North Cascades · May · Washington
North Cascades National Park in May
May is a fair month for North Cascades National Park, with some limitations. Crowds are moderate. Highs average 61°F and lows 44°F, with about 3.41 inches of rain.
May is rated fair at North Cascades. Consider Jul–Sep instead.
What to expect
Honest take: May is not the month for North Cascades. The highway reopens in late spring once plows clear avalanche debris. Valleys green up, but high trails stay snowbound into July.
Most visitors see the park from State Route 20. For the real backcountry, hike Cascade Pass or take the boat up Lake Chelan to Stehekin.
Good to know
- Best months overall: Jul–Sep.
- Closest airport: Seattle–Tacoma (SEA), about 2.5 hours.
- Before you go: No entrance fee. State Route 20 has a seasonal winter closure; check WSDOT for opening dates. Check current conditions on nps.gov.
Questions
Is May a good time to visit North Cascades National Park?
May is a fair month for North Cascades National Park, with some limitations. Crowds are moderate. Highs average 61°F and lows 44°F, with about 3.41 inches of rain.
What is the weather like in North Cascades National Park in May?
Highs average 61°F and lows 44°F, with about 3.41 inches of rain. Conditions are fair this month, so check the month-by-month ratings before you commit.
How crowded is North Cascades National Park in May?
Crowds are moderate in May.