Rocky Mountain · May · Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park in May
May is a fair month for Rocky Mountain National Park, with some limitations. Expect busy. Highs average 49°F and lows 28°F, with about 2.9 inches of rain.
May is rated fair at Rocky Mountain. Consider Jul–Sep instead.
What to expect
Honest take: May is not the month for Rocky Mountain. Trail Ridge Road usually opens around Memorial Day. Lower trails clear, but high trails stay snowy until June.
Start alpine hikes at dawn. Afternoon thunderstorms above the treeline are dangerous almost every summer day.
Good to know
- Best months overall: Jul–Sep.
- Closest airport: Denver (DEN), about 1.5–2 hours.
- Before you go: The park has required timed-entry permits from late May to October in recent years. Check current conditions on nps.gov.
Questions
Is May a good time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park?
May is a fair month for Rocky Mountain National Park, with some limitations. Expect busy. Highs average 49°F and lows 28°F, with about 2.9 inches of rain.
What is the weather like in Rocky Mountain National Park in May?
Highs average 49°F and lows 28°F, with about 2.9 inches of rain. Conditions are fair this month, so check the month-by-month ratings before you commit.
How crowded is Rocky Mountain National Park in May?
May brings busy to Rocky Mountain National Park. Go early in the day and book lodging ahead.