Missouri National Recreational River in May
May at Missouri National Recreational River averages a daytime high near 71°F and an overnight low around 48°F, with about 4" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 1.1× the park's average month, which makes May an average month here.
- Average low
- 48°F
- Average high
- 71°F
Range across the year: 10°F to 85°F
- Precipitation
- 4.0 in
- Daylight
- 14.4 hours
Roughly 9% of the park's yearly visitors come in May: about 12,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2004 to 2025.
That makes May the 6th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the September peak (1.8×) and the February low (0.4×).
May is our recommended month at Missouri: 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 6 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 14.4 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 166,390 recreation visits, up 8.4% from 153,521 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 11.4%, 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 | 59°F / 36°F | 0.9× Average | 44 Poor |
| May | 71°F / 48°F | 1.1× Average | 62 Good |
| June | 81°F / 59°F | 1.3× Busy | 66 Good |
All twelve months at Missouri, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Missouri in May
The National Park Service tags 12 Missouri activities for spring. Here are 8 of them. Each links to the park's own page for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
May averages a daytime high near 71°F and an overnight low around 48°F at Missouri National Recreational River, with about 4 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 6 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
May is average at Missouri National Recreational River (about 1.1× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Good" at 62/100. May is our recommended month for this park.
The busiest month is September and the quietest is February. May sits at about 1.1× the park's average, or 9% of annual visitation.
A typical May sees about 12,000 recreation visits at Missouri National Recreational River, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2004–2025.
Where to stay near Missouri in May
Booking a May trip to Missouri National Recreational River? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live May availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Missouri
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 (2004–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.