Utah Weather in May
If you’re planning a trip to Utah in May, the weather and temperatures will vary depending on the month and location. Utah weather in May is moderate and begins to warm up across the state. It’s also a relatively dry month, but occasional spring showers do occur.
Check the expected weather and temperatures you may encounter in May for the location and dates you’ll be visiting. That way you can prepare to pack the right clothing and gear for the places you want to go and things you want to do!
We’ve lived in Utah over 20 years and have traveled all over the state during all four seasons. Visiting Utah National Parks in May you can expect the daytime temperatures to be perfect for outdoor activities, but it’s the busy season so they will be crowded.
A May trip to Utah usually means blue skies and sun. You’ll want wicking clothing, sun protection, and a fleece jacket for the colder mornings and evenings. Be sure to check the weather forecast ahead of time so you’re prepared for any rain, especially if you’ll be doing outdoor activities.
Use our Utah Packing Lists so you have the right clothing and gear for visiting in May! 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!
Tips For Visiting Utah in May
The state is essentially split into two regions: Northern and Southern Utah. The temperatures and weather conditions in May will be different due to elevation and location in the state.
Northern Utah: This is where you’ll find the three large cities in the state: Salt Lake City, Park City, and Provo.
Southern Utah: All 5 Utah National Parks are located in Central and Southern Utah.
Check to see where the places you want to visit 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.
Is May a Good Time to Visit Utah?
The month of May is a terrific time to visit Utah to enjoy the outdoors before the heat of summer: hiking, biking, river rafting, off-roading, scenic drives, and stargazing at the National Parks, State Parks, and National Monuments.
Be sure to note the National Parks List of Reservations Required for entry or specific activities in May. At Arches you’ll need a timed entry ticket and at Zion you’ll need a hiking permit for the chains section of Angel’s Landing.
Utah Weather in May
Here’s a summary of the Utah spring weather and temperatures during the month of May:
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
Utah National Parks May Weather
May is a busy season at Utah National Parks. Here’s the Utah National Parks weather in May you can expect at all five parks! It will be cool in the morning and evening, and just right during the day when you’re enjoying outdoor activities.
Be sure to check the expected weather and temperatures for the park you’ll be visiting so you’re prepared with the right clothing and gear you’ll need for the activities you want to do.
- Arches National Park weather
- Bryce Canyon National Park weather
- Canyonlands National Park weather
- Capitol Reef National Park weather
- Zion National Park weather
Arches National Park May Weather
Expect highs near 80 and lows near 50 degrees Fahrenheit at Arches National Park in May. Since you won’t find many shady spots at Arches, we recommend you plan outdoor activities in the cooler mornings and evenings.
All the Arches National Park spring hikes are fully exposed to the sun so it’s important to stay hydrated and use sun protection!
Delicate Arch is a bucket list location in Arches. It is the most popular photo spot for sunset at Arches National Park. You’ll find a ton of photographers which makes it hard to get a parking spot! You may want to plan to hike to Delicate Arch in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Bryce Canyon National Park May Weather
May is a great time to enjoy outdoor Bryce Canyon activities. The mornings and evenings will be cool and the daytime temperatures won’t be too hot due to Bryce Canyon’s higher elevation.
The temperatures at Bryce Canyon in May are still on the cooler side. The highs are usually in the low 60s and the lows are in the low 30s. The mornings and evening will be cool so you’ll want a fleece jacket. Layers are best for all-day activities.
In May the shuttles are running, but you can drive your car to the various Bryce Canyon must see viewpoints along the scenic drive. Parking could be an issue at the parking lots so we recommend exploring the park in the morning or later in the day.
Canyonlands National Park May Weather
The average highs are near 82 degrees with the lows around 51 when visiting Canyonlands in May. This park will get crowded in May so plan to visit in the morning or late afternoon.
We LOVE the Island in the Sky scenic drive and recommend you stop at all 10 overlooks to enjoy and photograph the landscape at this park! The viewpoints atop the mesa at this park are spectacular!
Stargazing is a must-do Canyonlands spring activity. On a clear night, the sky is literally filled with stars. Canyonlands National Park is a Dark Sky Park and they have a slogan that says “Half the Park is After Dark”! In May the Milky Way is visible from 11:00 pm to 4:00 am!
Capitol Reef National Park May Weather
The weather at Capitol Reef National Park in May is pretty much perfect for outdoor activities with highs 73 / lows 46 degrees Fahrenheit!
The Fruita area is the main part of Capitol Reef. It includes the Gifford Homestead, blacksmith shop, barn and orchards. Our favorite Capitol Reef National Park activity is visiting the Gifford House to grab some yummy locally baked fruit pies and homemade ice cream!
The Capitol Reef scenic drive is a paved road that’s 7.9 miles long and suitable for passenger vehicles. Since it’s not a loop road, you’ll drive back the way you came.
If you’re up for adventure, and have the right vehicle, you can explore two more scenic drives in the park:
Zion National Park May Weather
The daytime highs at Zion National Park in May are near 86 while the lows are near 54 degrees Fahrenheit. Outdoor activities are best in the mornings and late afternoons to avoid the highest temperatures.
In May you won’t be able to drive your car through Zion Canyon; instead you’ll need to ride the Zion National Park shuttle. You can always access the other Zion National Park scenic drives: Highway 9, Kolob Terrace Road and Kolob Canyon.
Many of the Zion National Park hikes are open in May, with exception of The Narrows and The Subway. These trails may be closed to hiking between mid-March and late May, depending on spring runoff and water levels.
What to Wear in Utah in May
The May temperatures in Utah start to warm up making it an excellent time for outdoor activities. However, keep in mind that the state’s high altitude and diverse geography can sometimes bring unexpected weather changes. It’s not uncommon to experience a sunny morning, followed by an afternoon rain shower.
It’s important to stay hydrated and if you’re not used to a dry environment you’ll find in Utah. Definitely keep lip balm and lotion with you!!
- Wicking clothing
- Fleece jacket
- Darn Tough hiking socks
- Waterproof hiking shoes
- Hydration pack
- Refillable water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Lotion
- Travel snacks
Places to Stay in Utah in May
- Coolest Hotels in Utah
- Arches National Park Lodging
- Bryce Canyon Winter Lodging
- Canyonlands National Park Lodging
- Capitol Reef National Park Lodging
- Zion National Park Lodging
Utah Bucket List
Check out 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 packet by clicking the graphic below!
