New River Gorge National Park & Preserve in May
May at New River Gorge National Park & Preserve averages a daytime high near 72°F and an overnight low around 51°F, with about 4.7" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 1.3× the park's average month, which makes May a busy month here.
- Average low
- 51°F
- Average high
- 72°F
Range across the year: 24°F to 81°F
- Precipitation
- 4.7 in
- Daylight
- 14.0 hours
Roughly 11% of the park's yearly visitors come in May: about 161,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1984 to 2025.
That makes May the 5th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (1.9×) and the January low (0.3×).
On our Best Time to Visit score May rates 56/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is September: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 61°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 8.9 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 43% 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 hours of daylight in May to explore — between the 9.4-hour midwinter low and the 14.6-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 1,958,440 recreation visits, up 8.1% from 1,811,937 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 49.7%, 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 | 64°F / 43°F | 0.8× Quiet | 57 Fair |
| May | 72°F / 51°F | 1.3× Busy | 56 Fair |
| June | 78°F / 59°F | 1.6× Very busy | 58 Fair |
All twelve months at New River Gorge, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in May 2027
The National Park Service lists these New River Gorge 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.
- Grandview Visitor Center (visitor center): closed until May 27, 2027
- Thurmond Depot Visitor Center (visitor center): closed until May 26, 2027
Things to do at New River Gorge in May
The National Park Service tags 12 New River Gorge activities for spring. Here are 8 of them. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Scenic Drive on Fayette Station Road · 45 minutes
- Whitewater Boating
- Bicycling at New River Gorge
- Brooks Overlook · 5 minutes
- Grandview Main Overlook · 15 minutes
- Sandstone Falls Overlook · 10 minutes
- Stroll on the Sandstone Boardwalk · 30 minutes
- Trail Run or hike the Little Laurel Trail · 30-120 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
May averages a daytime high near 72°F and an overnight low around 51°F at New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, with about 4.7 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 8.9 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
May is busy at New River Gorge National Park & Preserve (about 1.3× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 56/100. Our recommended month is September.
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 161,000 recreation visits at New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1984–2025.
Where to stay near New River Gorge in May
Booking a May trip to New River Gorge National Park & Preserve? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live May availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near New River Gorge
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 (1984–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.