Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Yellowstone National Park

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Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Shoulder season pricing - accommodation rates 30-40% lower than summer peak, with easy availability at Gateway Towns like West Yellowstone and Gardiner
Prime wildlife viewing season - bears emerging from hibernation with cubs, elk calving season, and bison herds active in lower elevation valleys without summer crowds
Most park roads open by mid-May - Dunraven Pass (8,859ft/2,700m) and Beartooth Pass typically clear by Memorial Day weekend, giving access to full Grand Loop Road
Waterfalls at peak flow from snowmelt - Tower Fall, Lower Falls of Yellowstone, and Fairy Falls flow at 150-200% of summer levels through late May

Considerations

Highly unpredictable weather - temperatures can swing 20°C (36°F) in 24 hours, with snow possible any day, especially above 2,400m (7,900ft) elevation
Limited high-elevation access until late May - Mount Washburn trail and Dunraven Pass often closed until Memorial Day, and backcountry permits restricted above 2,100m (7,000ft)
Muddy trail conditions from snowmelt - popular hiking trails like Mystic Falls and Fairy Falls can be impassable due to mud, requiring waterproof boots and potentially doubling hiking times

Best Activities in May

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone Rim Trails

May offers the best waterfall viewing with snowmelt creating peak water flow at Lower Falls (308ft/94m drop). South Rim Trail to Artist Point provides unobstructed views without summer crowds. North Rim Trail may have icy sections early May but clears by mid-month. Perfect weather for hiking - cool enough to avoid overheating on steep sections but warm enough for comfortable all-day exploration.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required for rim trails. Park entry requires advance timed entry passes ($2) purchased 60 days ahead at recreation.gov. Current trail conditions available through park service apps - check morning of visit as conditions change rapidly in May.

Lamar Valley Wildlife Safari Tours

Peak season for wildlife photography - bears active with spring cubs, wolves denning, and elk calving. Early morning tours (6-10am) offer best viewing in 45-55°F (7-13°C) temperatures when animals are most active. Less vegetation means clearer sightlines than summer. Bison herds concentrated in lower valleys, providing guaranteed viewing opportunities.

Booking Tip: Book guided wildlife tours 14-21 days ahead, typically $150-250 per person for full-day tours. Self-drive wildlife viewing requires no booking but bring binoculars and telephoto lens. Check current tour options in booking section below for licensed naturalist guides.

Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin Walking Tours

Ideal conditions for geyser viewing - cool air creates dramatic steam contrasts, and reduced crowds mean better viewing positions. Old Faithful erupts every 60-110 minutes with clear prediction times posted. Boardwalk system fully accessible in May, and 40-60°F (4-16°C) temperatures perfect for 2-3 hour exploration without summer heat stress.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration free with park entry. Audio tours available for rent $5-8 at visitor center. Guided interpretive tours typically $25-45 per person, book same-day at Old Faithful Inn. See current tour availability in booking widget below.

Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces Photography

Spring photography season with enhanced mineral deposits from winter thermal activity. Cooler temperatures (45-65°F/7-18°C) ideal for extended photography sessions. Lower tourist density allows unlimited time at prime viewpoints. Main Terrace Drive accessible by car, Upper Terraces require 1.5 mile (2.4 km) moderate hiking on potentially muddy trails.

Booking Tip: No booking required for self-exploration. Photography workshops available through park-approved operators, typically $180-300 for half-day sessions. Book 10-15 days ahead during May. Check current workshop availability in booking section below.

Yellowstone Lake Shore Fishing

Lake trout and cutthroat trout season opens Memorial Day weekend. May offers excellent shore fishing before summer boat traffic. Water temperature 45-50°F (7-10°C) ideal for trout activity. Fishing Bridge area and Grant Village shoreline accessible without backcountry hiking. Cool weather perfect for all-day fishing without heat exhaustion.

Booking Tip: Wyoming fishing license required ($14 resident, $92 non-resident for season). Guided fishing tours typically $350-500 per day for 1-2 people. Book 21+ days ahead for Memorial Day weekend. No guide required for shore fishing with proper license.

Grand Prismatic Spring and Midway Geyser Basin

Optimal viewing conditions with cool air enhancing steam visibility and color contrasts in thermophile bacterial mats. Fairy Falls Trail (2.4 miles/3.9 km round trip) to Grand Prismatic Overlook may have muddy sections but offers best photography angles. Boardwalk viewing unobstructed by summer crowds, allowing extended viewing time at each thermal feature.

Booking Tip: Self-guided access included with park entry. Fairy Falls Trail requires waterproof hiking boots due to mud conditions. Guided thermal tours available $65-125 per person for 3-4 hour programs. Check current guided options in booking section below.

May Events & Festivals

Memorial Day Weekend (Late May)

Memorial Day Weekend Park Opening

Traditional full-park access weekend when Dunraven Pass and most high-elevation roads clear. Park service hosts interpretive programs and ranger-led talks resume full summer schedule. Gateway towns host opening season festivals with local vendor markets.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots rated for mud - trail conditions remain soggy from snowmelt through late May, can add 30-45 minutes to standard hiking times

Layering system for 20°C (36°F) temperature swings - base layer, insulating fleece, and waterproof shell essential for elevation changes from 1,610m to 2,700m (5,280ft to 8,860ft)

SPF 50+ sunscreen and sunglasses - UV index reaches 7-8 at elevation, with snow reflection increasing exposure by 25-30%

Waterproof day pack cover - afternoon rain showers occur 8-10 days in May, typically lasting 45-90 minutes

Insulated water bottles - temperatures drop rapidly after sunset, from 15°C to -2°C (59°F to 28°F) possible

Binoculars 8x42 or 10x50 - wildlife viewing distances in Lamar Valley average 100-300m (330-980ft), essential for safety and viewing quality

Headlamp with extra batteries - daylight lasts until 8:30pm but trails can be shadowy in forested areas by 7:00pm

Cash for park entry and incidentals - cell service limited, credit card readers unreliable at some locations

Microspikes or traction devices - early May trails above 2,100m (7,000ft) may have ice patches, especially north-facing slopes

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquito season begins late May in lower elevations, particularly around thermal areas and lakes

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation in gateway towns (West Yellowstone, Gardiner) rather than in-park lodging for May - 40-50% cost savings with better amenities, and most attractions within 30-45 minute drive

Check road conditions daily through Yellowstone National Park app - Dunraven Pass and Mount Washburn access can change hourly based on weather, potentially requiring complete itinerary adjustments

Wildlife viewing best before 9am and after 6pm when animals active - midday temperatures above 18°C (65°F) drive animals to shade, reducing viewing opportunities by 60-70%

Purchase America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) instead of 7-day Yellowstone pass ($35) - breaks even with two visits and provides access to Grand Teton National Park 48 miles (77 km) south