Spokane in May
Great time to visit
May is when Spokane truly shines. The Lilac Festival transforms the city, and perfect weather makes every outdoor activity appealing.
Weather
May hits the sweet spot with warm days and comfortable nights. Rain becomes less frequent, and when it does fall, it's usually brief afternoon showers. Humidity stays low and pleasant.
20°C high7°C low9 rain days
Crowds & Cost
high crowds
~$125/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Lilac Festival
- •Armed Forces Day events at Fairchild Air Force Base
- •Bloomsday Run
May Tips
- •Book hotels early - Lilac Festival brings crowds from across the Pacific Northwest
- •Manito Park's lilac garden peaks this month
- •Pack light layers - evenings cool down quickly
All Months
May through September gives you Spokane at its best. Summers are dry and warm (80s), perfect for hiking and river activities. But here's what locals know – September might be the sweet spot. Crowds thin out, temperatures stay comfortable, and fall colors pop around the lakes.
July and August bring the most reliable weather but also the highest hotel rates and biggest crowds at popular trails. Book accommodations early if you're visiting during Hoopfest (late June) – it's one of the world's largest 3-on-3 basketball tournaments and the city goes basketball crazy.
Spring (May-early June) offers decent weather and lower prices, but some higher elevation trails stay snowy into June. Check conditions before planning day trips to Mount Spokane or the Selkirk Mountains.
Winter transforms Spokane into a different city entirely. Mount Spokane Ski Area opens December through March, and the Christmas lights at Riverfront Park draw visitors from across the region. Hotels drop to their lowest rates, but you'll trade outdoor activities for indoor attractions.
Spokane Scores
Solo
6/10
Couples
6/10
Families
8/10
Adventure
7/10
Budget
8/10
Luxury
4/10
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