Yosemite · May
Yosemite in May
May is the busiest time to visit Yosemite — busier than April, quieter than June.
Expect peak crowds (9/10), highs near 73°F, about 14.2 hours of daylight, and 1 seasonal closure in effect.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
The park's busiest time. Reservations, early starts, and patience recommended.
About 85% 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 Yosemite’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
- 73°F
- Avg low
- 43°F
- Precipitation
- 1.4"
- Sunrise
- 4:47 AM
- Sunset
- 7:01 PM
- Daylight
- 14.2h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, Yosemite Valley
What's open
Yosemite in May: access
Open 24 hours; Tioga and Glacier Point roads close in winter; peak-season reservations
Seasonal closures may apply:
- Information
No overnight parking on Tioga & Glacier Point Roads
Overnight parking is not allowed on Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road, including all parking lots reachable from these roads.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
No additional active alerts or warnings reported for this park.
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Yosemite crowds across the year
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in May
FAQ
Yosemite in May
How busy is Yosemite in May?
May rates 9/10 for crowds (Peak) at Yosemite National Park — about 85% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 444,749.
What is the weather like at Yosemite in May?
In May, Yosemite averages a high of 73°F and a low of 43°F, with about 1.4 inches of precipitation.
How much does it cost to visit Yosemite?
Entrance to Yosemite costs $35 ($35 per private vehicle, valid 7 days).
When is Yosemite least crowded?
Yosemite 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 Yosemite get in May?
In mid-May, Yosemite gets about 14.2 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 4:47 AM and sunset around 7:01 PM.