Zion National Park in May
May at Zion National Park averages a daytime high near 84°F and an overnight low around 53°F, with about 0.8" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 1.3× the park's average month, which makes May a busy month here.
- Average low
- 53°F
- Average high
- 84°F
Range across the year: 29°F to 100°F
- Precipitation
- 0.8 in
- Daylight
- 14.0 hours
Roughly 11% of the park's yearly visitors come in May: about 501,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes May the 3rd-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the June peak (1.5×) and the January low (0.3×).
On our Best Time to Visit score May rates 61/100 ("Good"). Our recommended month is April: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 68°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 6.6 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 35% 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 9.4-hour midwinter low and the 14.6-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 4,984,525 recreation visits, up 0.8% from 4,946,592 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 14.6%, 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 | 73°F / 44°F | 1.1× Average | 54 Fair |
| May | 84°F / 53°F | 1.3× Busy | 61 Good |
| June | 95°F / 62°F | 1.5× Busy | 22 Poor |
All twelve months at Zion, with the best time to visit.
Seasonal closures in May 2027
The National Park Service lists these Zion 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.
- Zion Nature Center (visitor center): closed until May 27, 2027
- Lava Point Campground (campground): closed all month (October 5, 2026 to May 31, 2027)
Things to do at Zion in May
The National Park Service tags 19 Zion activities for spring. Here are 8 of them. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Climbing in Zion
- Angels Landing · 1-2 hours · reservation required
- Grotto Trail · 15-45 minutes
- Lower Emerald Pool Trail · 1-2 hours
- Pa'rus Trail · 30-120 minutes
- Taylor Creek Trail · 3-4 hours
- Timber Creek Overlook · 30-60 minutes
- Weeping Rock · 15-45 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
May averages a daytime high near 84°F and an overnight low around 53°F at Zion National Park, with about 0.8 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 6.6 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
May is busy at Zion National Park (about 1.3× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Good" at 61/100. Our recommended month is April.
The busiest month is June and the quietest is January. May sits at about 1.3× the park's average, or 11% of annual visitation.
A typical May sees about 501,000 recreation visits at Zion National Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Zion in May
Booking a May trip to Zion National Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live May availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Zion
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 Zion in May?
Get crowd forecasts and lodging deals for Zion 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 (1979–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.