Yellowstone Weather in May: What to Expect

May is a big month for Yellowstone National Park, but what might Yellowstone weather in May be like? If you are planning a trip to this infamous National Park, May could be the perfect month for you. But what makes visiting during this month special, and what should you expect out of visiting during this time of year?

In this article, we will go over what the weather is like in Yellowstone National Park during the month of May, including what the average snowfall and sunshine is. We will also go over what there is to do in the park during this time of year, including some of the pros and cons to a May visit. Let’s get started!

What is the Weather Like in Yellowstone in May?

The weather in Yellowstone in May takes a dramatic turn from the previous month, reaching 52 degrees Fahrenheit on average as a high, and 28 degrees Fahrenheit as the low. Additionally, the rainfall increases ever so slightly, as May is Yellowstone’s rainiest month, and snowfall decreases greatly from April statistics, only reaching 8 inches on average.

You also have 15 hours of daylight to explore the park- this is a benefit over April’s roughly 13 hours of daylight. While the upper elevation hikes and peaks will still have plenty of snow on the ground, the lower valleys and sunny areas of the park are less likely to be too frozen over. This is only one of the many perks of visiting Yellowstone in May. Let’s check out a few more reasons now.

Pros of Visiting Yellowstone in May

There are a number of pros should you choose to visit Yellowstone in the month of May. One of the primary reasons to visit during this time of year is because of the weather. It is just beginning to warm up and feel more like spring, and all of the natural beauty found in Yellowstone National Park reflects this as well. While it is still highly recommended to bring along a few heavy duty jackets, Yellowstone is much more welcoming in May compared to other months. 

In addition to the weather being nicer, Yellowstone National Park fully opens during the month of May, and many other National or state parks in Wyoming also open during this time. This means that there will always be plenty to do, which is not necessarily the case in April or March. You can view wildlife, hike, and do so much more in May compared to other times of year. 

Cons of Visiting Yellowstone in May

You may have already guessed one of the potential cons of visiting Yellowstone in May, and that is the fact that it gets steadily busier as the weather warms up. You will find more and more people visiting during the month of May, especially compared to the cold winter months. This could mean longer wait times to see things, as well as far more traffic throughout the park. 

However, there are still fewer people visiting during the month of May compared to the upcoming months of summer. This is because the weather still remains fairly unpredictable in Yellowstone during this time of year. It can be very difficult to plan your outdoor activities around the weather, especially if you are booking a trip far enough in advance. However, remaining flexible and open to changes means that you won’t have any problems having a good time in Yellowstone National Park in May!

What to Do in Yellowstone in May

As the weather warms up and the park begins to come to life, there are a number of things for you to do in Yellowstone during the month of May. Let’s talk more about some of those options now. 

Wildlife Viewing

One of the best reasons why you should visit Yellowstone during early spring is the fact that there is an abundance of wildlife to see. While larger groups of people and crowds may mean that you see fewer animals compared to the sleepier winter months, May is a perfect time to view elk and bison babies, alongside a number of other animal species. 

Some of the animals you can expect to see during this time of year are: 

• Elk
• Foxes
• Bighorn sheep
• Bison
• Wolves
• Deer
• Weasels
• Hare

This also means that you should pay special attention when hiking or traversing the park, as you may stumble upon wildlife that you were not expecting to see. Always maintain a safe distance from larger wildlife, such as wolves and bears as well as bison. 

Birdwatching and Guided Tours

Yellowstone partners with many local businesses and vendors to bring you enjoyable guided tours and experiences, ranging in topics and length. You can go birdwatching on your own or in a group, as many different types of birds start hatching and enjoying the spring weather during this time of year. Additionally, you can go on a guided hike or driven tour as the park fully opens during this month.

Yellowstone and Nearby Parks are Completely Open

As if there wasn’t plenty to do in Yellowstone National Park, there’s even more to do in surrounding parks and natural areas nearby. For example, Grand Teton National Park opens in May, and you can stay in a number of on-site lodgings in Yellowstone National Park beginning in May as well!

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