Capitol Reef · May
Capitol Reef in May
May is the busiest time to visit Capitol Reef — busier than April, busier than June.
Expect peak crowds (10/10), highs near 74°F, and about 14.3 hours of daylight.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
The park's busiest time. Reservations, early starts, and patience recommended.
About 100% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
Typical May visits vs. the year
May draws about 15% of Capitol Reef’s yearly visitors.
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
May weather
- Avg high
- 74°F
- Avg low
- 48°F
- Precipitation
- 0.7"
- Sunrise
- 5:13 AM
- Sunset
- 7:29 PM
- Daylight
- 14.3h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, CAPITOL REEF NP, UT US
What's open
Capitol Reef in May: access
Capitol Reef is a 24 hour park, open all day, every day. The visitor center is open daily, except for some major holidays. Visitor center hours vary, call 435-425-3791 and follow the prompts for current visitor center information.
No seasonal road or area closures reported for this park.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Caution
Monsoon Season & Flash Floods
Heavy rains can cause sudden flooding, especially in canyons and washes. Do not drive or hike through flood waters. Get to high ground and wait for floods to subside. Some roads may close temporarily; closures are posted at the visitor center.
Details on nps.gov → - Caution
Elevated E. Coli levels - Fremont River and Sulphur Creek
Recent water quality testing shows elevated E. coli levels in the Fremont River and Sulphur Creek. A warning advisory has been issued by the Utah DEQ. Use caution if entering the water. Do not get water in your mouth, do not swim. Wash hands with soap and water.
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Capitol Reef crowds across the year
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in May
FAQ
Capitol Reef in May
How busy is Capitol Reef in May?
May rates 10/10 for crowds (Peak) at Capitol Reef National Park — about 100% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 207,945.
What is the weather like at Capitol Reef in May?
In May, Capitol Reef averages a high of 74°F and a low of 48°F, with about 0.7 inches of precipitation.
How much does it cost to visit Capitol Reef?
Entrance to Capitol Reef costs $20 (An entrance fee is charged per vehicle.).
When is Capitol Reef least crowded?
Capitol Reef is quietest in January and February. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
How many hours of daylight does Capitol Reef get in May?
In mid-May, Capitol Reef gets about 14.3 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 5:13 AM and sunset around 7:29 PM.