Late spring · Weather & things to do
Fairbanks in May
Fairbanks warms up: highs climb to 58°F (15°C), from 38°F in April, with lows of 40°F (5°C) and about 1.5 in (37 mm) of rain.
May opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 77/100 (3rd of 12).
- Avg high
- 58°F (15°C)
- Avg low
- 40°F (5°C)
- Rain
- 1.5 in (37 mm)
- Humidity
- 73%
- Cloud cover
- 70%
- Daylight
- ~18 h 11 min
- Comfort score
- 77/100 · Great
What May feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 58°F (15°C), good for long walks.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 40°F (5°C).
Rain is moderate at about 1.5 in (37 mm) for the month.
With about 18 h 11 min of daylight, evenings stay light late.
Plan around May
May is one of Fairbanks's best months on the climate data.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: May – August.
- The year's biggest warm-up: highs jump 12°C (21°F) from April.
- Comfort improves from 50/100 in April to 77/100.
- Our Fairbanks, Talkeetna & Anchorage route recommends Dec – Mar, so May falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for May
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 40°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Fairbanks in May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Cleary Summit
High pass on the Steese Highway north of Fairbanks, away from city lights, with wide views of the northern sky.
Why now May scores 77/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center
Free downtown visitor center on the Chena River with exhibits on Interior Alaska and Athabascan life.
Why now Highs near 58°F and 1.5 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Creamer's Field
Wildlife refuge on an old dairy farm on the edge of town, with trails for skiing, snowshoeing and walking in winter.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Fairbanks Depot
Alaska Railroad station on the edge of town, where the Aurora Winter Train leaves for Talkeetna and Anchorage.
Nearby in May
- Chena Hot Springs in May~51 mi · highs 54°F, 1.9 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Talkeetna in May~189 mi · highs 54°F, 3.4 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Anchorage in May~260 mi · highs 53°F, 1.9 in rain · 3°C (6°F) cooler by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~367 m to Fairbanks's ~136 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.
Fairbanks in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Fairbanks?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 77/100. Expect highs of 58°F (15°C) and 1.5 in (37 mm) of rain. Our Fairbanks, Talkeetna & Anchorage route recommends Dec – Mar, so May is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Fairbanks in May?
Average highs are 58°F (15°C) and average lows 40°F (5°C), making it the 4th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Fairbanks in May?
Not much: about 1.5 in (37 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 6th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 21.9 in (556 mm).
What should I pack for Fairbanks in May?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 40°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Fairbanks
Planning Fairbanks 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.