Last updated: February 24, 2025
In Anchorage, United States, May heralds a transitional period marked by moderate temperatures and increased humidity. With a maximum of 19°C (67°F) and an average of 8°C (48°F), the weather invites a mix of outdoor activities, while a minimum of -1°C (31°F) serves as a reminder of lingering chill. This month experiences 52 mm (2.1 in) of rainfall over 11 days, contributing to an 85% humidity level that adds a fresh feel to the air. Overall, May in Anchorage beautifully balances the remnants of winter with the burgeoning vitality of spring.
In Anchorage, United States, May marks a significant transition in temperature as winter gives way to milder spring days. With minimum temperatures hovering around -1°C (31°F) and averages rising to 8°C (48°F), residents can finally shed their heavy winter gear. The city experiences maximum temperatures that reach a pleasant 19°C (67°F), inviting the outdoors after months of colder weather. This pattern showcases a steady climb from the frigid depths of January, where lows plunge to -25°C (-12°F), to the more temperate realms of late spring. As the month unfolds, Anchorage emerges from its icy shell, basking in the promise of warmer days ahead.
In May, Anchorage experiences a notable uptick in precipitation, mirroring the winter's gradual thaw. With 52 mm (2.1 in) of rainfall over approximately 11 days, it stands out as one of the wetter months, similar to January and February. This consistent rainfall heralds the transition into summer, supporting the lush greenery that defines the approaching season. As spring unfolds, May not only maintains a steady precipitation level but also sets the stage for an even wetter June, foreshadowing the region's distinct seasonal patterns. The elevated number of precipitation days reflects a shift towards the more dynamic weather typical of the Alaskan summer, as Anchorage continues to embrace the juxtaposition of lingering cold and burgeoning warmth.
In May, Anchorage experiences a noticeable shift in humidity as it settles at 85%, offering a brief respite before the summer months. This slight dip from April's 82% hints at the arrival of warmer days, while still maintaining a characteristic moisture that the city is known for. Following this, the humidity surges sharply in June to 95% and peaks in the summer months, with July reaching a staggering 100%. This trend illustrates that while May offers a hint of dryer air, the season quickly transitions back into the high humidity levels typical of Anchorage, persisting through the remainder of the year. Overall, as spring turns into summer, residents can expect a return to the soggy conditions that define much of the Anchorage climate.
As May unfolds in Anchorage, the UV Index reaches a moderate level of 5, marking a noticeable shift from the lower indices of the winter months. This signifies a growing need for sun protection, with an estimated burn time of about 30 minutes for fair-skinned individuals. The gradual increase in UV exposure from a low index in January and February to May's moderate level mirrors the approach of summer, highlighting nature's awakening. Following this trend, June and July will see even higher indices, so now is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors while being mindful of UV exposure. For more insights on UV levels throughout the year, check out the detailed Anchorage UV Index.
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As spring unfolds into May, Anchorage basks in the glow of increasing sunshine, recording 287 hours of radiant daylight. This month marks a delightful peak in the progression of hours, following a steady climb from January's meager 56 hours. The transition from winter's gloom to May's brightness is palpable, as daylight hours more than double from the depths of winter, showcasing a vibrant shift in the seasonal landscape. Following May, summer months like June promise even more sunshine, reaching an impressive 319 hours, but it’s in May that residents truly feel the warming embrace of the sun, invigorating their spirits and signaling the arrival of outdoor adventures ahead.
May in Anchorage experiences a 32% chance of sunny weather, which reflects a dip from the previous month's optimistic 50% likelihood. This fluctuation illustrates the variability of Anchorage's spring climate, as the sun starts to make more frequent appearances in April before settling back into a less sunny pattern in May. Interestingly, while summer months like June and July offer slightly lower probabilities of sunshine, the transition from spring to summer is marked by fluctuating sunshine probabilities, indicating that Anchorage's weather can still surprise residents and visitors alike. Overall, May acts as a bridge, showcasing the unpredictability of Alaskan weather as it oscillates between the promise of sun and the possibility of overcast days.
In Anchorage, United States, the progression of daylight duration throughout the year reveals a captivating trend of increasing light and warmth as spring unfolds. Starting with a mere 6 hours of daylight in January, residents eagerly anticipate the gradual climb towards May, which boasts an impressive 17 hours of daylight. This upward trajectory is marked by significant increases each month; by April, the sun bathes the city for 14 hours, setting the stage for the vibrant energy of late spring. The momentum continues into June, peaking at 19 hours, a time when the sky seemingly stretches endlessly. As summer wanes, the daylight begins to recede, with August offering 15 hours, before descending once more through September and into the colder months. This rhythm of light not only shapes daily activities but also infuses Anchorage with a unique seasonal dynamism that residents cherish throughout the year.
As Anchorage transitions into May, the wind starts to whisper softly, with an average speed of just 1.9 m/s (4 mph). This marks a noticeable decline from the brisker winds of the earlier months, which hover around 3.0 m/s in January and gradually taper off. The gentle breezes of May signal the approach of summer, with wind speeds remaining relatively calm into June and July at 1.8 m/s. After this lull, a slight uptick occurs in August, hinting at the return of stronger gusts as autumn nears. This pattern illustrates a captivating shift in Anchorage's seasonal wind dynamics, showcasing the stark contrast between the biting winds of winter and the mellow warmth of late spring and early summer.
The weather in Anchorage changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of May's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Anchorage and find detailed weather information for every month.
May and January present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a pleasant average of 8°C (48°F), peaking at 19°C (67°F). This month experiences 52 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation over about 11 days, with humidity sitting at 85%. Conversely, January is characterized by much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -25°C (-12°F), an average of -7°C (19°F), and a maximum of only 7°C (44°F). Similar to May, January also sees 52 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation, but spread across 10 days, with humidity at a slightly higher 95%. For more detailed insights, check out Anchorage weather in January.
May and February present contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a chilly -1°C (31°F) at night to a mild 19°C (67°F) during the day, with an average of 8°C (48°F). The month sees about 52 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation over approximately 11 days, and humidity levels average around 85%. In contrast, February is much colder, with temperatures dipping as low as -18°C (0°F) and only reaching a peak of 5°C (42°F). The average temperature sits at -5°C (23°F), and similar to May, it also records around 52 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over roughly 10 days, but the humidity is slightly higher at 95%. For more details on February weather, you can check Anchorage weather in February.
In comparing the weather between May and March, we see a significant shift towards warmer temperatures and increased daylight. May experiences milder conditions, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a maximum of 19°C (67°F), while March is much colder, with averages from -17°C (2°F) to a maximum of 8°C (46°F). Precipitation is relatively similar, with May receiving 52 mm (2.1 in) over 11 days and March slightly less at 44 mm (1.7 in) over 9 days. Humidity in March is slightly higher at 90% compared to 85% in May, reflecting the lingering chill of early spring. For a deeper look into March's weather, you can check Anchorage weather in March.
May typically offers a noticeable improvement in weather compared to April. While April sees a minimum temperature of -14°C (7°F) and an average of 3°C (37°F), May's temperatures rise significantly, with a minimum of -1°C (31°F) and an average of 8°C (48°F). Precipitation also increases slightly in May, totaling 52 mm (2.1 in) over 11 days compared to April's 35 mm (1.4 in) across 8 days. In terms of humidity, May remains relatively high at 85%, slightly exceeding April's 82%. Overall, May heralds a warmer and wetter transition into spring. For more detailed insights, check Anchorage weather in April.
In comparing the weather in May and June, there is a noticeable shift towards warmer temperatures and increased humidity. May experiences a minimum temperature of -1°C (31°F) and an average of 8°C (48°F), peaking at 19°C (67°F). It sees around 52 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation over 11 days, with humidity levels at 85%. In contrast, June begins warmer, with minimum temperatures starting at 6°C (43°F) and averaging 13°C (56°F) while reaching a maximum of 25°C (78°F). The precipitation in June remains slightly lower at 48 mm (1.9 in) spread over 12 days, but the humidity rises to 95%. For more details on the weather patterns during this month, visit Anchorage weather in June.
May and July present distinct weather contrasts in terms of temperature, precipitation, and humidity. In May, temperatures range from a chilly -1°C (31°F) to a comfortable maximum of 19°C (67°F), with an average of 8°C (48°F). The month experiences about 52 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation over 11 days, accompanied by high humidity at 85%. In contrast, July sees much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and a high of 27°C (81°F), averaging 16°C (61°F). Precipitation also increases to 73 mm (2.9 in) over 12 days, and the humidity rises to a remarkable 100%. This makes July significantly warmer and wetter than May. For more detailed insights, check out Anchorage weather in July.
May and August present contrasting weather characteristics in Anchorage. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a pleasant maximum of 19°C (67°F), with an average of 8°C (48°F). The month sees moderate precipitation, averaging 52 mm (2.1 in) over about 11 days, and humidity levels are relatively low at 85%. In comparison, August experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of 7°C (44°F) and a maximum of 23°C (74°F), resulting in a higher average of 15°C (59°F). However, it features significantly more precipitation, totaling 112 mm (4.4 in) across 15 days, and an increased humidity level of 99%. For more detailed information on August weather, you can refer to Anchorage weather in August.
In May, temperatures in Anchorage typically range from a low of -1°C (31°F) to an average of 8°C (48°F) and a high of 19°C (67°F), accompanied by a moderate level of precipitation at 52 mm (2.1 in) over approximately 11 days. The humidity in May hovers around 85%, creating a relatively damp environment as spring unfolds. In contrast, September experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a range of -1°C (31°F) to an average of 11°C (52°F) and a maximum of 18°C (65°F). However, it is notably wetter, with 109 mm (4.3 in) of rainfall spread across about 17 days, contributing to a higher humidity level of 97%. This transition from May to September highlights a shift from milder spring weather to the wetter conditions of early fall, making September distinctly chillier and more humid. For more details, check Anchorage weather in September.
May and October present distinctly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a maximum of 19°C (67°F), with an average of 8°C (48°F). The month experiences relatively moderate precipitation of 52 mm (2.1 in) over 11 days and maintains a humidity level of 85%. In contrast, October sees colder temperatures, with lows reaching -7°C (20°F) and highs capped at 14°C (57°F), averaging around 5°C (41°F). Precipitation significantly increases to 129 mm (5.1 in) across 17 days, and humidity rises to 93%. For more detailed insights on October weather, check this link: Anchorage weather in October.
May and November present a stark contrast in weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a chilly -1°C (31°F) at night to a pleasant high of 19°C (67°F) during the day, with an average of 8°C (48°F). However, the month experiences relatively low precipitation at 52 mm (2.1 in) over 11 days, combined with moderate humidity levels of 85%. In contrast, November brings much colder temperatures, with lows dropping to -20°C (-4°F) and highs reaching only 7°C (44°F). The average temperature sits at -3°C (27°F), and the month sees increased precipitation, totaling 87 mm (3.4 in) over 12 days, alongside a higher humidity of 97%. For more detailed information on the weather conditions during this month, check out Anchorage weather in November.
In May, the weather in Anchorage features milder temperatures, with averages around 8°C (48°F) and maximums reaching 19°C (67°F). The month experiences relatively moderate precipitation of 52 mm (2.1 in) over 11 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 85%. In contrast, December brings much colder conditions, with average temperatures dropping to -4°C (25°F) and maximums only reaching 7°C (44°F). This month sees increased precipitation, totaling 99 mm (3.9 in) over 16 days, and higher humidity at 98%. For a more in-depth look at December’s weather patterns, you can refer to Anchorage weather in December.
As May unfolds in Anchorage, it marks a delightful departure from the colder months, bringing milder temperatures and a sense of renewal. With the average temperature rising to a comfortable 8°C, residents and visitors alike can relish the longer daylight hours and the burgeoning greenery. Yet, the month is not without its quirks—humidity remains high at a brisk 85%, and precipitation is not uncommon, with about 11 wet days contributing to a total of 52 mm of rainfall. Compared to the chill of winter, May feels like a breath of fresh air, encouraging outdoor activities and exploring the stunning landscapes. For those curious about Anchorage’s dynamic weather patterns, check out Anchorage Climate.