Great Smoky Mountains National Park in May
In May, Great Smoky Mountains National Park averages a high of 75°F and a low of 51°F, with 5.5 inches of precipitation (rain plus melted snow). About 1,204,000 people visit, the 4th busiest of 12 (busy). Days are 14 hours 01 minutes long.
- Quiet
- Moderate
- Busy
- Very busy
- Few or no visits (may be closed)
- Best months
- High / low
- 75° / 51°F
- Precipitation
- 5.5in
- Snow
- 0in
- Daylight
- 14h 1m
- Visitors
- 1,204,000
- Crowds
- Busy
Best months for weather and crowds instead: September (busy), October (very busy) and November (busy).
Higher or lower in the park, expect a different picture: Mt Leconte, TN at 6,493 ft averages a May high of 57°F and a low of 40°F.
Weather 1991–2020 averages at Gatlinburg 2 SW, TN, 5 miles from the park's center, 1,454 ft. Second station higher up: Mt Leconte, TN, 6,493 ft, 3.9 miles. Visitors National Park Service recreation visits, average of 2023–2025. Updated .
Other parks in May
| Park | High / low °F | Crowds | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area | 80° / 59° | Very busy | Hot |
| Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park | 77° / 57° | Busy | Mild |
| Blue Ridge Parkway | 71° / 49° | Very busy | Mild, wet |
| Mammoth Cave National Park | 81° / 57° | Busy | Hot |
| Congaree National Park | 83° / 60° | Very busy | Hot |
Closures, reservations and alerts: Great Smoky Mountains National Park on nps.gov
All twelve months at Great Smoky Mountains · National parks to visit in May