Pinnacles · May
Pinnacles in May
May is the busiest time to visit Pinnacles — quieter than April, busier than June.
Expect peak crowds (9/10), highs near 80°F, and about 14.1 hours of daylight.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
The park's busiest time. Reservations, early starts, and patience recommended.
About 90% 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 11% of Pinnacles’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
- 80°F
- Avg low
- 43°F
- Precipitation
- 0.6"
- Sunrise
- 4:57 AM
- Sunset
- 7:05 PM
- Daylight
- 14.1h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, PINNACLES NM, CA US
What's open
Pinnacles in May: access
Entrance to the east side of Pinnacles National Park is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, including holidays.
No seasonal road or area closures reported for this park.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Heavy Traffic and High Visitation Alert
Pinnacles experiences extremely high visitation on weekends, holidays, and during favorable weather, especially in the spring. Expect long lines and delays between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. If you're planning to hike the High Peaks, Condor Gulch, Balconies, or Moses Spring Trail, it’s recommended to arrive before 8:00 am (parking may fill earlier). Additionally, campground access may be temporarily delayed during peak periods of visitation when ALL incoming traffic is held.
Details on nps.gov → - Caution
Fire Danger VERY HIGH
Wood-burning fires and charcoal grills are prohibited. Propane and gas stoves allowed only in campground and picnic areas for cooking food. No smoking on trail. No roadside parking. Fireworks are always prohibited.
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Pinnacles crowds across the year
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in May
FAQ
Pinnacles in May
How busy is Pinnacles in May?
May rates 9/10 for crowds (Peak) at Pinnacles National Park — about 90% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 39,237.
What is the weather like at Pinnacles in May?
In May, Pinnacles averages a high of 80°F and a low of 43°F, with about 0.6 inches of precipitation.
How much does it cost to visit Pinnacles?
Entrance to Pinnacles costs $30 (This pass is valid for 1-7 days and includes everyone traveling in a single, private (non-commercial) vehicle up to 15 passengers to Pinnacles East Entrance and West Entrance.).
When is Pinnacles least crowded?
Pinnacles is quietest in January and September. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
How many hours of daylight does Pinnacles get in May?
In mid-May, Pinnacles gets about 14.1 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 4:57 AM and sunset around 7:05 PM.