(And Why This Is One of my 2 Favorite Months of the Year)
May is one of the very best months to visit U.S. national parks. (Together with September, it’s my favorite month to visit many of the parks!)
Spring is in full swing, but summer crowds haven’t fully arrived. Across the country, waterfalls are roaring, wildflowers are blooming, wildlife is active, and temperatures are comfortable for hiking and sightseeing.
In mountain parks, snow is melting at lower elevations, opening trails and scenic drives. In desert parks, it’s the last window before extreme heat. And in forested parks, everything feels lush, green, and alive.
If you’re flexible with timing, May offers an incredible balance of access, scenery, and value. These are my picks for the 10 best national parks to visit in May – and why I think this month is such a great time to visit each one.
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Table of Contents
The Best National Parks in May
1. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is famous for its massive granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, and dramatic mountain scenery concentrated in Yosemite Valley. It’s one of the most iconic parks in the country, drawing visitors from around the world.
May is prime time for waterfalls. Snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada feeds Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, and countless seasonal cascades that only appear in spring. The volume and power of the water this time of year is spectacular.
While higher-elevation areas like Tioga Road are usually still closed, Yosemite Valley is fully accessible and far less crowded than summer. Snow-capped peaks provide dramatic contrast above the valley floor.
If waterfalls are your top priority, May is one of the best months of the entire year to visit Yosemite.
➡️ Read my free Yosemite Travel Guide for more information about the park
2. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is known for its geothermal features, wide-open landscapes, and extraordinary wildlife. Geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and large mammals all play a role in what makes this park so special.
May is an outstanding time for wildlife viewing. Bison calves, elk calves, and other newborn animals appear in the valleys, and predators are often more visible during spring.
Roads and services begin reopening after winter, but crowds remain much lower than in summer. Cooler temperatures make walking boardwalks around geyser basins comfortable.
You’ll get a sense of Yellowstone waking up from winter — without the congestion of peak season.
➡️ Read my free Yellowstone Travel Guide for more information about the park
➡️ Plan a trip to Yellowstone with my detailed itineraries.
3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains are known for misty ridgelines, lush forests, historic cabins, and an incredible diversity of plant and animal life.
May is one of the most beautiful months here. Wildflowers blanket the forest floor, and spring rains keep waterfalls flowing strongly throughout the park.
Late May is also famous for the park’s synchronized fireflies, a rare natural phenomenon where thousands of fireflies flash in unison. Viewing requires a permit, but it’s one of the most unique experiences in any national park.
While crowds increase as summer approaches, early May still offers breathing room—especially if you explore lesser-visited areas beyond Cades Cove.
➡️ Read my free Great Smoky Mountains Travel Guide for more information about the park
4. Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon’s immense scale and layered geology make it one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the world.
May is one of the best months for hiking, especially below the rim. Temperatures are significantly cooler than summer, making inner-canyon trails safer and more enjoyable.
The South Rim is fully open, and spring weather usually brings clear skies and excellent visibility. While crowds begin to increase toward Memorial Day, conditions remain far better than midsummer.
If you want classic Grand Canyon views and comfortable hiking weather, May is hard to beat.
➡️ Read my free Grand Canyon Travel Guide for more information about the park
➡️ Plan a trip to Grand Canyon with my detailed itineraries
5. Arches National Park
Arches National Park protects over 2,000 natural stone arches set within a vivid red-rock desert landscape.
May offers excellent hiking conditions before the intense summer heat arrives. Daytime temperatures are warm but manageable, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Desert wildflowers may still be blooming after spring rains, adding color to the rocky terrain. The light in May is also ideal for photography.
Crowds build as summer approaches, but May still feels calmer than peak season—especially if you start early or explore less popular trails.
➡️ Read my free Arches Travel Guide for more information about the park.
➡️ Plan a trip to Arches with my detailed itineraries.
6. Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park sits at the meeting point of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, known for its namesake trees, massive boulders, and surreal landscapes.
May is a transition month. Early May still offers comfortable temperatures for hiking, climbing, and scenic drives before the desert heat becomes extreme.
Spring wildflowers can linger after wet winters, and long daylight hours make it easy to explore widely spaced highlights.
Visiting in May lets you experience Joshua Tree’s beauty without the intense crowds of March and April.
➡️ Read my free Joshua Tree Travel Guide for more information about the park
7. Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park features sharply eroded formations, wide-open prairies, and dramatic skies that change by the hour.
May brings mild temperatures that make hiking and scenic drives enjoyable. Spring rains turn the surrounding grasslands green, creating striking contrast with the rock formations.
Wildlife such as bison, prairie dogs, and bighorn sheep are active and easier to spot.
Crowds remain light compared to summer, making May one of the best times to visit the Badlands.
8. Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is known for alpine peaks, sweeping meadows, and abundant wildlife.
In May, lower-elevation areas thaw out, opening many trails before summer crowds arrive. Snow remains at higher elevations, creating dramatic scenery.
Wildlife activity increases as elk, moose, and bighorn sheep move through valleys and meadows.
While Trail Ridge Road may still be closed, May offers a quieter, more relaxed introduction to the park.
➡️ Read my free Rocky Mountain Travel Guide for more information about the park.
9. Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park protects the tallest sand dunes in North America, set against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
May is famous for Medano Creek, a shallow, seasonal stream created by snowmelt that flows along the base of the dunes. It creates a rare beach-like experience in the middle of Colorado.
Temperatures are cooler than summer, making dune hiking far more comfortable.
This unique seasonal feature makes May one of the best—and most fun—months to visit Great Sand Dunes.
10. Redwood National and State Parks
Redwood National and State Parks protect the tallest trees on Earth, along with rugged coastline, rivers, and lush forest landscapes.
May brings spring greenery, fewer visitors than summer, and cooler temperatures ideal for hiking through the redwoods.
Coastal fog often adds a mystical atmosphere, especially in the mornings, while wildflowers bloom along trails and prairies.
If you want peaceful walks among giant trees without peak-season crowds, May is an excellent time to visit Redwood.
Why May Is So Special
May delivers one of the best combinations of scenery, weather, and access across the national park system. From roaring waterfalls and wildflowers to wildlife and unique seasonal features, this month offers variety without peak-season stress.
If you’re choosing just one month to explore America’s national parks, May is a strong contender.
What’s your favorite national park to visit in May? Are there any other great May parks not listed here? I’d love to hear about them. Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).
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About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Newsweek, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
I’m a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.