May weather forecast
Alaska, USA

May emerges as a beacon of the Alaskan spring, a month where the vibrancy of the season is on full display. The state sees significant increases in temperatures, even in traditionally colder areas like the North Slope. Cities such as Valdez, nestled in the southcentral region, experience mild days, making outdoor activities more feasible and enjoyable.

When juxtaposed with April, May offers higher temperatures, with many regions experiencing a consistent departure from freezing conditions. The expansive daylight, which Alaska is renowned for as summer approaches, becomes even more pronounced. The state witnesses extended hours of sunlight that dramatically contrasts the limited daylight of winter months.

Snow, a mainstay for Alaska for much of the year, becomes increasingly rare in May. The southern and southeastern regions, including places like Ketchikan, often see more rain than snow. In contrast, the northern regions might still experience occasional snowfall, but it's typically lighter and interspersed with rain. The accumulated snow from winter and early spring in many areas starts to recede, revealing the underlying landscapes.

With the snowmelt in full swing, rivers and lakes across Alaska swell. This phenomenon is particularly evident in regions traversed by large rivers such as the Kuskokwim. The melting ice and increasing flow rates make May a pivotal month for fisheries, as many fish species begin their migration.

The average temperatures across the state are in the mild 31°F (-0.6°C) to 48°F (8.9°C) zone, with moderate sunshine in the majority of the regions. The precipitation is at a low 2.1" (53mm), but the snowfall registers an ample 12" (305mm).

Vegetation thrives in May. The lower elevations, especially in the southern parts of the state, are adorned with budding trees and emerging plants. Flowering species start to bloom, painting the Alaskan landscape in a palette of colors. By the end of May, the state stands on the threshold of summer, with its long days and temperate conditions heralding the warm months ahead.

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• Anchorage - May »
  May is the last month it regularly snows in Anchorage, Alaska. The least humid month in Anchorage is May, with an average relative humidity of 68%.
• Juneau - May »
  The month with the least rainfall in Juneau is May, when the rain falls for 18.5 days and typically collects 4.13" (105mm) of precipitation. May is the last month it regularly snows in Juneau, Alaska.
• Fairbanks - May »
  On the last day of the month, in Fairbanks sunrise is at 3:31 am and sunset at 12:05 am AKDT. During 1.7 snowfall days, in May, Fairbanks aggregates 0.43" (11mm) of snow.
• Wasilla - May »
  Throughout the year, in Wasilla there are 50.5 snowfall days, and 12.52" (318mm) of snow is accumulated. With an average relative humidity of 65%, May is the least humid month in Wasilla, Alaska.
• Sitka - May »
  On the last day of the month, in Sitka, Alaska, sunrise is at 4:15 am and sunset at 9:42 pm AKDT. The month with the least rainfall in Sitka is May, when the rain falls for 19.9 days and typically collects 3.82" (97mm) of precipitation.
• Ketchikan - May »
  The month with the least rainfall in Ketchikan is May, when the rain falls for 17.1 days and typically collects 3.46" (88mm) of precipitation. With an average relative humidity of 82%, May is the least humid month in Ketchikan.
• Kenai - May »
  In Kenai in May, it is raining for 13.2 days, with typically 1.06" (27mm) of accumulated precipitation. In Kenai in May, during 13.2 rainfall days, 1.06" (27mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated.
• Kodiak - May »
  On the last day of the month, in Kodiak, sunrise is at 5:18 am and sunset at 10:56 pm AKDT. May showcases the Kodiak weather transitioning fully into the spring season, with warmer temperatures, extended daylight hours, and an abundance of sunshine.
• Bethel - May »
  In Bethel during May, the rain falls for 13.7 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.14" (29mm) of precipitation. In Bethel, during the entire year, snow falls for 74.8 days and aggregates up to 22.91" (582mm) of snow.
• Palmer - May »
  In Palmer, during the entire year, snow falls for 76.2 days and aggregates up to 33.5" (851mm) of snow. In Palmer, during the entire year, the rain falls for 190.7 days and collects up to 17.4" (442mm) of precipitation.
• Homer - May »
  In Homer, during the entire year, the rain falls for 183.8 days and collects up to 35.16" (893mm) of precipitation. During 0.8 snowfall days, in May, Homer aggregates 0.16" (4mm) of snow.
• Unalaska - May »
  On the last day of the month, in Unalaska sunrise is at 6:41 am and sunset at 11:26 pm AKDT. During 4.1 snowfall days, in May, Unalaska aggregates 1.18" (30mm) of snow.