Visiting Moab in May
Wondering what it’s like to visit Moab in May? We share all the details you need: weather, activities, what to pack, where to stay and more!
Use this Moab Utah Vacation Guide to plan a May vacation: weather, activities, what to pack, where to stay and more!
Late spring is a popular time to enjoy all the outdoor things to do in Moab. You’ll love the amazing weather, but the town, trails and attractions will be crowded.
There are ways to avoid the crowds and enjoy a May vacation in Moab. Keep reading for our tips and recommended activities.
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What To Pack for a Trip to Moab
- Hiking shoes
- Darn Tough hiking socks
- WATER: Hydration packs or carry refillable water bottles in your backpack.
- Healthy snacks – there may be NO services on the trails you’ll hike or drive.
- Lip balm with sunscreen and hydrating lotion – Utah’s high elevation and dry air can be hard on your skin.
- Summer – High temperatures, unrelenting sunlight, and low humidity. To keep cool, wear light colored, loose fitting UV protection clothing that does not absorb sunlight. Also avoid sun burn by wearing a sunhat and by generously applying sunscreen to any parts of your body that are exposed to the sun.
- Winter – Pack winter clothing to stay dry and warm.
- Fleece jacket
- Buff headbands
- Hand sanitizer
- Flashlight or headlamp
- First aid kit
- DOWNLOAD – Camera gear checklist
Where to Stay in Moab
There are many types of accommodations to choose from in Moab: budget-friendly hotels to higher-priced resorts. You’ll also find vacation rentals, a hostel, campgrounds and RV parks in Moab.
A Photo Tour of Moab, Utah
Take a visual tour through the Moab, Utah area to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!
VISITING MOAB IN MAY
May weather is so amazing in Moab. It’s perfect to enjoy the outdoor Moab adventures you’ll find here! The mornings and evenings cool off to a nice temperature and the daytime highs don’t get too hot, which is nice because there’s not much shade to be found around Moab.
But, Moab in the spring is a popular time to go so it WILL be crowded. The town will be busy which means higher prices for accommodations and long lines at the restaurants! The national parks, state parks, overlooks, hiking trails and points of interest will also be packed with people.
If you’re willing to get up early, then you’ll be surprised at how much you can see, do and photograph before the crowds start!
If you’re wondering what it’s like to visit Moab at other times of the year, check out our article: Best time to visit Moab.
MOAB WEATHER IN MAY
In May the average highs in Moab are near 80 with the lows near 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
There are an average of 3 days of rain so check the forecast. You might need a fleece jacket and waterproof hiking boots.
Remember it’s a dry high desert landscape so wear a sunhat and sunscreen.
THINGS TO DO IN MOAB IN MAY
Here’s a list of activities you can do in May as well as kid-friendly things to do in Moab!
History and Geology of Moab
Here’s a list of fun things to do to learn about the history and geology of the Moab area. We highly recommend the Moab Giants Museum for anyone who loves dinosaurs!
- Moab Giants Museum
- Moab Museum
- Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage
- Amazing Petroglyphs in Moab
- Dinosaur Sites Near Moab
National and State Parks Near Moab
There are two National Parks and one State Park in the Moab area. You can explore these parks along the scenic drives, hiking trails or camping spots. Here’s what you can expect when you visit in May:
Moab Hikes in May
Exploring the Moab Utah hiking trails is one of the best ways to see the area. May is a good time for hiking, especially in the morning when the temperatures are cooler.
It’s important to drink lots of water when visiting Moab. Carry a hydration pack or carry a refillable water bottle.
Our favorite trails in Moab are:
And of course the trails in the National and State Parks:
- Arches National Park Hiking Trails
- Canyonlands Hikes
- Canyonlands Island in the Sky Hikes
- Dead Horse Point State Park Hiking Trails
Biking in May Near Moab
May is a great time to enjoy the biking trails around Moab. But it is a busy time of year so be prepared to share the trails. The advice to get out early to enjoy the cooler weather and avoid the crowds applies to biking as well.
You can rent bikes in Moab – and join a guided bike tour of Moab as well!
Photography Near Moab in May
There’s never a bad time of year to photograph the Moab area. The best times to photograph the areas around Moab are sunrise and sunset. The colors are vibrant and the light creates a spectacular glow on the red rocks that cannot be missed.
CHECK OUT our Arches and Canyonlands Photography Guide! We share our favorite 3 day itinerary some of our favorite ‘lesser known’ places to take pictures in Moab!
Remember that if you want pictures at the most popular sites near Moab without people getting in the way, early morning is the best time to be out taking pictures!
Moab Area Stargazing in May
We highly recommend you take one evening to go outside and LOOK UP!
Arches, Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point are internationally recognized as one of the best places for stargazing because of the remote location, accessibility, altitude and clear skies.
When you’re visiting Moab in May, and you’ve got a clear night sky, head out to see or photograph the Milky Way!
Moab Off-roading in May
Moab is known around the world for its off-road trails! You can enjoy off-roading in the spring with a jeep, side-by-side or other such vehicles.
Local tour companies offer 4×4 rentals for you to tackle the trails on your own. But for inexperienced drivers, we recommend you book a tour or have a guide ride along with you to navigate and teach. We have used and recommend Outlaw Jeep Tours.
Moab Utah Tours and Resources
