Havasupai Falls in May: Advice on the Hike, Campground, Gear, and More
May is a great time to visit Havasupai Falls. The weather’s warm, but (hopefully) not too hot. It usually creates prime conditions for hiking, camping, and swimming in Havasu Creek.
While a rain shower might move through, you won’t be at risk of a summer monsoon storm impacting your visit.
Havasupai Falls is open to a limited number of visitors from February through November.
Key Info on Havasupai Falls
- You need a permit to visit at all times.
- Camping permits are $455, per person for 3 nights.
- Lodge rooms in the village of Supai are $2277 for 4 people for 3 nights.
- Never rely on the helicopter. Be prepared to hike 10 miles.
- There are no roads, you can’t ride a mule, and the helicopter is inconsistent.
- Mules can be hired to haul your gear.
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The Weather in May
In May, you can expect daily highs in the 80s or low 90s, with overnight lows around 55 degrees.
- Average High: 85°F
- Average Low: 55°F
- Rainfall: 0.4 inches (on average, but this obviously fluctuates)
Daylight Hours
Daylight hours expand in May, to around 14 hours of sunlight per day.
- Sunset: : 5:30 AM
- Sunset: 7:45 PM
Crowds and Permit Availability
While it can be difficult to secure a permit to Havasupai Falls any month of the year, demand is especially high in May.
If you’re looking to make the trek, don’t give up and keep checking the Havasupai Tribe’s “Transfer” website. People who get permits, but for whatever reason can’t use them, post their dates here. I’ve had great success buying transfer permits, so keep checking for your target dates and don’t give up!
As for crowd size, Havasupai Tribe doesn’t release exact numbers, but public filings online with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and other agencies provide some insight.
The tribe grants roughly 100 permits per day. Up to 30,000 people visit Havasupai Falls each year. The campground is almost always buzzing with new people arriving and other groups packing up to leave.
Hiking to Havasupai Falls in May
In February, March, and April, it’s cool enough to hike from the Hualapai Parking Lot and Havasupai Falls Trailhead any time of day.
By May, daytime temperatures are warming, especially by the end of the month. Check the forecast before your trip so you can plan a departure time.
There are shady spots along the trail to stop and rest at, but if highs are expected near 90, I’d leave the hilltop before dawn to arrive in Supai before the midday sun.
Keep in mind: the Havasupai Tribe often enforces a rule, mandating all hikers depart the trailhead by 2:00 PM. So it’s best to play it safe and begin your hike in the morning, regardless of the temperature.
Trail Conditions and Challenges
Storms rarely impact the trail conditions in May. You should find the route clearly marked and easy to follow.
Camping at Havasupai Falls in May
May is ideal (usually) for camping along Havasu Creek, between Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls.
You’ll find campsites on both sides of a one-mile stretch of Havasu Creek.
Campground Conditions and Best Spots
In May, you won’t have to worry about the creek flooding from either snowmelt or a monsoon storm.
My advice for the best camping spots along Havasu Creek in May is the same as it is for any month: keep hiking beyond Havasu Falls (the start of the campground). I think it’s prettier closer to Mooney Falls. As always: make sure to setup your campsite away from the vaulted toilets!
Nighttime Temperatures and Sleeping Tips
Nighttime temperatures should be comfortable in May.
Again, check the weather forecast before your trip! Temperatures fluctuate, so you might encounter overnight lows in the 40s, rather than the 50s (especially in early May).
While I’ve seen people sleep in hammocks (without a tent) in May, I’d suggest bringing a tent. It’s really personal preference.
Wildlife and Bugs to Watch For
I’ve never experienced any problems with bugs, flies, or mosquitoes, but I know other people have. Because of that, I usually bring a small thing of repellent, just in case.
As for squirrels and campsite scavengers, they’re also hit-or-miss. Sometimes you’ll see evidence that a rogue rodent broke into someone’s food supply. I’ve always been fine securing our food in airtight bags and containers, but many people bring rat sacks as an added precaution.
You’re more likely to see frogs and lizards, as you’d expect, along the creek. The frogs will croak you to sleep each night!
Waterfalls and Swimming in May
I can remember a few times in May when a rainstorm hit the plateau above the canyon and turned the turquoise waterfalls brown. It usually lasts a day or two before clearing up.
Water Temperature
Here’s a chart of the water temperatures in Havasu Creek over the month of May in 2024. Temperatures vary through the day, but the water is usually in the upper 60s and lower 70s.
Packing List for Havasupai Falls in May
My general advice for packing is: Don’t *over* pack, especially if you’re carrying everything in on your back.
Here’s the list of everything I bring to Havasupai:
camping gear
🔘 Lightweight Tent
🔘 Or Hammock w/ Bug Net
🔘 Sleeping Bag or Blanket
🔘 Sleeping Pad
🔘 Headlamp (with red light)
🔘 Water Filter/Bladder
🔘 Inflatable Pillow
🔘 Packing Cubes
🔘 Folding Table
Hiking Gear
🔘 Hiking Shoes
🔘 Foot Glide
🔘 Backpack
🔘 Smaller Day Pack
🔘 Hiking Socks
🔘 Sock Liners
🔘 LifeStraw Filter & Bottle
🔘 Trekking Poles
Hygiene & Toiletries
🔘 Deodorant
🔘 Eco-friendly Soap
🔘 Toothbrush & Toothpaste
🔘 SPF
🔘 Bug Repellent
🔘 Toilet Paper (half a roll)
🔘 Dry Bag
🔘 First Aid Kit
Food & Cooking
🔘Jetboil & Propane
🔘 Matches or Lighter
🔘 Freeze-Dried Meals
🔘 Nuts & Protein Bars
🔘 Utensils
🔘 Foldable Cups, & Bowls
🔘 Electrolyte tabs or packets
Miscellaneous
🔘 Cash (for tacos and things in Supai)
🔘 Battery Packs (2 minimum)
🔘 Quick Dry Towel
🔘 Gloves (for climbing Mooney Falls)
🔘 Rope (optional)
🔘 Rain Poncho (optional)
Leave in Your Car
🔘 Water
🔘 Sports Drinks
🔘 Food
🔘 Clean Clothing
🔘 Sneakers
Wrap: Pros and Cons of Visiting Havasupai in May
The pros far outweigh the cons in May. The weather is usually pretty ideal for hiking and camping up near the Grand Canyon. Plus the lengthy amount of daylight will allow you to make the most of your visit!
Advantages of This Time of Year
Temperatures are almost certain to be warm in May, but far more comfortable than the summer heat that moves in by June.
The extra hours of daylight allow you to have more flexibility in your days at Havasupai Falls. Plus, if you’re planning to hike all the way to the confluence with the Colorado River, you’ll need the extra daylight to make it back to the campsite by dark!
Rainfall is usually minimal in May, so there’s much less of a chance of a storm turning the creek brown. Plus, May is too early for the summer monsoon season to arrive and impact your trip.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
Aside from an unusually hot day or two, there aren’t many drawbacks to visiting Havasupai Falls in May!
The challenge will come *before* your trip, as you try to get a permit for a month that’s in high-demand from people around the world.
It helps to check the Tribe’s “Transfer” website daily for your chosen dates to pop up.
