Acadia National Park in May
May at Acadia National Park averages a daytime high near 65°F and an overnight low around 45°F, with about 4.5" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.9× the park's average month, which makes May an average month here.
- Average low
- 45°F
- Average high
- 65°F
Range across the year: 15°F to 79°F
- Precipitation
- 4.5 in
- Daylight
- 14.6 hours
Roughly 7% of the park's yearly visitors come in May: about 266,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes May the 6th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the August peak (2.5×) and the February low (0×).
May is our recommended month at Acadia: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
The daily average of about 55°F is a comfortable range for hiking and being outdoors all day. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 2.5 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 56% of annual visitors, choosing May instead steps outside that summer crush — the single biggest lever on how crowded the park feels.
You'll have about 14.6 hours of daylight in May to explore — between the 8.7-hour midwinter low and the 15.3-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 4,079,318 recreation visits, up 3% from 3,961,661 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 21.3%, so a May visit is likely to feel busier than it did a few years ago.
How May compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | 53°F / 35°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 59 Fair |
| May | 65°F / 45°F | 0.9× Average | 65 Good |
| June | 74°F / 54°F | 1.7× Very busy | 62 Good |
All twelve months at Acadia, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in May 2027
The National Park Service lists these Acadia facilities as closed during May 2027. The dates are the park's own, read on October 11, 2026. A facility that is not listed here may still be closed, so confirm on the park's site before you go.
- Islesford Historical Museum (visitor center): closed all month (September 19, 2026 to June 15, 2027)
- Sieur de Monts Nature Center (visitor center): closed all month (October 13, 2026 to June 14, 2027)
- Schoodic Woods Campground (campground): closed until May 21, 2027
- Seawall Campground (campground): closed until May 21, 2027
- Blackwoods Campground (campground): closed until May 2, 2027
- Acadia Gateway Center (visitor center): closed until May 19, 2027
Things to do at Acadia in May
The National Park Service tags 83 Acadia activities for spring. Here are 8 of them. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Birding at the Precipice
- Hike Jordan Cliffs Loop · 3-4 hours
- Hike Precipice Loop · 2-3 hours
- Birding "with" the Champlain Society
- Go Earthcaching At Acadia · reservation required
- Hike Gorge Path · 2-3 hours
- Hike Pemetic Summit with Island Explorer Bus · 2-4 hours
- Stargazing at Sand Beach
Frequently Asked Questions
May averages a daytime high near 65°F and an overnight low around 45°F at Acadia National Park, with about 4.5 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 2.5 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
May is average at Acadia National Park (about 0.9× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Good" at 65/100. May is our recommended month for this park.
The busiest month is August and the quietest is February. May sits at about 0.9× the park's average, or 7% of annual visitation.
A typical May sees about 266,000 recreation visits at Acadia National Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Acadia in May
Booking a May trip to Acadia National Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live May availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Acadia
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Visiting Acadia in May?
Get crowd forecasts and lodging deals for Acadia by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in May.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1979–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.