United States, North America
Zion in May
Excellent weather and very busy, especially Memorial Day weekend. The Narrows often reopens as runoff drops.
The straight answer
May is one of the best months of the year to visit Zion. Excellent weather and very busy, especially Memorial Day weekend. The Narrows often reopens as runoff drops.
- Weather
- Warm, highs near 82F (28C)
- Crowds
- 5 of 5
- Prices
- 5 of 5
What May is like in Zion
May brings excellent weather, with highs near 82F (28C), but it is also very busy. Memorial Day weekend, the last Monday of May, is among the most crowded times of the year. The Narrows often reopens as spring runoff drops, though that varies with snowpack. Lodging prices are at their peak.
It suits hikers and families who start early and don't mind company on the trails. Crowd-averse travelers should come on weekdays or wait for October. Check The Narrows status close to your trip if it is your main goal.
Make the most of May
What is especially good about Zion this month.
The Narrows may reopen
As the river drops, the bottom-up hike from the Temple of Sinawava often opens again. The water is still cold.
Warm, dry hiking days
Long daylight hours give time for a morning hike and an evening walk on the Pa'rus Trail.
Kolob Canyons escape
The park's northwest section offers the same red rock with a fraction of the crowds.
What to pack for May
- Sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- At least two liters of water per person
- Canyoneering shoes or rentals for The Narrows
- A light layer for cool mornings
Our timing tip
Avoid Memorial Day weekend if you can, and ride the first shuttle of the day to get ahead of the lines.
Book Zion for May.
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- Hotels for May
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in ZionOpens a hotel search for Zion in May, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in ZionWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in ZionTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Zion for May. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in May
Spring snowmelt and high water
Roughly March to June, varies with snowpack
The Narrows closes when the river flow is too high; big snow years can keep it closed into June.
Things to do in Zion
The Narrows from the bottom
No permit is needed to hike upstream from the Temple of Sinawava. Rent canyoneering shoes and a pole in Springdale; check the flash flood forecast first.
Angels Landing
Permits are required, through seasonal lotteries and a day-before lottery on Recreation.gov. Without one, hike to Scout Lookout for a strong consolation view.
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive by shuttle
The free shuttle runs most of the year; get on at the visitor center early to beat the lines.
Canyon Overlook Trail
A short hike off the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway with a big view. Parking is tiny, so go early or late.
Kolob Canyons
The park's quieter northwest section, with its own entrance off Interstate 15 and a scenic drive to red finger canyons.
Emerald Pools
An easy family trail to pools and seasonal waterfalls, best in spring.
Beat the crowds
- Ride the first shuttles of the morning. By mid morning in spring, summer, and fall, lines at the visitor center shuttle stop can run long.
- Stay in Springdale and walk or take the town shuttle to the park entrance; the park lots often fill by 8am in busy seasons.
- Hike The Narrows at first light and turn around before midday, when the crowds peak.
- Head to Kolob Canyons or Kolob Terrace Road for the same red rock with a fraction of the visitors.
Know before you go
- Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles during shuttle season, which typically runs from about March through late November and briefly over the winter holidays. Outside those periods, you can usually drive it.
- The Narrows closes when the Virgin River flow is too high or flash floods threaten; spring snowmelt and summer monsoon storms both cause closures.
- Angels Landing requires a permit year-round through seasonal and day-before lotteries. The rules and application windows can change, so check the park's current permit page.
- Large vehicles need a paid tunnel escort through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, and some oversized vehicles are not allowed at all. Check size limits before towing or driving an RV.
Zion in May, quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Zion?
May is one of the best months of the year to visit Zion. Excellent weather and very busy, especially Memorial Day weekend. The Narrows often reopens as runoff drops.
What is the weather like in Zion in May?
Warm, highs near 82F (28C).
Is Zion crowded in May?
May is peak crowd season in Zion; expect lines at the headline sights.
What is happening in Zion in May?
Spring snowmelt and high water (roughly march to june, varies with snowpack).
Keep planning Zion.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in May
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