Things to Do in Virginia Beach in May

May Weather in Virginia Beach

26°C (79°F) High Temp

18°C (65°F) Low Temp

86 mm (3.4 inches) Rainfall

72% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect swimming weather - ocean temperature reaches 19°C (66°F), comfortable for extended beach time without the summer crowds
Shoulder season pricing - hotel rates average 35-40% lower than peak summer, with flight deals from major East Coast cities under $200
Ideal festival weather - May hosts the Something in the Water music festival with comfortable temperatures for all-day outdoor events
Extended daylight hours - sunset around 7:45pm gives you extra beach time, with pleasant evening temperatures around 21°C (70°F) for boardwalk walks

Considerations

Unpredictable spring weather - you might encounter 2-3 days of cooler temperatures around 16°C (61°F) that make beach activities less appealing
Weekend crowds from nearby cities - Friday-Sunday sees heavy traffic from DC, Richmond, and Norfolk adding 45-60 minutes to typical drive times
Some seasonal businesses still closed - about 20% of boardwalk vendors and beach equipment rentals don't open until Memorial Day weekend

Best Activities in May

First Landing State Park Nature Trails

May offers perfect hiking weather with blooming dogwood and wildflowers throughout the park's 32 km (20 miles) of trails. Temperatures stay comfortable for the 3-4 hour Bald Cypress Trail loop, and spring migration brings peak bird watching opportunities. The park's beaches are less crowded than the main resort area.

Booking Tip: Park entry costs $5-7 per vehicle. Rent bikes on-site for $25-35 per day to cover more ground. Best visited weekday mornings to avoid weekend crowds. See current guided tour options in the booking section below.

Virginia Beach Boardwalk Cycling

The 4.8 km (3-mile) concrete boardwalk is perfect for cycling in May's mild weather. Early morning rides around 7-8am offer cool temperatures around 18°C (65°F) and minimal foot traffic. The separate bike lane eliminates summer congestion issues.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals typically cost $20-30 per day or $8-12 per hour. Book online 2-3 days ahead for holiday weekends. Multiple rental locations along the boardwalk offer similar pricing and equipment quality.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Tours

May's clear weather and calm bay conditions make this engineering marvel tour spectacular. The 37 km (23-mile) drive offers unobstructed views, and spring weather means comfortable temperatures for the observation areas and fishing pier stops.

Booking Tip: Self-drive tours cost $15 toll each way. Organized tours typically run $45-65 per person and include stops at the fishing pier and visitor center. Book guided options 5-7 days ahead for weekend availability.

Norfolk Botanical Garden Excursions

Just 30 minutes from Virginia Beach, May showcases the garden's 67 hectares (165 acres) at peak spring bloom. Azaleas, roses, and native Virginia wildflowers create perfect photography conditions. Comfortable walking temperatures and lower humidity than summer months.

Booking Tip: Garden admission runs $12-18 per adult. Tram tours cost an additional $8-10 and are recommended to cover the full grounds. Purchase tickets online for $2 discounts. Peak bloom tours book 1-2 weeks ahead.

Kayak Tours of Back Bay Wildlife Refuge

May offers ideal paddling conditions with calm waters and active wildlife. Water temperatures reach 19°C (66°F), comfortable for potential swimming. Spring migration means excellent bird watching opportunities across 3,600 hectares (9,000 acres) of protected wetlands.

Booking Tip: Guided tours typically cost $55-75 per person for 3-4 hour experiences. Single kayak rentals run $35-45 per day. Book 7-10 days ahead for weekends. Licensed operators provide all equipment and safety gear.

Historic Cape Henry Lighthouse Climbing

May's moderate temperatures make the 191-step climb to the top comfortable without summer heat exhaustion risks. Clear spring weather provides excellent views of the Chesapeake Bay entrance and Atlantic Ocean meeting point. Built in 1792, it's a perfect indoor/outdoor combination activity.

Booking Tip: Admission costs $8-10 for adults. Open 10am-5pm most days. Allow 45-60 minutes for the full experience including museum exhibits. No advance booking required except for large groups of 10+.

May Events & Festivals

Late May (typically Memorial Day weekend)

Something in the Water Music Festival

Multi-day beachfront music festival featuring hip-hop, R&B, and pop artists on multiple stages. Perfect May weather allows comfortable all-day outdoor attendance. Features both emerging and established artists with Virginia Beach's oceanfront as the backdrop.

Mid May

Virginia Beach Neptune Festival Spring Events

Pre-summer celebration featuring local art shows, food vendors, and family activities along the boardwalk. Showcases local Virginia Beach culture with craft demonstrations and regional food specialties.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight fleece or cardigan - evening temperatures drop to 18°C (65°F) making beach bonfires and boardwalk walks chilly

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and ocean reflection intensifies exposure during beach activities

Light rain jacket or windbreaker - spring showers occur 8 days per month and ocean breezes can feel cool when wet

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - boardwalk can be slippery when wet, and you'll average 8-10 km (5-6 miles) walking daily

Layers for temperature swings - daily range of 8°C (14°F) means morning beach walks require different clothing than afternoon sun

Waterproof phone case - beach activities and potential rain make protection essential for photos and navigation

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - 72% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable during active sightseeing

Insect repellent for nature activities - spring hatching in wetland areas like Back Bay means mosquitoes during hiking

Reusable water bottle - staying hydrated is crucial with increased UV exposure and moderate humidity levels

Cash for parking meters - many beach access points and attractions still require coins or small bills for $3-8 daily parking

Insider Knowledge

Visit Chick's Beach area (officially Chesapeake Bay Beach) on windy days - it's protected from Atlantic storms and offers calmer water for families with young children

The 31st Street area has free parking and beach access that locals use to avoid the paid municipal lots closer to the resort strip - saves $10-15 daily

Oceanfront restaurants offer 'locals menus' with $8-12 lunch specials weekdays before 3pm - ask servers about off-menu pricing for better value than tourist menus

Use the free Wave trolley system that runs every 30 minutes along the resort strip - parking downtown costs $2-4 per hour, while the trolley is completely free

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating cool mornings - tourists pack only summer clothes and end up purchasing overpriced sweatshirts on the boardwalk for $35-40

Booking ocean-view restaurants during spring storm systems - May weather can change quickly, making expensive oceanfront dining less appealing when views are obscured

Assuming all beach equipment rentals are open - about 20% don't start operations until Memorial Day, leaving tourists unable to rent umbrellas, chairs, or boogie boards