The first time I went to Zion National Park was in May and I loved it.
Warm (but not scorching) temperatures, long daylight hours, and nearly full access to the park make it one of the most popular months to visit. Wildflowers brighten the canyon floor, cottonwoods leaf out along the Virgin River, and iconic hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows are firmly on most visitors’ wish lists.
That said, May is also a busy month, with rising crowds, mandatory shuttle use, and river conditions that can still affect hiking plans.
If you’re prepared to plan ahead and start early, May is a fantastic time to experience Zion.
Let’s take a look at exactly what to expect in Zion National Park in May.
‼️ If you just want a quick snapshot about my thoughts on the best time to visit Zion National Park, check out my Best Time to Go To Zion National Park guide. ‼️
Zion National Park in May
Weather in May
May brings ideal hiking weather to Zion — especially compared to summer.
Daytime highs: Typically in the 70s to low 80s°F, warm but manageable for most hikes.
Nights & mornings: Cooler, often in the 40s–50s°F, especially early in the month.
Rain & storms: May is generally dry, but occasional spring storms can roll through and briefly raise river levels.
‼️ Pack layers, sun protection, and plenty of water — May sun can feel stronger than expected.
Roads and Shuttle System
By May, the Zion Canyon Shuttle is running at full capacity and is mandatory for accessing Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
Private vehicles are not allowed on the canyon road when shuttles are operating.
Shuttles run frequently from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to Temple of Sinawava, stopping at all major trailheads.
No reservations are required, but lines can be long, especially mid-morning and during weekends.
‼️ Read my Guide to the Zion Shuttle
The very first shuttle of the day can be crowded. I’ve found around 7:00am to be a sweet spot. Then after 3:00pm.
The parking lot at the main Visitor Center can be full by 8:00am, so if you arrive after that, consider parking in Springdale and taking the town shuttle to the park shuttle at the Visitor Center.
Kolob Terrace Road is usually closed November – June due to snow, so is not open in May.
Kolob Canyons Road is technically open all year and is usually OK in May, but always check the NPS website for current conditions.
Places to Stay
Inside The Park
Zion Lodge is fully operating in May and is one of the most convenient places to stay in the park.
Staying here allows walk-on access to several trails without waiting for the shuttle. This includes Emerald Pools, Angels Landing, The Grotto, and easy paths nearby.
Dining and services are open, though reservations are recommended.
Even if you’re not staying overnight, the lodge area is a great mid-day rest stop.
Because May is a popular month, rooms book far in advance.
Outside The Park
The main gateway town – just outside the main South Entrance to the park – is Springdale and there are plenty of places to stay there.
➡️ The Best Hotels Near Zion National Park
➡️ The Best Hotels in Springdale
➡️ The Best Vacation Rentals Near Zion National Park
Campgrounds
Watchman Campground is open year-round. It’s inside the canyon and fills up fast during shoulder season. Make reservations up to six months ahead of your visit. Reservations are strongly recommended.
South Campground is closed for a long-term rehabilitation project. It’s typically opens mid-March through October and is near the Visitor Center and shuttle line.
Lava Point Campground is about a 1-hour drive from Zion Canyon on the Kolob Terrace Road. It’s not open in May – it’s typically open from June through October, depending on weather.
Visitor Centers and Amenities
Zion Canyon Visitor Center – Open daily 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Backcountry Desk at Zion Canyon Visitor Center – Open 7:00AM – 6:00PM
Kolob Canyon Visitor Center – Open daily 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Backcountry Desk at Kolob Canyon Visitor Center – Open 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Zion Human History Museum – Typically open daily in May 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Hiking Highlights in May
May is prime hiking season — with a few caveats.
Angels Landing
One of Zion’s most iconic hikes, this steep, dramatic trail requires a permit year-round. Daily and seasonal lotteries fill quickly, so planning ahead is essential.
➡️ Read my Guide to Getting Angels Landing Permits
The trail is usually snow-free in May, but exposure, wind, and crowds can make it feel intense.
➡️ Read my Guide to Hiking the Angels Landing Trail for more info.
➡️ Read 12 Helpful Angels Landing Tips
The Narrows
This epic river hike starts at Temple of Sinawava and follows the Virgin River through towering slot canyon walls.
Conditions vary widely in May.
The NPS close the hike completely of water levels are too high or if there is a danger of flash flooding. Snowmelt can raise water levels, sometimes making the hike unsafe or temporarily closed. I’ve hiked it in in May and it was great (albeit cold); but closures in May due to water levels are common. Always check with rangers before hiking.
No special permit is needed for the classic bottom-up Narrows hike (unless you plan to go through-hike (tow-down) from Chamberlain’s Ranch, which does require a permit).
➡️ Read my Guide to Hiking The Narrows for more info.
Other Great May Hikes
Emerald Pools Trails — waterfalls and pools sparkle with spring melt.
Observation Point — stunning overlook high above the canyon.
➡️ Read East Mesa Trail to Observation Point Trail Guide
➡️ Read East Rim Trail to Observation Point Trail Guide
Canyon Overlook Trail — excellent sunrise/sunset views with fewer crowds.
Watchman Trail & Pa’rus Trail — great lower-elevation walks in mild weather.
⚠️Tip: Flash flood risk remains higher in spring, especially after storms. Avoid narrow slot sections during heavy rain.
➡️ Read The 10 Best Hikes in Zion National Park
Other Things to Do in May
May is one of the most visually vibrant months in Zion. Visitor centers, ranger programs, and park services are fully operational or close to it.
Wildflowers bloom across canyon floors and along trails.
Cottonwoods and willows add fresh green contrast to red rock walls.
Wildlife such as mule deer, birds, and small mammals are active throughout the park.
Ranger talks and guided walks are more frequent than earlier in spring.
Is May a Good Time to Visit Zion?
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons:
Pros
- Excellent weather for hiking
- Full shuttle service and park access
- Wildflowers and spring greenery
- Most trails and services open
Cons
- Crowds increase significantly, especially mid-month onward
- Angels Landing permits are competitive
- The Narrows may be closed at times due to high water
- Shuttle lines can be long during peak hours
Bottom line:
May is one of the best all-around months to visit Zion National Park if you’re willing to plan ahead and share the park with others.
Comfortable temperatures, full access, and vibrant spring scenery make it ideal for hiking and sightseeing — just start early, secure permits and reservations in advance, and stay flexible with river-dependent hikes like The Narrows.
✨ PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER ✨
Deciding when to go to Zion National Park is a very important step in planning your trip, and I hope this guide is helping.
However, as I’m sure you’re very aware, this is just one thing of many to decide.
Once you’ve decided the timing of your trip, you still need to
make an actual plan.
In fact, the thing that most people ask me about is
how to put it all together into an itinerary that makes sense. They decide when they’ll go and maybe even book their flights, but still worry about how to minimize the crowds, what to do – and when – and how to coordinate it all.
To help
take away the overwhelm of planning a trip to Zion National Park, I’ve created several super
detailed itineraries.
Without them, people often feel stressed about planning their trip. With them, they have the confidence of getting all the info they need in one spot. Plus,
there’s flexibility built in, so they can easily adapt them to their own interests and activity levels.
There are 1-, 2-, and 3- day options for Zion National Park: all with detailed hour-by-hour schedules, including alternatives for different activity and fitness levels, plus trail maps and descriptions, driving instructions, important information, essential tips, and
everything else you need to make the most of your time in Zion National Park.
➡️ Check out the 3 Zion National Park itinerary options
No matter what time you visit Zion, you will have an amazing time!
Additional help with your Zion trip planning
What do you think is the best time to travel to Zion National Park? I’d love to hear from you. Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know.
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.
Read more…
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