Planning a trip the US National Parks in May but unsure which are the best ones to visit? I’ve got you covered! May is one of the best times to visit the national parks for a variety of reasons.
May in the national parks means spring is in the air, wildlife is on the move, snow is beginning to melt, temperatures are normalizing across the US, AND it’s still shoulder season which means less crowds.
The list of best national parks to visit in May is significantly longer than earlier months which gives you some great options. In this May national parks guide guide we’ll cover the best national parks to visit plus a couple you’ll want to avoid.
Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!
Best National Parks to Visit by Month Series
We started this series of best national parks to visit by month to give folks the best idea of how to time their national parks trips. Every national park is mentioned at least once in this series so that you know when to visit each and every park (no park is left behind!). We even cover nearby national monuments and forests to consider as well.
Additionally, we cover the national parks you’ll want to avoid each month for a variety of reasons including temperature, crowd sizes, closures, insects, and more.
Something to note is that some national parks are mentioned multiple times while others are only mentioned once.
If you’re interested in other times of the year as well be sure to check out our Best National Parks by Season Guide which has helpful graphics and charts to help you determine which time of year is best to visit a given national park.
We also have more best national parks by month articles linked at the bottom of each page including the nearest months.
Why Trust Us About National Parks in May
You should probably know that we didn’t just make this list up out of thin air. We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.
We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, USDA, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues.
Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.
The Parks Brothers
We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.
Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.
Best National Parks in May
Top 15 Best National Parks to Visit in May
15. Big Bend National Park
- Location: Texas
- Weather: The average high is 81° (27° C) while the average low is 58° (14° C) with 3 days of precipitation.
- Sunrise & Sunset Times: Average sunrise is 7:01 and sunset is 8:38.
- Crowds: Low
- Resources: Map | Guidebook | Where to Stay
About Big Bend National Park in May
Big Bend is an ideal national park in May with warm days into the low 80s, cool nights in the high 50s, and abundant sunshine. On top of that crowd sizes are down.
Big Bend is the greater of the two Texas parks both in size and scenery. Incredible vistas and solitude are available here. This park’s proximity to the Mexican border (right on it) means it gets awfully hot in Spring and Summer with temperatures often climbing into the triple digits.
Best Things to Do at this National Park in May
Floating the Rio Grande through Santa Elena Canyon should be on every national park lovers list. Beyond that we recommend cruising the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, and hiking the Lost Mine Trail & Window Trail.
14. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Location: Tennessee & North Carolina
- Weather: The average high is 71° (22° C) while the average low is 45° (7° C) with 11 days of precipitation.
- Sunrise & Sunset Times: Average sunrise is 5:16 and sunset is 7:15.
- Crowds: Medium
- Resources: Map / Guidebook / MTJP Guide / Things to Do / Where to Stay
About Great Smoky Mountains National Park in May
May is a great time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains as flame azaleas are blooming and wildlife is on the move. Temperatures are on the rise up over 70°F making for really pleasant days and nights still touching into the 40s. The only thing to watch out for are spring showers which are fairly frequent during May.
Summer crowds have also not hit yet which means more of the park for you to enjoy!
One of the best national parks in America and the crown jewel of the eastern U.S. parks, Great Smoky Mountains National Park protects a vast swath of the immense beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.
Best Things to Do at this National Park in May
Drive through Cades Cove & the Roaring Forks Motor Nature Trail. Hike to the top of Clingmans Dome for epic panoramic views. Go camping at Elkmont Campground.
13. Petrified Forest National Park
- Location: Arizona
- Weather: The average high is 79° (26° C) while the average low is 45° (7° C) with 2 days of precipitation.
- Sunrise & Sunset Times: Average sunrise is 6:29 and sunset is 8:31.
- Crowds: Low
- Resources: Guidebook | Where to Stay
About Petrified Forest National Park in May
May is the best time of year to visit Petrified Forest National Park with high temperatures reaching up to the high 70s and lows still cooling off back into the 40s each day. Crowd sizes are still relatively minimal during May as well.
Upon arriving to Petrified Forest National Park for the first time we were dazzled by blue mesas, striped hills, warm winds, distant storms, rainbows, petroglyphs, and the most beautiful collection of rocks (petrified wood – leave it there) we have ever seen. Oh and no crowds!
Best Things to Do at this National Park in May
See the stunning Painted Desert at sunset, explore Blue Mesa, see the incredible petroglyphs at Newspaper Rock, hike into the Crystal Forest.
12. Bryce Canyon National Park
- Location: Utah
- Weather: The average high is 62° (26° C) while the average low is 32° (0° C) with 3 days of precipitation.
- Sunrise & Sunset Times: Average sunrise is 6:19 and sunset is 8:30.
- Crowds: Medium
About Bryce Canyon National Park in May
While still a bit on the chilly side, May is a great time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park. As far as the mighty 5 Utah national parks go, Bryce Canyon clocks in at number 5 on the list. I’ll be the first to say that the Wall Street trail in Bryce Canyon is among the most beautiful I’ve hiked in the parks system.
Best Things to Do at this National Park in May
Hike the epic Navajo Loop Trail and see the incredible Wall Street section. Catch a sunrise at Inspiration Point.
11. Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Location: Colorado
- Weather: The average high is 67° (19° C) while the average low is 38° (3° C) with 4 days of precipitation.
- Sunrise & Sunset Times: Average sunrise is 5:21 and sunset is 8:45.
- Crowds: Low
- Resources: Map / Guidebook
About Great Sand Dunes National Park in May
While still a bit on the chillier side (especially at night) May is one of the best times of year to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Imagine the Sahara Desert with a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains – you’re looking at one of the most underrated national parks in America, Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Great Sand Dunes is a spectacular park located in southern Colorado that features some of the most breathtaking and unique scenery anywhere in the world.
Best Things to Do at this National Park in May
Hike to the top of Star Dune. Camp out in the epic dunes backcountry. Go sand-boarding on the dunes!
10. Zion National Park
- Location: Utah
- Weather: The average high is 77° (25° C) while the average low is 45° (7° C) with 4 days of precipitation.
- Sunrise & Sunset Times: Average sunrise is 6:14 and sunset is 8:45.
- Crowds: Medium
- Resources: Guide / Things to Do / Hikes / Map / Guidebook / Where to Stay
About Zion National Park in May
May is one of the best times to visit Zion National Park as high temperatures are up into the mid 70s and crowds have not yet reached fever pitch.
Zion is one of the most visited national parks in America with millions of people cramming into the small canyon each year. Avoiding peak summer season has become an absolute must which is why May is a great time to visit.
Best Things to Do at this National Park in May
Hike the Narrows & Angels Landing. Explore Kolob Terrace and watch a sunset from Lava Point. See the incredible Kolob Canyon region.
9. Canyonlands National Park
- Location: Utah
- Weather: The average high is 78° (26° C) while the average low is 46° (7° C) with 4 days of precipitation.
- Sunrise & Sunset Times: Average sunrise is 6:09 and sunset is 8:22.
- Crowds: Low
- Resources: Map | Guidebook | Where to Stay
About Canyonlands National Park in May
May is the perfect time to visit Canyonlands National Park as temperatures are still manageable and crowds are down.
Canyonlands is one of the parks that has views that one can seemingly gaze upon for days without losing interest or truly comprehending the vastness of the landscape.
Mesa Arch here represents one of the most photographed sunrises in all of the national park system and Green River overlook one of the most dazzling sunsets.
Best Things to Do at this National Park in May
See sunrise at Mesa Arch. Hike to Upheaval Dome. Drive the epic 4WD Shafer Road.
8. Arches National Park
- Location: Utah
- Weather: The average high is 78° (26° C) while the average low is 46° (7° C) with 4 days of precipitation.
- Sunrise & Sunset Times: Average sunrise is 6:09 and sunset is 8:22.
- Crowds: Medium
- Resources: Things to Do / Map / Guidebook / Where to Stay
About Arches National Park in May
Arches National Park is perhaps the most interactive of all the Utah parks filled with scenery that brings out the child in all of us.
Sandstone hallways and tunnels, rocks to climb on and over, sandy trails perfect for sandals or even bare feet at times, and red rock vistas that make for an unforgettable experience.
Best Things to Do at this National Park in May
Hike to the world famous Delicate Arch. Hike the Devil’s Garden Trail. See Landscape Arch.
7. Badlands National Park
- Location: South Dakota
- Weather: The average high is 66° (19° C) while the average low is 45° (6° C) with 4 days of precipitation.
- Sunrise & Sunset Times: Average sunrise is 5:24 and sunset is 8:08.
- Crowds: Low
- Resources: Map / Guidebook / Guide / Things to Do / Where to Stay
About Badlands National Park in May
Here’s a true national park lovers national park. Seemingly in the middle of nowhere in the vastness of South Dakota’s Northern Great Plains you’ll stumble upon this beautiful national park.
Upon entering you’ll be greeted by towns of playful prairie dogs before seeing scores of the grand emblem of the American west roaming the park freely (that’s bison).
While the park is still a bit chilly at the beginning of the month in the 60s it’s closer to the 70s by the end of May.
Best Things to Do at this National Park in May
Hike the famous Notch Trail & Castle Trail. See a sunrise from Big Badlands Overlook. Watch the bison roam & bighorn sheep graze.
6. Joshua Tree National Park
- Location: California
- Weather: The average high is 86° (30° C) while the average low is 55° (13° C) with 0 days of precipitation.
- Sunrise & Sunset Times: Average sunrise is 5:42 and sunset is 7:38.
- Crowds: Medium
- Resources: Guide / Hikes / Map / Guidebook / Where to Stay
About Joshua Tree National Park in May
Joshua Tree National Park is a world famous American destination known for it’s wacky namesake, the Joshua Tree. It’s the iconic southwestern desert park that you’ve heard so much about and probably seen featured in countless movies, television shows, and yes, of course music videos.
Watercolor sunsets and night skies teeming with stars, fairy tale trees and giant boulder piles, warm desert air and endless vistas, these are the hallmarks of this iconic southwestern destination.
Best Things to Do at this National Park in May
Hike the Mastadon Peak & Wall Street Mill Trails. Explore the endless Joshua Tree forests. Catch a glimpse of the elusive bighorn sheep.
5. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Location: Ohio
- Weather: The average high is 70° (21° C) while the average low is 59° (15° C) with 10 days of precipitation.
- Sunrise & Sunset Times: Average sunrise is 6:10 and sunset is 8:38.
- Crowds: Medium
- Resources: Guidebook
About Cuyahoga Valley National Park in May
Cuyahoga Valley is a great place to spend a day and soak in the natural beauty of Ohio. Its location near Cleveland makes it an easy stop for any park-lover to add on their trip to the city.
May is a great time to visit as temperatures are on the rise and trees are fully leafing out. The only drawback is May sees about 10 days of precipitation in the park.
Best Things to Do at this National Park in May
Hike the Ledges Trail & Brandywine Gorge Loop to the falls.
4. Mesa Verde National Park
- Location: Colorado
- Weather: The average high is 67° (19° C) while the average low is 39° (4° C) with 4 days of precipitation.
- Sunrise & Sunset Times: Average sunrise is 6:05 and sunset is 8:15.
- Crowds: Low
- Resources: Map | Where to Stay
About Mesa Verde National Park in May
Known for the cliff dwellings it protects, Mesa Verde is a budding archaeologists’ dream national park. Ancient pueblo dwellings and ruins are beautifully preserved in this remote desert park.
Located in the southwest corner of Colorado this park is out there but totally worth a trip if you’re in the area.
May is a great time to visit Mesa Verde before the summer crowds swarm in and temperatures are warm enough.
Best Things to Do at this National Park in May
Go on a ranger guided tour the incredible Cliff Palace.
3. Grand Canyon National Park
- Location: Arizona
- Weather: The average high is 93° (34° C) while the average low is 63° (17° C) with 1 days of precipitation.
- Sunrise & Sunset Times: Average sunrise is 5:22 and sunset is 7:27.
- Crowds: Medium
- Resources: Map / Guidebook / Hikes / Where to Stay
About Grand Canyon National Park in May
In the words of Theodor Roosevelt:
“In the Grand Canyon, Arizona has a natural wonder which is in kind absolutely unparalleled throughout the rest of the world. I want to ask you to keep this great wonder of nature as it now is.
I hope you will not have a building of any kind, not a summer cottage, a hotel or anything else, to mar the wonderful grandeur, the sublimity, the great loneliness and beauty of the canyon.
Leave it as it is. You cannot improve on it. The ages have been at work on it, and man can only mar it.“
May is an excellent time to visit the Grand Canyon as crowd sizes are not yet their insane summer peaks, and temperatures are getting into the hot zone but still somewhat tolerable.
Best Things to Do at this National Park in May
Visit the overlooked north rim & Point Royal. Hike down into the canyon (but not too far unless you’re fully prepared) on the Bright Angel Trail.
2. Yellowstone National Park
- Location: Wyoming
- Weather: The average high is 52° (11° C) while the average low is 25° (-4° C) with 9 days of precipitation.
- Sunrise & Sunset Times: Average sunrise is 5:50 and sunset is 8:40.
- Crowds: Medium
- Resources: Map / Guidebook / Things to Do / Facts / Airports / Where to Stay
About Yellowstone National Park in May
Yellowstone is an absolutely spectacular and magical national park. A landscape dotted with otherworldly thermal works, bison holdouts from a time when they ruled the prairie, a thriving wolf population, and an encapsulation of the great American west.
The temperatures in Yellowstone in May are actually somewhat chilly with highs in the low 50s. The tradeoff is simple – the crowds. May is still a great time to visit Yellowstone because the impossible crowds of summer have not yet materialized. Beyond that, things are starting to come to life again, with new bison calves, and spring leaves.
Best Things to Do at this National Park in May
See Grand Prismatic & Yellowstone Falls. Explore the Lamar Valley where the wolves still roam free. Watch for bison and bear cubs.
1. Yosemite National Park
- Location: California
- Weather: The average high is 73° (23° C) while the average low is 44° (7° C) with 9 days of precipitation.
- Sunrise & Sunset Times: Average sunrise is 5:48 and sunset is 8:01.
- Crowds: Medium
- Resources: Map / Guidebook / Facts / Where to Stay
About Yosemite National Park in May
The absolute best time to visit John Muir’s “grandest temple” is in May. During this time of year, temperatures have warmed up enough, waterfalls are bursting at the seams, and the crowds are non-existent. What’s not to love?
Best Things to Do at this National Park in May
See the epic viewpoint at Tunnel View. Explore Yosemite Valley. See the Mariposa Grove of ancient sequoias.
2 National Parks to Avoid in May
Crater Lake National Park
In May Crater Lake is *just* starting to melt and in between the beautiful winter and summer seasons. The main park road is still closed as are the campgrounds and the main lodge until the end of the month. For these reasons we recommend holding off visiting until at least June.
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier is one of the most beautiful national parks in the world but May is just not the best time to visit. Most of the trails are still snowed in and several roads are still closed. Wildflowers don’t start showing up until the July. Snow is just starting to melt at lower elevations making traversing the park difficult. We recommend holding off until June at the earliest.
List of Best National Parks to Visit in May
- Yosemite National Park
- Yellowstone National Park
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Badlands National Park
- Arches National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Zion National Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Big Bend National Park
Map of Best National Parks to Visit in May
More Helpful Information on the National Parks
Best National Parks Ranked: ALL 63 US NATIONAL PARKS RANKED By Experts
Free Downloadable National Parks Map & List: LIST & MAP of National Parks By State (+ Printable Checklist)
Most Visited National Parks: Top 10 Most Visited US National Parks
Least Visited National Parks: Top 10 Least Visited National Parks
Best East Coast National Parks: Top 10 Best East Coast National Parks Ranked
Utah National Parks Road Trips: 5 Best Utah National Park Road Trips
Best National Park Road Trips: 10 Best National Park Road Trips
Best National Monuments: All 128 US National Monuments Ranked (Best to Worst)
Thank you for a very well written article!
My husband & I had visited, camped and hiked in trails at most of these National Parks from midSeptember (when the crowd has thinned out) through end of October, one or two States at a time, from 1990-2001. This is a beautiful country and it’s National Park Service people, from rangers to volunteers, are doing a marvelous job by keeping our National Parks the best in the world! ❤️THANK YOU ALL !!!❤️
[Note: Of course, we had to make sure we’ve kept our body prepared for these events by exercising well with weights and all to be able to hike well & enjoy our vacation! Plus, we also packed our food (dry ones) &shopped for those food needing to be cooked at the campground!
In those years, we didn’t get sick nor get in any accident! Thanks be to God! Don’t forget to visit the museums in each State’s capital city, most especially in New York and Washington D. C.
By the way, we did not join any tour group but went on our own with each State’s packet with maps of places to visit. It took me a year to study and prepare the visits in all States!]
Do you know of a map that has US Forest Service campgrounds shown on it. I had one and it got away from me and now in a world where maps are not as popular as they used to be, I can’t find one.
Yeah, I’m pretty sure the USGS prints all the Forest Service maps. Are you looking for one in particular? Most of the ones we get come with all the campgrounds etc. They’re great!