Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway in May
May at Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway averages a daytime high near 68°F and an overnight low around 46°F, with about 4.2" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 1.4× the park's average month, which makes May a busy month here.
- Average low
- 46°F
- Average high
- 68°F
Range across the year: 5°F to 81°F
- Precipitation
- 4.2 in
- Daylight
- 14.7 hours
Roughly 12% 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 (3.1×) and the December low (0×).
May is our recommended month at Saint Croix: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
The daily average of about 57°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 10.6 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 66% 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 14.7 hours of daylight in May to explore — between the 8.5-hour midwinter low and the 15.5-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 852,296 recreation visits, down 5.4% from 900,828 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 20.9%, 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 | 55°F / 34°F | 0.3× Very quiet | 56 Fair |
| May | 68°F / 46°F | 1.4× Busy | 64 Good |
| June | 77°F / 56°F | 2.3× Very busy | 63 Good |
All twelve months at Saint Croix, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in May 2027
The National Park Service lists these Saint Croix 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.
- Namekagon River Visitor Center (visitor center): closed all month (September 6, 2026 to May 31, 2027)
Frequently Asked Questions
May averages a daytime high near 68°F and an overnight low around 46°F at Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway, with about 4.2 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 10.6 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
May is busy at Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway (about 1.4× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Good" at 64/100. May is our recommended month for this park.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is December. May sits at about 1.4× the park's average, or 12% of annual visitation.
A typical May sees about 90,000 recreation visits at Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Saint Croix in May
Booking a May trip to Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live May availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Saint Croix
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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.