Late spring · Weather & things to do
Canyonlands in May
Canyonlands warms up: highs climb to 77°F (25°C), from 66°F in April, with lows of 48°F (9°C) and about 0.7 in (17 mm) of rain.
At 95/100 for comfort (3rd of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 77°F (25°C)
- Avg low
- 48°F (9°C)
- Rain
- 0.7 in (17 mm)
- Humidity
- 33%
- Cloud cover
- 45%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 05 min
- Comfort score
- 95/100 · Great
What May feels like
Days are warm, averaging 77°F (25°C), easy weather for being outside from morning to evening.
There's a big swing between day and night, about 16°C (29°F), so mornings and evenings feel much cooler than the afternoon.
Low humidity, around 33%, makes the air feel crisp and dry.
Rain is scarce: about 0.7 in (17 mm) for the whole month.
Plan around May
May is one of Canyonlands's best months on the climate data.
- First warm month: highs reach 77°F, up from 66°F in April.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by June, the score drops to 77/100.
- Comfort holds steady from April (94 → 95/100).
- May sits inside the Mar – May window our Utah Mighty Five route recommends.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 77°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 48°F
- Lip balm and moisturizerdry air
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Canyonlands in May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
NAVTEC Expeditions
Moab outfitter running rafting and jet-boat trips on the Colorado River and Cataract Canyon.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best May–Sep.
Grand View Point Overlook
Southern tip of the mesa with a 100-mile view over canyons cut by the Green and Colorado rivers.
Why now May scores 95/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Mesa Arch
Short walk to a cliff-edge arch that glows red at sunrise.
Why now Highs near 77°F and 0.7 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Upheaval Dome
Short hike to a strange crater whose origin (salt dome or meteor) is still debated.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Moab Coffee Roasters
Main Street coffee and gelato stop for an early start before the drive to the park.
Nearby in May
- Arches in May~32 mi · highs 78°F, 0.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Capitol Reef in May~75 mi · highs 74°F, 0.8 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Bryce Canyon in May~136 mi · highs 66°F, 0.6 in rain · 6°C (11°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Aspen in May~175 mi · highs 60°F, 1.7 in rain · 9°C (17°F) cooler by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Canyonlands in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Canyonlands?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 95/100. Expect highs of 77°F (25°C) and 0.7 in (17 mm) of rain. May is inside the Mar – May window our Utah Mighty Five route recommends.
How hot is Canyonlands in May?
Average highs are 77°F (25°C) and average lows 48°F (9°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Canyonlands in May?
Not much: about 0.7 in (17 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 9.1 in (230 mm).
What should I pack for Canyonlands in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 77°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), a warm layer for evenings (lows near 48°F), lip balm and moisturizer (dry air) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Canyonlands
Routes in season in May
- Utah Mighty Five Mar – May
Planning Canyonlands in May?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.