Blue Ridge Parkway in May
In May, Blue Ridge Parkway averages a high of 71°F and a low of 49°F, with 5.5 inches of precipitation (rain plus melted snow). About 1,606,000 people visit, the 6th busiest of 12 (very busy). Days are 14 hours 05 minutes long.
- Quiet
- Moderate
- Busy
- Very busy
- Few or no visits (may be closed)
- Best months
- High / low
- 71° / 49°F
- Precipitation
- 5.5in
- Snow
- 0in
- Daylight
- 14h 5m
- Visitors
- 1,606,000
- Crowds
- Very busy
Best months for weather and crowds instead: June (very busy) and October (very busy).
Higher or lower in the park, expect a different picture: Elkin, NC at 910 ft averages a May high of 77°F and a low of 51°F.
Weather 1991–2020 averages at Sparta 3.5 SSW, NC, 4.8 miles from the park's center, 3,011 ft. Second station lower down: Elkin, NC, 910 ft, 17 miles. Visitors National Park Service recreation visits, average of 2023–2025. Updated .
Other parks in May
| Park | High / low °F | Crowds | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | 72° / 50° | Busy | Mild, wet |
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | 75° / 51° | Busy | Mild, wet |
| Congaree National Park | 83° / 60° | Very busy | Hot |
| Shenandoah National Park | 74° / 50° | Moderate | Mild, wet |
| Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area | 80° / 59° | Very busy | Hot |
Closures, reservations and alerts: Blue Ridge Parkway on nps.gov
All twelve months at Blue Ridge Parkway · National parks to visit in May