Late spring · Weather & things to do
Red Rock Canyon in May
Red Rock Canyon warms up: highs climb to 82°F (28°C), from 72°F in April, with lows of 54°F (12°C) and about 0.2 in (4 mm) of rain.
At 95/100 for comfort (4th of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 82°F (28°C)
- Avg low
- 54°F (12°C)
- Rain
- 0.2 in (4 mm)
- Humidity
- 28%
- Cloud cover
- 35%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 55 min
- Comfort score
- 95/100 · Great
What May feels like
Days are warm, averaging 82°F (28°C), easy weather for being outside from morning to evening.
There's a big swing between day and night, about 15°C (28°F), so mornings and evenings feel much cooler than the afternoon.
The air is dry, at about 28% humidity, which keeps warmth comfortable but dries skin and lips.
Rain is scarce: about 0.2 in (4 mm) for the whole month.
Sunny spells dominate: cloud cover averages 35%.
Plan around May
May is one of Red Rock Canyon's best months on the climate data.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by June, the score drops to 70/100.
- Comfort holds steady from April (97 → 95/100).
- Our Las Vegas 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 clothes82°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 54°F
- Lip balm and moisturizerdry air
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Red Rock Canyon in May
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
Historic ranch under the Wilson Cliffs, with a cabin, blacksmith shop and short trails; Nevada State Parks runs First Day Hikes here.
Why now May scores 95/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Calico Basin
Area just outside the Scenic Drive with the Red Spring boardwalk and sandstone walls; no timed entry needed.
Why now Highs near 82°F and 0.2 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center
BLM visitor center at the start of the Scenic Drive, with desert exhibits and an outdoor tortoise habitat.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Peppermill
Round-the-clock Strip diner since 1972, with oversized breakfasts and a neon lounge built around a fire pit.
Nearby in May
- Las Vegas in May~16 mi · highs 91°F, 0.1 in rain · 5°C (9°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Zion in May~155 mi · highs 72°F, 0.7 in rain · 6°C (10°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Joshua Tree in May~159 mi · highs 88°F, 0.0 in rain · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Palm Springs in May~171 mi · highs 94°F, 0.1 in rain · 6°C (12°F) warmer 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.
Red Rock Canyon in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Red Rock Canyon?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 95/100. Expect highs of 82°F (28°C) and 0.2 in (4 mm) of rain.
How hot is Red Rock Canyon in May?
Average highs are 82°F (28°C) and average lows 54°F (12°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Red Rock Canyon in May?
Not much: about 0.2 in (4 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 2nd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 6.5 in (165 mm).
What should I pack for Red Rock Canyon in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (82°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), a warm layer for evenings (lows near 54°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 Red Rock Canyon
Planning Red Rock Canyon in May?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.