Channel Islands · May
Channel Islands in May
May is a busy time to visit Channel Islands — about as busy as April, quieter than June.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
Approaching peak season — expect full lots by mid-morning and busy overlooks.
About 77% 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
Typical May visits vs. the year
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
May weather
- Avg high
- 68°F
- Avg low
- 51°F
- Precipitation
- 0.5"
- Sunrise
- 4:57 AM
- Sunset
- 6:54 PM
- Daylight
- 13.9h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, SANTA BARBARA 11 W, CA US
What's open
Channel Islands in May: access
The park is open 24 hours a day. Services and facilities have separate hours. Please see descriptions of those facilities elsewhere.
Seasonal closures may apply:
- Information
Santa Barbara Island Dock Closed; Landings Restricted to Adjacent Rocky Ledge
Santa Barbara Island is open to public access, but landings are restricted to the rocky ledge adjacent to the dock. The dock is closed and is not expected to be repaired in the near future due to the severe winter storm damage.
Details on nps.gov → - Park Closure
Parts of Santa Rosa Island Closed During Wildfire Recovery
Santa Rosa Island reopens to limited day use on July 1. No overnight visits are allowed. Burned areas, including Water Canyon Campground, remain closed through at least August 13. Click the more link for additional information.
Details on nps.gov →
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Santa Barbara Island Dock Closed; Landings Restricted to Adjacent Rocky Ledge
Santa Barbara Island is open to public access, but landings are restricted to the rocky ledge adjacent to the dock. The dock is closed and is not expected to be repaired in the near future due to the severe winter storm damage.
Details on nps.gov → - Park Closure
Parts of Santa Rosa Island Closed During Wildfire Recovery
Santa Rosa Island reopens to limited day use on July 1. No overnight visits are allowed. Burned areas, including Water Canyon Campground, remain closed through at least August 13. Click the more link for additional information.
Details on nps.gov →
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Channel Islands crowds across the year
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in May
FAQ
Channel Islands in May
How busy is Channel Islands in May?
May rates 8/10 for crowds (Busy) at Channel Islands National Park — about 77% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 25,826.
What is the weather like at Channel Islands in May?
In May, Channel Islands averages a high of 68°F and a low of 51°F, with about 0.5 inches of precipitation.