Things to Do in Montpelier in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Montpelier
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Late spring conditions mean Montpelier is absolutely gorgeous - the trees along State Street are fully leafed out, North Branch Park is green and lush, and you can actually enjoy outdoor dining without freezing. Daytime temps around 19°C (66°F) are perfect for walking the city without overheating.
- Student exodus after graduation in mid-May means you'll find better availability and lower prices at hotels and restaurants. The city breathes a bit easier once the academic year wraps up, and locals reclaim their favorite spots. Book after May 15th for the best deals.
- Farmers markets are just hitting their stride - the Capitol City Farmers Market opens for the season in early May, and you'll catch the first local asparagus, rhubarb, and spring greens. It's actually when Vermont's food scene starts to wake up after a long winter.
- Trail conditions are finally reliable - the mud season that plagues April is mostly done, so hiking trails around Hubbard Park and nearby Camel's Hump are accessible without postholing through ankle-deep muck. You'll want to check conditions for higher elevation trails, but most local paths are good to go.
Considerations
- May weather in Vermont is genuinely unpredictable - you might get 24°C (75°F) and sunny one day, then 10°C (50°F) with drizzle the next. Those 10 rainy days are spread randomly throughout the month, so you can't really plan around them. Pack layers and accept that you'll probably use them all.
- Black fly season typically peaks in late May, and these tiny biting insects are no joke if you're hiking in wooded areas or near water. They're less of an issue in the downtown core, but venture into Hubbard Park or any trail and you'll understand why locals call it Vermont's unofficial state bird. Bring bug spray with DEET.
- It's shoulder season for a reason - some tourist-oriented businesses haven't fully ramped up yet, and a few restaurants that cater to leaf-peepers and skiers might have reduced hours or be closed for maintenance. Always call ahead if you're making a special trip somewhere outside downtown.
Best Activities in May
Hubbard Park hiking and tower climbing
May is actually the sweet spot for Hubbard Park's 7 miles (11 km) of trails - mud season is over, but summer heat and humidity haven't arrived yet. The climb to the stone observation tower (elevation gain about 150 m or 492 ft) is much more pleasant in 19°C (66°F) weather than July's heat. Late May brings black flies, so either go early in the month or bring serious bug protection. The tower offers 360-degree views of the city and surrounding Green Mountains, and you'll likely have the trails mostly to yourself on weekdays.
Capitol building and State House tours
Vermont's State House is one of the best-preserved state capitols in the country, and May means the legislative session has ended so tours are more readily available without dodging actual government business. The building's gold dome is iconic, and the interior features Vermont marble and local artwork. Worth noting that spring weather makes the walk around the capitol grounds particularly nice - the flower beds are planted but not yet trampled by peak summer crowds.
Capitol City Farmers Market browsing and local food sampling
The market opens for the season in early May (typically first Saturday) and runs every Saturday morning through October. Early season means you're getting actual spring produce - rhubarb, asparagus, early greens, maple syrup from the recent sugaring season, and local cheeses. It's smaller than peak summer markets but less crowded, and vendors actually have time to chat. The market sets up in front of the State House, so combine it with a capitol visit.
Craft brewery tours and tastings
Montpelier and the surrounding area have developed a solid craft beer scene, and May is a good time to visit because you're not competing with peak tourist season crowds. Three Penny Taproom downtown is a local institution, and several breweries within a 15-30 minute drive offer tours and tastings. Spring releases often feature lighter styles perfect for warming weather. The beer culture here is unpretentious and genuinely local-focused.
Winooski River bike path riding
The Montpelier section of the Cross Vermont Trail follows the Winooski River and offers flat, easy riding through mixed scenery - riverbanks, old industrial sites, and wooded sections. May weather is ideal for cycling - not too hot, and the path has usually dried out from spring runoff. The trail connects to longer routes if you're ambitious, but even a casual 10 km (6 mile) out-and-back makes for a pleasant afternoon. Watch for occasional muddy spots after rain.
Lost Nation Theater performances
This professional theater company operates in Montpelier's City Hall Arts Center and typically runs shows through May before their summer break. Productions lean toward contemporary plays and classics with a regional twist. The 150-seat theater is intimate enough that there really aren't bad seats, and the quality is surprisingly high for a small city. Check their current season as May usually catches the tail end of their spring run.
May Events & Festivals
Green Mountain Film Festival
This annual independent film festival typically runs for about a week in late March or early April, so it won't be happening during your May visit. Worth mentioning because if you search for Montpelier events, you'll see it prominently, but don't plan your May trip around it.
Vermont City Marathon Weekend
Burlington hosts this major marathon on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, and while it's not in Montpelier, it's only 38 miles (61 km) away and affects the entire region. If you're visiting Memorial Day weekend, expect fuller hotels across central Vermont and book well ahead. Some Montpelier residents participate or volunteer, giving the capital a slightly quieter feel that weekend.