Theodore Roosevelt in May: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Best window · VisitWhen score 84/100 · #2 of 12 months

May is one of the best months of the year to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park: crowds run 45% of the July peak (73,030 average visits). Weather: highs average 67°F and lows 41°F, with 2.6″ of precipitation and 15 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Planning Theodore Roosevelt? Pack the trail map: Theodore Roosevelt Trails Illustrated map on Amazon. · affiliate link, VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases

Bring for Theodore Roosevelt in May

Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy)See it on AmazonWhy: mornings average 41°F.
Packable rain jacketSee it on AmazonWhy: 2.6″ of precipitation is normal this month.
Sturdy, broken-in hiking bootsSee it on AmazonWhy: every park, every month.

Affiliate links: VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Prices can change; Amazon shows the current one.

A colorfully striped butte in the foreground overlooks a dark green badlands landscape — Theodore Roosevelt National Park — photo: NPS Photo / Mark Meyers (public-domain NPS media)

Crowds in May

Theodore Roosevelt averages 73,030 recreation visits in May — 45% of what July, the peak month, draws. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind.

Average visits (May)

73,030 (mean 2021–2025, NPS)

Share of the year

9.9% of annual visitation

vs. peak (July)

45%

Weather & daylight

Daytime temperatures are comfortable (highs average 67°F), and mornings are chilly (lows average 41°F). Average precipitation is 2.6″ for the month. Mid-month daylight runs 15 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station MEDORA, ND US (5 mi from park coordinates, 2,268 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of May.

What to pack for Theodore Roosevelt in May

Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.

Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 41°F
Packable rain jacket — 2.6″ of precipitation is normal this month
Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

As an Amazon Associate, VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases. Gear names above link to Amazon searches or to a specific product — we don't show or set prices; you always see Amazon's current price.

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 Theodore Roosevelt crowded in May?

Moderately: May runs 45% of the July peak, averaging 73,030 visits (NPS, 2021–2025). See every month at Theodore Roosevelt.

What is the weather like in Theodore Roosevelt in May?

Average highs of 67°F, lows of 41°F, 2.6″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, MEDORA, ND US station). Compare it with other national parks in May.

What should I pack for Theodore Roosevelt in May?

Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy); Packable rain jacket; Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page. Going in June instead? Theodore Roosevelt in June has its own list.

See also: the best national parks to visit in May · Last verified 2026-09-24