Things to Do in San Jose in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in San Jose

High Temp

Low Temp

Rainfall

% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Late spring weather brings comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor exploration - mornings are fresh before humidity peaks, making it ideal for tech campus tours and downtown walking before 11am when locals take their coffee breaks
Hotel rates drop 20-30% compared to peak summer months (June-August) - you'll find excellent deals on downtown properties near the convention center, with mid-week stays particularly affordable as business travel slows before summer conferences
Cinco de Mayo celebrations transform the city during the first weekend - San Pedro Square Market becomes the epicenter of authentic festivities with mariachi performances, street vendors, and cultural events that showcase the city's deep Mexican-American heritage
Farmers markets hit their stride with California spring produce - the San Jose Downtown Farmers Market on Fridays features strawberries, artichokes, and early stone fruits at peak freshness, while crowds remain manageable compared to summer tourist season

Considerations

May Gray marine layer can blanket mornings until 11am-1pm - coastal fog rolls in from the Pacific 12-15 days of the month, delaying sunrise warmth and occasionally disrupting early morning outdoor plans, though afternoons typically clear
Tech conference season means downtown hotels can spike in price during specific weeks - major conventions at the McEnery Convention Center (check May 2025 schedule) can push rates up 40-60% and book out properties near San Carlos Street and Market Street
Wildfire season begins in surrounding hills - while fires rarely threaten the city itself, air quality can deteriorate on high wind days, particularly affecting outdoor activities in the Alum Rock Park and Mount Hamilton areas when AQI exceeds 100

Best Activities in May

Silicon Valley Tech Campus Tours

May offers perfect weather for exploring the tech campuses that define San Jose and surrounding Silicon Valley. Morning temperatures in the low 60s°F (15-17°C) are ideal for walking or cycling the sprawling campuses before afternoon warmth. The Computer History Museum runs special exhibitions, and many companies host outdoor events during May as employees enjoy spring weather. The Tech Interactive downtown is less crowded midweek, and you can explore without summer tourist lines. Book morning slots to avoid afternoon heat and capture better photos in softer light.

Booking Tip: Reserve museum tickets 5-7 days ahead online for 10-15% discounts. Self-guided campus tours are free but some companies require advance registration for visitor access. Campus bike rentals typically cost 25-40 USD per day. Visit Tuesday-Thursday for smallest crowds at museums and public spaces.

Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Tasting

The Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, just 24 km (15 miles) west, offers exceptional wine tasting in May before summer crowds arrive. Spring weather brings clear views of the Pacific from mountain wineries, and the vineyards are lush green post-winter rains. Temperatures at elevation stay comfortable - typically 18-22°C (64-72°F) - perfect for outdoor tastings. May is crush preparation season, so you'll see winemakers actively working the vines. The drive up Highway 17 through redwood forests is spectacular with spring foliage.

Booking Tip: Book tasting appointments 7-10 days ahead as many boutique wineries require reservations. Tasting fees range 20-45 USD per person, often waived with purchase. Designate a driver or book transportation services for 80-120 USD for groups. Weekdays see 50% fewer visitors than weekends.

Alum Rock Park Hiking

May is the final month to catch the last of California's spring wildflowers before summer heat browns the hillsides. Alum Rock Park, San Jose's oldest municipal park, offers 21 km (13 miles) of trails through mineral springs and canyon landscapes. Morning hikes (start by 8am) avoid both heat and potential afternoon air quality issues from regional fires. The North Rim Trail provides panoramic valley views, and creek water still flows from winter rains. Temperatures are perfect - 15-24°C (59-75°F) - before June's scorching heat makes midday hiking uncomfortable.

Booking Tip: Park entry is free but parking fills by 10am on weekends. Arrive before 8:30am or after 4pm. No reservations needed. Bring 2-3 liters of water per person as facilities are limited. Trail maps available at visitor center or download offline maps as cell service is spotty. Consider guided nature walks offered by park rangers on Saturday mornings, free with park entry.

Japanese Friendship Garden and Cultural Experiences

Kelley Park's Japanese Friendship Garden reaches peak beauty in May as wisteria blooms and koi are most active in warming water. The 2.4-hectare (6-acre) garden offers peaceful walking paths, traditional tea ceremonies on weekends, and photography opportunities without summer's harsh shadows. May's moderate humidity keeps the garden lush, and morning visits (9-11am) provide the best light. The adjacent History Park San Jose features 32 historic buildings and offers a cool retreat if afternoon temperatures climb.

Booking Tip: Garden admission is 8-10 USD for adults, free for children under 5. Tea ceremony experiences cost 15-25 USD and require advance booking through the park website, typically 2-3 weeks ahead for May weekends. Visit Tuesday or Wednesday for near-private experiences. Combined tickets with History Park save 3-5 USD. Parking is 6 USD or free on weekdays before 10am.

Santana Row and Willow Glen Shopping Districts

May weather is perfect for exploring San Jose's premier outdoor shopping districts. Santana Row offers European-style boulevards with 70+ shops, restaurants, and weekly live music events on warm May evenings. The outdoor layout is comfortable before summer heat, and spring collections are fully stocked. Willow Glen's Lincoln Avenue features independent boutiques, cafes, and the weekly Farmers Market on Saturdays. Evening temperatures (17-20°C or 63-68°F) make outdoor dining particularly pleasant, and you'll avoid the oppressive heat of July-August.

Booking Tip: No reservations needed for shopping, but popular restaurants book up for weekend dinners - reserve 3-5 days ahead. Valet parking at Santana Row costs 10 USD for first 2 hours or use the free garage on Olsen Drive with validation. Willow Glen street parking is free but competitive on Saturday mornings during the farmers market (8am-noon). Visit Monday-Thursday afternoons for best selection and smallest crowds.

SAP Center Events and Downtown Nightlife

May typically sees the end of NHL playoffs if the Sharks advance, creating electric downtown energy. Even without hockey, the SAP Center hosts concerts and events that energize the surrounding SoFA District. San Pedro Square Market offers outdoor dining and live music most evenings, with May weather perfect for the open-air layout. Temperatures stay comfortable until 10pm (15-18°C or 59-64°F), and the craft brewery scene along San Salvador Street comes alive. The downtown scene is active but not overcrowded like summer months.

Booking Tip: Check SAP Center schedule for May 2025 events and book tickets 2-4 weeks ahead for best selection. Event parking costs 20-30 USD; arrive 90 minutes early or use VTA light rail (4 USD day pass) from any station. San Pedro Square has free entry but individual vendor prices vary (meals 12-25 USD). Brewery tours cost 15-20 USD and often include tastings. Weekend evenings see biggest crowds; Tuesday-Thursday offer more relaxed atmosphere.

May Events & Festivals

First weekend of May (typically May 3-4, 2025)

Cinco de Mayo Festival

San Jose's Cinco de Mayo celebration, one of the largest in Northern California, typically takes over downtown during the first weekend of May. Expect mariachi bands, folkloric dancers, 100+ food vendors serving authentic Mexican cuisine, and cultural exhibitions throughout San Pedro Square and Plaza de Cesar Chavez. The festival showcases San Jose's significant Mexican-American community with traditional music, lowrider car shows, and artisan markets. Attendance reaches 200,000+ over the weekend, creating vibrant energy but also significant crowds and downtown parking challenges.

Mid to Late May (verify 2025 dates as event sometimes moves to other months)

Silicon Valley Comic Con

If scheduled for May 2025 (dates vary annually - verify before planning), this convention brings pop culture, gaming, and tech together at the San Jose Convention Center. Features celebrity guests, cosplay competitions, gaming tournaments, and exhibits blending Silicon Valley innovation with entertainment culture. Draws 50,000+ attendees when held, significantly impacting downtown hotel availability and restaurant wait times. The event creates unique photo opportunities and networking for tech and entertainment enthusiasts.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight layering pieces - mornings start at 12-15°C (54-59°F) with marine fog, afternoons reach 24-27°C (75-81°F). Pack a light cardigan or zip fleece you can tie around your waist by 11am when fog burns off

SPF 50+ broad spectrum sunscreen - UV index hits 8 on clear afternoons, and California sun is deceptively strong even through May Gray clouds. Reapply every 2 hours during outdoor activities

Comfortable walking shoes with arch support - San Jose is a sprawling city requiring significant walking between attractions, and downtown features uneven sidewalks around older buildings. Break in shoes before your trip

Light rain jacket or packable windbreaker - while rainfall is minimal (typically 2-3 brief showers total), marine layer creates cool morning dampness and occasional drizzle. A water-resistant layer doubles as wind protection for evening walks

Sunglasses and hat with brim - essential for afternoon glare, especially when driving or hiking. The low humidity means sun feels more intense than expected for May

Reusable water bottle (750-1000 ml or 25-34 oz capacity) - staying hydrated is critical even in moderate temperatures, and San Jose has refill stations throughout downtown. Tap water quality is excellent

Business casual outfit - if you plan to visit tech campuses or attend any professional events, San Jose leans more polished than typical tourist destinations. Many restaurants downtown have smart-casual dress expectations

Light backpack or crossbody bag - you'll accumulate farmers market finds, need layers as temperature shifts, and want hands-free convenience for walking tours. Avoid large tourist backpacks that mark you as a target

Portable phone charger - heavy GPS use exploring the sprawling city drains batteries quickly, and you'll want camera power for Silicon Valley landmarks and scenic mountain drives

Cash in small bills - while San Jose is largely cashless, farmers markets, food trucks, and some parking meters still prefer cash. Keep 40-60 USD in 5s and 10s for convenience

Insider Knowledge

The VTA light rail system is your secret weapon for avoiding downtown parking nightmares - a day pass costs just 7 USD and connects San Jose International Airport, downtown, Santana Row, and major attractions. Locals use it extensively during events, and trains run every 15 minutes during peak hours. Download the VTA app for real-time tracking.

San Jose State University students leave for summer break in mid-May, freeing up street parking around campus and reducing crowds at coffee shops and casual restaurants in the downtown core. The week after May 15th typically sees a noticeable drop in foot traffic and easier dining reservations.

Air quality apps are essential in May - download PurpleAir or AirNow to check real-time conditions before heading to hillside parks. When AQI exceeds 100 (happens 3-5 days in typical May), locals shift outdoor plans to morning hours or postpone hikes. Indoor alternatives like museums and shopping districts become preferred activities on poor air days.

The San Jose Earthquakes MLS soccer team plays home games at PayPal Park (capacity 18,000) throughout May, offering an authentic local sports experience that tourists often overlook. Tickets cost 30-75 USD, atmosphere is family-friendly, and the stadium is easily accessible via Caltrain. Games draw passionate crowds but never sell out like 49ers or Warriors games, making last-minute attendance easy.