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Death Valley · May

Death Valley in May

May is a busy time to visit Death Valley — quieter than April, busier than June.

Crowd score

How busy it gets

8/10
Busy

Approaching peak season — expect full lots by mid-morning and busy overlooks.

About 79% 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

May (typical)119,480
Peak — April152,100
Quietest — September65,631

Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.

Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025

Weather

May weather

Avg high
98°F
Avg low
73°F
Precipitation
0.1"
Sunrise
4:41 AM
Sunset
6:48 PM
Daylight
14.1h

Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, STOVEPIPE WELLS 1 SW, CA US

What's open

Death Valley in May: access

The park is open daily all year.

Seasonal closures may apply:

  • Information

    Gas Pumps at Panamint Springs Resort are Closed at Night

    Gasoline is available at Panamint Springs Resort from 7am-9:30pm, daily. Gas is available at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells 24hrs.

Source: NPS Data API

Conditions

Current alerts

  • Information

    Gas Pumps at Panamint Springs Resort are Closed at Night

    Gasoline is available at Panamint Springs Resort from 7am-9:30pm, daily. Gas is available at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells 24hrs.

Source: NPS Data API

Context

Death Valley crowds across the year

JanFebMarApr8MayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Alternatives

Quieter nearby in May

FAQ

Death Valley in May

How busy is Death Valley in May?

May rates 8/10 for crowds (Busy) at Death Valley National Park — about 79% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 119,480.

What is the weather like at Death Valley in May?

In May, Death Valley averages a high of 98°F and a low of 73°F, with about 0.1 inches of precipitation.