Things to Do in Billings in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Billings
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing means hotel rates drop 20-35% compared to peak summer months - you'll find excellent deals on accommodations if you book 3-4 weeks ahead, particularly mid-week stays
- Comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities - mornings from 6-10am sit around 43-49°C (110-120°F), perfect for hiking the Rims trail system or exploring downtown on foot before the afternoon warmth builds
- Yellowstone River fishing hits its stride in May - runoff typically peaks early month then clears by mid-May, giving you excellent conditions for trout fishing without the July crowds that pack the access points
- Festival season kicks off properly - May brings multiple community events and the city shakes off winter mode, so you'll experience Billings when locals are actually out enjoying the weather rather than hibernating indoors
Considerations
- Weather unpredictability is real in May - you might get three seasons in one day, with morning frost giving way to afternoon heat, then evening thunderstorms rolling off the Beartooth Mountains. Pack for all scenarios
- Occasional rainy days (roughly 10 throughout the month) can disrupt outdoor plans, though storms tend to be brief and intense rather than all-day affairs. That said, you'll want indoor backup options lined up
- Some higher-elevation areas remain inaccessible - Beartooth Highway typically doesn't open until late May or early June depending on snowpack, limiting your options for certain day trips into the mountains
Best Activities in May
Pictograph Cave State Park exploration
May offers ideal conditions for this 1.6 km (1 mile) interpretive trail - temperatures stay comfortable for the exposed walking path, and spring vegetation adds color to the sandstone formations. The caves contain 2,000+ year-old rock art, and you'll actually appreciate the 70% humidity here since it keeps dust down on the trails. Mid-morning visits (9-11am) give you the best lighting for viewing the pictographs without harsh shadows or afternoon glare.
Yellowstone River float trips
Mid to late May hits the sweet spot after spring runoff settles - water clarity improves dramatically, and you'll catch excellent wildlife viewing as deer, eagles, and occasional bears come to the riverbanks. The 43-49°C (110-120°F) morning temperatures make early launches comfortable, and afternoon warmth means you won't freeze if you get splashed. Half-day floats from Billings to Huntley cover roughly 19 km (12 miles) and show you the region's rimrock geology from a completely different perspective.
Brewery and distillery tours
Billings has developed a genuinely impressive craft beverage scene, and May weather makes this perfect - when afternoon temperatures climb or those occasional rain showers hit, ducking into tasting rooms becomes the smart move. The downtown brewery corridor along Montana Avenue lets you hit 4-5 spots within 1.6 km (1 mile) of walking. Spring releases typically debut in May, so you'll find seasonal beers and limited runs that won't be available later in summer.
Rimrock hiking and photography
The sandstone rim formations surrounding Billings create dramatic landscapes, and May gives you ideal conditions - wildflowers bloom on the benches below the rims, grass stays green (unlike the brown of late summer), and morning light from 6-8am produces exceptional photography conditions. The Zimmerman Trail area and Four Dances Natural Area offer accessible routes ranging from easy 3.2 km (2 mile) loops to more challenging 8 km (5 mile) ridge walks at elevations around 915-1,070 m (3,000-3,500 ft).
Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument day trips
Located 105 km (65 miles) southeast of Billings, May offers comfortable temperatures for exploring this historic site - you'll be walking exposed ridgelines where Custer's Last Stand occurred, and the 43-49°C (110-120°F) morning conditions beat the brutal heat of July-August. Spring grass greening gives you a sense of what the landscape looked like in June 1876. The visitor center provides essential context, and ranger programs run more frequently starting Memorial Day weekend.
ZooMontana visits
May timing works particularly well for the zoo - animals are more active in moderate temperatures versus summer heat, and spring babies often make appearances (exact timing varies by species and year, obviously). The 28-hectare (70-acre) facility focuses on temperate climate species, so you'll see animals adapted to Montana conditions rather than tropical imports looking miserable. The sensory garden peaks in late May as plantings establish. Budget 2-3 hours for a thorough visit.
May Events & Festivals
MontanaFair Spring Market
This early May event at MetraPark brings together regional vendors, craft makers, and food producers - it's essentially a preview of the larger summer fair but more manageable in size. You'll find Montana-made products, local art, and the kind of community vibe that gives you a genuine sense of Billings culture. Indoor venue means weather doesn't matter.
Memorial Day events
Late May brings the official start of summer with various community gatherings, cemetery services honoring veterans, and the opening of seasonal attractions. Riverfront Park typically hosts family activities, and this weekend marks when locals consider it acceptable to start grilling outdoors regularly. Expect increased traffic at regional attractions.