Late spring · Weather & things to do
Papago Park & Camelback in May
Papago Park & Camelback warms up: highs climb to 95°F (35°C), from 85°F in April, with lows of 64°F (18°C) and about 0.2 in (6 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 68/100, 8th of 12.
- Avg high
- 95°F (35°C)
- Avg low
- 64°F (18°C)
- Rain
- 0.2 in (6 mm)
- Humidity
- 22%
- Cloud cover
- 23%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 44 min
- Comfort score
- 68/100 · Good
What May feels like
Afternoons run hot at about 95°F (35°C), which leaves mornings and evenings as the time for walking.
There's a big swing between day and night, about 17°C (31°F), so mornings and evenings feel much cooler than the afternoon.
The air is dry, at about 22% humidity, which keeps warmth comfortable but dries skin and lips.
Rain is scarce: about 0.2 in (6 mm) for the whole month.
Sunny spells dominate: cloud cover averages 23%.
Plan around May
May sits mid-table; the best months are November – April.
- Comfort slips from 90/100 in April to 68/100.
- Our Phoenix New Year's Eve route is planned for Dec 30 – Jan 1, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — May falls outside it.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clothes95°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 64°F
- Lip balm and moisturizerdry air
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Papago Park & Camelback in May
Afternoons run hot (95°F), so these picks mix early-start outdoor spots with cool indoor breaks.
Phoenix Zoo
Zoo in Papago Park whose ZooLights season ran from late November to mid-January in 2025-26.
Why now May scores 68/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Desert Botanical Garden
Garden of saguaros, agaves and desert wildflowers set against the Papago Buttes, with trails of under a mile each.
Why now Highs near 95°F and 0.2 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Camelback Mountain
The city's landmark peak; the Echo Canyon trail climbs about 1,200 feet in 1.2 miles to a summit over the whole valley.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
La Grande Orange
Arcadia's long-running cafe, bakery and market at 40th Street and Campbell, busy with brunch crowds.
Why now Go early — afternoons average 95°F.
Nearby in May
- Phoenix in May~7 mi · highs 96°F, 0.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Sedona in May~98 mi · highs 81°F, 0.6 in rain · 8°C (14°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Catalina Foothills in May~101 mi · highs 91°F, 0.2 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Downtown Tucson in May~102 mi · highs 92°F, 0.2 in rain · 1°C (3°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.
Papago Park & Camelback in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Papago Park & Camelback?
It's middling, scoring 68/100. The best months are November – April, at up to 99. Expect highs of 95°F (35°C) and 0.2 in (6 mm) of rain.
How hot is Papago Park & Camelback in May?
Average highs are 95°F (35°C) and average lows 64°F (18°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Papago Park & Camelback in May?
Not much: about 0.2 in (6 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 2nd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 10.0 in (254 mm).
What should I pack for Papago Park & Camelback in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (95°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 64°F) and lip balm and moisturizer (dry air).
More on Papago Park & Camelback
Planning Papago Park & Camelback in May?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.