Travel Guide For Visiting Utah in May
We’ve put together a guide of what it’s like to visit Utah in May. The weather is picture-perfect in May making it one of the best months to visit Utah for outdoor activities to explore the state and its extraordinary national parks.
We have lived in and traveled around Utah for over 20 years. The tips we share are based on our experiences visiting various Utah locations, especially in the month of May. This guide details places to visit, things to do, what to pack, and where to stay for a Utah vacation in May.
There are a lot of Utah spring break ideas and activities for visiting in May. You’ll find a number of things to do all around the state: scenic drives, hiking, biking, river rafting, tours, photography, and more!
The number one tip we have for visiting Utah in May, is to have the right clothing and gear for the weather conditions for location you’ll visit. Use our Utah Packing Lists to see what we recommend for spring and grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!
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A Photo Tour of Utah National Parks
Take a visual tour through all five Utah National Parks to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!
Northern and Southern Utah in May
Utah is divided into two regions: Northern Utah and Southern Utah.
Northern Utah in May:
Salt Lake City, Park City, and Provo are the three main cities in Northern Utah. You’ll find main streets with shopping, restaurants, nightlife, festivals, historic buildings and performing arts.
In May, the higher elevations in the mountains may still have snow so you might be able to snowshoe, snow ski, or snowmobile. The lower elevations might get a rain or even snow storm in May. The snow runoff may make some hiking trails wet and muddy.
Southern Utah in May:
If you plan to drive from Northern to Southern Utah, most of the way you’ll be passing through rural areas with small towns, limited services, and spotty cell service.
Check to see where the Utah vacation spots are located around the state because a drive from Salt Lake City to any of the National Parks in the south can take 4 to 5 hours.
All 5 Utah National Parks are located in Central and Southern Utah. May is a popular time of year so be prepared for crowds and take note if permits are required to enter or participate in the activities you want to do!
Before heading out to explore any National or Utah State Park, check with the visitor center at each destination for the most current information.
Utah Weather in May
Here’s a summary of the average Utah weather in May around the state:
Northern Utah Average temperatures in May:
- Salt Lake City: highs 73 / lows 50 degrees F
- Provo: highs 66 / lows 47
- Ogden: highs 74 / lows 47
- Park City: highs 61 / lows 38
- Dinosaur National Monument: highs 75 / lows 44
Southern Utah Average temperatures in May:
- St. George: highs 85 / lows 56 degrees F
- Moab: highs 83 / lows 51
- Escalante: highs 76 / lows 42
- Cedar City: highs 70 / lows 44
- Natural Bridges National Monument: highs 71 / lows 44
It’s good to be prepared for the expected weather forecast and temperatures for the parks you’ll visit in May so we’ve written detailed guides for each National Park in Utah:
- Arches National Park weather
- Bryce Canyon National Park weather
- Canyonlands National Park weather
- Capitol Reef National Park weather
- Zion National Park weather
As the temperatures start to rise in Utah in May, it’s important to stay hydrated and use sun protection for any outdoor activities:
- WATER: Drink plenty of water – we use hydration packs or carry refillable bottles in our backpack.
- FOOD: Pack and eat healthy snacks.
- SUN PROTECTION: Sunscreen, lip balm with sunscreen, and hydrating lotion, especially if you’re not used to dry heat.
- LAYERS: Pack an insulated jacket, fleece jacket, winter hat, and gloves for the cold mornings and evenings.
Is May a Good Time to Visit Utah?
Trying to decide the best times to visit Utah? It really depends on the things you want to do!
In May you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, boating, stargazing, off-roading, or camping in the mountains, forests, lakes, reservoirs, red rock canyons, and deserts.
The National Parks are popular destinations for Spring Break in Utah. Be prepared for crowds. The weather will be just right for outdoor activities.
Things to Do in Utah in May
Here’s a fun list of things to do and places to visit in Utah in May! Explore the breathtaking beauty of Utah’s national parks, where stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures await.
Utah National Parks in May
All of the Utah National Parks in May are open 24/7. Be sure to check the NPS website for the most updated information for the Visitor Center hours and services available at each park in May.
NOTE: Arches and Zion are two of the nine US National Parks requiring reservations.
Arches Timed Entry: You must have a timed entry reservation to enter the park from April 1 to October 31. You can enter Arches National Park before 7am and after 4pm without an advance reservation.
Zion Hiking Permits: There are three year-round permits required for hiking these trails:
- Angels Landing hiking permit for the chains section – you can hike to Scouts Landing and back without a permit.
- Left Fork North Creek Subway
- Full 16-mile Narrows hike
Enjoy spring activities in Utah National Parks like hiking, biking, scenic drives, off-roading, landscape photography, and more!
We’ve written specific guides about visiting the five Utah National Parks in May:
- Arches National Park in May
- Bryce Canyon in May
- Canyonlands National Park in May
- Capitol Reef National Park in May
- Zion National Park in May
Utah State Parks in May
In May you can enjoy hiking, biking, climbing, photography, stargazing, and camping at a variety of Utah State Parks. Here are a few of the parks we recommend visiting in May.
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Goblin Valley State Park
- Kodachrome Basin State Park
- Sand Hollow State Park
- Snow Canyon State Park
Hiking in Utah in May
Hiking in Utah is one of the best ways to experience this beautiful state. In May the temperatures are just right for hiking.
There are plenty of trails for spring hiking in Utah National Parks, State parks, National forests, and Wilderness areas. You’ll find a trail for any level of hiker from gentle, scenic routes perfect for beginners to steep, rugged trails that will test even the most experienced hiker’s stamina, the variety is endless.
Check out these fun spring hiking ideas around Utah at all five Utah National Parks:
- Arches National Park Spring Hikes
- Bryce Canyon Spring Hikes
- Canyonlands National Park Spring Hikes
- Capitol Reef National Park Spring Hikes
- Zion National Park Spring Hikes
- Moab Spring Hikes
- Lower Calf Creek Falls Hike
Utah Scenic Drives in May
Utah has more than 400,000 miles of roads to explore. The scenic drives in Utah showcase the beauty of the state’s diverse geography. In May enjoy mild weather and clear skies as you drive through the natural wonders of Utah.
We recommend these Utah scenic drives during the month of May:
- Anticline Overlook
- Needles Overlook
- Potash-Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway
- Scenic Byway 12
- Valley of the Gods
The scenic drives in Utah National Parks offer some of the best views and landscapes in America. All five parks have a road to explore the various points of interest with things to see, do and photograph at each stop.
- Arches National Park Scenic Drive
- Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive
- Island in the Sky Scenic Drive
- Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
- Zion National Park Scenic Drives
Have you heard about the Utah National Parks GuideAlong App? It’s a great way to have your own private guide to hear fun behind-the scenes stories and local tips that play automatically as you drive, based on your GPS location.
Utah Photography in May
Utah’s stunning landscape features deserts, sandstone cliffs, forested mountains, deep canyons, and red rock monoliths. It’s truly a photographer’s dream!
The best times to photograph the Utah National Parks is during the sunrise and sunset hours. The sun on the red rocks is vibrant and a spectacular sight.
Check out this list of photo spots around Utah! Each destination showcases unique and diverse landscape to photograph around the state!
- Guide to Moab Photography
- Guide to Kanab Photography
- Arches National Park Pictures
- Bryce Canyon Pictures
- Canyonlands National Park Photos
- Capitol Reef National Park photos
- Dead Horse Point State Park Photos
- Zion National Park Photos
Utah Stargazing in May
Stargazing is a must-do activity in Utah. The state has the highest concentration of certified International Dark Sky Parks in the world. We definitely recommend you take time to view the Utah night skies during your vacation.
In May you can see and photograph the milky way from 11pm to sunrise!
Northern Utah Stargazing Locations:
- Antelope Island State Park
- Dinosaur National Monument
- East Canyon State Park
- Jordanelle State Park
- North Fork Park
Southern Utah Stargazing Locations:
- Arches National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Goblin Valley State Park
- Goosenecks State Park
- Hovenweep National Monument
- Natural Bridges National Monument
Utah Tours in May
You’ll find a variety of guided tours to enjoy in May around the state of Utah: hiking, rock climbing, photography, off-roading, and more! At the Utah National Parks there are guided tour to explore the red rock landscape!
- Arches National Park Tours
- Bryce Canyon National Park Tours
- Canyonlands National Park Tours
- Capitol Reef National Park Tours
- Zion National Park Tours
- Moab Tours
Utah Camping in May
With its vast array of national parks and monuments, you’ll find a variety of camping opportunities around the state. In Northern Utah, it could still be too early for higher elevation camping in the mountains.
In Southern Utah, you’ll find options for camping at all five Utah National Parks as well as RV Parks and BLM campgrounds near each park. Whether you’re looking for a secluded spot in nature or a bustling campground with plenty of amenities, there is something for everyone when it comes to camping in Utah’s national parks.
Places to Stay in Utah in May
- Coolest Hotels in Utah
- RV parks near Utah National Parks
- Lodging in Utah National Parks
- Hotels Near Utah National Parks
Utah Bucket List
To find even MORE fun things to do in May, we’ve compiled this comprehensive list of must-do activities that belong on every Utah Bucket List: things to see, do and taste all around the state! Grab the free printable by clicking the graphic below!
