Welcome to an exploration of America’s most captivating landscapes as we embark on a journey through the best US National Parks to visit in May. As spring breathes new life into the wilderness, May offers a perfect balance of mild weather, blooming flora, and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time to immerse oneself in the natural splendor of these remarkable parks.
Each destination we traverse holds its own unique allure, promising unforgettable experiences and encounters with nature at its most vibrant.
Whether you’re seeking solitude on a backcountry trail or the thrill of wildlife sightings, the month of May offers the perfect opportunity to discover the hidden gems of these iconic parks.
Let’s uncover the beauty, tranquility, and adventure that await in the these National Parks this May. Let’s embark on a journey to reconnect with nature and create memories that will last a lifetime. Here are the best National Parks to visit in May.
Congaree National Park
Recommended by: Soumya of Stories by Soumya
Congaree National Park in South Carolina is one of the best National Parks to visit in May. The weather is perfect, with temperatures between the low 50s and high 70s. This makes it a comfortable time to hike through the park, go canoeing, and enjoy the synchronous firefly show in Congaree.
Every year, Congaree National Park is home to thousands of fireflies who look for a mate amid synchronized flashing lights. This awe-inspiring mating ritual usually begins in mid-May and lasts approximately two weeks. Congaree’s firefly event has become very popular in recent years, and tickets are sold through a lottery system.
Beyond the fireflies, May is also an excellent time to explore the park via the 2.6-mile-long boardwalk trail and be amazed by the towering Champion trees of Congaree. Some trees are over 500 years old and more than 150 feet tall. Canoeing and kayaking are also excellent ways to experience the park’s biodiversity and see turtles and otters from close quarters.
Hotel Recommendation
Hotel French Quarter Inn: Congaree National Park is just 100 miles away from the historic city of Charleston. It is a great idea to base yourself in downtown Charleston – Hotel French Quarter Inn comes highly recommended – and visit Congaree on a day trip.
Check price and availability of Hotel French Quarter Inn here!
Everglades National Park
Suggested by: Lori from Travelin Mad
Hotel Recommendation
Glacier National Park
Recommended by: Jen and Ryan from Montana Discovered
Glacier National Park is a destination that becomes mostly inaccessible in the winter and gets packed with crowds in the summer, when fire season can also bring smoke and poor air quality. That’s one of the many reasons why spring is the best time to visit Glacier.
Additionally, accommodations will be cheaper and entry reservations aren’t needed until May 24. Even then, they’re only required for two of the park’s entrances. All these perks make Glacier one of the best National Parks to visit in May.
May weather typically means sunny days with highs in the mid-50s and lows in the mid-30s. Big temperature fluctuations are common, though, and it can snow at any time, so dress in layers and bring warm gear if you’re camping.
During the spring months, the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road is only open to hikers and bikers, and closed to vehicles. Avid cyclists may want to tackle the steep ride with their own power, but for everyone else, it’s a premier route for e-biking. E-bikes can be rented nearby in Whitefish. Regular cycle bikes can be rented in West Glacier.
In either case, spring biking on Going-to-the-Sun is a unique chance to see incredible scenery without the crowds and traffic that usually clog the road.
Hotel Recommendation
Great Bear Inn: Most of the lodging inside the park doesn’t open for the season until mid-May or later, but there are plenty of places to stay in nearby West Glacier and Columbia Falls, including the Great Bear Inn, just ten minutes from the park entrance.
Check price and availability for Great Bear Inn here!
Grand Teton National Park
Recommended by: Catherine from Day Trip Nomad
After a long winter, May is when the deep snow starts melting in Grand Teton National Park, and the park roads are once again open to regular vehicles.
Temperatures often hover in the 60Fs, though nights can dip into the 30s. Under blue sky days, you may only just need a light jacket for hiking even though you’re still wading through slushy snow.
In May, wildlife viewing tops the list. Whether you plan a day trip or week long adventure, your trip will be filled with thrills. Animals emerge from hibernation as their babies run alongside their mothers. Herds of bison are a common sight, elk may have started to migrate to their summer range, and moose can be spotted along the rivers.
The snow-capped peaks of the Tetons may not have changed seasons yet, but at least the hiking trails start to open. The one hike you shouldn’t miss is taking the boat ride across Jenny Lake to the start of the Inspiration Point trail.
Other viewpoints like Mormon Row, Snake River Overlook, and Oxbow Bend will have minimal crowds compared to the summer since it’s so cold in the mornings.
Hotel Recommendation
Elk Country Inn: For accommodations, the Grand Tetons are just outside the popular outdoor adventure town of Jackson Hole. Elk Country Inn has a great central location close to shops and restaurants.
Check price and availability for Elk Country Inn here!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Suggested by: Stephanie from Explore More Clean Less
Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina and is one of the most popular parks in the country for nature lovers who come to see waterfalls along with long-range mountain views.
Visiting in May means daytime highs in the 70s and 80s and lows in the 40s and 50s, perfect for hiking the Smoky Mountains best trails and warm enough to play in the many creeks and waterfalls. May also bring countless wildflowers along the trails.
Spring wildlife viewing is top notch; baby black bears are often tagging along with their moms, salamanders are popping out on damp, mossy rocks, and there are many different bird and butterfly species flying through the trees. Plan the perfect trip after you check out this list of top ten things not to miss in Smoky Mountains National Park.
Hotel Recommendation
Holiday Inn Express: The Holiday Inn Express in downtown Gatlinburg is close to the main visitor’s center and walking distance to restaurants and tourist attractions in downtown Gatlinburg.
Check price and availability for the Holiday Inn Express here!
Haleakala National Park
Recommended by: Sam of Travel Hawaii with Us
One of the best National Parks to visit in May, Haleakala National Park on the Hawaiian island of Maui offers the opportunity to stand at the summit of a 10,000-foot volcano!
The park is actually made up of two different districts. The Summit District offers daytime highs of about 60 degrees Fahrenheit and a nighttime low in the low 40s. The coastal Kipahulu District has daytime highs in the mid 80s.
One of the most popular things to do in Haleakala National Park is experience sunrise above the clouds. You do need a reservation if you plan to drive up and need a parking spot. Or you can join a guided tour.
Sunset and stargazing at the summit are also popular if you dislike waking up early on vacation!
There are also many hikes you can do in Haleakala National Park. Try the Sliding Sands Trail at the summit, which takes you down into the floor of the crater and back up. Or the Pipiwai Trail along the Road to Hana, which takes you through dense rainforest to Waimoku Falls.
Hotel Recommendation
Fairmont Kea Lani or Andaz Maui: Most people visit Haleakala National Park for the day: one day for the Summit District and another for the Kipahulu District. Wailea on the west side of the island is a popular base: check out the Fairmont Kea Lani or the Andaz Maui.
Check out price and availability for Fairmont Kea Lani here!
Check out price and availability for Andaz Maui here!
Joshua Tree National Park
Recommended by: Mayuri from Fernwehrahee
Nestled within the vast expanse of the Mojave Desert, Joshua Tree National Park can be visited year-round but during May the weather is most pleasant. The daytime temperatures range from 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 32 degrees Celsius) and cooler evenings. The Park has a unique topography, characterized by its iconic Joshua Trees and stunning rock formations.
Joshua Tree is one of the best places to spot the Milky Way and May is considered as peak time for viewing it. You can see it all over the park when it gets dark, offers the best stargazing experience.
One of the best things to do in Joshua Tree National Park is watching the sunrise at the Cholla cactus garden. The mild weather of May is perfect for hiking. You can hike the Popular trails including Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, and Ryan Mountain.
Joshua Tree is a renowned destination for rock climbing enthusiasts. You can hike the Skull Rock and Arch Rock trails. Explore the park by car along the scenic drives. The Joshua Tree Parkway and Pinto Basin Road offer beautiful views and access to key points of interest.
Don’t forget to watch the sunset at Key’s View. This lookout point provides a panoramic view of the Coachella Valley, Salton Sea, and even the distant San Gorgonio Mountain. Joshua Tree is one of the best National Parks to visit in May.
Hotel Recommendation
Fairfield Inn and Suites Twentynine Palms: There are no campgrounds inside the park. You need to stay in nearby towns, north of Joshua Tree National Park – Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree, or Twentynine Palms.
Check price and availability for Fairfield Inn and Suites here!
Olympic National Park
Suggested by: Jess from Uprooted Traveler
Olympic, tucked in the northwestern corner of Washington state, is one of the most diversely beautiful national parks, offering glacier-capped mountains, lush rainforests, and rugged beaches within its footprint.
May is a lovely time to visit—after a long and wet winter, its waterfalls are flowing, wildflowers are blooming, and the skies are finally clearing up. It also happens to be an excellent time to spot wildlife in the park, like its resident black bears and Roosevelt elk.
While snow will still be found along some of the trails at higher elevations, you can still enjoy some of the best hikes in Olympic National Park in the early spring. For example, the Hall of Mosses Trail in the Hoh Rainforest will be particularly lush, with impossibly green moss hanging from the hemlock and spruce trees that tower 300 feet overhead.
Alternatively, you can hike up to the summit of Mount Storm King, which offers sweeping views of Lake Crescent below, without the crowds of summer.
Hotel Recommendation
Kalaloch Lodge: Located along the stunning Kalaloch Beach. The property feels rustic, yet cozy, with stone fireplaces and balconies overlooking the Pacific and has an excellent proximity to some of the Olympic Peninsula’s best attractions, including Rialto Beach, the Hoh Rainforest, and the famed Tree of Life.
Check price and availability for Kalaloch Lodge here!
Saguaro National Park
Recommended by: Kate from Kate Roams the World.
Hotel Recommendation
San Juan National Historic Site
Recommended by: Lisa of Waves and Cobblestones
The San Juan National Historic Site is an amazing place to visit in May. Many people don’t even know that there is a US National Park in Puerto Rico!
For history buffs, the San Juan National Historic Site is a must-see destination. Explore Spanish fortresses including the Castillo San Felipe del Morro (known as El Morro, for short) and the Castillo San Cristóbal.
One of the top things to do in San Juan is to stroll along the El Morro Recreational Trail. This waterfront walkway is one of the best ways to see the old city walls and the San Juan Gate, which are also part of this National Park site.
There is no cost to see the city walls and the San Juan Gate, or the grounds of El Morro. If you want to explore the fortresses, a $10 entry fee will allow you to visit both forts.
Since Puerto Rico is located in the Caribbean, temperatures don’t change much from month to month. In May, expect high temperatures near 84°F and lows around 78°F. Bring along an umbrella in case of rain! San Juan National Historic Site is no doubt one of the best National Parks to visit in May.
Hotel Recommendation
Hotel El Convento: Stay at the Hotel El Convento. It’s located in the heart of Old San Juan, within easy walking distance of all the major park sights!
Check price and availability for Hotel El Convento here!
Voyageurs National Park
Suggested by: Samantha from PA on Pause
Voyageurs National Park, on the northernmost border of Minnesota, is a perfect National Park to visit in May. Visit before crowds come for their summer holiday vacations.
While the weather can be variable, the temperatures average highs in the mid-60s and lows in the mid-40s. Because Voyageurs can be overrun in summer with mosquitoes and other biting insects, visiting earlier in the season helps combat those pests. You’ll want to get out on the water and explore the park by boat.
Whether you rent a houseboat for a few days on the water in Voyageurs, book one of the tours offered by the National Park, or paddle in a kayak, you’ll spot the diverse wildlife that calls this park home. Keep an eye on the sky for majestic bald eagles soaring above.
Reserve a campsite and spend a few days by the water. The backcountry sites in Voyageurs are especially beautiful and quiet, but make sure you carry an insect repellent with tick protection.
Hotel Recommendation
Cantilever Hotel – The building, now converted into the hotel, was significant during Prohibition and also houses a distillery today.
Check price and availability for Cantilever Hotel here!
White Sands National Park
Recommended by: Vanessa of Traveling Ness
White Sands National Park is visually one of the most unique National Parks in the country for its bright white sand dunes that doesn’t seem quite real.
Located in the southern region of New Mexico in the town of Alamogordo, visiting this region in May offers warm weather perfect for exploring the trails, sand dunes, and seeing desert flower blooms, particularly the tall Yucca plants.
One can’t help but be drawn to the ripples of sugary white gypsum sand that is surprisingly cool to walk on no matter the temperature. Unlike beach sand, gypsum doesn’t hold heat. In fact, White Sands National Park is home to the largest gypsum sand dunes on the planet.
Driving along Dunes Drive, plan to spend at least one full day walking the various trails and sledding down the steep dunes. As there are no trees or shade, pack water, a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to reflect the brightness of the sand. Be aware that at random the park may close up to a few hours due to missile testing at White Sands Missile Range next door.
Hotel Recommendation
Home2 Suites by Hilton Alamogordo: Spacious rooms and just a short drive from the park entrance.
Check price and availability of Home2Suites here!
Zion National Park
Suggested by: Janice from Where’s Janice
Zion National Park, located in Utah, is a hikers paradise and one of the best National Parks to visit in May.
The weather is pleasant for getting outdoors, with temperatures ranging around 50-85°F. As snow melt fills the Virgin River, it creates a picture perfect scenery against the backdrop of the rocky cliffs. You could either take a day trip to Zion or plan it as part of a week-long road trip including nearby National Parks.
Make sure to try some of Zion’s best hikes. For a moderate effort hike, check out the Lower Emerald Pools Trail which features waterfalls and natural pools. If you’re up for a challenge, consider the iconic Angel’s Landing or the Narrows. You’ll need a permit to hike the Angel’s Landing via Scout Lookout, so it’s worth planning it in advance.
Since May is the start of summer, do expect some crowds at popular areas. It’s also a good idea to plan extra time for taking the shuttle around the park because you will not be able to drive beyond Canyon Junction.
Hotel Recommendation
Cable Mountain Lodge – After a day of adventure, a great place to rest is Cable Mountain Lodge. It’s located right next to the park entrance. It has an outdoor pool that looks up to the rocky cliffs for a truly immersive experience.
Check price and availability for Cable Mountain Lodge here!
Enjoy a National Park Trip in May
In conclusion, May offers a prime opportunity to explore some of the most captivating national parks across the United States. The month of May brings stunning wildflower blooms, breathtaking waterfalls, temperate weather and diverse wildlife sightings.
So, pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable adventure to one of the best National Parks to visit in May!
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