May weather - Spring 2024

Weather in May
Frequently asked questions
Average temperature in May
Average pressure in May
Average wind speed in May
Average humidity in May
Average rainfall in May
Average rainfall days in May
Average snowfall in May
Average snowfall days in May
Average sea temperature in May
Average daylight in May
Average sunshine in May
Average sunshine days in May
Average UV index in May
Average cloud cover in May
Average visibility in May

Wintertime in Anchorage, Alaska with mountains blanketed in snow

Weather in May

May in Anchorage is characterized by mild weather and blooming flora, bringing a rejuvenating vibe to the city. The icy grip of winter has released completely now, hence temperatures continue their ascent, providing a favorable climate. Another striking change is the significant increase in the hours of sunlight, creating longer days and shorter nights. With the virtually negligible snowfall and encouraging weather, it is a perfect time to explore the city. Sunlit snow-capped peaks against the backdrop of crystal-clear blue skies render an unforgettable image of Anchorage during May.

Temperature

As April gives way to May, the average high-temperature displays an increase, moving from a wintry 39.6°F (4.2°C) to a fresh 51.1°F (10.6°C). May nights are marked by an average low-temperature of 40.5°F (4.7°C).

Humidity

With an average relative humidity of 68%, May is the least humid month in Anchorage.

Rainfall

The month with the least rainfall is May, when the rain falls for 11.5 days and typically collects 0.55" (14mm) of precipitation.

Snowfall

Months with snowfall are January through May, September through December. May is the last month it regularly snows. During 0.3 snowfall days, in May, Anchorage aggregates 0.12" (3mm) of snow. Throughout the year, there are 59.3 snowfall days, and 23.5" (597mm) of snow is accumulated.

Ocean temperature

In May, the average ocean temperature is 42.4°F (5.8°C).
Note: Entering waters of 42.4°F (5.8°C) is life-endangering. A mere moment in 55.4°F (13°C) waters feels piercing cold, and below 50°F (10°C) it can lead to immediate cold shock and cessation of breathing control, depending on body resilience.

Daylight

The average length of the day in May is 17h and 33min.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 5:47 am and sunset at 10:05 pm. On the last day of May, sunrise is at 4:35 am and sunset at 11:19 pm AKDT.

Sunshine

The months with the most sunshine are May and June, with an average of 11.7h of sunshine.

UV index

In May, the average daily maximum UV index is 3. A UV Index estimate of 3 to 5 represents a moderate threat to health from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation for ordinary individuals.
Note: The UV index of 3 in May translates into these instructions:
Be vigilant - Suggestions to stave off sun damage are provided. Being in direct Sun during midday can be harmful due to intense solar radiation; take precautions. During bright days, sunglasses that offer UVA and UVB defense are recommended. Be mindful! The reflection from snow can increase the Sun's UV radiation nearly twice.

Updated: Jun 3, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What are May temperatures in Anchorage?

The average high-temperature, in May, in Anchorage, is 51.1°F (10.6°C), while the average low-temperature is 40.5°F (4.7°C).

What is the least humid month in Anchorage?

With an average relative humidity of 68%, May is the least humid month.

What is the average humidity in May?

In May, the average relative humidity is 68%.

What is the driest month?

The month with the least rainfall is May, when the rain falls for 11.5 days and typically collects 0.55" (14mm) of precipitation.

How many days does it rain in May?

In Anchorage, during May, the rain falls for 11.5 days and regularly aggregates up to 0.55" (14mm) of precipitation.

What is the last month it snows?

May is the last month it regularly snows. During 0.3 snowfall days, in May, Anchorage aggregates 0.12" (3mm) of snow.

What is the water temperature in May?

In Anchorage, Alaska, in May, the average water temperature is 42.4°F (5.8°C). At temperatures below 50°F (10°C), swimming in a suitably protected swimsuit is feasible; otherwise, cold shock and loss of breathing control are imminent. Even a short swim, without thermal protection, at temperatures around 55.4°F (13°C) is not comfortable.

What is the average length of the day in May?

In May, the average day length is 17h and 33min.

When are sunrise and sunset in May?

In May, on the first day of the month, sunrise is at 5:47 am and sunset at 10:05 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 4:35 am and sunset at 11:19 pm AKDT.

What are the months with the most sunshine?

May and June, with an average of 11.7h of sunshine, are months with the most sunshine.

How many hours of sunshine does Anchorage have in May?

In Anchorage, the average sunshine duration in May is 11.7h.

What is the UV index intensity in May?

In May, the average daily maximum UV index is 3. A UV Index reading of 3 to 5 represents a moderate vulnerability from unsafe exposure to Sun's UV rays.

Today

Tomorrow

Long-term

Year J F M A May J J A S O N D

Apr

May

Jun

Average high temperature

39.6°F 4.2°C

51.1°F 10.6°C

58.1°F 14.5°C

Average low temperature

Average pressure

Average wind speed

Average max. wind speed

5.5mph 8.9km/h

5.7mph 9.2km/h

5.3mph 8.5km/h

Average wind speed gusts

Average humidity

Average rainfall

Average rainfall days

Average snowfall

Average snowfall days

5.4

0.3

Average sea temperature

Average daylight

Average sunshine

Average sunshine days

12.9

16.3

14.1

Average UV index

Average cloud cover

Average visibility

Average temperature in May
Anchorage, AK

Average high temperature in May: 51.1°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (61.9°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (20.3°F).

Average low temperature in May: 40.5°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (51.3°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (13.1°F).

Average pressure in May
Anchorage, AK

Average pressure in May: 29.93"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is July (29.96"Hg).
The months with the lowest atmospheric pressure are November and December (29.67"Hg).

Average wind speed in May
Anchorage, AK

Average wind speed in May: 5.2mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is November (6.3mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (4.5mph).

Average humidity in May
Anchorage, AK

Average humidity in May: 68%

The months with the highest relative humidity are January, February and March (86%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is May (68%).

Average rainfall in May
Anchorage, AK

Average rainfall in May: 0.55"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is September (1.93").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is May (0.55").

Average rainfall days in May
Anchorage, AK

Average rainfall days in May: 11.5 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (17.9 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (7 days).

Average snowfall in May
Anchorage, AK

Average snowfall in May: 0.12"

The month with the highest snowfall is December (5.51").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July and August (0").

Average snowfall days in May
Anchorage, AK

Average snowfall days in May: 0.3 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is December (11.6 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July and August (0 days).

Average sea temperature in May
Anchorage, AK

Average sea temperature in May: 42.4°F

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (53.1°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (35.8°F).

Average daylight in May /
Average sunshine in May
Anchorage, AK

Average daylight in May: 17h and 4min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 19h and 12min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 5h and 36min).

Average sunshine in May: 11h and 4min

The months with the most sunshine are May and June (Average sunshine: 11h and 42min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 3h and 48min).

Average sunshine days in May
Anchorage, AK

Average sunshine days in May: 16.3 days

The month with the most sunshine days is January (16.9 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is September (11.1 days).

Average UV index in May
Anchorage, AK

Average UV index in May: 3

The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 4).
The month with the lowest UV index is February (UV index 1).

Average cloud cover in May
Anchorage, AK

Average cloud cover in May: 38

The month with the most cloud cover is December (Cloud cover 47).
The month with the least cloud cover is May (Cloud cover 38).

Average visibility in May
Anchorage, AK

Average visibility in May: 6mi

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The month with the lowest visibility is March (5mi).

May weather forecast
Anchorage, AK

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