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 »
  In Anchorage in May, it is raining for 11.5 days, with typically 0.55" (14mm) of accumulated precipitation. On the first day of May in Anchorage sunrise is at 5:49 am and sunset at 10:03 pm.
• Juneau - May »
  During 3.2 snowfall days, in May, Juneau aggregates 3.31" (84mm) of snow. Throughout the year, in Juneau, there are 126.6 snowfall days, and 290.12" (7369mm) of snow is accumulated.
• Fairbanks - May »
  During 1.7 snowfall days, in May, Fairbanks aggregates 0.43" (11mm) of snow. During 1.7 snowfall days, in May, Fairbanks aggregates 0.43" (11mm) of snow.
• Wasilla - May »
  In Wasilla, during the entire year, snow falls for 50.5 days and aggregates up to 12.52" (318mm) of snow. In Wasilla in May, during 11 rainfall days, 0.51" (13mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated.
• Sitka - May »
  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. In Sitka during the entire year, snow falls for 52.4 days and aggregates up to 63.58" (1615mm) of snow.
• Ketchikan - May »
  On the last day of the month, in Ketchikan, sunrise is at 4:13 am and sunset at 9:15 pm AKDT. The least humid month in Ketchikan, Alaska, is May, with an average relative humidity of 82%.
• Kenai - May »
  On the last day of the month, in Kenai, sunrise is at 4:49 am and sunset at 11:16 pm AKDT. With an average relative humidity of 69%, May is the least humid month in Kenai, Alaska.
• Kodiak - May »
  Throughout the year, in Kodiak there are 35.1 snowfall days, and 13.74" (349mm) of snow is accumulated. On the last day of the month, in Kodiak, sunrise is at 5:18 am and sunset at 10:55 pm AKDT.
• Bethel - May »
  On the last day of the month, in Bethel sunrise is at 5:28 am and sunset at 12:00 am AKDT. In Bethel, Alaska, during May, the rain falls for 13.7 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.14" (29mm) of precipitation.
• Palmer - May »
  On the last day of the month, in Palmer, Alaska, sunrise is at 4:29 am and sunset at 11:19 pm AKDT. In Palmer during May, the rain falls for 18.3 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.18" (30mm) 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. In Homer in May, during 17.9 rainfall days, 2.17" (55mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated.
• Unalaska - May »
  Throughout the year, in Unalaska there are 198.8 rainfall days, and 33.78" (858mm) of precipitation is accumulated. During 4.1 snowfall days, in May, Unalaska aggregates 1.18" (30mm) of snow.