Late spring · Weather & things to do
Glacier National Park in May
Glacier National Park warms up: highs climb to 52°F (11°C), from 39°F in April, with lows of 33°F (1°C) and about 3.5 in (88 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 62/100, 5th of 12.
- Avg high
- 52°F (11°C)
- Avg low
- 33°F (1°C)
- Rain
- 3.5 in (88 mm)
- Humidity
- 75%
- Cloud cover
- 68%
- Daylight
- ~15 h 03 min
- Comfort score
- 62/100 · Good
What May feels like
Afternoons only reach about 52°F (11°C), so plan on a warm jacket.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 33°F (1°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.5 in (88 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
With about 15 h 03 min of daylight, evenings stay light late.
Plan around May
May sits mid-table; the best months are July & August.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, April – June.
- The year's biggest warm-up: highs jump 7°C (13°F) from April.
- Comfort improves from 42/100 in April to 62/100.
- Our Glacier to Yellowstone route recommends Jun – Sep, so May falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for May
- Insulated jackethighs only 52°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Glacier National Park in May
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake Trail
Flat boardwalk through old cedars, continuing 2.3 miles to a lake ringed by waterfalls.
Why now May scores 62/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Glacier Park Boat Company Many Glacier Cruise
Historic wooden boats across Swiftcurrent and Lake Josephine with ranger-led walks.
Why now Highs near 52°F and 3.5 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Lake McDonald
Glacier's largest lake, famous for colored stones visible through clear water at Apgar.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Northern Lights Saloon
Log-cabin saloon next to the Mercantile, with a beer garden facing the peaks.
Russell's Fireside Dining Room
Lake McDonald Lodge dining room with regional dishes like bison and huckleberry desserts.
Nearby in May
- Banff in May~185 mi · highs 54°F, 3.3 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Lake Louise in May~212 mi · highs 47°F, 3.2 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, about as wet
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.
Glacier National Park in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Glacier National Park?
It's middling, scoring 62/100. The best months are July & August, at up to 97. Expect highs of 52°F (11°C) and 3.5 in (88 mm) of rain. Our Glacier to Yellowstone route recommends Jun – Sep, so May is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Glacier National Park in May?
Average highs are 52°F (11°C) and average lows 33°F (1°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Glacier National Park in May?
Some: about 3.5 in (88 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 31.6 in (802 mm).
What should I pack for Glacier National Park in May?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 52°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Glacier National Park
Planning Glacier National Park in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.