Salt Lake City in May
Great time to visit
One of the year's best months with perfect hiking weather and the city coming alive after winter hibernation. Prices start climbing as summer approaches, but the weather rarely disappoints.
Weather
May delivers consistently pleasant weather with warm days, cool nights, and minimal precipitation. Afternoon thunderstorms occasionally roll through, but most days are sunny with low humidity. The surrounding mountains show green at lower elevations while peaks retain snow caps.
23°C high9°C low7 rain days
Crowds & Cost
moderate crowds
~$155/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Utah Arts Festival
- •Living Traditions Festival
May Tips
- •Perfect weather for hiking Ensign Peak or City Creek Canyon
- •Farmers markets start up at Pioneer Park on Saturdays
- •Memorial Day weekend kicks off summer tourism season
All Months
September through October delivers perfect weather. Temperatures hit the 70s during the day, drop to the 40s at night, and the aspen trees turn golden in the nearby canyons. Hotel rates drop after summer crowds leave.
Winter brings world-class skiing from December through March. Powder Mountain, Snowbird, and Alta sit within an hour's drive. But downtown stays walkable — the city handles snow removal efficiently.
Spring arrives early, with hiking weather starting in April. The Great Salt Lake smells terrible during spring runoff, though, so avoid Antelope Island State Park until June.
Summer gets hot and dry, with temperatures pushing 100°F in July and August. Morning hikes work, but afternoons require air conditioning. This is peak tourist season, so book accommodations early.
Avoid major Mormon conferences in April and October when hotel prices spike and downtown crowds triple. The city essentially shuts down during these weekends.
Salt Lake City Scores
Solo
7/10
Couples
6/10
Families
9/10
Adventure
9/10
Budget
7/10
Luxury
6/10
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