Great Smoky Mountains · May · Tennessee & North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains National Park in May
May is a prime month to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Expect busy. Highs average 61°F and lows 44°F, with about 5.39 inches of rain.
May gets a prime rating at Great Smoky Mountains. The very best months are Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct.
Best value
What to expect
May is prime at Great Smoky Mountains. Wildflowers peak in April and May; the Smokies are known as the 'Wildflower National Park.' Synchronous fireflies appear in late May and June.
Cades Cove is closed to cars on Wednesdays from May to September, which makes it perfect for bikes and walkers.
Good to know
- Best months overall: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct.
- Closest airport: Knoxville (TYS), about 1 hour.
- Before you go: No entrance fee, but a parking tag is required for parking longer than 15 minutes. The synchronous firefly event at Elkmont is by lottery. Check current conditions on nps.gov.
Questions
Is May a good time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
May is a prime month to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Expect busy. Highs average 61°F and lows 44°F, with about 5.39 inches of rain.
What is the weather like in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in May?
Highs average 61°F and lows 44°F, with about 5.39 inches of rain. May is rated prime for visiting.
How crowded is Great Smoky Mountains National Park in May?
May brings busy to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Go early in the day and book lodging ahead.