Petroglyph National Monument in May
May at Petroglyph National Monument averages a daytime high near 81°F and an overnight low around 50°F, with about 0.4" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 1.1× the park's average month, which makes May an average month here.
- Average low
- 50°F
- Average high
- 81°F
Range across the year: 24°F to 93°F
- Precipitation
- 0.4 in
- Daylight
- 13.8 hours
Roughly 9% of the park's yearly visitors come in May: about 26,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1992 to 2025.
That makes May the 4th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the October peak (1.4×) and the August low (0.8×).
On our Best Time to Visit score May rates 72/100 ("Good"). Our recommended month is September: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 66°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 2.2 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 21% 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 13.8 hours of daylight in May to explore — between the 9.6-hour midwinter low and the 14.4-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 310,672 recreation visits, down 12.4% from 354,534 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 42%, 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 | 72°F / 41°F | 1.2× Busy | 51 Fair |
| May | 81°F / 50°F | 1.1× Average | 72 Good |
| June | 92°F / 60°F | 0.9× Average | 62 Good |
All twelve months at Petroglyph, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Petroglyph in May
The National Park Service tags 6 Petroglyph activities for spring. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Boca Negra Canyon · 5-60 minutes
- Picnicking at Petroglyph National Monument · 1-3 hours
- Piedras Marcadas Canyon · 1-2 hours
- Rinconada Canyon · 90-120 minutes
- Volcanoes Day Use Area · 1-4 hours
- WNPA Park Store
Frequently Asked Questions
May averages a daytime high near 81°F and an overnight low around 50°F at Petroglyph National Monument, with about 0.4 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 2.2 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
May is average at Petroglyph National Monument (about 1.1× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Good" at 72/100. Our recommended month is September.
The busiest month is October and the quietest is August. May sits at about 1.1× the park's average, or 9% of annual visitation.
A typical May sees about 26,000 recreation visits at Petroglyph National Monument, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1992–2025.
Where to stay near Petroglyph in May
Booking a May trip to Petroglyph National Monument? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live May availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Petroglyph
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Visiting Petroglyph in May?
Get crowd forecasts and lodging deals for Petroglyph by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in May.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1992–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.