Redwood in May: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Best window · VisitWhen score 71/100 · #1 of 12 months
May is one of the best months of the year to visit Redwood National Park: crowds run 68% of the June peak (64,976 average visits). Weather: highs average 61°F and lows 47°F, with 3.6″ of precipitation and 14.5 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Redwood in May
- Rain shell + pack coverSee it on AmazonWhy: 3.6″ of precipitation is normal this month.
- Waterproof bootsSee it on AmazonWhy: 3.6″ of precipitation is normal this month.
- Water bottles for the daySee it on AmazonWhy: hydration is one of the NPS Ten Essentials.
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Redwood in May: what the park service says
May at Redwood comes after Redwood Creek's high-water closure, which the park service lifts on April 1 (dates can shift with the creek), so dispersed backcountry camping along the creek is open again. The Tall Trees Trail keeps its year-round reservation rule. Davison Road to Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon has two stream crossings that can be tricky after rain; the park suggests a high-clearance car.
Source: NPS, checked 2026-11-05.
Crowds in May
Redwood averages 64,976 recreation visits in May — 68% of what June, the peak month, draws. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging.
Weather & daylight
Days are pleasant (highs average 61°F), and nights stay mild (lows average 47°F). Average precipitation is 3.6″ for the month. Mid-month daylight runs 14.5 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station KLAMATH, CA US (4 mi from park coordinates, 28 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of May.
What to pack for Redwood in May
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Rain shell + pack cover — 3.6″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 3.6″ of precipitation is normal this 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 Redwood crowded in May?
Moderately: May runs 68% of the June peak, averaging 64,976 visits (NPS, 2021–2025). See every month at Redwood.
What is the weather like in Redwood in May?
Average highs of 61°F, lows of 47°F, 3.6″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, KLAMATH, CA US station). Compare it with other national parks in May.
What should I pack for Redwood in May?
Rain shell + pack cover; Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page. Going in June instead? Redwood in June has its own list.
See also: the best national parks to visit in May · Last verified 2026-09-24