Moab in May: A 12-Part Series

Planning a trip to Moab in May means dealing with a desert that changes fast from season to season. Weather, crowd levels, trail conditions, and even park rules can look completely different depending on when you visit. This 12-Part Series breaks down what Moab is really like month by month so you can plan with confidence instead of guesswork.

Below you’ll find practical details on weather, what’s open, photography conditions, and how these factors shape your time in the parks. Whether you’re chasing sunrise light in Arches or heading out for longer hikes in Canyonlands, this month-specific guide gives you a clear picture of what to expect and how to make the most of your trip.

Moab in May

Moab in May is a dream for many visitors. Warm days, cool nights, long light, and wildflowers at various elevations make this a peak month for hikers and photographers.

Weather in May

Average highs in May reach around 82 °F, with lows in the high 40s °F. Humidity is low, so evenings feel comfortable even after hot afternoons.

You will enjoy more than 14 hours of daylight, with early sunrises and late sunsets. Windy afternoons are still common, and isolated thunderstorms sometimes begin late in the month.

• Hiking: Mornings are near perfect, afternoons can feel hot in full sun.
• Driving: Roads are dry nearly all the time.
• Photography: Strong light midday, magical golden hours and twilight.

What’s Open in May

Everything is open and busy.

• Arches: Timed entry reservations are in effect between 7 am and 4 pm. The full road and all classic trails are open. Reservations can be booked months in advance on Recreation.gov, with some next day tickets released each evening.
• Canyonlands: All districts are accessible, with full seasonal services at Island in the Sky and The Needles.
• Dead Horse Point and state parks: Fully operational, popular at sunrise and sunset.
• Town and tours: May is prime time for mountain biking, rafting, and off road tours. Book well ahead.

Crowd Levels in May

Moab in May is high season.

• Parking lots at Delicate Arch, Devils Garden, and Windows fill early.
• Expect lines at park entrances during midmorning if you use timed entry.
• Sunrise and sunset photography locations attract serious crowds.

To keep your sanity:

• Use pre 7 am and post 4 pm windows to enter Arches without timed entry if that policy remains.
• Explore less famous but still stunning areas, such as Tower Arch, Fisher Towers, and lesser used Canyonlands overlooks.

Photo Plan for Moab in May

May is vibrant and active.

Key May subjects

1. Late wildflowers and fresh foliage at higher elevations
   • Look for blooms along Island in the Sky and Dead Horse Point.
   • River corridors are lush and green.
2. Milky Way nights
   • The core rises earlier in the night. Warm temperatures make long sessions more comfortable.
3. Warm reflected light in canyons
   • Narrow canyons and alcoves glow with reflected warm light on clear days.

Daylight plan for Moab in May

• Early morning:
  • Catch sunrise at Windows, Balanced Rock, or Park Avenue in Arches.
  • Alternatively, start at Dead Horse Point when it is less crowded than sunset.
• Midday:
  • Use this for scouting, shorter hikes, or rest. Strong light is better suited to documenting adventures than making fine art landscapes.
  • Short canyon hikes like Sand Dune Arch or part of Devils Garden work well.
• Late afternoon and sunset:
  • Delicate Arch, Turret Arch, Grand View Point, or Murphy Point.
  • Plan for at least 1 to 2 hours on location.
• Night:
  • Pick one or two nights for focused Milky Way shooting at Balanced Rock, Garden of Eden, or Panorama Point.

Recommended Gear

• Wide angle lenses for arches and night sky
• Midrange zoom and telephoto to isolate scenes
• Tripod and remote release
• Headlamp with red mode
• Extra water and snacks for long, late sessions

Sample 3-Day Itinerary for May

Packing and Gear List for May

• Summer weight hiking clothes with sun protection
• Light insulating layer for evenings
• 3 to 4 liters of water capacity per person
• Electrolyte tablets or powder
• Light gloves and a warm hat if you are staying out for night photography

Safety and Road Conditions in May

• Heat is real. Start big hikes at dawn and be back before the hottest hours.
• Thunderstorms bring lightning and flash flood risk. Avoid drainages if storms are forecast.
• Backcountry roads are dusty and rough. Carry a full size spare, tools, and extra water if you venture onto 4WD routes.

Visit Moab in May

Visiting Moab in May comes with its own mix of challenges and rewards, and knowing what the month brings helps you travel smarter, safer, and with better photos to show for it. Use this guide as your starting point, then build an itinerary that matches your comfort level, the weather, and the type of adventure you want most.

If you’re still deciding when to visit, or you want to compare conditions across the seasons, check out the other articles in the series. Each guide breaks down the same key details so you can quickly see how the desert shifts from winter to spring, summer, and fall. Exploring a few different months will help you pick the perfect time for your next Moab trip.

If you’re still choosing the perfect season for your trip, take a look at the other guides in this series.