I have hiked on elbert in august (didnt summit).. how different are the conditions generally in the last weekend of may (memorial day weekend).

I am sure I can expect more snow.. how is that weather that time of year? and how much snow can I expect? maybe a stupid question (im a beginner).. but are crampons or anything that WASNT necessary in august, necessary in late may?

thanks for any advice

I'd start checking snotel the begining of May and be prepared for anything from 8 to 80 degrees and late winter to spring conditions. There will be a LOT more snow in May than there was in August. It is supposed to be warmer than normal but normal precipitiation in coming months. It could snow A LOT Memorial Day weekend. It will likely be glorious though.

It doesn't matter what month of the year you go up, its the Mountains. Be prepared for everything.

You you will definitely encounter snow below treeline, so start very early to avoid post holing. As far as above treeline, if you take one of the standard routes you can stick to ridges and avoid snow for the most part, depending on how much more snow we get. As far as weather - prepare for anything as mentioned above. Last Memorial Day I was at 14k ft and in a virtual white out blizzard. Full on winter conditions. Late May is still "winter" at that elevation and a totally different experience from climbing in August. Have fun.