Late spring · Weather & things to do
Chena Hot Springs in May
Chena Hot Springs warms up: highs climb to 54°F (12°C), from 35°F in April, with lows of 38°F (3°C) and about 1.9 in (47 mm) of rain.
It scores 70/100 for comfort, 4th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 54°F (12°C)
- Avg low
- 38°F (3°C)
- Rain
- 1.9 in (47 mm)
- Humidity
- 78%
- Cloud cover
- 68%
- Daylight
- ~18 h 16 min
- Comfort score
- 70/100 · Good
What May feels like
Cool days top out near 54°F (12°C), better for brisk walks than lingering outside.
Lows average 38°F (3°C).
About 1.9 in (47 mm) of rain falls in a typical year's May.
With about 18 h 16 min of daylight, evenings stay light late.
Plan around May
May is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (June & July).
- The year's biggest warm-up: highs jump 11°C (19°F) from April.
- Comfort improves from 52/100 in April to 70/100.
- Our Fairbanks, Talkeetna & Anchorage route recommends Dec – Mar, so May falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for May
- Insulated jackethighs only 54°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Chena Hot Springs in May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Aurora viewing tour
Night tours from the resort by snowcoach to a ridgetop above the valley, with heated yurts to wait in between displays.
Why now May scores 70/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Chena River State Recreation Area
Large state recreation area along Chena Hot Springs Road with trails, frozen river views and public-use cabins.
Why now Highs near 54°F and 1.9 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Angel Rocks Trail
Loop trail off Chena Hot Springs Road climbing to granite tors above the North Fork of the Chena River.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Rock Lake hot spring
The resort's outdoor, rock-lined hot spring pool, fed by natural springs and steaming in air far below zero.
Nearby in May
- Fairbanks in May~51 mi · highs 58°F, 1.5 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Talkeetna in May~226 mi · highs 54°F, 3.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Anchorage in May~291 mi · highs 53°F, 1.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~590 m to Chena Hot Springs's ~354 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.
Chena Hot Springs in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Chena Hot Springs?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 70/100 against a best of 80 in June & July. Expect highs of 54°F (12°C) and 1.9 in (47 mm) of rain. Our Fairbanks, Talkeetna & Anchorage route recommends Dec – Mar, so May is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Chena Hot Springs in May?
Average highs are 54°F (12°C) and average lows 38°F (3°C), making it the 4th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Chena Hot Springs in May?
Not much: about 1.9 in (47 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 5th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 27.0 in (687 mm).
What should I pack for Chena Hot Springs in May?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 54°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Chena Hot Springs
Planning Chena Hot Springs in May?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.