Late spring · Weather & things to do
Anchorage in May
Anchorage warms up: highs climb to 53°F (12°C), from 41°F in April, with lows of 41°F (5°C) and about 1.9 in (47 mm) of rain.
It scores 64/100 for comfort, 4th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 53°F (12°C)
- Avg low
- 41°F (5°C)
- Rain
- 1.9 in (47 mm)
- Humidity
- 78%
- Cloud cover
- 79%
- Daylight
- ~17 h 06 min
- Comfort score
- 64/100 · Good
What May feels like
Cool days top out near 53°F (12°C), better for brisk walks than lingering outside.
Lows average 41°F (5°C).
About 1.9 in (47 mm) of rain falls in a typical year's May.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 79%.
With about 17 h 06 min of daylight, evenings stay light late.
Plan around May
May is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (June – August).
- The year's biggest warm-up: highs jump 7°C (12°F) from April.
- Comfort improves from 47/100 in April to 64/100.
- Our Alaska Glacier Route recommends Jun – Aug, so May falls outside its suggested window.
- Our Fairbanks, Talkeetna & Anchorage route recommends Dec – Mar, so May falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for May
- Insulated jackethighs only 53°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Anchorage in May
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Simon & Seafort's Saloon & Grill
Classic seafood and prime rib house with big windows over Cook Inlet.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 53°F.
Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria
Long-running pizza and craft beer institution in Midtown.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
49th State Brewing
Downtown brewpub with a rooftop deck facing Cook Inlet and Sleeping Lady.
Why now May scores 64/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Lake Hood Seaplane Base
One of the world's busiest seaplane bases; in winter the lake freezes and many planes switch to skis.
Why now Highs near 53°F and 1.9 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Anchorage Museum
Alaska's largest museum, strong on Alaska Native objects, art and Arctic science.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 53°F.
Flattop Mountain Trail
Anchorage's most climbed peak, 3 miles round trip from Glen Alps with a scramble at the top.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Nearby in May
- Talkeetna in May~77 mi · highs 54°F, 3.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Seward in May~79 mi · highs 46°F, 6.2 in rain · 4°C (7°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Homer in May~123 mi · highs 48°F, 3.5 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Fairbanks in May~260 mi · highs 58°F, 1.5 in rain · 3°C (6°F) warmer by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~296 m to Anchorage's ~32 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Anchorage in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Anchorage?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 64/100 against a best of 77 in June – August. Expect highs of 53°F (12°C) and 1.9 in (47 mm) of rain. Our Alaska Glacier Route recommends Jun – Aug, so May is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Anchorage in May?
Average highs are 53°F (12°C) and average lows 41°F (5°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Anchorage in May?
Not much: about 1.9 in (47 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 3rd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 32.3 in (820 mm).
What should I pack for Anchorage in May?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 53°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Anchorage
Planning Anchorage in May?
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