Things to do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in May

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Overview

May is a good time to visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. The weather is usually moderately chilly, comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 40—65°F (4—19°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park during this time. Some of our top recommendations: go camping in the backcountry of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, take a scenic drive along the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, go horseback riding through the Giant Forest, and more!

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your May trip to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to May. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in May. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout May, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in May

Top experiences in May
Go camping in the backcountry of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
May is a great time to go camping in the backcountry of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, as the weather is mild and the park is less crowded than in the summer months. There are plenty of great backcountry campsites to choose from, ranging from secluded spots in the forest to stunning alpine lakeside campsites. Whether you prefer a challenging multi-day backpacking trip or a more relaxed overnight stay, the park's diverse landscapes and beautiful scenery make it a fantastic place to spend a night under the stars.
Take a scenic drive along the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway
In May, the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is a beautiful drive, with the wildflowers in full bloom and the waterfalls flowing at their peak. The byway takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in the park, including towering granite cliffs, lush forests, and the rushing waters of the Kings River. There are plenty of pullouts and viewpoints along the way, so you can stop and take in the breathtaking views and snap some photos of the stunning landscape.
Go horseback riding through the Giant Forest
In May, the weather is perfect for a horseback ride through the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park. You'll have the chance to explore the park's stunning sequoia groves from a unique perspective, as you ride through the towering trees and lush meadows. Whether you're an experienced rider or a beginner, there are plenty of guided horseback rides available in the park, so you can saddle up and experience the beauty of the Giant Forest on horseback.
Hike the Congress Trail and see the General Sherman Tree
May is a great time to hike the Congress Trail in Sequoia National Park, as the weather is mild and the wildflowers are in full bloom. The trail takes you through a beautiful sequoia forest, and you'll have the chance to see the General Sherman Tree, which is the largest tree on earth by volume. Standing at over 275 feet tall, it's a truly awe-inspiring sight and a must-see for anyone visiting the park in May.
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Holidays in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in May
May
  • Cinco de Mayo (May 5)
Other notable holidays

Weather in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in May

Temperatures on an average day in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in May

The average temperature in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 65°F (19°C) to a low of 40°F (4°C). Some would describe it as moderately chilly, comfortable.

For comparison, the hottest month in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, July, has days with highs of 85°F (29°C) and lows of 58°F (14°C). The coldest month, December has days with highs of 47°F (8°C) and lows of 28°F (-2°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in May based on historical data.

Visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park? See our Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in May
65°F
highs
40°F
lows

General weather summary

Moderately chilly, comfortable
Feels like
19%
Chance of rain
0.069 in
Amount
9.1 mph
Wind speed
57%
Humidity
14.1 hrs
Daylight length
5:48 AM
Sunrise
7:53 PM
Sunset
65%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 65°F (19°C) and a low of 40°F (4°C), it generally feels moderately chilly, comfortable. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
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Best attractions for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park has to offer for travelers in May, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park for May.
General Sherman Tree
1. General Sherman Tree
4.8
(9001)
Sights & Landmarks
Landmark
Just under 275-ft tall, this landmark in Sequoia National Park is among the world’s largest trees.
Giant Forest
2. Giant Forest
4.9
(60)
Woods
Nature & Parks
Vast, scenic forest known for its towering sequoia & redwood groves, campgrounds & hiking trails.
Moro Rock Trail
3. Moro Rock Trail
4.9
(2773)
Hiking area
Nature & Parks
Isolated, dome-shaped granite formation with a rock-cut stairway to the panoramic summit.
Kings Canyon National Park
4. Kings Canyon National Park
4.8
(6099)
National park
Nature & Parks
National park offers a varied landscape for hiking & other outdoor diversions among huge trees.
General Grant Tree
5. General Grant Tree
4.9
(4362)
Nature & Parks
Hiking Trails
A short trail in Kings Canyon National Park leads to this huge, well-known sequoia in Grants Grove.
Generals Hwy
6. Generals Hwy
Sights & Landmarks
Scenic Drives
Narrow route dotted with 1930s stone bridges & winding through picturesque giant sequoia forests.
Crystal Cave (Sequoia National Park)
7. Crystal Cave (Sequoia National Park)
4.4
(187)
Nature & Parks
Caverns & Caves
Tours of this remote natural formation are offered mid-May through November, with tickets required.
Giant Forest Museum
8. Giant Forest Museum
4.7
(1898)
Museum
Visitor center
Museum for the history & ecology of the giant sequoia forest, with exhibits & interpretive trails.
General Grant Grove
9. General Grant Grove
4.8
(77)
Woods
Sights & Landmarks
Scenic signature grove known for its towering sequoia trees, campgrounds & hiking trails.
Kings Canyon National Park Scenic Byway
10. Kings Canyon National Park Scenic Byway
5.0
(3)
Sights & Landmarks
Scenic Drives
The Congress Trail
11. The Congress Trail
4.8
(99)
Hiking area
Nature & Parks
This short, paved, looped hiking trail passes groves of gigantic sequoias in Sequoia National Park.
Crescent Meadow Rd
12. Crescent Meadow Rd
Nature & Parks
Hiking Trails
Ringed by towering sequoias, this tranquil meadow offers scenic views & nearby hiking trails.
Sequoia National Park's Tunnel Log
13. Sequoia National Park's Tunnel Log
4.7
(1137)
Scenic spot
Sights & Landmarks
Car tunnel carved in 1938 out of the trunk of a sequoia that fell over the road in 1937.
Hume Lake
14. Hume Lake
4.8
(339)
Lake
Nature & Parks
87-acre reservoir with a Christian camp facility, open to the public for hiking, swimming & fishing.
Kings Canyon Visitor Center
15. Kings Canyon Visitor Center
4.7
(2015)
Visitor center
Cabinlike information center with a cafe & guidance from rangers on the surrounding forested canyon.
Pear Lake
16. Pear Lake
4.8
(24)
Lake
Nature & Parks

Popular road trips from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

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All road trips from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

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