Martin Van Buren National Historic Site in May
May at Martin Van Buren National Historic Site averages a daytime high near 71°F and an overnight low around 48°F, with about 3.8" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.9× the park's average month, which makes May an average month here.
- Average low
- 48°F
- Average high
- 71°F
Range across the year: 16°F to 84°F
- Precipitation
- 3.8 in
- Daylight
- 14.4 hours
Roughly 8% of the park's yearly visitors come in May: roughly 1,200 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1982 to 2025.
That makes May the 6th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (2.2×) and the January low (0.3×).
May is our recommended month at Martin Van Buren: 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 4.7 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 48% 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 14.4 hours of daylight in May to explore — between the 8.9-hour midwinter low and the 15.1-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 15,807 recreation visits, down 10.8% from 17,712 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 28.9%, 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 | 59°F / 37°F | 0.4× Very quiet | 64 Good |
| May | 71°F / 48°F | 0.9× Average | 69 Good |
| June | 79°F / 58°F | 1.6× Busy | 65 Good |
All twelve months at Martin Van Buren, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in May 2027
The National Park Service lists these Martin Van Buren 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.
- Visitor Center (visitor center): closed until May 23, 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
May averages a daytime high near 71°F and an overnight low around 48°F at Martin Van Buren National Historic Site, with about 3.8 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 4.7 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
May is average at Martin Van Buren National Historic Site (about 0.9× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Good" at 69/100. May is our recommended month for this park.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. May sits at about 0.9× the park's average, or 8% of annual visitation.
A typical May sees about 1,000 recreation visits at Martin Van Buren National Historic Site, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1982–2025.
Where to stay near Martin Van Buren in May
Booking a May trip to Martin Van Buren National Historic Site? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live May availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Martin Van Buren
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See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in May.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1982–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.