Cannon Beach in May
Good time to visit
May offers excellent weather with manageable crowds until Memorial Day hits. Then you get a preview of summer madness.
Weather
May delivers consistently pleasant weather with temperatures reaching 17°C and only 8 rainy days on average. Marine layer still rolls in some mornings, but burns off by noon. This is when the coast really starts looking like those postcard shots.
17°C high8°C low8 rain days
Crowds & Cost
moderate crowds
~$170/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Memorial Day weekend events
- •Spring art gallery walks
May Tips
- •Memorial Day weekend prices jump significantly
- •Book accommodations early for late May
- •Perfect weather for hiking the full Tillamook Head trail
All Months
Summer means crowds but also the most reliable weather. July and August see temperatures in the mid-60s to low 70s — perfect for beach walks but you'll still want a jacket for evening. This is peak season, so book accommodations months ahead.
September might be the secret best time to visit. The weather stays mild, but families have gone back to school. Hotel rates drop significantly after Labor Day. You'll actually be able to take photos of Haystack Rock without strangers in the background.
Winter storms create dramatic wave action that photographers love. The Stephanie Inn's storm watching packages include wine and cheese while you watch waves crash from your room. Just don't expect much beach time — temperatures hover in the 40s and rain is constant.
Spring can be hit or miss. May brings wildflowers to the headlands, but also unpredictable weather. One day might be sunny and 65, the next rainy and 50.
Cannon Beach Scores
Solo
8/10
Couples
9/10
Families
8/10
Adventure
5/10
Budget
6/10
Luxury
5/10
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