May is an excellent month at Yellowstone — it ranks first of the twelve here. Expect about 45% fewer visitors than July, the park's peak — 508,111 visits on average. Days run around 55°F by afternoon and 29°F at night, with 14.8 hours of daylight.
May against the park's best
| Month | Verdict | Avg. visits | vs. peak | High | Low | Snow | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May (this page) | Excellent | 508,111 | −45% | 55°F | 29°F | 5.4" | 14.8 h |
| July (peak crowds) | Good | 922,896 | peak | 76°F | 39°F | 0" | 15.2 h |
Weather figures are for the Old Faithful area (7,300 ft) — the Old Faithful station. Visits are 2021–2025 averages; climate normals cover 1991–2020. Conditions vary across the park; check current status before you go.
Common questions
Is May a good time to visit Yellowstone?
Yes — it is the park's best-scoring month. May ranks 1 of 12 at Yellowstone on crowds, weather, daylight, and access together.
How crowded is Yellowstone in May?
About 508,111 recreation visits on average — 45% below July, the park's peak.
How warm is Yellowstone in May?
Average highs around 55°F and lows around 29°F at the Old Faithful station, with about 5 inches of snow across the month.
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