Shenandoah National Park in May
Shenandoah National Park · crowd + weather almanac
May crowd level
moderate
about 144,000 visits in a
typical May
The 6th-busiest month of the year ·
median of 2016–2025 official NPS counts
May is the 6th-busiest month of the year at Shenandoah National Park: about 144,000 recreation visits in a typical May (9% of the year's traffic, and 48% of what the peak month, October, sees). Crowds are middling — noticeably lighter than peak season. Weather-wise, May days at the Luray 5 E, VA station typically top out around 74°F with nights near 50°F, and about 4.2 inches of precipitation falls over the month.
- Typical May: 144,056 recreation visits (median 2016–2025); the range across those years ran 46,903 (2020) to 173,115 (2025).
- Busier than 6 of the other 11 months.
- 1991–2020 May normals at Luray 5 E, VA: high 74°F, low 50°F, 4.21 in precipitation, 0.0 in snow.
May weather (1991–2020 normals)
| Typical daytime high | 74°F |
|---|---|
| Typical overnight low | 50°F |
| Precipitation (monthly normal) | 4.21 in |
| Snowfall (monthly normal) | 0.0 in |
| Measured at | Luray 5 E, VA (USC00445096), 10.7 mi from the park reference point, elev. 1,400 ft |
Every month at Shenandoah
| Month | Typical visits | Crowds | High / Low | Precip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22,021 | quietest stretch | 43°F / 23°F | 2.9 in |
| February | 27,535 | quietest stretch | 47°F / 26°F | 2.5 in |
| March | 56,506 | quiet | 55°F / 32°F | 3.6 in |
| April | 116,856 | moderate | 66°F / 41°F | 3.5 in |
| May | 144,056 | moderate | 74°F / 50°F | 4.2 in |
| June | 164,317 | moderate | 81°F / 58°F | 4.8 in |
| July | 190,762 | busy | 85°F / 62°F | 4.1 in |
| August | 181,146 | busy | 83°F / 61°F | 3.8 in |
| September | 154,634 | moderate | 78°F / 54°F | 5.4 in |
| October | 296,999 | busiest stretch | 67°F / 43°F | 3.2 in |
| November | 140,505 | moderate | 57°F / 34°F | 3.2 in |
| December | 30,149 | quietest stretch | 47°F / 28°F | 3.1 in |