Late spring · Weather & things to do
Yellowstone National Park in May
Yellowstone National Park warms up: highs climb to 49°F (10°C), from 36°F in April, with lows of 29°F (-2°C) and about 3.2 in (81 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 55/100, 5th of 12.
- Avg high
- 49°F (10°C)
- Avg low
- 29°F (-2°C)
- Rain
- 3.2 in (81 mm)
- Humidity
- 76%
- Cloud cover
- 73%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 36 min
- Comfort score
- 55/100 · Fair
What May feels like
Cool days top out near 49°F (10°C), better for brisk walks than lingering outside.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 29°F (-2°C), so expect frost and ice.
Some rain is likely, about 3.2 in (81 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around May
May sits mid-table; the best months are July – September.
- Last month with freezing nights on average; by June, lows rise to 37°F.
- The year's biggest warm-up: highs jump 8°C (14°F) from April.
- Comfort improves from 41/100 in April to 55/100.
- Our Glacier to Yellowstone route recommends Jun – Sep, so May falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for May
- Insulated jackethighs only 49°F
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 29°F
- Shoes with gripfrost and ice are possible
- 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 Yellowstone National Park in May
A mixed month: these picks balance outdoor stops with indoor fallbacks.
Artist Point
Classic viewpoint of the Lower Falls and the yellow walls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces
Travertine terraces built by hot springs, with boardwalks and elk around the village.
Hayden Valley
Open valley along the Yellowstone River with bison herds and frequent wolf and bear sightings.
Fairy Falls Trail Grand Prismatic Overlook
Short climb to a raised platform above Grand Prismatic Spring for the full color rings.
Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room
Dining room in the park's oldest hotel, overlooking Yellowstone Lake.
Nearby in May
- Yellowstone in May~13 mi · highs 49°F, 3.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Grand Teton National Park in May~44 mi · highs 54°F, 2.8 in rain · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Jackson in May~67 mi · highs 59°F, 2.5 in rain · 5°C (10°F) warmer by day, drier
- Salt Lake City in May~262 mi · highs 70°F, 2.3 in rain · 12°C (21°F) warmer by day, drier
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.
Yellowstone National Park in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Yellowstone National Park?
It's middling, scoring 55/100. The best months are July – September, at up to 97. Expect highs of 49°F (10°C) and 3.2 in (81 mm) of rain. Our Glacier to Yellowstone route recommends Jun – Sep, so May is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Yellowstone National Park in May?
Average highs are 49°F (10°C) and average lows 29°F (-2°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it rain a lot in Yellowstone National Park in May?
Some: about 3.2 in (81 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 32.8 in (834 mm).
What should I pack for Yellowstone National Park in May?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 49°F), hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 29°F), shoes with grip (frost and ice are possible), 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 Yellowstone National Park
Planning Yellowstone National Park 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.