Things to do in Glacier National Park in May

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Overview

May is a good time to visit Glacier National Park. The weather is usually cold, humid but cool, with temperatures ranging from 34—54°F (1—12°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Glacier National Park during this time. Some of our top recommendations: go on a horseback ride, go on a photography tour, go on a wildflower hike, and more!

Glacier 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 Glacier 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 Glacier 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 Glacier National Park in May

Top experiences in May
Go on a horseback ride
May is a great time to go on a horseback ride in Glacier National Park, as the park's trails are typically less crowded than in the peak summer months. Riding on horseback allows you to explore the park's backcountry and experience its rugged beauty from a unique perspective. Whether you're a novice rider or an experienced equestrian, there are guided horseback rides available for all skill levels. Enjoy the tranquility of the park's wilderness as you meander through alpine meadows, forests, and along mountain streams on horseback.
Go on a photography tour
May is a great time to go on a photography tour in Glacier National Park, as the park's landscapes are bathed in soft, golden light during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Whether you're an amateur photographer or a seasoned pro, the park offers endless opportunities to capture stunning images of its mountains, lakes, and wildlife. Consider joining a guided photography tour led by a professional photographer who can provide tips and techniques for capturing the best shots of the park's iconic scenery.
Go on a wildflower hike
May is the perfect time to go on a wildflower hike in Glacier National Park, as the park's meadows and alpine slopes burst into bloom with a dazzling array of colorful flowers. From delicate alpine forget-me-nots to vibrant Indian paintbrush, the park's wildflowers create a stunning tapestry of color against the backdrop of the rugged mountains. Be sure to bring a camera to capture the beauty of the wildflowers and take your time to savor the sights and scents of the blooming meadows.
Hike the Highline Trail
May is a great time to hike the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park, as the snow has usually melted and the trail is open for hikers. This iconic trail offers stunning views of the park's rugged mountains, alpine meadows, and wildflowers in full bloom. The trail is also a great place to spot wildlife such as bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and marmots. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as the high elevation can make the sun feel extra intense.
Take a scenic drive on the Going-to-the-Sun Road
May is one of the best times to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road, as it is typically open to vehicle traffic up to the Avalanche Creek area. This iconic road offers breathtaking views of the park's mountains, glaciers, and valleys. Be sure to stop at the various pullouts and overlooks along the way to take in the stunning scenery and snap some photos. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as bighorn sheep and mountain goats that can often be seen along the road.
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Go on a boat tour of St. Mary Lake
May is a great time to take a boat tour of St. Mary Lake, as the lake is typically less crowded than in the peak summer months. The boat tour offers a unique perspective of the park's stunning landscape, with the towering mountains reflected in the crystal-clear waters of the lake. The knowledgeable guides provide interesting commentary about the area's geology, history, and wildlife, making for an informative and enjoyable experience.
Go birdwatching at Lake McDonald
May is a prime time for birdwatching at Lake McDonald, as many migratory bird species return to the area to breed. The lake is home to a variety of bird species, including osprey, bald eagles, and various waterfowl. Bring your binoculars and a bird guidebook to help you identify the different species you encounter. The peaceful setting of Lake McDonald makes it a great place to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the birds.
Go fishing in the park's lakes and rivers
May is a great time for fishing in Glacier National Park, as the park's lakes and rivers are teeming with trout and other fish species. Whether you prefer fly fishing in a tranquil mountain stream or casting a line in one of the park's pristine lakes, there are plenty of opportunities to reel in a big catch. Be sure to check the park's fishing regulations and obtain the necessary permits before heading out to fish.
Go on a guided nature walk
May is a great time to go on a guided nature walk in Glacier National Park, as the park's naturalists and guides offer a
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Holidays in Glacier National Park in May
May
  • Cinco de Mayo (May 5)
Other notable holidays

Weather in Glacier National Park in May

Temperatures on an average day in Glacier National Park in May

The average temperature in Glacier National Park in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 54°F (12°C) to a low of 34°F (1°C). Some would describe it as cold, humid but cool.

For comparison, the hottest month in Glacier National Park, August, has days with highs of 74°F (23°C) and lows of 48°F (9°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 23°F (-5°C) and lows of 7°F (-14°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Glacier National Park in May based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in May
54°F
highs
34°F
lows

General weather summary

Cold, humid but cool
Feels like
38%
Chance of rain
0.154 in
Amount
9.7 mph
Wind speed
85%
Humidity
15.2 hrs
Daylight length
5:55 AM
Sunrise
9:08 PM
Sunset
39%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 54°F (12°C) and a low of 34°F (1°C), it generally feels cold, humid but cool. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket
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Best attractions for Glacier National Park in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Glacier National Park has to offer for travelers in May, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Glacier 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 Glacier National Park for May.
Going-to-the-Sun Rd
1. Going-to-the-Sun Rd
Sights & Landmarks
Scenic Drives
Open seasonally due to snow, this road offers scenic alpine views with waterfalls & mountain goats.
Logan Pass
2. Logan Pass
4.8
(177)
Mountain pass
Nature & Parks
6,646-ft.-elevation pass on the Continental Divide, with dramatic mountain views & a visitor center.
Lake McDonald
3. Lake McDonald
4.8
(335)
Lake
Nature & Parks
This scenic alpine lake, the largest lake in Glacier National Park, offers kayaking & canoeing.
Avalanche Lake
4. Avalanche Lake
4.9
(243)
Lake
Nature & Parks
Dense woods & mountains surround this scenic lake known for its hiking trails & abundant wildlife.
Grinnell Glacier
5. Grinnell Glacier
4.9
(73)
Ice
Nature & Parks
A challenging hike leads to this famous & often photographed glacier in Glacier National Park.
Iceberg Lake
6. Iceberg Lake
4.8
(72)
Lake
Nature & Parks
Lake inside Glacier National Park offering views of Iceberg Peak & Mount Wilbur.
Swiftcurrent Lake
7. Swiftcurrent Lake
4.9
(32)
Lake
Nature & Parks
Large picturesque lake in Glacier National Park offering boating & a hotel on its shore.
Two Medicine Lake
8. Two Medicine Lake
4.9
(157)
Lake
Nature & Parks
Remote lake mirroring mountains with trails, a campground & boats, plus a 1914 chalet-turned-store.
Saint Mary Falls
9. Saint Mary Falls
4.9
(349)
Nature & Parks
Waterfalls
Scenic 35-ft. waterfall in Glacier National Park, accessible via a moderate hiking trail.
Running Eagle Falls
10. Running Eagle Falls
4.9
(25)
Waterfall
Nature & Parks
Locale for scenic hikes on a beginner-friendly trail with a stream crossing, waterfall & rocky pool.
Bowman Lake
11. Bowman Lake
4.8
(68)
Lake
Nature & Parks
Remote lake for kayaking in Glacier National Park with a small campground & dramatic mountain views.
Apgar Visitor Center
12. Apgar Visitor Center
4.6
(1638)
Visitor center
Hiking area
West Glacier visitor center with park maps, books, ranger programs & flora & fauna displays.
Fishercap Lake
13. Fishercap Lake
4.7
(21)
Lake
Nature & Parks
Redrock Falls
14. Redrock Falls
4.8
(39)
Waterfall
Nature & Parks
Iceberg Lake
15. Iceberg Lake
4.8
(72)
Lake
Nature & Parks
Lake inside Glacier National Park offering views of Iceberg Peak & Mount Wilbur.
McDonald Creek
16. McDonald Creek
4.9
(8)
River
Nature & Parks

Top searches in Glacier National Park

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Get inspired for your trip to Glacier National Park with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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