Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Yellowstone National Park
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Wildlife viewing hits its stride - bear cubs emerge with mothers, bison calves are born throughout the month, and elk are highly visible in valleys. You'll see animals that spent winter at lower elevations moving back into the park.
- Significantly fewer crowds than summer months - most facilities open by late May, but you'll avoid the July-August crush. Parking at Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic is actually manageable, and you can photograph geysers without waiting for crowds to clear.
- Shoulder season pricing on accommodations - lodges inside the park typically charge 20-30% less than peak summer rates, and gateway towns like West Yellowstone and Gardiner offer even better deals before Memorial Day weekend hits.
- Spring runoff creates dramatic waterfall displays - waterfalls like Tower Fall and Lewis Falls run at 3-4 times their summer volume. The Yellowstone River through the Grand Canyon is particularly impressive, though the spray can make photography challenging.
Considerations
- Road access is severely limited until late May - most park roads don't open until the third Friday in May 2026, likely around May 15-22. The Beartooth Highway and Dunraven Pass typically stay closed until late May or early June, restricting your routing options significantly.
- Weather is genuinely unpredictable and can turn dangerous - you might experience all four seasons in a single day. Snowstorms are common even in late May, with 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) possible overnight. I've seen 21°C (70°F) afternoons followed by -7°C (20°F) mornings with fresh snow.
- Trail access is extremely limited - most backcountry trails remain snow-covered and officially closed until June. Even popular day hikes like Mount Washburn and Avalanche Peak are inaccessible. You're largely confined to boardwalks and paved paths around thermal features.
Best Activities in May
Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley Wildlife Watching
May is arguably the single best month for wildlife viewing in Yellowstone. Grizzly and black bears are actively foraging after hibernation, often visible on hillsides digging for roots and overturning logs. Bison calves are being born throughout May, creating those iconic orange-red calf scenes. Wolves are denning, and if you're patient with spotting scopes around Lamar Valley at dawn, you might catch pack activity. The animals are hungry, active, and haven't yet dispersed into high country. Early mornings from 5:30-8:30am and evenings after 6pm are most productive. Bring serious binoculars or rent a spotting scope in Gardiner.
Geyser Basin Boardwalk Loops
The thermal features are actually more dramatic in May's cooler temperatures - the steam contrast is far more visible than in summer heat. Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Norris Geyser Basin, and Mammoth Hot Springs are all accessible via boardwalks that remain clear regardless of snow elsewhere. The cooler air temperatures make the 85-93°C (185-200°F) water create massive steam plumes that photograph beautifully in morning light. You'll have these features relatively to yourself compared to summer crowds. Morning visits around 8-10am offer the best steam effects and lighting.
Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces Exploration
Mammoth is accessible year-round and particularly worthwhile in May because it's one of the few areas where you can actually hike beyond boardwalks. The terraces are constantly changing as minerals deposit, creating different colors and formations. The northern location means slightly milder weather than the park interior. The nearby town of Gardiner is open for dining and supplies. The Boiling River soaking area sometimes opens by late May depending on water levels - it's the only legal place to soak in Yellowstone's thermal waters, where a hot spring mixes with the cold Gardner River.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Viewpoints
The canyon is spectacular in May because snowmelt increases the Yellowstone River's flow dramatically, making the Lower Falls particularly powerful. The spray creates rainbows in afternoon light. Both North and South Rim drives are typically open by mid-to-late May. Artist Point, Lookout Point, and Uncle Tom's Trail offer different perspectives, though Uncle Tom's 328-step steel staircase might still be closed in early May due to ice. The yellow and orange canyon walls contrast beautifully with spring snow on the rim.
Fishing Yellowstone's Rivers and Streams
Yellowstone's fishing season opens on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, typically around May 24-25 in 2026. This is when serious anglers arrive for some of the year's best fishing before summer crowds. Cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout are active as water temperatures rise. The Yellowstone River, Madison River, and Firehole River are legendary. Catch-and-release regulations apply throughout most of the park. May fishing means dealing with cold water and unpredictable weather, but the trout are hungry after winter.
Photography Tours at Dawn and Dusk
May offers unique photography conditions that summer lacks - dramatic weather, steam contrast, snow-capped mountains, baby animals, and fewer tourists in your frame. The variable weather actually creates better light than summer's flat blue skies. Sunrise around 5:45am and sunset around 8:45pm provide long golden hours. Grand Prismatic's steam, bison herds backlit in Hayden Valley, and bear cubs in Lamar Valley are May signature shots. You'll need weather-sealed gear because conditions change fast.
May Events & Festivals
Memorial Day Weekend Opening
Most park facilities, lodges, and services open for the season around Memorial Day weekend in late May. This marks the unofficial start of summer season, though weather is still quite cool. More campgrounds open, visitor centers extend hours, and ranger programs increase frequency. It's also when crowds noticeably increase, so visiting before Memorial Day offers a sweet spot of access with fewer people.
Spring Road Opening Dates
The park announces specific road opening dates each year, typically opening most roads the third Friday in May. In 2026, expect the road from Mammoth to Old Faithful, Madison to West Entrance, and other major routes to open around May 15-22. This isn't a festival, but it's a significant event for trip planning - roads literally go from closed to open on specific announced dates. Check the park website in March-April 2026 for confirmed dates.