Late spring · Weather & things to do
Zion in May
Zion warms up: highs climb to 72°F (22°C), from 61°F in April, with lows of 44°F (7°C) and about 0.7 in (18 mm) of rain.
At 98/100 for comfort (3rd of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 72°F (22°C)
- Avg low
- 44°F (7°C)
- Rain
- 0.7 in (18 mm)
- Humidity
- 40%
- Cloud cover
- 35%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 00 min
- Comfort score
- 98/100 · Great
What May feels like
Highs settle around 72°F (22°C), warm enough for short sleeves most of the day.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 44°F (7°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 0.7 in (18 mm) of rain.
Sunny spells dominate: cloud cover averages 35%.
Plan around May
May is one of Zion's best months on the climate data.
- First warm month: highs reach 72°F, up from 61°F in April.
- Comfort improves from 91/100 in April to 98/100.
- May sits inside the Mar – May window our Utah Mighty Five route recommends.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clothes72°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 44°F
- Lip balm and moisturizerdry air
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Zion in May
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Angels Landing
Chain-assisted ridge hike to a narrow summit 1,500 ft above the canyon.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best early morning, spring or fall.
Zion Canyon Visitor Center
Hub for the free canyon shuttle and ranger trail conditions.
Why now May scores 98/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Emerald Pools Trail
Short hikes to pools and seasonal waterfalls below cliffs, starting at Zion Lodge.
Why now Highs near 72°F and 0.7 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Bit & Spur Restaurant
Long-running Southwestern restaurant with a garden patio and red-rock views.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Canyon Overlook Trail
One-mile hike on the east side to a view down Pine Creek and switchbacks.
Nearby in May
- Bryce Canyon in May~50 mi · highs 66°F, 0.6 in rain · 4°C (6°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Grand Canyon in May~97 mi · highs 85°F, 0.5 in rain · 7°C (13°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Capitol Reef in May~118 mi · highs 74°F, 0.8 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Las Vegas in May~141 mi · highs 91°F, 0.1 in rain · 11°C (19°F) warmer by day, drier
These averages also cover Zion NP.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~2,087 m to Zion's ~1,782 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.
Zion in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Zion?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 98/100. Expect highs of 72°F (22°C) and 0.7 in (18 mm) of rain. May is inside the Mar – May window our Utah Mighty Five route recommends.
How hot is Zion in May?
Average highs are 72°F (22°C) and average lows 44°F (7°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Zion in May?
Not much: about 0.7 in (18 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 2nd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 13.1 in (332 mm).
What should I pack for Zion in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (72°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), a warm layer for evenings (lows near 44°F), lip balm and moisturizer (dry air) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Routes in season in May
- Utah Mighty Five Mar – May
Planning Zion 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.