Visiting Newfoundland
in May
May is the best month for icebergs, low crowds, and lower prices. Here is exactly what to expect and what to do.
May is one of the most rewarding months to visit Newfoundland peak iceberg season, low crowds, lower accommodation prices, and long days with up to 15-16 hours of daylight. The main trade-offs are cooler temperatures (10-15°C days) and some visitor services not yet at full summer schedule.
What Is Happening in May
| Experience | May Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Iceberg viewing | Peak season | May is the best single month for icebergs province-wide |
| Humpback whale watching | Beginning | Minkes present; humpbacks arriving late May |
| Puffins | Just arriving | Elliston colony arriving late May; Bay Bulls tours starting |
| Gros Morne hiking | Open excellent conditions | Western Brook Pond boat tours begin mid-June |
| Cape St. Mary’s gannets | Active | Excellent late May breeding season underway |
| Ferryland Lighthouse Picnic | Open | Check opening date for current year |
| Crowds | Very low | Best value month for accommodation |
May typically delivers the highest iceberg density of any month in Newfoundland. Twillingate, Bonavista, St. Anthony, and the entire Iceberg Alley coastline have the best concentration of large bergs from Greenland that have drifted south on the Labrador Current. Check IcebergFinder.com before your visit.
What to Pack for Newfoundland in May
May is cooler than summer. Pack: waterproof and windproof outer jacket (essential), warm mid-layer fleece or down, hat and gloves (used daily in May), moisture-wicking base layers, and waterproof hiking footwear. Daylight extends to approximately 8:30-9pm by late May.
? Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a May Newfoundland Trip?
Book rental car and accommodation ahead even in May, Twillingate and Rocky Harbour can book out.
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