Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in May
May at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area averages a daytime high near 70°F and an overnight low around 48°F. Visitation runs about 1.1× the park's average month, which makes May an average month here.
- Average low
- 48°F
- Average high
- 70°F
Range across the year: 17°F to 84°F
- Daylight
- 14.3 hours
Roughly 10% of the park's yearly visitors come in May: about 368,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes May the 5th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (1.7×) and the January low (0.5×).
On our Best Time to Visit score May rates 67/100 ("Good"). Our recommended month is October: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 59°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 11 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 38% 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 14.3 hours of daylight in May to explore — between the 9-hour midwinter low and the 14.9-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 3,986,709 recreation visits, down 2.3% from 4,079,763 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 18.1%, 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 | 61°F / 38°F | 0.8× Quiet | 63 Good |
| May | 70°F / 48°F | 1.1× Average | 67 Good |
| June | 80°F / 57°F | 1.2× Busy | 76 Excellent |
All twelve months at Delaware Water Gap, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Delaware Water Gap in May
The National Park Service tags 4 Delaware Water Gap activities for spring. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Biking on the McDade Recreational Trail
- Tour Old Mine Road · 1-3 hours
- Hike the Cliff Trail · 1-4 hours
- Millbrook Village · reservation required
Frequently Asked Questions
May averages a daytime high near 70°F and an overnight low around 48°F at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 11 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
May is average at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (about 1.1× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Good" at 67/100. Our recommended month is October.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. May sits at about 1.1× the park's average, or 10% of annual visitation.
A typical May sees about 368,000 recreation visits at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Delaware Water Gap in May
Booking a May trip to Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live May availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Delaware Water Gap
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 Delaware Water Gap in May?
Get crowd forecasts and lodging deals for Delaware Water Gap 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.