Last updated: February 24, 2025
May in Fairbanks, United States is characterized by a refreshing transition into spring, showcasing a maximum temperature that can reach up to 27°C (81°F), while the average hovers around a comfortable 11°C (52°F). However, cool nights can bring temperatures down to a brisk minimum of -4°C (25°F). Residents and visitors alike might experience a bit of rain, with total precipitation amounting to 24 mm (0.9 in) over 7 days, contributing to an overall humidity level of around 77%. This month encapsulates the unique and refreshing beauty of the Alaskan springtime, making it an appealing time to explore the natural splendor of this northern city.
In May, Fairbanks experiences a remarkable transition from the frigid winter months to the more temperate warmth of spring. The minimum temperature rises to a chilly -4°C (25°F), setting the stage for a significant shift in the weather patterns. With an average temperature of 11°C (52°F), this month marks a turning point, as residents revel in the arrival of milder days. The maximum temperature can reach a comfortable 27°C (81°F), inviting opportunities for outdoor activities and social gatherings. This upward trend in temperatures, contrasting sharply with the extreme cold of earlier months, showcases May as a vibrant and inviting time in Fairbanks, laying the groundwork for the sun-drenched summer ahead.
In May, Fairbanks experiences a spring-like transition as precipitation rises to 24 mm (0.9 in), matching the levels of April while extending its moisture days to seven. This steady rainfall hints at the rejuvenation of the landscape, setting the stage for the lushness of summer. The frequency of precipitation in May suggests a shift towards more consistent moisture patterns, with the region preparing for the considerable rainfall that follows in June. Notably, as the temperatures warm and the snow melts, May serves as a crucial bridge, balancing the remnants of winter with the forthcoming vibrancy of the summer months.
In Fairbanks, United States, May marks a noticeable shift in humidity levels as the most significant drop occurs from the winter months. With humidity falling to 77%, this month represents a refreshing transition into milder conditions, following January's 96% and February's 93%. As spring progresses, humidity gradually decreases, reaching a low point before the warmer summer months, where it climbs again to 78% in June. This trend showcases how Fairbanks moves from the damp chill of winter towards a more comfortable and tolerable atmosphere, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the burgeoning outdoor activities of late spring without the weight of excessive moisture.
As May rolls into Fairbanks, the UV Index climbs to 5, indicating a moderate exposure level that suggests it's time to take extra care under the sun. This uptick from April's Index of 3 marks the beginning of a noticeable trend that continues into the summer months. With a burn time of just 30 minutes, residents and visitors are urged to stay vigilant and protect their skin as the sun becomes increasingly potent. This month’s UV levels set the stage for similar conditions in June and July, where the Index remains steady, encouraging everyone to enjoy the longer days while prioritizing sun safety. For more details on UV trends throughout the year, visit Fairbanks UV Index.
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May in Fairbanks shines brightly as the days lengthen and the sun graces the skies with an impressive 392 hours of sunlight. This is a remarkable increase from the 304 hours recorded in April, illustrating the shift towards the endless days of summer. The upward trend continues into June, where sunlight peaks at 424 hours. As spring transitions to summer, the increasing daylight hours provide a vibrant backdrop for outdoor activities and natural beauty, making May a delightful time to experience the unique charm of this Alaskan city. However, as the year progresses into the fall, the sunlight begins to recede, highlighting the transient nature of this radiant season.
In Fairbanks, the likelihood of sunny weather in May stands at a modest 35%, reflecting a slight dip from the preceding month of April, which enjoys a sunnier 49% chance. This trend towards lower sunshine is echoed as the seasons shift into summer; from May onwards, the probability of sunny days hovers around 36% in June and continues to decline through the summer months. Notably, this makes May somewhat of a transitional month, where the lingering possibilities of sunlight start to wane as the year progresses towards cooler autumn weather. Thus, while May offers reasonable chances for enjoying sunny outdoor activities, it signals the beginning of a gradual decrease in fair weather days in Fairbanks.
As spring unfolds, Fairbanks transforms under the increasing sunlight, with May heralding a remarkable 18 hours of daylight. This surge in brightness marks a striking continuation of the city's seasonal shift; from a mere 5 hours in January to a flourishing 15 hours by April. May not only offers a significant leap in daylight but also sets the stage for the longest days of the year, peaking in June at an impressive 21 hours. As the month progresses, residents relish the vibrant, extended evenings, which nourish both the landscape and the local spirit. This trend reflects Fairbanks' unique positioning, creating a rhythm where daylight inspires outdoor adventures and a deeper connection with nature, leading into the summer months.
In Fairbanks, the May winds typically greet residents with a gentle breeze, averaging around 2.2 m/s (5 mph). This slight dip from the 2.6 m/s (6 mph) experienced in April signals a transition into the warmer months, where the winds begin to mellow. As spring deepens, it’s notable that May's winds are somewhat consistent with the gentle gusts seen in February and March, while slightly stronger than the light breezes of June. This trend illustrates Fairbanks' unique wind patterns, where the spring months present a blend of mild and fluctuating winds, creating a refreshing atmosphere just as summer approaches. Overall, the moderate winds of May play a vital role in shaping the delightful outdoor experiences that this Alaskan city has to offer.
The weather in Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks and find detailed weather information for every month.
May and January present strikingly different weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a chilly -4°C (25°F) to a comfortable 27°C (81°F), with an average of 11°C (52°F). The month experiences 24 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation over about 7 days, alongside a relatively high humidity of 77%. In contrast, January subjects residents to much harsher conditions, with a frigid temperature range from -46°C (-50°F) to a maximum of just 4°C (40°F), averaging -19°C (-2°F). Although January sees less precipitation at 13 mm (0.5 in) over only 4 days, it carries a notably higher humidity level of 96%. For more details on January weather, you can visit Fairbanks weather in January.
In comparing the weather of May and February, it's evident that there is a stark contrast between the two months. May enjoys a mild average temperature of 11°C (52°F), with highs reaching up to 27°C (81°F) and lows of -4°C (25°F). The precipitation in May amounts to 24 mm (0.9 in) over about 7 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 77%. In stark contrast, February experiences severely cold temperatures, with an average of -16°C (3°F) and extremes dropping to as low as -40°C (-39°F). Despite similar precipitation levels of 24 mm (1.0 in) spread over 7 days, February's humidity is higher at 93%. For more details on the harsh winter conditions, visit Fairbanks weather in February.
Comparing the weather conditions in May and March reveals a stark contrast, particularly in temperature and overall feel. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -4°C (25°F) to a pleasant average of 11°C (52°F) and can peak at 27°C (81°F), making it a much warmer month. While precipitation is similar, with May receiving 24 mm (0.9 in) across about 7 days, March experiences a colder climate, with temperatures plunging to a minimum of -37°C (-34°F) and an average of -10°C (14°F). March also receives slightly less precipitation at 21 mm (0.8 in) over 6 days but has higher humidity at 89%. For a closer look at the specifics of March weather, you can visit Fairbanks weather in March.
In comparing the weather of May and April, it's clear that May brings a significant shift towards milder temperatures and less harsh conditions. April's temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -29°C (-19°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F), with an average of around 0°C (33°F). In contrast, May sees a minimum of -4°C (25°F) and a much warmer average of 11°C (52°F), peaking at a comfortable 27°C (81°F). Although both months experience some precipitation, April has slightly less at 20 mm (0.8 in) over 5 days, compared to May's 24 mm (0.9 in) spread over 7 days. The humidity remains relatively high in both months, with April at 85% and May at 77%. For more detailed information on April weather, you can check Fairbanks weather in April.
In comparing the weather between May and June, we see a notable transition as temperatures rise. May experiences a minimum temperature of -4°C (25°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F), with a maximum reaching 27°C (81°F). Precipitation in May is relatively low at 24 mm (0.9 in) over 7 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 77%. In contrast, June brings a warmer climate with minimum temperatures of 5°C (42°F) and an average of 17°C (63°F), peaking at 32°C (90°F). Rainfall increases to 56 mm (2.2 in) spread across 12 days, with humidity remaining slightly higher at 78%. This shift emphasizes the warmer and wetter conditions that define the arrival of summer. For more details on June weather, check out Fairbanks weather in June.
In May, the weather is generally milder with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -4°C (25°F) to a maximum of 27°C (81°F), accompanied by an average temperature of 11°C (52°F). This month sees relatively low precipitation at 24 mm (0.9 in) over about 7 days, with humidity levels around 77%.
In contrast, July offers warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (42°F) and a maximum that can reach 31°C (89°F), leading to an average temperature of 18°C (66°F). July experiences higher precipitation of 49 mm (1.9 in) over approximately 10 days and a slight increase in humidity, peaking at 85%.
For more detailed information, check out Fairbanks weather in July.
May and August present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -4°C (25°F) to a pleasant maximum of 27°C (81°F) with an average of 11°C (52°F). The month sees relatively low precipitation, accumulating only 24 mm (0.9 in) over about 7 days, and a moderate humidity level of 77%. In sharp contrast, August brings warmer conditions with minimum temperatures of 4°C (39°F) and a maximum of 31°C (88°F), averaging around 14°C (58°F). However, it is also significantly wetter, with 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain over 15 days, and higher humidity at 88%. For more details, you can check out Fairbanks weather in August.
In comparing the weather between May and September, we see notable differences in temperature and precipitation. May typically experiences a minimum temperature of -4°C (25°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F), with maximums reaching 27°C (81°F). This month is characterized by relatively lower humidity at 77% and only 24 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation over 7 days.
In contrast, September brings cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -8°C (18°F) and an average of 9°C (48°F), while maximums peak at 23°C (74°F). This month sees higher precipitation levels at 43 mm (1.7 in) spread over 9 days, coupled with increased humidity at 90%. For a detailed look at September weather, you can visit Fairbanks weather in September.
In May, the weather in Fairbanks is characterized by a pleasant range of temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (25°F) and a maximum that reaches up to 27°C (81°F), leading to an average of 11°C (52°F). Precipitation is relatively light, totaling only 24 mm (0.9 in) over about 7 days, coupled with a moderate humidity level of 77%. In contrast, October brings a stark shift in conditions, with temperatures dropping significantly, where lows can reach -14°C (7°F) and an average temperature of 0°C (33°F). Rainfall increases to 39 mm (1.5 in) over the same number of days, and the humidity rises dramatically to 97%, creating a much colder and wetter environment. For more details, you can check Fairbanks weather in October.
In May, temperatures range from a chilly -4°C (25°F) at night to a pleasant 27°C (81°F) during the day, with an average of 11°C (52°F). The month sees relatively light precipitation of 24 mm (0.9 in) over about 7 days and maintains a humidity level of 77%. In contrast, November brings significantly colder weather, with temperatures plunging to a minimum of -35°C (-30°F) and averaging -12°C (11°F), peaking at only 8°C (46°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 31 mm (1.2 in) over 8 days, coupled with high humidity at 100%. For more details on what to expect, visit Fairbanks weather in November.
May and December present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -4°C (25°F) to a pleasant average of 11°C (52°F) and can peak at 27°C (81°F). With only 24 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation spread over 7 days, the humidity is a relatively comfortable 77%. In contrast, December experiences much harsher conditions, with temperatures plummeting to a minimum of -39°C (-38°F), an average of -15°C (5°F), and a maximum of just 5°C (41°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 33 mm (1.3 in) over 6 days, while humidity soars to a staggering 99%. For more detailed insights, you can check Fairbanks weather in December.
As May unfolds in Fairbanks, the transition to warmer weather becomes evident, with temperatures climbing higher and a noticeable decrease in the chill of previous months. This month introduces a refreshing average temperature that contrasts sharply with the lingering cold of early spring, providing a welcome respite. Although precipitation remains modest, with a few rainy days enhancing the landscape's greenery, the overall humidity still lingers, maintaining that crisp, fresh air typical of this time of year. The gradual rise in temperatures and the beauty of blooming nature make May a unique and inviting month, distinct from the cooler, snow-drenched periods of winter. For more insights into the climate and weather pattern shifts, visit Fairbanks Climate.