Yellowstone in May: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Best window · VisitWhen score 74/100 · #2 of 12 months
May is one of the best months of the year to visit Yellowstone National Park: crowds run 55% of the July peak (508,111 average visits). Weather: highs average 51°F and lows 26°F, with 2.4″ of precipitation and 14.8 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Yellowstone in May
- Insulated jacket, beanie and glovesSee it on AmazonWhy: nights average 26°F, below freezing.
- Packable rain jacketSee it on AmazonWhy: 2.4″ of precipitation is normal this month.
- Bear spraySee it on AmazonWhy: recommended by the park in grizzly country (check current park regulations before you carry).
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Crowds in May
Yellowstone averages 508,111 recreation visits in May — 55% of what July, the peak month, draws. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly.
Weather & daylight
Days are cool (highs average 51°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 26°F). Average precipitation is 2.4″ for the month. Mid-month daylight runs 14.8 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station YELLOWSTONE LAKE, WY US (6 mi from park coordinates, 7,835 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of May.
What to pack for Yellowstone in May
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 26°F, below freezing
- Packable rain jacket — 2.4″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
- Bear spray — recommended by the park in grizzly country (check current park regulations before you carry)
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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
Is Yellowstone crowded in May?
Moderately: May runs 55% of the July peak, averaging 508,111 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Yellowstone in May?
Average highs of 51°F, lows of 26°F, 2.4″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, YELLOWSTONE LAKE, WY US station).
What should I pack for Yellowstone in May?
Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves; Packable rain jacket; Sturdy broken-in footwear, 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