Regina - Things to Do in Regina in May

Regina in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Regina

22°C (72°F) High Temp
8°C (46°F) Low Temp
45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

  • Peak spring weather - warm afternoons 22°C (72°F) perfect for walking tours, cool evenings ideal for patio dining at local breweries
  • Victoria Day long weekend (May 19) brings outdoor festivals and extended museum hours without summer tourist crowds
  • Wascana Lake fully accessible - ice completely melted, waterfowl migration at peak, perfect for cycling the 9.6km (6 mile) perimeter
  • Local farmers markets in full swing - fresh Saskatchewan produce, outdoor vendors return after winter closure

Considerations

  • Unpredictable prairie weather - can swing from 8°C to 22°C (46°F to 72°F) in one day, requiring layers
  • Spring showers average 10 days - brief but frequent, making outdoor festival schedules uncertain
  • Mosquito season begins late May - evenings near Wascana Lake and parks become buggy after 7pm

Best Activities in May

Wascana Centre Walking and Cycling Tours

May is perfect for exploring Canada's second-largest urban park - ice completely melted, waterfowl migration peaks, and trees begin leafing. Cool mornings 8°C (46°F) ideal for jogging, warm afternoons 22°C (72°F) perfect for leisurely walks around the 930-hectare park.

Booking Tip: Free self-guided tours available at visitor center. Bike rentals typically CAD $25-40/day. Book guided historical tours 5-7 days ahead through local operators. See current tour options in booking section below.

Saskatchewan Science Centre Interactive Experiences

Perfect rainy day backup for May's 10 shower days. Climate-controlled comfort when outdoor temperatures fluctuate. Spring exhibits often feature local wildlife and prairie ecosystems, ideal timing for understanding the region you're exploring.

Booking Tip: Adult admission CAD $12-18. Book online for weekend discounts. IMAX shows require advance booking during Victoria Day weekend. Check current availability in booking section below.

Royal Saskatchewan Museum Cultural Tours

May's mild weather makes this perfect for combining indoor exhibits with outdoor First Nations gallery walks. Museum's prairie natural history exhibits complement the spring awakening happening outside. Comfortable indoor temperature when dealing with unpredictable spring weather.

Booking Tip: General admission CAD $10-15. Guided cultural tours CAD $20-30, book 3-5 days ahead. Extended hours during Victoria Day weekend. See current tour options in booking section below.

Cathedral Village Neighborhood Food Tours

May brings outdoor patio season to Regina's arts district. Perfect weather for walking between venues - not too hot, but warm enough for extended outdoor dining. Local restaurants return to full outdoor service after winter shutdown.

Booking Tip: Self-guided food crawls work best. Restaurant tours typically CAD $45-65 per person. Victoria Day weekend requires reservations 2 weeks ahead. Book through local food tour operators - see current options in booking section below.

Legislative Building and Grounds Tours

May is ideal for the famous dome tours - comfortable indoor temperature contrasts with spring weather. Gardens just beginning to bloom, and the building's heating/cooling systems provide relief from May's temperature swings.

Booking Tip: Free guided tours run hourly. Dome tours CAD $5-10, advance booking required. May weather makes outdoor grounds photography unpredictable - indoor portions always available. Check current tour schedules in booking section below.

Farmers Market and Local Artisan Tours

May marks full outdoor market season return. Cool mornings perfect for browsing, vendors offer early spring produce unique to Saskatchewan. Weather allows for comfortable outdoor shopping before afternoon temperature rises.

Booking Tip: Markets run Saturdays 9am-2pm, free admission. Artisan tours CAD $25-35. Victoria Day weekend features extended hours. No advance booking needed for markets. See guided artisan tour options in booking section below.

May Events & Festivals

May 19 weekend

Victoria Day Festival

Long weekend celebration featuring outdoor concerts in Wascana Park, extended museum hours, and local brewery events. Perfect timing for Regina's spring weather - not yet hot, but warm enough for outdoor activities.

Early May

Spring Farmers Market Opening

Full outdoor vendor season begins, featuring early Saskatchewan produce, local crafts, and outdoor food vendors returning after winter indoor-only operations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - temperature swings from 8°C to 22°C (46°F to 72°F) daily require t-shirt, sweater, and light jacket
Waterproof light jacket with hood - May averages 10 rainy days with brief afternoon showers lasting 15-30 minutes
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - spring sidewalks can be slippery from frequent rain
Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index 6 with prairie sun reflecting off remaining snow patches
Compact umbrella - fits in day bag for sudden spring showers, more practical than heavy rain gear
Light scarf or neck warmer - morning temperatures 8°C (46°F) feel cold in prairie wind
Insect repellent for late May - mosquitoes emerge around May 25th, especially near Wascana Lake after 7pm
Warm hat for early morning outdoor activities - prairie wind makes 8°C (46°F) feel like 4°C (39°F)
Quick-dry pants or jeans - spring weather means potential for wet conditions on park benches and outdoor seating

Insider Knowledge

Visit Wascana Lake early morning 7-9am - waterfowl migration peaks in May, fewer people, and parking is free at all meters until 9am
Local restaurants switch to patio service mid-May but keep indoor heating on - dress in layers as restaurant temperatures vary widely
Victoria Day weekend is Regina's unofficial start of festival season - book restaurants 2 weeks ahead, but attractions remain uncrowded compared to summer
May is shoulder season for hotels - negotiate rates directly with front desk, often 20-30% below posted prices except Victoria Day weekend

Avoid These Mistakes

Underdressing for morning activities - 8°C (46°F) prairie mornings feel much colder with wind, even when afternoon hits 22°C (72°F)
Planning all-day outdoor activities without indoor backup - 10 rainy days means 30% chance of afternoon showers disrupting plans
Expecting summer festival season - May is pre-season, many outdoor events don't start until June, check specific dates before planning

Activities in Regina