Independence National Historical Park in May
May at Independence National Historical Park averages a daytime high near 76°F and an overnight low around 56°F, with about 4.1" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 1.3× the park's average month, which makes May a busy month here.
- Average low
- 56°F
- Average high
- 76°F
Range across the year: 28°F to 89°F
- Precipitation
- 4.1 in
- Daylight
- 14.2 hours
Roughly 11% of the park's yearly visitors come in May: about 343,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes May the 3rd-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (1.6×) and the January low (0.5×).
On our Best Time to Visit score May rates 59/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is October: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 66°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 1.5 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 35% 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 14.2 hours of daylight in May to explore — between the 9.2-hour midwinter low and the 14.8-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 1,926,580 recreation visits, down 31.2% from 2,798,651 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 39.9%, so May may feel a touch quieter than it once did.
How May compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | 66°F / 46°F | 1.1× Average | 52 Fair |
| May | 76°F / 56°F | 1.3× Busy | 59 Fair |
| June | 85°F / 66°F | 1.3× Busy | 51 Fair |
All twelve months at Independence, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Independence in May
The National Park Service tags 9 Independence activities for spring. Here are 8 of them. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Become an Independence Junior Ranger · 5-120 minutes
- Find the Perfect Souvenir · 5-20 minutes
- Get the B. Free Franklin Cancellation · 5-15 minutes
- Listen for the Sound of Sticky Ink · 10-20 minutes
- Play the Virtual Glass Armonica · 30-60 minutes
- Stand in Abraham Lincoln's Place · 15-20 minutes
- Take a "Bell-fie" · 15-55 minutes
- Tour Independence Hall · 20-35 minutes · reservation required
Frequently Asked Questions
May averages a daytime high near 76°F and an overnight low around 56°F at Independence National Historical Park, with about 4.1 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 1.5 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
May is busy at Independence National Historical Park (about 1.3× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 59/100. Our recommended month is October.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. May sits at about 1.3× the park's average, or 11% of annual visitation.
A typical May sees about 343,000 recreation visits at Independence National Historical Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Independence in May
Booking a May trip to Independence National Historical Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live May availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Independence
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.