Cuyahoga Valley in May: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Best window · VisitWhen score 65/100 · #2 of 12 months

May is one of the best months of the year to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park: crowds run 82% of the July peak (301,541 average visits). Weather: highs average 70°F and lows 47°F, with 4.1″ of precipitation and 14.5 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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Crowds in May

Cuyahoga Valley averages 301,541 recreation visits in May — 82% of what July, the peak month, draws. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging — book early and start days at dawn.

Weather & daylight

Days are pleasant (highs average 70°F), and nights stay mild (lows average 47°F). This is one of the wetter months (4.1″ of precipitation on average). Mid-month daylight runs 14.5 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station STOW 4 SE, OH US (9 mi from park coordinates, 1,060 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of May.

What to pack for Cuyahoga Valley in May

Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.

• Rain shell + pack cover — 4.1″ of precipitation is normal this month
• Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 4.1″ of rain is normal this month

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Also at their best in May

Other parks whose computed May verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:

• Lake Clark in May — 7% of peak crowds, highs 59°F, score 96/100
• North Cascades in May — 11% of peak crowds, highs 69°F, score 96/100
• Katmai in May — 1% of peak crowds, highs 52°F, score 95/100
• Gates of the Arctic in May — 12% of peak crowds, highs 56°F, score 94/100

Common questions

See also: the best national parks to visit in May · Last verified 2026-09-24