Hot Springs in May: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 61/100 · #7 of 12 months
May is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Hot Springs National Park: crowds run 66% of the June peak (228,129 average visits). Weather: highs average 80°F and lows 60°F, with 6.5″ of precipitation and 14 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Bring for Hot Springs in May
- Rain shell + pack coverSee it on AmazonWhy: 6.5″ of precipitation is normal this month.
- Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kitSee it on AmazonWhy: 6.5″ of rain is normal this month.
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Crowds in May
Hot Springs averages 228,129 recreation visits in May — 66% of what June, the peak month, draws. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind.
Weather & daylight
Expect warm days (highs average 80°F), and nights stay mild (lows average 60°F). This is one of the wetter months (6.5″ of precipitation on average). Mid-month daylight runs 14 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station HOT SPRINGS 1 NNE, AR US (0 mi from park coordinates, 626 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of May.
What to pack for Hot Springs in May
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Rain shell + pack cover — 6.5″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 6.5″ of rain is normal this month
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Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Hot Springs are January and September.
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
Is Hot Springs crowded in May?
Moderately: May runs 66% of the June peak, averaging 228,129 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Hot Springs in May?
Average highs of 80°F, lows of 60°F, 6.5″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, HOT SPRINGS 1 NNE, AR US station).
What should I pack for Hot Springs in May?
Rain shell + pack cover; Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
See also: the best national parks to visit in May · Last verified 2026-09-24