Travel Guide For Visiting Utah in May
We’ve put together a guide of what it’s like to visit Utah in May. You’ll find many places to visit in Utah in the month of May to add to your bucket list.
This guide includes where to go, things to do, what to pack, and where to stay for a Utah vacation in May.
May weather and temperatures will vary between Northern and Southern Utah. The higher elevations will be cooler than the lower elevations by 10 to 20 degrees.
The month of May is one of the best times to visit Utah to enjoy the outdoor activities at the National and State Parks around the state!
Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you! Read the full Disclosure Policy.
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
Average May temperature in Northern Utah (Salt Lake City): highs 73 / lows 50 degrees F. The average May precipitation in the Northern part of Utah:
- Salt Lake City – 9 days / 1.8 inches
- Logan – 11 days / 2.4 inches
- Provo – 9 days / 2 inches
- Alta – 11 days / 3.5 inches
- Park City – 10 days / 2.1 inches
Average May temperature in Southern Utah (St. George): highs 85 / lows 56 degrees F. The average May precipitation in the Southern part of Utah:
- Moab (Arches/Canyonlands) – 5 days / 0.8 inches
- Bryce Canyon – 6 days / 0.9 inches
- Capitol Reef – 5 days / 0.7 inches
- Cedar City – 6 days / 1 inch
- Zion – 5 days / 0.8 inches
- St. George – 3 days / 0.3 inches
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.
Things to Do in Utah in May
If you’re planning a trip in May, here’s a fun list of things to do and places to visit in Utah.
Utah National Parks in May
All of the Utah National Parks are open year-round, and every single day in May. 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.
Some of the National Parks in Utah now have permits to enter or do certain activities, so be sure to check about reservations required when determining the best time to visit Utah National Parks.
We’ve written specific guides about visiting 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
Here’s a list of Utah State Parks where you can enjoy hiking, biking, climbing, photography, and stargazing in the month of May!
- Antelope Island State Park
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Goblin Valley State Park
- Goosenecks State Park
- Kodachrome Basin 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 that offer a variety of different terrains all around the state at National parks, State parks, National forests, and Wilderness areas.
Check out these fun Utah hiking ideas:
- Best Hikes in Arches National Park
- Best Day Hikes at Bryce Canyon National Park
- Canyonlands Island in the Sky Hikes
- Canyonlands Needles Hikes
- Capitol Reef Hikes
- Easy Zion National Park Hikes
- Zion Hikes Without the Shuttle
- Moab Utah Hiking Trails
- Dead Horse Point State Park Hiking Trails
- The Best 8 Hikes Near Salt Lake City, Utah (A Local’s Guide)
- Utah Slot Canyon Hikes
Utah Scenic Drives in May
Utah has more than 400,000 miles of roads to explore. Here’s a list of scenic drives you can enjoy in May!
- Arches National Park Scenic Drive
- Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive
- Island in the Sky Scenic Drive
- Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
- Zion National Park Scenic Drives
- Potash-Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway in Moab
- Best Stops Along Scenic Byway 12 between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef
- Logan Canyon Scenic Drive
- Mirror Lake Scenic Byway
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!
Here’s a list of our favorite photo spots in Utah.
Arches and Moab Photography
- Arches National Park Photography
- Sunrise at Arches National Park
- Sunset at Arches National Park
- Arches National Park Photo Spots
- Guide to Moab Photography
Bryce Canyon Photography
Canyonlands Photography
- Canyonlands National Park Photography at Island in the Sky
- Best Photo Spots at Canyonlands Island in the Sky
- Canyonlands sunrise photo spots at Island in the Sky
Capitol Reef Photography
Zion and Kanab Photography
- Zion National Park Photography
- Zion National Park Photo Spots
- Best Photo Spots for Sunrise at Zion National Park
- Guide to Kanab Photography
Check out this Utah National Parks Photography Guides bundle to take jaw-dropping photos at all 5 parks!
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 Vacation Ideas
- Utah Bucket List – FREE printable
- Best Time to Visit Utah
- Utah National Parks
- Utah State Parks
- Tours in Utah
Places to Stay in Utah
- Coolest Hotels in Utah
- Places to Stay Near Arches National Park
- Bryce Canyon Places to Stay
- Where to Stay Near Canyonlands
- Places to Stay at Capitol Reef National Park
- Places to Stay at Zion National Park
