Yellowstone in May: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

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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), days average 51°F with 14.8 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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)

Common questions

See also: the best national parks to visit in May · Last verified 2026-07-16