Point Reyes National Seashore in May
May at Point Reyes National Seashore averages a daytime high near 72°F and an overnight low around 51°F, with about 0.9" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.9× the park's average month, which makes May an average month here.
- Average low
- 51°F
- Average high
- 72°F
Range across the year: 42°F to 81°F
- Precipitation
- 0.9 in
- Daylight
- 14.1 hours
Roughly 8% of the park's yearly visitors come in May: about 183,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes May the 8th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (1.4×) and the March low (0.8×).
May is our recommended month at Point Reyes: 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 19.1 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 32% 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 14.1 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 2,429,601 recreation visits, up 2.4% from 2,371,800 in 2024.
How May compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | 68°F / 48°F | 0.9× Average | 69 Good |
| May | 72°F / 51°F | 0.9× Average | 79 Excellent |
| June | 78°F / 54°F | 1.2× Busy | 68 Good |
All twelve months at Point Reyes, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in May 2027
The National Park Service lists these Point Reyes 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.
- Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center (visitor center): closed until May 23, 2027
Things to do at Point Reyes in May
The National Park Service tags 50 Point Reyes activities for spring. Here are 8 of them. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Swimming at Point Reyes
- Backcountry Camping at Point Reyes National Seashore · 2-5 days · reservation required
- Bike to Wildcat Campground · 3-5 hours · reservation required
- Hike the Chimney Rock Trail · 40-90 minutes
- Hike the Meadow–Horse Trails Loop · 2-4 hours
- Hike the Tomales Point Trail to Windy Gap · 40-90 minutes
- Hike to Sculptured Beach · 3-5 hours
- Tule Elk Viewing At Point Reyes National Seashore · 1-5 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
May averages a daytime high near 72°F and an overnight low around 51°F at Point Reyes National Seashore, with about 0.9 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 19.1 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
May is average at Point Reyes National Seashore (about 0.9× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Excellent" at 79/100. May is our recommended month for this park.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is March. May sits at about 0.9× the park's average, or 8% of annual visitation.
A typical May sees about 183,000 recreation visits at Point Reyes National Seashore, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Point Reyes in May
Booking a May trip to Point Reyes National Seashore? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live May availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Point Reyes
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.