Yellowstone in May: Things to Do, Weather, and More

You may be wondering what the many benefits are should you choose to visit Yellowstone in May. While this National Park is extraordinarily popular, there are a number of times of year that it is not ideal to visit. Whether it is because the park is closed due to snowfall or the wildlife is not as active, Yellowstone National Park has a few key months that are better to visit during than others. 

In this article, we will address whether or not Yellowstone National Park is good for visiting during the month of May, as well as what activities there will be to do during this time of year. We will also go over what the average weather is like, where to stay, and some insider tips to make your trip easier. Let’s get started and talk about Yellowstone in May now. 

Things to Do in Yellowstone in May

The best part about visiting Yellowstone National Park during the month of May is the fact that there is plenty to do. The weather is starting to warm up, the park is completely open, and wildlife is incredibly active during this time. While good weather means more people, Yellowstone does not get as busy in May compared to the upcoming summer months of June and July. 

Given the fact that the park is completely open for the first time of the calendar year, there is plenty to do and see. You have easy access to any and all geyser viewing, all hiking, and even nearby parks are completely open as well. You may find that Yellowstone has plenty to do and there’s no reason for you to explore beyond this beautiful National Park, but you also may find that other nearby offerings are just as attractive as Yellowstone itself. 

Not only will hiking and roads be top-notch for exploring during this time of year, you’ll also find a number of different wildlife species awakening from their long winter. May is a wonderful time for bird watching as well as other wildlife viewing opportunities, and you can always take your time exploring the Yellowstone National Park Visitor Center and museum. 

Weather in Yellowstone in May

While no one would describe Yellowstone National Park as balmy, even during the warm summer months of the year, you will find that the weather during the month of May in Yellowstone isn’t too bad. The average temperatures range anywhere from 28-52 degrees Fahrenheit, and snowfall significantly decreases during this time of year, to a meager 8 inches.

Rain is more possible during May as the weather continues to warm, though there is typically no more than 2-3 inches throughout the month. At the very least, you can expect up to 15 hours a day of daylight, which is plenty for you to explore this huge National Park! 

Wildlife in Yellowstone in May

May is a fantastic time for viewing wildlife in Yellowstone. While the winter months are quieter and can offer you some exclusive viewing of many different types of carnivores, May is also a wonderful time for this. This is especially true when you consider the fact that most animals are giving birth during this time of year, and most bird species are also active by this point in time.

You can expect to see any of the following animals during your trip:

• Bison
• Deer
• Elk
• Bighorn sheep
• Rabbits
• Foxes
• Weasels
• Wolves
• Many different bird varieties, including raptors

For your own safety, Yellowstone Park Rangers recommend that you stay at least 100 yards away from the nearest large animal, particularly bison and elk. Keep in mind that, although they may seem accustomed to humans, these are indeed wild animals in one of the wildest National Parks in America!

Getting to Yellowstone in May

Compared to the previous months of April and March, it is extraordinarily easy to get to Yellowstone during the month of May. This is because all roads in and out of the park are completely open during this time, and you can take any gates or entrance that you prefer. Given that prior to this point only the North and Northeastern entrances were open, this is a huge relief to many travelers! 

Yellowstone National Park offers visitors a number of maps and informational pamphlets, and all roads are open within the park during this time of year. The adventure opportunities abound in Yellowstone during the month of May, so enjoy your stay to the fullest! 

Lodging in Yellowstone in May

There are a number of different lodging opportunities within Yellowstone National Park, though not all of them open during the month of May. Many of the campgrounds located throughout the park open during the month of June, but you can still stay in a few select locations within the park, such as the iconic Old Faithful Inn and the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins. Additionally, all of the towns surrounding Yellowstone National Park offer plenty of camping and hotel stays, should you not be able to stay inside of the park. 

Tips and Tricks for Yellowstone in May

Overall, visiting Yellowstone during the month of May is a fantastic time of year to visit. There are fewer crowds and tourists overall, especially as the year progresses. The park is full to the brim of wildlife and natural beauty, and you can stay just about anywhere you want and access everything by vehicle. What more could you ask for when it comes to visiting Yellowstone National Park!?

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Grey Mountain Photo/Shutterstock.com