Ozark National Scenic Riverways in May
May at Ozark National Scenic Riverways averages a daytime high near 80°F and an overnight low around 54°F, with about 5.6" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.9× the park's average month, which makes May an average month here.
- Average low
- 54°F
- Average high
- 80°F
Range across the year: 21°F to 92°F
- Precipitation
- 5.6 in
- Daylight
- 14.0 hours
Roughly 7% of the park's yearly visitors come in May: about 90,000 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 (2.6×) and the January low (0.2×).
On our Best Time to Visit score May rates 77/100 ("Excellent"). Our recommended month is October: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 67°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 5.5 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 56% 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 9.5-hour midwinter low and the 14.5-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 1,116,835 recreation visits, down 16.9% from 1,343,779 in 2024.
How May compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | 71°F / 42°F | 0.6× Quiet | 68 Good |
| May | 80°F / 54°F | 0.9× Average | 77 Excellent |
| June | 87°F / 62°F | 1.9× Very busy | 53 Fair |
All twelve months at Ozark, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in May 2027
The National Park Service lists these Ozark 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.
- Round Spring Ranger Station (visitor center): closed until May 21, 2027
- Pulltite Ranger Station (visitor center): closed all month (September 6, 2026 to May 31, 2027)
- Alley General Store (visitor center): closed until May 21, 2027
- Alley Mill (visitor center): closed until May 21, 2027
Things to do at Ozark in May
The National Park Service tags 30 Ozark 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 80°F and an overnight low around 54°F at Ozark National Scenic Riverways, with about 5.6 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 5.5 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
May is average at Ozark National Scenic Riverways (about 0.9× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Excellent" at 77/100. Our recommended month is October.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. May sits at about 0.9× the park's average, or 7% of annual visitation.
A typical May sees about 90,000 recreation visits at Ozark National Scenic Riverways, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Ozark in May
Booking a May trip to Ozark National Scenic Riverways? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live May availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Ozark
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.