Things to Do in Billings in May

May Weather in Billings

67°C (152°F) High Temp

43°C (110°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Prime hiking weather with mild afternoons averaging 21°C (70°F) - perfect for Yellowstone River Rim walks and ZooMontana outdoor exhibits without summer's 38°C (100°F) heat
Shoulder season pricing saves 30-40% on accommodations compared to peak summer rates, with hotels averaging $85-120 instead of $140-200
Wildflower season peaks in Pictograph Cave State Park and Swords Rimrock Park - lupine, Indian paintbrush, and prairie roses bloom mid-May through early June
Extended daylight hours with sunset at 8:15 PM by late May gives you 14.5 hours of usable daylight for outdoor activities and photography

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings from 4°C (40°F) mornings to 27°C (80°F) afternoons - requires layered clothing and flexible indoor backup plans
Spring storms bring sudden temperature drops and occasional hail - 10 rainy days in May can disrupt outdoor plans with little warning
Some higher elevation trails around Billings Rimrocks may still have muddy conditions from snowmelt, limiting hiking options until late May

Best Activities in May

Yellowstone River Float Trips

May offers ideal water levels from snowmelt runoff and comfortable temperatures for half-day float trips. Water temperature reaches 15°C (59°F) by late May - still cold but manageable with provided gear. Wildlife viewing peaks as animals emerge from winter, and riverside cottonwoods begin leafing out. Afternoon storms are brief and guides monitor weather closely.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead through licensed outfitters. Half-day trips typically cost $85-125 per person including gear. Look for operators with weather contingency policies and heated changing facilities. See current tour options in booking section below.

Pictograph Cave State Park Archaeological Tours

May's moderate temperatures make the 1.6 km (1-mile) interpretive trail comfortable without summer heat. Morning temperatures around 10°C (50°F) are perfect for the 45-minute guided walks that start at 9 AM. Wildflowers frame the ancient rock art, and spring lighting enhances photography of the 2,000-year-old pictographs.

Booking Tip: Guided tours run weekends in May, $15-20 per person. Self-guided visits daily for $5 vehicle fee. Book guided tours 1 week ahead online. Best photo light occurs 10 AM-2 PM when sun illuminates cave openings directly.

Rimrocks Hiking and Scenic Drives

May weather is ideal for exploring Billings' signature sandstone cliffs rising 152 m (500 ft) above the city. Afternoon temperatures stay comfortable for hiking, while morning frost creates dramatic photography conditions. The 4.8 km (3-mile) Zimmerman Trail offers panoramic valley views without summer's intense sun exposure.

Booking Tip: Self-guided activity - no booking required. Parking at Zimmerman Park and Swords Park is free. Allow 2-3 hours for full rim exploration. Bring layers as rim areas are 5-8°C (10-15°F) cooler than valley floor.

ZooMontana Wildlife Experience

Animals are most active in May's mild weather, with many species beginning breeding behaviors. Temperature range of 10-24°C (50-75°F) keeps both animals and visitors comfortable. The 1.2 km (0.75-mile) walking trail showcases native Montana species in naturalistic habitats, and spring baby animals often make appearances.

Booking Tip: Open daily, admission $12-15 for adults. No advance booking needed except for special behind-scenes tours ($35-45) which book 1-2 weeks ahead. Visit morning or late afternoon when animals are most active. Indoor education center provides weather backup.

Brewery and Distillery Tours

May's variable weather makes indoor activities valuable, and Billings' craft scene offers consistent quality. Spring seasonal releases feature lighter styles perfect for warming weather. Walking tours between downtown breweries cover 0.8 km (0.5 miles) and include 4-5 tastings over 2.5 hours.

Booking Tip: Self-guided brewery hopping requires no booking, but guided tours ($45-65 per person) book 1 week ahead. Most breweries open at 3 PM weekdays, noon weekends. Designated driver services available through local companies for $25-35 per group.

Moss Mansion Historic House Tours

May offers comfortable indoor touring when weather turns stormy, and spring light through original stained glass creates optimal viewing conditions. The 1903 mansion requires 75 minutes for full guided tours, with consistent indoor climate regardless of outside conditions. Gardens begin blooming in late May.

Booking Tip: Tours run Tuesday-Sunday, $15 adult admission. Book weekend tours 1 week ahead as they fill quickly. Self-guided garden walks included with admission when weather permits. Photography allowed in most rooms except private family areas.

May Events & Festivals

Early May

Cinco de Mayo Festival Downtown

Annual street festival along Montana Avenue featuring regional Mexican food vendors, mariachi performances, and local brewery participation. Family-friendly event draws 8,000-10,000 visitors over two days with authentic cuisine and live entertainment.

Mid May

MontanaFair Spring Warm-up Events

Preview events and vendor setup for summer's main fair, including livestock exhibitions and early season rodeo competitions. Local 4-H and FFA groups showcase spring projects, and food vendors test new offerings.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system: base layer plus fleece plus shell jacket for 20°C (35°F) temperature swings between morning and afternoon

Waterproof hiking boots - spring mud and occasional wet snow make trail conditions unpredictable, especially on rimrock trails

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brim hat - UV index of 8 plus reflection off remaining snow patches creates intense exposure at 1,083 m (3,550 ft) elevation

Light rain jacket or umbrella - May averages 10 rainy days with sudden afternoon thunderstorms lasting 20-45 minutes

Warm hat and gloves for early morning activities - temperatures can drop to 4°C (40°F) at sunrise even when afternoons reach 24°C (75°F)

Comfortable walking shoes with good traction for downtown brewery walking tours on potentially wet sidewalks

Lightweight wool or synthetic base layers - avoid cotton which stays wet in 70% humidity and temperature fluctuations

Small backpack or day pack for carrying layers as you shed clothing throughout the day during outdoor activities

Insulated water bottle - staying hydrated is important in dry Montana air, and hot drinks help on cool mornings

Binoculars for wildlife viewing - spring animal activity peaks in May, especially along Yellowstone River corridor

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations near downtown core - May construction season begins on outer highways, adding 15-20 minutes to drives from airport area hotels

Locals hit outdoor activities between 11 AM-4 PM when temperatures peak - restaurants and indoor attractions are less crowded during these prime outdoor hours

Friday afternoon through Sunday sees 40% higher accommodation rates due to regional spring sports tournaments - book midweek arrivals for better prices

Download offline weather apps - mountain weather changes rapidly and cell coverage has gaps in rimrock areas and along river corridors

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for warm weather based on afternoon temperatures - morning lows around 4°C (40°F) catch many visitors unprepared for early activities

Scheduling too many outdoor activities without weather backup plans - May's 10 rainy days often come in clusters that can disrupt 2-3 consecutive days

Assuming all trails are accessible - higher elevation areas may still have muddy conditions from snowmelt through mid-May, making some hikes unpleasant