The John Muir Trail in May presents a varied weather experience as hikers traverse the trail. Starting in Northern California, temperatures fluctuate widely with highs ranging from 12°C to 18°C and lows occasionally dropping below freezing. Rain is intermittent with potential for moderate rain on some days. Snow can also occur at higher elevations, especially at Donahue and Garnet Lake. Moving into the Eastern Sierra, the weather becomes less predictably dry and sunny. Rain events are scattered, and temperatures can see significant daily swings, especially as the trail approaches the Whitney Zone. Some sections encounter snow or freezing rain, particularly higher up, resulting in a need for vigilance against rapidly changing conditions.
Beginning at Happy Isles, the weather mixes sun and rain, with highs reaching 18°C and lows dipping to -6°C. Sunrise Creek shares similar conditions, seeing highs of 16°C and occasional brief rainfall. As one progresses to Lower Cathedral Lake, sunny periods dominate with infrequent rain, reaching 17°C at best.
In Tuolumne Meadow, sunshine is prevalent, interrupted by light rain and heavy snow on occasion, with temperatures peaking at 16°C. Moving to Donahue Pass, clouds and patchy rain frequent the area, with temperatures dropping as low as -12°C.
At Garnet Lake and Red's Meadow, sunny spells are punctuated by showers and light freezing rain, with highs ranging between 5°C and 16°C.
Lake Virginia experiences moderate rainfall alongside sunny intervals, seeing temperatures from 4°C to 21°C. Just Past Bridge ends the northern trek with a mixture of precipitation types, including snow, while offering sunnier skies towards the month's end.
Marie Lake starts the Sierra segment basking in sunshine with occasional rain, showing highs up to 24°C. Muir Trail Ranch and McClure Meadow enjoy mostly sunny conditions, albeit with brief showers. Temperature wise, up to 25°C is possible.
Medium Lake and Deer Meadow are periodically rain-soaked, with notable rainfall at Deer Meadow and moderate snow at Taboose Pass Junction, where temperatures can occasionally plummet to -11°C.
Middle Rae Lake and Center Basin Creek endure moderate rain and momentary snow, grappling with temperatures reaching as low as -11°C. Wright Creek offers sunnier days amid patches of rain.
Guitar Lake faces varied precipitation, including snow, juxtaposed with periods of sun. Temperatures fluctuate between 4°C and 22°C.
In the Whitney Zone, weather challenges with mixed precipitation and potential snow, highs occasionally touching 19°C. Descending to Whitney Portal, conditions warm and dry significantly, with peaks up to 27°C and minimal rainfall.
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