Things to Do in Boise in May

May Weather in Boise

25°C (77°F) High Temp

9°C (48°F) Low Temp

32 mm (1.3 inches) Rainfall

45% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Peak spring weather - daily highs around 25°C (77°F) make it ideal for hiking the Boise Foothills without summer's scorching heat
Wildflower season transforms the high desert landscape - arrowleaf balsamroot blooms create golden carpets across hillsides from early to mid-May
River activities prime time - Boise River water levels are optimal from snowmelt, perfect for floating season that typically starts Memorial Day weekend
Farmers market season kicks off - Capital City Public Market reopens outdoors with 150+ vendors, plus asparagus and morel mushroom season at local restaurants

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings - temperatures can drop 15°C (27°F) overnight, requiring layers from shorts to winter jackets in the same day
Allergy season peaks - cottonwood and grass pollen counts reach annual highs, making outdoor activities miserable for sensitive travelers
Tourist season pricing begins - accommodation rates increase 25-30% from April as summer demand starts, especially around Memorial Day weekend

Best Activities in May

Boise Foothills Wildflower Hiking

May is the only month when desert wildflowers peak alongside comfortable hiking temperatures. Arrowleaf balsamroot creates golden hillsides while lupine adds purple accents. Morning temperatures of 15°C (59°F) are perfect for challenging hikes like Table Rock (5.1 km/3.2 miles roundtrip) before afternoon heat. Locals start early - trailheads fill by 9am on weekends.

Booking Tip: No tours needed - these are self-guided trails. Download AllTrails app for navigation. Arrive by 7am for best wildflower lighting and parking. Peak bloom typically lasts 2-3 weeks in early May depending on winter snowpack.

Boise River Floating Season Launch

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of Boise's floating season. May snowmelt keeps water levels perfect and temperatures manageable - river stays around 12°C (54°F) while air warms to 25°C (77°F). This is when locals do their first float of the year before summer crowds arrive. The 10 km (6 mile) Barber Park to Ann Morrison route takes 2-3 hours.

Booking Tip: Rent tubes or rafts from outfitters near Barber Park - typically ₤25-40 for tube rental including shuttle service. Book weekend rentals 5-7 days ahead during Memorial Day weekend. Bring wet suits for early May - most locals wait until late May when water warms up.

Idaho Botanical Garden Spring Displays

May showcases the garden's spring collection at its absolute peak - tulips, daffodils, and native wildflower meadows create Instagram-worthy displays. The 20-hectare (50-acre) space includes themed gardens perfect for the mild 20°C (68°F) afternoons. This is also when the garden hosts plant sales and spring workshops that locals attend religiously.

Booking Tip: General admission ₤12-15, with discounts for seniors and students. Visit mid-morning after dew clears but before afternoon crowds. Special spring events typically require separate tickets - book through garden website 2-3 weeks ahead as popular workshops sell out.

Snake River Birds of Prey Area Wildlife Viewing

May coincides with nesting season for over 700 raptor pairs - the highest concentration in North America. Golden eagles, prairie falcons, and 15 other species are most active during morning hunting hours. The 312 square km (120 square mile) area is 45 minutes south of Boise, with viewing areas accessible by car. Cool mornings and warm afternoons create ideal thermals for bird activity.

Booking Tip: Free access to viewing areas along Swan Falls Road. Bring binoculars (rentals available at World Center for Birds of Prey ₤10/day). Early morning 7-10am offers best viewing when birds are hunting. Guided tours available through local Audubon chapters - typically ₤30-50 per person.

Local Brewery Patio Season

May weather finally makes Boise's brewery patios comfortable after winter closures. With over 25 local breweries, this is when locals emerge for outdoor drinking season. Temperatures in the low 20s°C (low 70s°F) with low humidity make patio-hopping ideal. Many breweries release spring seasonals featuring local ingredients like huckleberries and honey.

Booking Tip: Most breweries don't take reservations - arrive early evening around 4-5pm for best patio seating. Breweries cluster in downtown, Boise Bench, and Garden City areas within 3 km (2 miles) of each other. Local brewery maps available at visitor centers. Expect ₤6-9 per pint.

Treasure Valley Farmers Market Circuit

May launches outdoor farmers market season across the valley. Capital City Public Market (Saturdays) returns to outdoor format with 150+ vendors, while Meridian (Saturdays) and Eagle (Wednesdays) markets offer different local products. This is asparagus season and when local restaurants feature spring vegetables. Markets run 9am-1pm in comfortable morning temperatures around 18°C (64°F).

Booking Tip: Free admission to all markets. Bring cash - many vendors don't accept cards. Arrive within first hour for best selection of popular items like fresh morel mushrooms (₤30-40 per pound) and asparagus. Park early as lots fill by 10am at popular markets.

May Events & Festivals

Early May

Cinco de Mayo Festival

Boise's largest Latino cultural celebration features live mariachi music, traditional dancing, and authentic Mexican food vendors. Held in Julia Davis Park with free admission, drawing 15,000+ attendees over two days. Local Mexican restaurants showcase specialties not typically available year-round.

Mid May

Boise Music Festival

Three-day outdoor music festival in Memorial Stadium featuring regional and national acts. Tickets typically ₤75-200 depending on acts. May weather makes this one of the few comfortable outdoor music events before summer heat arrives. Local food trucks and craft beer vendors participate.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - pack t-shirts AND fleece jacket for 15°C (27°F) daily temperature swings

Waterproof hiking boots - spring snowmelt makes foothills trails muddy, especially on north-facing slopes

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 6 plus high altitude (820m/2,690ft elevation) increases burn risk

Light rain jacket - May averages 10 rainy days with quick afternoon showers lasting 15-20 minutes

Polarized sunglasses - essential for river activities and bright desert glare off sagebrush landscape

Antihistamine medication - cottonwood pollen season peaks in May, affecting even non-allergic visitors

Comfortable walking shoes - downtown Boise is very walkable but many attractions require 2-3 km (1-2 mile) walks

Insulated water bottle - stay hydrated in dry 45% humidity, plus keeps drinks cool during afternoon heat

Cash for farmers markets - many vendors don't accept cards, especially for purchases under ₤10

Binoculars - wildlife viewing season is at its peak with nesting birds and active mammals

Insider Knowledge

Locals call floating 'the river' and consider Memorial Day weekend the unofficial season opener - book accommodations well ahead for that weekend specifically

Download the Trailforks app before hiking - cell service is spotty in foothills and many trails aren't well-marked beyond the first kilometer

Boise State University students leave by early May - this creates a brief window of lower restaurant prices and less crowded trails before summer tourists arrive

Park at Ann Morrison for downtown activities instead of paying street meters - it's free and connects to the Boise River Greenbelt for easy walking access to Julia Davis Park and downtown

Avoid These Mistakes

Underdressing for morning activities - many visitors pack only summer clothes and get caught in 9°C (48°F) dawn temperatures at popular sunrise hiking spots

Not checking pollen forecasts - cottonwood season can make outdoor activities miserable; local news reports daily pollen counts that locals use to plan activities

Assuming summer float season has started - water is still very cold in early May at 10°C (50°F), and many rental shops don't open until Memorial Day weekend