Late spring · Weather & things to do
Capitol Reef in May
Capitol Reef warms up: highs climb to 74°F (23°C), from 63°F in April, with lows of 46°F (8°C) and about 0.8 in (20 mm) of rain.
At 93/100 for comfort (3rd of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 74°F (23°C)
- Avg low
- 46°F (8°C)
- Rain
- 0.8 in (20 mm)
- Humidity
- 40%
- Cloud cover
- 51%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 05 min
- Comfort score
- 93/100 · Great
What May feels like
Days are warm, averaging 74°F (23°C), easy weather for being outside from morning to evening.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 46°F (8°C), about 16°C (28°F) below the afternoon high.
Low humidity, around 40%, makes the air feel crisp and dry.
It's one of the drier stretches, with only about 0.8 in (20 mm) of rain.
Plan around May
May is one of Capitol Reef's best months on the climate data.
- First warm month: highs reach 74°F, up from 63°F in April.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by June, the score drops to 82/100.
- Comfort improves from 89/100 in April to 93/100.
- May sits inside the Mar – May window our Utah Mighty Five route recommends.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 74°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 46°F
- Lip balm and moisturizerdry air
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Capitol Reef in May
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Cassidy Arch Trail
Steep 3.4-mile round trip up to a large arch you can stand above.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best spring or fall.
Hickman Bridge Trail
Two-mile round trip to a 133-ft natural bridge with views of Capitol Dome.
Why now May scores 93/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Capitol Reef Visitor Center
Orientation, trail maps and info on the Waterpocket Fold geology.
Why now Highs near 74°F and 0.8 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Gifford Homestead
Restored pioneer farmhouse selling small fruit pies and cinnamon rolls.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best Mar–Oct, morning.
Scenic Drive
Paved road south along the Waterpocket Fold's cliffs; small entrance fee.
Nearby in May
- Bryce Canyon in May~70 mi · highs 66°F, 0.6 in rain · 5°C (8°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Canyonlands in May~75 mi · highs 77°F, 0.7 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Arches in May~95 mi · highs 78°F, 0.9 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Zion in May~118 mi · highs 72°F, 0.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~2,104 m to Capitol Reef's ~1,674 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Capitol Reef in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Capitol Reef?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 93/100. Expect highs of 74°F (23°C) and 0.8 in (20 mm) of rain. May is inside the Mar – May window our Utah Mighty Five route recommends.
How hot is Capitol Reef in May?
Average highs are 74°F (23°C) and average lows 46°F (8°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Capitol Reef in May?
Not much: about 0.8 in (20 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 10.1 in (257 mm).
What should I pack for Capitol Reef in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 74°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), a warm layer for evenings (lows near 46°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 Capitol Reef
Routes in season in May
- Utah Mighty Five Mar – May
Planning Capitol Reef in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.