How Crowded Is Ice Age National Scenic Trail in May?
May runs about 1.3× Ice Age National Scenic Trail's average month, which makes it a busy month here — roughly 11% of the park's yearly visitors come in May.
In a typical May the park sees roughly 3,100 recreation visits, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2024 to 2025.
That makes May the 3rd-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (1.8×) and the February low (0.6×).
On our Best Time to Visit score May rates 57/100 ("Fair"), versus the top-rated September at 73/100 — pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
Typical May weather, from 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals at the nearest station, averages a daytime high near 68°F and an overnight low around 45°F, with about 4.2" of precipitation.
That average of about 57°F is a comfortable range for hiking and being outdoors all day.
Because June, July and August together draw about 33% 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 29,125 recreation visits, down 2% from 29,711 in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
May is busy at Ice Age National Scenic Trail (about 1.3× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair". The single best month overall is September.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is February. May sits at about 1.3× the park's average, or 11% of annual visitation.
A typical May sees about 3,000 recreation visits at Ice Age National Scenic Trail, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2024–2025.
Where to stay near Ice Age in May
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See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in May.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (2024–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-07-14.