13 Beautiful National Parks to Visit in May

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.

A reflection of the teton mountains on String lake in grand teton national park in july
Grand Tetons National Park

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. 

Large trees sitting on a swampy wet floor in Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park

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!

A boardwalk through the forest in Congaree National Park in South Carolina
Congaree Boardwalk

Everglades National Park

Suggested by: Lori from Travelin Mad

Everglades National Park in south Florida is one of the most exciting places to visit in the US, and the only subtropical wilderness in the country. Being in south Florida means the weather is often hot, humid, and buggy. Don’t forget your bug spray!
 
Visiting the Everglades in the early Spring is ideal and there are lots of unique things to do from hiking and biking the trails to airboat rides and kayaking adventures
Alligators sitting in swampy waters in Everglades National Park in July
Everglades National Park
 
The weather in May will bring day temps in the mid-80s and lows at night in the 60s. The milder weather beckons to migrating birds who begin returning to the area in greater numbers, and the tropical orchids are still in bloom. But it’s the combination of the seasonal rain without the heat of the summer months that makes May an ideal time for seeing wildlife.
 
The Shark Valley Visitor Center is one of the best places to access the Park, and there are several unique ways to visit. Walk or bike the elevated ramp up to the Shark Valley overlook, a 45 foot observation deck with far-reaching views over the Glades. The eco tram tour is also a good way to see this part of the Everglades if you’re visiting for the day or with small children.

Hotel Recommendation

Ivey House B&B: Closer to Naples, there are several nice motels in Everglades City. A favorite is the Ivey House B&B. Otherwise there are several campgrounds in the National Park, one of them is Flamingo Campground, which has tent rentals and also campers and cabins.
 
 
Kayaking through the swampy waters of Everglades National park in South Florida
Everglades National Park

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. 

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‘Glass’ Lakes are One Reason to Visit Glacier National Park in Spring

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!

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St. Mary Lake in Glacier National Park, Montana

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.

A lake leading up to the teton mountains on a foggy moody day
Grand Tetons National Park

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!

The beautiful and sharp grand teton mountains in Grand Teton National park with a river in the foreground
Grand Teton Mountains

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. 

The rolling Great smoky mountains
Hiking Great Smoky Mountains – Mount Cammerer

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!

Sunset turns the sky orange over the Great Smoky Mountain range
Sunset over the Smoky Mountains

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.

the view from Haleakala volcano summit at sunrise. We are looking down at the clouds as the sky turns colors.
Haleakala sunrise

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!

A hiking trail through Haleakala National Park in Maui Hawaii. Lush green trees surrounds the muddy trail
Hiking Haleakala

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.

Spend New Years in Joshua Tree National Park. A photo of the park with Joshua trees
Joshua Tree National Park

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!

A landscape photo of Joshua Tree National Park with lots of Joshua trees in the sand surrounded by mountains
Joshua Tree National Park

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.

Olympic National Park at the coast looking over a rugged coastline from a mossy and very green coast.
Olympic National Park

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!

A photo of shi shi beach in Olympic National Park during sunset. The sky is pink and orange and it reflects on the beach. The ocean has rugged rock formations throughout the horizon
Olympic National Park

Saguaro National Park

Recommended by: Kate from Kate Roams the World.

Saguaro National Park, located in Southern Arizona, needs to be on your list of National Parks to visit in May. Have a Southwest adventure and be captivated by the cactus blooms. Saguaro National Park also makes for a perfect weekend getaway from Phoenix!
 
Every year in May the Saguaro cacti and many other cactus species bloom with beautiful colorful flowers. It’s an experience like no other seeing so much life in the desert. Be prepared for the warm temperatures, with daily highs around 90°F and lows of 60°F. This unique sighting makes Saguaro one of the best National Parks to visit in May.
A Saguaro cacti in full bloom in May. The tops are covered in flowers
Saguaro National Park
 
Take 2 days to explore both the East and West sections of the park. In Saguaro East, do the Cactus Forest scenic drive, walk the desert Ecology trail, and hike the Mica trail. In Saguaro West do the Bajada Loop scenic drive, see the Signal Hill petroglyphs, and watch the sunset at Valley View Overlook. 
 

Hotel Recommendation

Candlewood Suites: While visiting Saguaro National Park, stay at Candlewood Suites. This hotel is highly rated and close to Saguaro West, while still being less than an hour from Saguaro East.
 
Saguaro National Park at sunset. The tall cacti are silhouettes against the sky
Saguaro National Park at dusk

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. 

Visit San Juan National Historic Site in May for amazing weather and beautiful views like this one!
San Juan National Historic 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!

Castillo San Cristóbal in San Juan National Historic Site, Puerto Rico's best National Park
Castillo San Cristóbal

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!

A view at a perfectly still lake with the perfect reflection on it at dawn in Voyageurs National Park
Lake view in Voyageurs National Park

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.

hiking through the white sand dunes at white sands national park with the mountains in the distance
Hiking White Sands National Park

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!

The Yucca bloom at white Sands National Park in New Mexico
White Sands National Park

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. 

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Observation Point in Zion National Park

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. 

Zion Canyon with the large red mountains surrounding the Virgin River which cuts through the valley.
Zion Canyon and the Virgin River

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!

The red mountains that make us Zion National Park
Zion National Park

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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