Denali · May
Denali in May
May is one of the best times to visit Denali — busier than April, quieter than June.
Expect light crowds (3/10), highs near 54°F, about 18.2 hours of daylight, and 1 seasonal closure in effect.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
Well below this park's peak — easy parking, open trails, short lines.
About 28% 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 7% of Denali’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
- 54°F
- Avg low
- 33°F
- Precipitation
- 2.0"
- Sunrise
- 2:56 AM
- Sunset
- 9:06 PM
- Daylight
- 18.2h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, DENALI 27 N, AK US
What's open
Denali in May: access
Denali is open 24-hours a day, although services are limited after-hours (generally after 4 pm in winter or 6 pm in summer). There is no gate at the park entrance. Please note that camping is only possible either in designated campgrounds (with a valid reservation) or in the rest of the park with a free backpacking permit.
Seasonal closures may apply:
- Information
Road Open To: Mile 13 (Mountain Vista)
The Denali Park Road is open to Mile 13, Mountain Vista. Be prepared for winter driving conditions to reach Mile 13.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
No additional active alerts or warnings reported for this park.
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Denali crowds across the year
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in May
FAQ
Denali in May
How busy is Denali in May?
May rates 3/10 for crowds (Quiet) at Denali National Park & Preserve — about 28% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 37,613.
What is the weather like at Denali in May?
In May, Denali averages a high of 54°F and a low of 33°F, with about 2.0 inches of precipitation.
How much does it cost to visit Denali?
Entrance to Denali costs $15 (Denali charges an entrance fee year-round. Youth age 15 or younger are free. For people age 16 or older, the $15 entrance fee provides a 7-day entrance permit. Be prepared to show your receipt or pass (digital or physical) if requested by park staff.).
When is Denali least crowded?
Denali 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 Denali get in May?
In mid-May, Denali gets about 18.2 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 2:56 AM and sunset around 9:06 PM.