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Big Bend · May
May is a good time to visit Big Bend — quieter than April, busier than June.
Expect moderate crowds (5/10), highs near 89°F, and about 13.6 hours of daylight.
Crowd score
A comfortable middle ground: some company on popular trails, but no gridlock.
About 41% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Jul 2026 · alerts checked Jul 10, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
May draws about 7% of Big Bend’s yearly visitors.
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, PANTHER JUNCTION, TX US
What's open
Big Bend National Park is always open. You can enter and exit at any time of the day or night. Park entrances are open 24 hours daily, all year.
No seasonal road or area closures reported for this park.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Bringing your pet to Big Bend National Park will limit some of your park explorations and opportunities. Pets are not allowed on park trails, in the backcountry, or on the river. Pets are allowed only where vehicles can go. Pets may not be left unattended
Details on nps.gov →The use of drones is prohibited in Big Bend National Park. Thank you for preserving the peace and tranquility of Big Bend.
Until further notice, the Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry will be open Friday through Monday, 9:00 am through 4:00 pm. It will not change to winter hours at this time.
Source: NPS Data API
Context
FAQ
May rates 5/10 for crowds (Moderate) at Big Bend National Park — about 41% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 39,707.
In May, Big Bend averages a high of 89°F and a low of 62°F, with about 1.3 inches of precipitation.
Entrance to Big Bend costs $30 (Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less); valid for 7 days.).
Big Bend is quietest in July and August. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
In mid-May, Big Bend gets about 13.6 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 5:00 AM and sunset around 6:38 PM.