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Best national parks to visit in May
All 63 US national parks ranked by May camping weather, using NOAA 1991–2020 averages at each park. Top picks: Canyonlands, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Capitol Reef, Mesa Verde.
#1Canyonlands
Utah
100 avg 72° / 50°F · 0.9 in
Entry: Not required · $30 per vehicle
#2Yosemite
California
100 avg 70° / 44°F · 1.9 in
Entry: Not required · $35 per vehicle
#3Grand Canyon
Arizona
100 avg 70° / 36°F · 0.4 in
Entry: Not required · $35 per vehicle
#4Capitol Reef
Utah
100 avg 74° / 48°F · 0.7 in
Entry: Not required · $20 per vehicle
#5Mesa Verde
Colorado
100 avg 69° / 43°F · 1.1 in
Entry: Not required · $30 per vehicle
#6Channel Islands
California
100 avg 68° / 54°F · 0.3 in
Entry: Not required · No entrance fee
#7Theodore Roosevelt
North Dakota
100 avg 67° / 40°F · 2.6 in
Entry: Not required · $30 per vehicle
#8North Cascades
Washington
100 avg 66° / 46°F · 3.0 in
Entry: Not required · No entrance fee
#9Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Colorado
100 avg 66° / 38°F · 1.6 in
Entry: Not required · $30 per vehicle
#10Petrified Forest
Arizona
100 avg 78° / 44°F · 0.5 in
Entry: Not required · $25 per vehicle
#11Great Sand Dunes
Colorado
100 avg 66° / 38°F · 1.2 in
Entry: Not required · $25 per vehicle
#12Guadalupe Mountains
Texas
100 avg 79° / 55°F · 0.8 in
Entry: Not required · $10 per person
#13Great Basin
Nevada
100 avg 64° / 40°F · 1.2 in
Entry: Not required · No entrance fee
#14Glacier
Montana
100 avg 64° / 39°F · 2.6 in
Entry: Not required · $35 per vehicle
#15Pinnacles
California
100 avg 80° / 43°F · 0.6 in
Entry: Not required · $30 per vehicle
2026 fee-free day in May: 25 May. All free days
Questions
What are the best national parks to visit in May?
Based on NOAA average weather, the mildest parks in May are Canyonlands, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Capitol Reef, Mesa Verde.
Which national parks should I avoid in May?
For camping weather, National Park of American Samoa, Kobuk Valley score lowest, because of cold, heat or rain.
Are there free national park days in May?
In 2026, yes: 25 May (US citizens and residents).
The score (0–100) rates weather only: best with average highs of 62–82°F, nights above freezing and under 3 inches of precipitation. It doesn't account for road closures, crowds or snow on high trails; check each park guide. All park guides
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