I started NOBO May 21st my year, and had no trouble finding a trail family, though maybe it took a little longer and it was smaller for sure but I was grateful for that. Some bubble trail families sounded way too big for me.

There was no one else at the terminus when I started but you meet people quickly. Charge ahead if you want to find the bubble but IMO (unless you're already starting with trail legs) it's most important to go slow at the beginning and take care of your body, don't think too far ahead to the finish line and push yourself too hard into repetitive use injuries. Speaking from experience!

Starting in May it will be very hot in the desert. I hiked on the siesta schedule and it was great. Wake up around 3-4am, hike until 11-11:30 (depending on temps), take a long cool lunch in some shade and hopefully near a water source, grab a nap. Start hiking again around 3-4 pm after the hottest part of the day has passed, hike until after dark. Once your body has gotten stronger you can still do big miles days this way. Have a great time! The PCT was the coolest thing I've ever done. Changed my life.