Things to Do in Baltimore in May

May Weather in Baltimore

26°C (79°F) High Temp

15°C (59°F) Low Temp

89 mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect outdoor weather - daily highs of 26°C (79°F) make walking the 1.6 km (1 mile) Inner Harbor waterfront comfortable without summer's oppressive heat
Shoulder season pricing saves 20-30% on hotels compared to peak summer rates, with most harbor-view properties offering spring deals
Maryland blue crab season peaks in May - soft shell crabs are at their absolute best before summer crowds discover them
Cherry blossoms and tulips bloom throughout the city's 6,000+ parks, creating ideal conditions for outdoor festivals and photography

Considerations

Unpredictable rain showers on 10 days average - can disrupt planned outdoor activities like Orioles games or harbor walks
Cool evenings dropping to 15°C (59°F) require layering, especially for waterfront dining after sunset around 7:30 PM
Popular outdoor venues like Rash Field and Federal Hill Park can be crowded on the 20+ sunny days as locals emerge from winter

Best Activities in May

Inner Harbor Waterfront Walking Tours

May's mild 26°C (79°F) temperatures make the 2.4 km (1.5 mile) waterfront promenade perfect for extended walking. Spring weather means comfortable exploration of National Aquarium, American Visionary Art Museum, and historic ships without summer's humidity. Cherry blossoms frame harbor views while tourist crowds remain manageable.

Booking Tip: Book waterfront tours 5-7 days ahead during May weekends. Tours typically cost $25-45 and run 2-3 hours. Look for operators including both inner harbor and Fell's Point neighborhoods. See current walking tour options in booking section below.

Fort McHenry National Monument Adventures

May's pleasant weather and extended daylight until 7:30 PM create ideal conditions for exploring this star-shaped fort where the national anthem was born. Cool morning temperatures around 15°C (59°F) are perfect for the 1.6 km (1 mile) waterfront trail, while spring crowds remain light compared to summer school groups.

Booking Tip: Combine with guided historical tours running weekends in May. Entry is free but guided experiences cost $15-25. Book ranger-led programs 10 days ahead for Memorial Day weekend. Current fort tour options available in booking section below.

Chesapeake Bay Crab Feasts and Food Tours

May marks peak soft shell crab season - locals know this is when Maryland blue crabs are sweetest before summer heat stress. Food tours capitalize on spring's perfect eating weather, combining indoor markets like Lexington Market with outdoor waterfront dining. Comfortable temperatures allow 3-4 hour food walking tours.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost $65-95 and book quickly in May during crab season. Reserve 7-10 days ahead, especially for weekend tours including Federal Hill and Little Italy neighborhoods. Current Baltimore food tour options in booking section below.

Patapsco Valley State Park Hiking

Spring wildflowers peak in May throughout this 32 km (20 mile) trail system just 24 km (15 miles) from downtown. Morning temperatures of 15°C (59°F) warm to perfect hiking weather by afternoon. Waterfalls run high from spring rains while summer's oppressive humidity hasn't arrived. Native dogwood and redbud trees create tunnel-like canopies.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hiking is free but guided naturalist tours cost $20-35. Popular trails like Cascade Falls (2.4 km/1.5 mile loop) require no booking, but guided wildflower tours fill quickly in May. Book nature tours 5-7 days ahead through local operators listed in booking section.

Historic Fell's Point Evening Tours

May's comfortable evening temperatures and late sunset at 7:30 PM extend golden hour photography and ghost tour seasons. Cobblestone streets and 18th-century buildings are best explored in spring's mild weather before summer heat makes evening walks uncomfortable. Maritime history combines with perfect waterfront dining weather.

Booking Tip: Evening ghost tours and historical walks cost $18-30 and run nightly in May. Book 3-5 days ahead for weekend tours. Private group tours range $150-250 for 8-10 people. Current Fell's Point tour options available in booking section below.

Baltimore Museum District Cultural Tours

Spring's unpredictable weather makes indoor cultural attractions ideal backup plans. American Visionary Art Museum, Walters Art Museum, and Baltimore Museum of Art offer climate-controlled environments during May's 10 rainy days. Many museums extend hours in spring, and group tours take advantage of shoulder season availability.

Booking Tip: Museum tours cost $15-25 per person, with combo tickets saving 20-30%. Private group tours run $200-350 for 10-12 people. Book specialty behind-the-scenes tours 14 days ahead as they only run twice monthly in spring. Current museum tour options in booking section below.

May Events & Festivals

Mid May

Preakness Stakes

Second jewel of horse racing's Triple Crown takes place at Pimlico Race Course on third Saturday of May. This 150-year-old tradition brings 50,000+ spectators for Maryland's biggest sporting event. Infield party atmosphere combines with serious horse racing.

Early May

Kinetic Sculpture Race

Human-powered art vehicles race 24 km (15 miles) from American Visionary Art Museum through city streets and into Inner Harbor. Participants create elaborate moving sculptures that must navigate sand, mud, and water obstacles. Spectating is free along the route.

Early May

Baltimore Farmers Market Opening

Saturday farmers markets throughout the city reach full spring operations in May. Waverly, Falls Point, and Federal Hill markets feature Maryland spring vegetables, local honey, and artisan breads. Markets typically run 7 AM to noon on Saturdays.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or packable umbrella - May averages 10 rainy days with sudden afternoon showers lasting 30-45 minutes

Layering pieces for 11°C (20°F) temperature swings from cool 15°C (59°F) mornings to warm 26°C (79°F) afternoons

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and harbor waterfront reflects additional sun exposure during 3+ hour walking tours

Comfortable walking shoes with good tread - cobblestones in Fell's Point and Federal Hill can be slippery after rain showers

Light cardigan or fleece for evening waterfront dining - temperatures drop quickly after 7:30 PM sunset near the water

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable during midday outdoor activities

Small backpack or crossbody bag for hands-free sightseeing during 2-4 hour walking tours of harbor and historic neighborhoods

Casual dress clothes for upscale harbor restaurants - many Inner Harbor establishments maintain smart casual dress codes year-round

Hat with brim for outdoor activities - spring sun can be dececeptively strong during extended time at Fort McHenry or harbor walks

Insider Knowledge

Locals hit outdoor patios and rooftop bars immediately when temperatures reach 21°C (70°F) in May - make reservations early for waterfront dining on sunny days

Free parking becomes available after 6 PM in most downtown meters, perfect timing for evening Fell's Point exploration when temperatures cool to comfortable levels

Maryland blue crab season peaks in May before summer crowds arrive - locals order soft shell crabs at neighborhood joints like Thames Street Oyster House rather than tourist-heavy Inner Harbor restaurants

Cherry blossom viewing at Patterson Park (2 km/1.2 miles east of harbor) rivals Washington DC but without crowds - locals picnic here during peak bloom in early May

Avoid These Mistakes

Not checking Orioles game schedule - 40,000+ baseball fans create traffic and parking nightmares in downtown Baltimore during home games 2-3 times per week

Overdressing for daytime then freezing at evening waterfront dinners - 11°C (20°F) temperature drops after sunset catch visitors off guard

Skipping indoor backup plans during May's 10+ rainy days - sudden afternoon storms can wash out entire itineraries without museum or market alternatives