Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve in May
May at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve averages a daytime high near 54°F and an overnight low around 39°F, with about 3.1" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 1.9× the park's average month, which makes May a very busy month here.
- Average low
- 39°F
- Average high
- 54°F
Range across the year: 26°F to 61°F
- Precipitation
- 3.1 in
- Daylight
- 16.6 hours
Roughly 16% of the park's yearly visitors come in May: about 83,000 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 (2.6×) and the February low (0×).
May is our recommended month at Glacier Bay: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
The daily average of about 47°F is cool, so layers and a shorter daylight window matter. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 42.3 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 62% 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 16.6 hours of daylight in May to explore — between the 5.9-hour midwinter low and the 18-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 740,044 recreation visits, about flat from 736,282 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 20.2%, 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 | 46°F / 33°F | 0.1× Very quiet | 19 Poor |
| May | 54°F / 39°F | 1.9× Very busy | 44 Poor |
| June | 59°F / 45°F | 2.4× Very busy | 42 Poor |
All twelve months at Glacier Bay, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in May 2027
The National Park Service lists these Glacier Bay 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.
- Glacier Bay National Park Visitor Center (visitor center): closed all month (September 6, 2026 to May 31, 2027)
Things to do at Glacier Bay in May
The National Park Service tags 5 Glacier Bay activities for spring. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Camp at Bartlett Cove · 1-3 days
- Experience the Huna Tribal House · 1-3 hours
- Explore Gustavus
- Hike the Trails at Bartlett Cove
- Kayak the Beardslees · 1-3 days
Frequently Asked Questions
May averages a daytime high near 54°F and an overnight low around 39°F at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, with about 3.1 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 42.3 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
May is very busy at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve (about 1.9× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 44/100. May is our recommended month for this park.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is February. May sits at about 1.9× the park's average, or 16% of annual visitation.
A typical May sees about 83,000 recreation visits at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Glacier Bay in May
Booking a May trip to Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live May availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Glacier Bay
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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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.