May than summer. The surrounding Museum District neighborhood is exceptionally walkable with VCU campus energy, independent shops, and cafes. Plan indoor museum time for those 10 rainy days or midday when UV index hits 8. The sculpture garden works nicely in good weather.
May Events & Festivals
Dominion Energy Riverrock
Typically held over a May weekend (often third weekend), this outdoor sports and music festival takes over Brown's Island and the James River with kayaking competitions, trail running races, rock climbing demos, BMX exhibitions, and live music. It's the unofficial kickoff to Richmond's outdoor season and draws 40,000-plus attendees. Free admission to most areas, though some competitions require registration. Very much a locals-heavy crowd, which gives you authentic Richmond energy. Bring sunscreen - the island has minimal shade and that UV index of 8 is real.
Memorial Day weekend events
Late May brings Memorial Day programming with special significance given Richmond's history. Expect ceremonies at Hollywood Cemetery (where 18,000 Confederate soldiers are buried alongside two US presidents), Richmond National Cemetery, and various historic sites. Many restaurants and venues launch summer hours and menus this weekend. Traffic gets heavier as this is a popular weekend for regional visitors. Hotel rates jump 30-40% compared to early May, so if you're budget-conscious, avoid this specific weekend.