May Weather in Ketchikan, United States

Last updated: February 24, 2025

May in Ketchikan, United States ushers in a blend of mild temperatures and refreshing rain, ideal for those who appreciate the beauty of nature in bloom. With a maximum of 18°C (65°F) and an average of 9°C (48°F), the weather is comfortably cool, while nights dip to a minimum of 4°C (40°F). Expect frequent rain, as 141 mm (5.6 in) of precipitation falls over 15 days, contributing to the region's lush greenery. High humidity levels at 81% add to the brisk, invigorating atmosphere, making it a vibrant time to explore the outdoors or enjoy local culture.

May Temperature in Ketchikan

As May unfolds in Ketchikan, the transition to warmer weather becomes evident, with temperatures rising significantly from the cooler months. Minimum temperatures climb to a comfortable 4°C (40°F), while average temperatures settle around 9°C (48°F), peaking at a pleasant 18°C (65°F). This increase marks a notable departure from the chill of spring, bringing longer days and a brighter atmosphere. The gradual warming trend sets the stage for the summer months, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore the breathtaking natural beauty of this Alaskan gem. With May’s climate becoming increasingly inviting, outdoor adventures and local festivities flourish, making it a vibrant time to experience all that Ketchikan has to offer.

May Weather in Ketchikan: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates May temperature patterns in Ketchikan, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec373538424852575854474238
Data source: Temperature data for Ketchikan generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

May Precipitation in Ketchikan

May in Ketchikan experiences a notable dip in precipitation compared to the preceding months, with 141 mm (5.6 in) recorded over 15 days of rain. This reduction reflects the gradual transition into the drier summer months, following a wet spring that culminated in April's 218 mm (8.6 in). While May still holds onto its signature rainfall, it marks a shift towards the sunnier days ahead, with June expected to see an uptick again at 216 mm (8.5 in). This pattern highlights Ketchikan's unique climate, where the lush greenery thrives on the consistent moisture, yet May offers a brief respite before the summer rain returns.

May Precipitation Trends in Ketchikan

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Ketchikan, with values for each month alongside May's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how May's conditions compare to those of other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec306168221218141216162302302331410345
Data source: Precipitation data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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May Humidity in Ketchikan

In Ketchikan, United States, the month of May marks a subtle transition in humidity levels, dropping to 81%, which is the lowest point since January. This gradual decrease from the higher humidity of the early months reflects a shift towards the summer season. Interestingly, while May's levels are lower compared to the preceding months, they remain consistent with June's humidity, suggesting a stable pattern as the weather warms up. Following May, humidity begins to climb again, peaking dramatically in the summer months of July and August. This trend indicates Ketchikan's characteristic maritime climate, where moisture levels remain high before reaching their zenith in late summer, creating a lush and vibrant environment.

May Average Humidity in Ketchikan

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Ketchikan, with May's data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, allowing you to see how May's humidity levels compare to other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec86%85%84%85%81%81%90%92%92%91%87%87%
Data source: Humidity data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

May UV Index in Ketchikan

As the month of May arrives in Ketchikan, the UV Index climbs to a high level of 6, signaling an important shift in sun exposure. This increase marks a significant trend, as it follows the gradual rise from January's low (1) to April’s moderate (5) levels. With a burn time reduced to just 25 minutes, it's essential for residents and visitors to take precautions such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing. This pattern of rising UV Index peaks in the summer months highlights the need for vigilance as the sun’s intensity continues to increase into June and beyond. Stay informed and safe by checking the details regularly at Ketchikan UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Ketchikan for May

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Ketchikan in May, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec123567875311
Data source: Ketchikan May UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

May Sunshine in Ketchikan

As spring unfolds, May shines brightly in Ketchikan, boasting 245 hours of sunshine—the highest since the year began. This upward trend in daylight hours kicks off a season of warmth and brightness, jumping significantly from the 216 hours in April. Following the anticipation of blooming flowers and vibrant landscapes, May gives way to the even sunnier months of June and July, which see slight declines but still remain abundant at 232 and 248 hours respectively. As summer progresses, the sunlight gradually wanes, a reminder of the cyclical nature of the seasons, with September bringing 184 hours and October further tapering to 132 hours. This sunny peak in May not only marks a significant increase from the winter months but also sets the stage for an invigorating Alaskan summer.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Ketchikan: May Highlighted

The May sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Ketchikan experiences direct sunlight during the month of May, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of May with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec48h128h174h216h245h232h248h224h184h132h70h63h
Data source: Ketchikan May Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Ketchikan During May

In Ketchikan, the likelihood of sunny weather in May is notably low at 15%, which is a stark contrast to the previous month, April, when residents enjoyed a more promising 41% chance of sunshine. As spring transitions into summer, it’s interesting to note that this dip in sunny days in May aligns with a general trend of fluctuating sun chances throughout the year. Following May, the sunniness starts to rise again in June and July, both pegged at 27%. Despite the brief cloud cover, Ketchikan's unpredictable weather still leaves room for surprise sunny interludes, keeping the charm of this coastal city alive even in the most overcast month.

Percentage of Sunny Days in May in Ketchikan

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Ketchikan throughout the year, with May highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Ketchikan experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec20%28%18%41%15%27%27%31%10%22%17%38%
Data source: Ketchikan May chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Ketchikan in May

As winter gives way to spring, Ketchikan experiences a remarkable increase in daylight duration, culminating in May with a generous 16 hours of sunshine. This upward trend begins in January with only 7 hours, gradually rising to 14 hours in April. With May's emergence, the days become significantly longer, inviting residents and visitors alike to revel in the extended hours of natural light. Following May, daylight remains abundant in June but begins to taper off during the summer months, reaching 14 hours in August and gradually diminishing to 12 hours in September. This cyclical pattern showcases Ketchikan's vibrant seasonal shifts, where each month offers a unique balance of light that enriches the Alaskan experience.

Average Daylight Hours in Ketchikan for May

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Ketchikan throughout the year, with May highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec7h 48m9h 40m11h 55m14h 13m16h 15m17h 20m16h 43m14h 51m12h 38m10h 21m8h 17m7h 10m
Data source: Ketchikan daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

May Winds in Ketchikan

In May, Ketchikan experiences a gentle shift in its wind environment, with an average wind speed of 4.4 m/s (10 mph), mirroring the calmer breezes of April. This period marks a notable decrease in wind speed from the winter months, where average speeds reached 8.0 m/s (18 mph) in January and gradually declined. As spring takes hold, the winds remain relatively mild, fostering a tranquil atmosphere perfect for outdoor activities. Interestingly, the winds begin to pick up again in June, signaling a transitional phase as summer approaches. This trend reflects the unique coastal dynamics of Ketchikan, where seasonal changes bring variability but generally favor lighter winds during late spring.

Average May Wind Speed in Ketchikan

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Ketchikan, with values for each month shown alongside May's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how May's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec8.06.46.14.44.4 m/s4.83.74.66.16.87.35.4
Data source: Ketchikan May wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How May Weather in Ketchikan Compares to Other Months

The weather in Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan and find detailed weather information for every month.

May and January weather in Ketchikan presents a striking contrast. In May, temperatures range from a chilly 4°C (40°F) to a pleasant 18°C (65°F), while January sees colder conditions with temperatures often dipping as low as -10°C (15°F). Precipitation is also noteworthy, as May receives 141 mm (5.6 in) across 15 days, compared to January's heavier 306 mm (12.1 in) over 18 days. Moreover, the humidity remains relatively high in both months, at 81% in May and 86% in January. For more specific details on January's conditions, you can refer to this Ketchikan weather in January.

Comparing the weather in May and February reveals notable differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. May experiences milder temperatures with a minimum of 4°C (40°F) and an average of 9°C (48°F), peaking at 18°C (65°F). In contrast, February is much colder, with temperatures dropping to a minimum of -10°C (15°F) and averaging only 2°C (36°F). While February has slightly higher precipitation, totaling 168 mm (6.6 in) over 14 days, May sees 141 mm (5.6 in) of rain spread across 15 days, resulting in a more humid atmosphere at 81%, compared to February's 85%. For more detailed information, you can check out Ketchikan weather in February.

In comparing the weather between March and May, May generally experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of 4°C (40°F) and an average of 9°C (48°F), while March has a chillier minimum of -4°C (25°F) and an average of just 4°C (39°F). Furthermore, May sees a maximum temperature of 18°C (65°F), significantly warmer than March's maximum of 14°C (57°F). However, precipitation is more intense in March, with 221 mm (8.7 in) recorded over 19 days compared to May's 141 mm (5.6 in) over 15 days. Humidity levels are similar, with March slightly higher at 84% compared to May’s 81%. For more detailed insights on March weather, you can visit Ketchikan weather in March.

In comparing the weather of April and May, we see a notable increase in temperatures from April to May. April experiences minimum temperatures around 0°C (32°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F), while May sees minimums rise to 4°C (40°F) with an average temperature of 9°C (48°F). Additionally, the maximum temperature in May reaches up to 18°C (65°F), compared to April's maximum of 14°C (57°F). However, May has slightly less precipitation at 141 mm (5.6 in) over 15 days, compared to April's 218 mm (8.6 in) over 16 days. Humidity levels are also marginally lower in May at 81%, down from 85% in April. For a detailed look at April's weather, you can check Ketchikan weather in April.

In comparing the weather between May and June, it's clear that June experiences warmer temperatures overall. May has a minimum temperature of 4°C (40°F) and an average of 9°C (48°F), while June starts at a higher minimum of 7°C (44°F) and averages 11°C (53°F). The maximum temperature also sees an increase, with May reaching 18°C (65°F) and June soaring to 22°C (72°F). However, June also brings more precipitation, with 216 mm (8.5 in) over 18 days compared to May's 141 mm (5.6 in) across 15 days. Despite both months having similar humidity levels at 81%, June is typically wetter and warmer, making it a notable transition into the summer season. For a detailed outlook, check Ketchikan weather in June.

May and July present quite distinct weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly 4°C (40°F) to a comfortable maximum of 18°C (65°F), with an average of 9°C (48°F). Despite experiencing precipitation on about 15 days, totaling 141 mm (5.6 in), May maintains a lower humidity level of 81%. In contrast, July sees a noticeable rise in temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (50°F), an average of 14°C (57°F), and a maximum reaching 22°C (71°F). However, July is also marked by slightly higher precipitation, totaling 162 mm (6.4 in) over 14 days, and a humidity increase to 90%. This shift in weather reflects the transition from the cooler early spring to the warm summer months. For more details, check out Ketchikan weather in July.

May and August in Ketchikan present a stark contrast in weather. May typically sees cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 4°C (40°F) and an average of 9°C (48°F), while August enjoys milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a comfortable average of 14°C (58°F). Additionally, August experiences significantly higher precipitation, averaging 302 mm (11.9 in) over 17 days, compared to May's 141 mm (5.6 in) spread over 15 days. The humidity levels also rise in August to 92%, compared to May's 81%. For more details on August weather, visit Ketchikan weather in August.

May and September present distinct weather patterns, with May generally experiencing milder temperatures and lower precipitation. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F), averaging around 9°C (48°F), while September sees slightly higher averages, ranging from 8°C (46°F) to 19°C (67°F) with an average of 12°C (55°F). However, September is notably wetter, with a significant increase in rainfall totaling 302 mm (11.9 in) over 17 days, compared to May’s 141 mm (5.6 in) over 15 days. Additionally, September’s humidity peaks at 92%, higher than May's 81%. For more details on September weather, you can visit Ketchikan weather in September.

When comparing the weather in May and October, there are notable differences in temperature and precipitation. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F), with an average of 9°C (48°F). Conversely, October sees a cooler temperature range, with minimums dropping to 3°C (38°F) and maximums capping at 14°C (57°F), averaging around 8°C (47°F). Additionally, October experiences significantly higher precipitation, with 331 mm (13.0 in) falling over 20 days, compared to May's 141 mm (5.6 in) accumulated over 15 days. The humidity also rises in October to 91%, compared to 81% in May. For more detailed insights into October weather, you can check Ketchikan weather in October.

In May, temperatures in Ketchikan generally range from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F), with an average temperature of 9°C (48°F). The month sees about 141 mm (5.6 in) of precipitation over 15 days, resulting in a relatively comfortable humidity level of 81%. In contrast, November experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 0°C (32°F) and a maximum of 11°C (51°F), and a notable drop in average temperature to 6°C (43°F). The precipitation also increases significantly to 410 mm (16.1 in) over 23 days, contributing to a higher humidity level at 87%. For a more detailed look at the weather in November, you can visit Ketchikan weather in November.

May and December in Ketchikan present distinctly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F), with an average of 9°C (48°F), which creates a mild and spring-like atmosphere. However, it also sees substantial rainfall, totaling 141 mm (5.6 in) over about 15 days, coupled with a humidity level of 81%. In stark contrast, December experiences much colder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -10°C (15°F) to a maximum of 9°C (49°F), with an average of just 3°C (38°F). This month is much wetter, with precipitation reaching 345 mm (13.6 in) across 21 days and a higher humidity of 87%. For more details on Ketchikan's weather in December, you can refer to this link: Ketchikan weather in December.

Compare Ketchikan's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From May Weather in Ketchikan

As May unfolds in Ketchikan, the weather begins to shed the chill of earlier months, presenting a delightful transition into spring. Temperatures rise, allowing for more comfortable days, with an average noticeably warmer than the winter chill, yet still cool enough to remind visitors of the region's maritime climate. Precipitation remains prevalent, but the increased warmth alongside the return of longer daylight hours offers a refreshing contrast, making it the perfect time for outdoor exploration. With humidity lingering at a high level, the atmosphere feels vibrant and alive, setting the stage for lush landscapes. To learn more about the unique weather patterns that shape Ketchikan throughout the year, visit Ketchikan Climate.