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Glacier · May

Glacier in May

May is one of the best times to visit Glacier — busier than April, quieter than June.

Expect light crowds (3/10), highs near 64°F, about 15.3 hours of daylight, and 1 seasonal closure in effect.

Crowd score

How busy it gets

3/10
Quiet

Well below this park's peak — easy parking, open trails, short lines.

About 29% 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 (typical)218,247
Peak — July759,771
Quietest — January16,304

May draws about 7% of Glacier’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
64°F
Avg low
39°F
Precipitation
2.6"
Sunrise
3:53 AM
Sunset
7:10 PM
Daylight
15.3h

Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, W GLACIER, MT US

What's open

Glacier in May: access

Glacier National Park is open 24 hours a day 365 days of the year. An entrance fee is required, even when entrance stations are not staffed. Instructions are available at each entrance for self-payment.

Seasonal closures may apply:

  • Park Closure

    Going-to-the-Sun Road Partial Closure

    Going-to-the-Sun Road is now open on the east side from St. Mary to Logan Pass. It remains closed between Avalanche and Logan Pass.

    Details on nps.gov →

Source: NPS Data API

Conditions

Current alerts

No additional active alerts or warnings reported for this park.

Source: NPS Data API

Context

Glacier crowds across the year

January: 1/10 crowdJanFebruary: 1/10 crowdFebMarch: 1/10 crowdMarApril: 1/10 crowdAprMay: 3/10 crowd3MayJune: 8/10 crowdJunJuly: 10/10 crowdJulAugust: 10/10 crowdAugSeptember: 8/10 crowdSepOctober: 2/10 crowdOctNovember: 1/10 crowdNovDecember: 1/10 crowdDec

Alternatives

Quieter nearby in May

FAQ

Glacier in May

How busy is Glacier in May?

May rates 3/10 for crowds (Quiet) at Glacier National Park — about 29% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 218,247.

What is the weather like at Glacier in May?

In May, Glacier averages a high of 64°F and a low of 39°F, with about 2.6 inches of precipitation.

How much does it cost to visit Glacier?

Entrance to Glacier costs $35 ((Winter Rate - $25.00, November 1 to April 30) This is an entrance fee for all persons traveling in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van). The pass is good for seven days and is non-transferable. Visitors can enter the park at any time, if the entrance station is not staffed, a self-registration area is available for purchasing a 7-day park pass.).

When is Glacier least crowded?

Glacier 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 Glacier get in May?

In mid-May, Glacier gets about 15.3 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 3:53 AM and sunset around 7:10 PM.