Hawaiʻi Volcanoes in May: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Peak crowds · VisitWhen score 53/100 · #2 of 12 months
May is peak season — expect the year's biggest crowds at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: crowds run 75% of the December peak (112,776 average visits), days average 75°F with 13 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Crowds in May
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes averages 112,776 recreation visits in May — 75% of what December, the peak month, draws — the second-quietest month of the year. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind — book early and start days at dawn.
Weather & daylight
Daytime temperatures are comfortable (highs average 75°F), and nights stay mild (lows average 59°F). This is one of the wetter months (15.0″ of precipitation on average). Mid-month daylight runs 13 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station GLENWOOD #2 55.4, HI US (8 mi from park coordinates, 2,200 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of May.
What to pack for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes in May
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Rain shell + pack cover — 15.0″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
Looking for a better window? The computed best month for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes is April.
Common questions
Is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes crowded in May?
Yes — May runs 75% of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes's peak, averaging 112,776 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes in May?
Average highs of 75°F, lows of 59°F, 15.0″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, GLENWOOD #2 55.4, HI US station).
What should I pack for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes in May?
Rain shell + pack cover; Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
See also: the best national parks to visit in May · Last verified 2026-07-16