Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area in May
May at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area averages a daytime high near 70°F and an overnight low around 40°F, with about 2" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.8× the park's average month, which makes May a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 40°F
- Average high
- 70°F
Range across the year: 20°F to 86°F
- Precipitation
- 2.0 in
- Daylight
- 15.0 hours
Roughly 7% of the park's yearly visitors come in May: about 88,000 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 (2.5×) and the December low (0.3×).
May is our recommended month at Lake Roosevelt: 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 29 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 54% 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 15 hours of daylight in May to explore — between the 8.2-hour midwinter low and the 15.8-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 1,183,757 recreation visits, up 8.5% from 1,091,489 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 12.4%, 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 | 60°F / 33°F | 0.7× Quiet | 61 Good |
| May | 70°F / 40°F | 0.8× Quiet | 72 Good |
| June | 76°F / 46°F | 1.9× Very busy | 60 Good |
All twelve months at Lake Roosevelt, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in May 2027
The National Park Service lists these Lake Roosevelt 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.
- Fort Spokane Visitor Center and Museum (visitor center): closed until May 22, 2027
- Camp Na-Bor-Lee (non-profit operated) (campground): closed until May 14, 2027
- Hawk Creek Campground (campground): closed until May 21, 2027
- Hawk Creek Campground (campground): closed all month (April 16, 2027 to October 6, 2027)
Things to do at Lake Roosevelt in May
The National Park Service tags 3 Lake Roosevelt activities for spring. Each links to the park's own page for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
May averages a daytime high near 70°F and an overnight low around 40°F at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, with about 2 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 29 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
May is quiet at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area (about 0.8× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Good" at 72/100. May is our recommended month for this park.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is December. May sits at about 0.8× the park's average, or 7% of annual visitation.
A typical May sees about 88,000 recreation visits at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Lake Roosevelt in May
Booking a May trip to Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live May availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Lake Roosevelt
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.