Things to Do in United States in May

May Weather in United States

25°C (77°F) High Temp

15°C (59°F) Low Temp

102 mm (4.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Peak spring season with moderate temperatures 15-25°C (59-77°F) - perfect for outdoor activities without summer's oppressive heat
National parks and hiking trails are at their most accessible with wildflowers blooming and comfortable walking conditions
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation rates are 20-30% lower than summer peak, flights from Asia are $200-400 cheaper than June-August
Extended daylight hours (13-15 hours depending on location) give you more time for sightseeing and outdoor adventures

Considerations

Unpredictable weather patterns - can swing from 10°C (50°F) morning to 25°C (77°F) afternoon, requiring layered clothing strategy
Spring break crowds at major attractions like Yellowstone and Grand Canyon, expect 30-40% more visitors than April
Mud season in northern mountain regions makes some high-altitude trails and scenic drives inaccessible until late May

Best Activities in May

Yellowstone National Park Wildlife Tours

May is prime time for Yellowstone - roads reopen after winter closure, wildlife is most active with bear cubs and elk calves, and temperatures are perfect for hiking 15-20°C (59-68°F). Snow melts create dramatic waterfalls, and you'll avoid summer's crushing crowds while still having access to major attractions.

Booking Tip: Book accommodations 6 months ahead as this is peak season for the park. Day tours typically cost $150-250, multi-day packages $400-800. Look for operators with naturalist guides and small group sizes under 14 people. See current tour options in the booking section below.

California Wine Country Cycling

Perfect weather for Napa and Sonoma cycling - mild 18-22°C (64-72°F) temperatures, minimal rainfall, and vines in full spring growth. You'll dodge summer's 35°C+ (95°F+) heat and crowds, while enjoying shoulder season wine pricing. Most scenic routes are 15-30 km (9-19 miles) of rolling hills.

Booking Tip: Book wine country tours 2-3 weeks ahead. Bike tours range $120-200 per day including tastings. Look for operators providing electric bikes for hill assistance and multiple winery stops. Premium tours with lunch cost $250-350.

Great Smoky Mountains Hiking Adventures

May offers the best hiking conditions - comfortable 20-25°C (68-77°F) days, wildflowers in peak bloom, and waterfalls at full flow from spring runoff. Black bears are active but not yet stressed by summer heat. Trails are mostly clear of snow but not yet packed with summer families.

Booking Tip: Guided hikes cost $75-150 per person for full day experiences. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for popular trails like Cataract Falls or Alum Cave. Multi-day backpacking tours range $300-500. Choose operators with bear safety certification.

New York City Food Walking Tours

Ideal weather for outdoor food exploration - mild 18-23°C (64-73°F) temperatures perfect for 3-4 hour walking tours through neighborhoods like Little Italy, Chinatown, and Brooklyn. Spring farmers markets are in full swing, and outdoor dining season begins without summer's humidity.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost $60-120 per person for 3-4 hours including 6-8 tastings. Book 1-2 weeks ahead for weekend tours. Evening tours often include rooftop stops. Look for small groups under 15 people for better restaurant access.

Pacific Northwest Scenic Drives

May is when mountain passes reopen and weather clears for spectacular drives. Columbia River Gorge waterfalls are at peak flow, Mount Rainier's Paradise area becomes accessible, and you get consistent visibility for mountain views. Temperatures are mild 15-20°C (59-68°F) with minimal rain.

Booking Tip: Self-drive packages with accommodations cost $200-400 per night. Guided scenic tours range $100-180 per day. Book mountain lodges 3-4 months ahead as they fill quickly when roads reopen. Choose 4WD vehicles for flexibility.

Florida Keys Snorkeling Expeditions

Water temperatures reach perfect 24-26°C (75-79°F) in May, visibility is excellent before summer algae blooms, and you'll avoid hurricane season entirely. Coral spawning creates unique underwater activity, and manatee viewing is excellent in warmer shallow waters.

Booking Tip: Half-day snorkeling trips cost $80-120, full-day adventures $150-250. Book 10-14 days ahead through PADI-certified operators. Look for trips including equipment, lunch, and multiple reef sites. Glass-bottom boat options available for non-swimmers.

May Events & Festivals

Early to Mid May

National Tulip Festival

Holland, Michigan's massive tulip celebration featuring over 5 million tulips in bloom, Dutch dancing, traditional foods, and parades. The timing aligns perfectly with Michigan's spring weather, making it one of the most photogenic festivals in the Midwest.

First Saturday in May

Kentucky Derby

America's most famous horse race at Churchill Downs in Louisville, featuring the 'Run for the Roses' along with mint juleps, elaborate hats, and Southern hospitality. The weather is typically perfect for the outdoor festivities and traditional Derby parties.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - pack t-shirts, long sleeves, and a warm jacket for 10°C (18°F) temperature swings between morning and afternoon

Waterproof hiking boots for muddy trails and spring runoff areas, especially in mountain regions where snow melt creates slippery conditions

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8+ at higher altitudes and reflects off remaining snow patches in mountain areas

Light rain jacket or packable umbrella - May averages 10 rainy days with brief afternoon showers lasting 1-2 hours

Moisture-wicking base layers instead of cotton - 70% humidity in many regions makes cotton uncomfortable when wet

Insect repellent with DEET 20%+ for hiking areas where mosquitoes emerge with warmer weather and standing water

Portable phone charger - cold morning temperatures can drain batteries 30-40% faster than normal

Comfortable walking shoes broken in before travel - you'll want to take advantage of perfect hiking weather

Light fleece or merino wool sweater for evening temperature drops, especially in desert regions where it can fall 15°C (27°F) after sunset

Insider Knowledge

Book national park accommodations by January for May visits - park lodges open their booking systems 365 days ahead and fill within hours for prime spring dates

Target weekdays for major attractions - Memorial Day weekend creates the year's first major crowd surge, but Tuesday-Thursday in early May offers perfect weather with minimal crowds

Many ski resort towns offer 50-70% accommodation discounts in May as they transition between winter and summer seasons, perfect for mountain hiking base camps

Farmers markets peak in May with spring produce - local strawberries, asparagus, and early summer vegetables are at their best and cheapest

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for warm weather - May mornings can be surprisingly cold at 10-15°C (50-59°F), especially in mountain and northern regions

Not booking mountain activities early enough - popular trails and scenic drives book solid once roads reopen from winter closures

Assuming consistent weather patterns - May is transition season with rapid changes, always check local forecasts 2-3 days before outdoor activities