(Updated for 2024) Spring is a glorious time to be here in Northern California. Just being outdoors is one of the best things to do in Northern California in May! The wildflowers are still in bloom, and the weather is nice — no rain anymore, warm days without the 100-degree temperatures that will come this summer. But with college getting out in the third week of May, you can expect places to start to get more crowded, Here are my suggestions of what to do in Northern California in May of this year:
Check out all my California Travel Tips or these articles:
- Favorite Things to Do in Northern CA
- What to do in Napa Valley
- What to do in the Monterey Bay area
- What to do in Lake Tahoe
- What to do in San Francisco
- What to do in Sacramento
- What to do in Sonoma County
- What to do in Mendocino County
- What to do in Lodi
- Free things to do in Northern California
What is the weather like in May in Northern California?
May is one of the best times to travel in Northern California. The summer heat is not here yet, but the spring rain and storms have usually subsided. All this year’s spring rain will leave lots of wildflowers on the coast and inland, and even some snow in the mountains in May.
Expect mostly sunny skies and mild temperatures on the coast, warm temperatures inland, and cold nights in the mountains.
Is Northern California crowded in May?
In most places, no. This is an excellent time of year to get out! Try some of the great outdoor activities: one of the many beautiful hiking trails, a beach day in Half Moon Bay, or a walking tour of the murals in Midtown Sacramento. Wildflowers are usually still in bloom (except in the mountains, where blooms come later). This is also an excellent time to visit the wine country — warm sunny days without the crowds of summer.
Best Things to Do in Northern California in May
Foothills Brewfest
The Foothills Brewfest showcases the region’s best beers all in one place. The entry fee covers unlimited 4 oz. beer tastings, a souvenir tasting glass (while supplies last), and live music. Food trucks will be on site. Best of all, proceeds benefit the local Rotary Club of Auburn. Note: 21 and over only.
Where: Gold Country Fairgrounds, Auburn
When: Saturday, May 4, 2024 1:00-5:00
Cost: advance purchase is $45, day of the event is $60
Boonville Beer Festival, Mendocino County
Definitely an event for craft beer lovers! Countless breweries will be pouring their craft beers at this outdoor festival. This festival is not just about beer, though — you can enjoy live music, local food, and artisan wares. No kids or dogs. All proceeds are donated to local charity! More info here.
Where: Mendocino County Fairgrounds, 14400 Hwy 128, Boonville
When: Saturday, May 4 1:00-6:00
Cost: $50 in advance, all tickets purchased online
Camping at Lassen National Park
Camping at Lassen National Park is a magical experience. If you move quickly, you can get some of the first camping spots for the summer at Lassen National Park.
While most of the park’s campgrounds open in June, Manzanita Lake Campground opens in late May. Visiting Lassen is an excellent opportunity to experience geology of volcanoes and sulphur pits but in a much less crowded place than parks like Yellowstone. My family and I highly recommend the Cinder Cone Hike.
Where: Manzanita Lake Campground at Lassen National Park
When: availability starting in late May
Cost: $15-26 per night
Bottlerock Napa
One of the country’s largest music festivals, Bottlerock Napa is held in the heart of wine country. More than 80 bands will play on five music stages over three days. This year’s headliners are Pearl Jam, Stevie Nicks, Ed Sheeran, Queens of the Stone Age, Norah Jones, and many more, plus gourmet food vendors from the region’s most celebrated restaurants and a culinary stage with special guests. VIP experiences also available.
Where: Napa
When: May 24-26, 2024
Cost: 3-day tickets are sold out. 1-day tickets are still available for $233.
Events at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia, Napa
Each month, CIA at Copia (the Culinary Institute of America’s branch in downtown Napa) offers lots of events that any food or drink lover would enjoy. From family-friendly cooking classes to events that showcase specific types of wine, there’s something for everyone. Check the schedule here. On May 5, learn about the new cheeses that are being made in California in “California Cheeses and the Wines that Love Them.”
Where: CIA at Copia, 500 1st Street in Napa (the beautiful building next to Oxbow Public Market)
When: on-going dates
Cost: Each event is priced and ticketed separately.
Wildflower hikes
One of my favorite things to do in Northern California in May! This hike is a stunner. Just get there early if you go on the weekend, and try to visit early in May to see plenty of wildflowers.
Where: various locations in the Bay Area and wine country and, for the best flowers, at Table Mountain near Oroville
When: now through May
Cost: Free or $5-10 for park entrance
Note the bloom at Roosmoor Bar in the American River Parkway in Sacramento below.
In May, flowers are still blooming in only some locations, so you may want to check on the status of flowers before heading out.
Cost: Free or $5-10 for park entrance
What tips do you have for the best things to do in Northern California in May?
Beautiful and interesting place!