Grand Canyon · May
Grand Canyon in May
May is the busiest time to visit Grand Canyon — busier than April, about as busy as June.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
The park's busiest time. Reservations, early starts, and patience recommended.
About 96% 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
- 73°F
- Avg low
- 40°F
- Precipitation
- 0.7"
- Sunrise
- 5:22 AM
- Sunset
- 7:27 PM
- Daylight
- 14.1h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, Grand Canyon NP (South Rim)
What's open
Grand Canyon in May: access
South Rim open 24/7 year-round; North Rim open mid-May to mid-Oct
Seasonal closures may apply:
- Information
What's Closed and What's Open: South Rim & North Rim
Visit this link for a list of the available visitor services in Grand Canyon Village, Desert View, and the North Rim.
Details on nps.gov → - Caution
Critical Backcountry Updates/Closures
Visit this link for the inner canyon weather forecast, current trail closures, today's heat risk, and drinking water availability.
Details on nps.gov →
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
What's Closed and What's Open: South Rim & North Rim
Visit this link for a list of the available visitor services in Grand Canyon Village, Desert View, and the North Rim.
Details on nps.gov → - Caution
Critical Backcountry Updates/Closures
Visit this link for the inner canyon weather forecast, current trail closures, today's heat risk, and drinking water availability.
Details on nps.gov → - Danger
Fire activity in Walhalla Plateau area
Fire activity is occurring in the Walhalla Plateau area. There are no trail or area closures. Backcountry permits for the Walhalla Plateau are temporarily on hold.
- Danger
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions—VERY HIGH FIRE DANGER
Stage 2 fire restrictions for South Rim, North Rim, and Inner Canyon are in effect due to very high and extreme fire danger. No wood or charcoal fires, outdoor smoking (except in vehicles), explosives, and certain engines except street legal vehicles. Follow link for more details on restrictions and exceptions.
Details on nps.gov →
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Grand Canyon crowds across the year
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in May
FAQ
Grand Canyon in May
How busy is Grand Canyon in May?
May rates 10/10 for crowds (Peak) at Grand Canyon National Park — about 96% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 527,099.
What is the weather like at Grand Canyon in May?
In May, Grand Canyon averages a high of 73°F and a low of 40°F, with about 0.7 inches of precipitation.