Black Canyon of the Gunnison in May: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Best window · VisitWhen score 73/100 · #3 of 12 months
May is one of the best months of the year to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: crowds run 71% of the June peak (34,586 average visits). Weather: highs average 66°F and lows 38°F, with 1.6″ of precipitation and 14.3 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Black Canyon of the Gunnison in May
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy)See it on AmazonWhy: mornings average 38°F.
- Sturdy, broken-in hiking bootsSee it on AmazonWhy: every park, every month.
- Water bottles for the daySee it on AmazonWhy: hydration is one of the NPS Ten Essentials.
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Crowds in May
Black Canyon of the Gunnison averages 34,586 recreation visits in May — 71% of what June, the peak month, draws. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — book early and start days at dawn.
Weather & daylight
Days are mild (highs average 66°F), and mornings are chilly (lows average 38°F). It is typically dry (1.6″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 14.3 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON, CO US (2 mi from park coordinates, 8,151 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of May.
What to pack for Black Canyon of the Gunnison in May
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 38°F
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
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Also at their best in May
Other parks whose computed May verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:
- Lake Clark in May — 7% of peak crowds, highs 59°F, score 96/100
- North Cascades in May — 11% of peak crowds, highs 69°F, score 96/100
- Katmai in May — 1% of peak crowds, highs 52°F, score 95/100
- Gates of the Arctic in May — 12% of peak crowds, highs 56°F, score 94/100
Common questions
Is Black Canyon of the Gunnison crowded in May?
Yes — May runs 71% of Black Canyon of the Gunnison's peak, averaging 34,586 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025). See every month at Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
What is the weather like in Black Canyon of the Gunnison in May?
Average highs of 66°F, lows of 38°F, 1.6″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON, CO US station). Compare it with other national parks in May.
What should I pack for Black Canyon of the Gunnison in May?
Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy); Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page. Going in June instead? Black Canyon of the Gunnison in June has its own list.
See also: the best national parks to visit in May · Last verified 2026-09-24