North Cascades National Park in May
May at North Cascades National Park averages a daytime high near 66°F and an overnight low around 44°F, with about 2.7" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.4× the park's average month, which makes May a very quiet month here.
- Average low
- 44°F
- Average high
- 66°F
Range across the year: 30°F to 79°F
- Precipitation
- 2.7 in
- Daylight
- 15.0 hours
Roughly 3% of the park's yearly visitors come in May: about 960 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes May the 6th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (3.6×) and the January low (0×).
May is our recommended month at North Cascades: 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 2.9 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 70% 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 8.1-hour midwinter low and the 15.9-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 46,925 recreation visits, up 184.7% from 16,485 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 38.2%, 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 | 57°F / 38°F | 0.1× Very quiet | 26 Poor |
| May | 66°F / 44°F | 0.4× Very quiet | 80 Excellent |
| June | 70°F / 49°F | 1.2× Busy | 78 Excellent |
All twelve months at North Cascades, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in May 2027
The National Park Service lists these North Cascades 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.
- Lower Goodell Group Campground (campground): closed until May 20, 2027
- Colonial Creek North Campground (campground): closed until May 20, 2027
- Colonial Creek South Campground (campground): closed until May 20, 2027
- Newhalem Creek Campground (campground): closed until May 20, 2027
Things to do at North Cascades in May
The National Park Service tags 5 North Cascades activities for spring. Each links to the park's own page for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
May averages a daytime high near 66°F and an overnight low around 44°F at North Cascades National Park, with about 2.7 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 2.9 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
May is very quiet at North Cascades National Park (about 0.4× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Excellent" at 80/100. May is our recommended month for this park.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. May sits at about 0.4× the park's average, or 3% of annual visitation.
A typical May sees about 1,000 recreation visits at North Cascades National Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near North Cascades in May
Booking a May trip to North Cascades National Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live May availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near North Cascades
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.