Last updated: February 24, 2025
In May, Sitka, United States experiences a transition into warmer weather, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 20°C (68°F) and an average of 8°C (46°F). While the days may be pleasant, the region sees a substantial precipitation total of 124 mm (4.9 in), spread across approximately 19 days, contributing to its lush, vibrant landscapes. High humidity levels at 88% create a refreshing atmosphere, perfect for nature enthusiasts and those looking to explore the stunning surroundings. Despite the frequent rain, May offers a unique charm, making Sitka an appealing destination for outdoor adventures and scenic beauty.
In May, Sitka, United States, experiences a delightful transition into spring, with temperatures steadily rising. The month begins with minimums around 1°C (35°F), heralding a farewell to the harshness of winter, while the average temperature climbs to a pleasant 8°C (46°F). By the end of the month, residents and visitors alike can enjoy daily highs reaching up to 20°C (68°F), making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploration. This notable warming trend not only enhances the region's natural beauty but also encourages a flourishing ecosystem, as Sitka begins to bask in longer days and the vibrant colors of blooming flora.
In May, Sitka experiences a noticeable dip in precipitation, receiving 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain over 19 days. This marks a reduction from the wetter months of early spring, as April recorded 174 mm (6.9 in) over the same number of days. Despite this decrease, May remains relatively damp compared to the summer months that follow. As the Pacific Northwest transitions into sunnier days, the rainfall in May hints at a gradual shift towards the drier conditions of July, which sees only 112 mm (4.4 in), yet is still interspersed with rainy days. Overall, May serves as a bridge from the heavier spring rains to the more moderate summer months, reflecting Sitka's characteristic maritime climate.
In May, humidity in Sitka, United States, reaches 88%, marking a slight increase from the previous months. This trend indicates a gradual rise in moisture as the region transitions into summer, a pattern that continues into the subsequent months. With humidity levels climbing sharply in June to 95% and peaking at 101% in July, it’s clear that Sitka experiences a significant shift towards a more humid summer climate. The consistency of high humidity levels, particularly from late spring through early fall, shapes the lush greenery and vibrant ecosystems that characterize this scenic coastal town. While the cooler months of winter and early spring maintain relatively lower humidity, the approaching summer months usher in an unmistakable sea of moisture that defines Sitka's maritime atmosphere.
As May arrives in Sitka, the UV Index climbs to 6, marking the start of a high exposure category that signals a shift in sun safety awareness. Compared to the more lenient winter months of January and February, where the UV Index hovers between 1 and 2, the sunny days of late spring require more vigilance, with a burn time of just 25 minutes. This trend of increasing UV intensity continues into June and July, both maintaining the 6 and 7 levels of exposure, indicating that residents and visitors should adopt protective measures. As the region transitions into summer, staying informed about UV levels becomes crucial for enjoying the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding skin health. For more details on UV exposure in Sitka, check out the Sitka UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
As spring transitions to summer, May in Sitka erupts with increased sunshine, totaling a delightful 220 hours of sunlight. This marks a significant rise from the 196 hours in April, setting the stage for the summer months, which continue to bask in the sun with June bringing in an even brighter 222 hours. The trend is clear: as the year progresses, Sitka's sunlight hours steadily increase, peaking in early summer before gradually tapering off in the fall. With each passing month, residents and visitors alike can revel in the ever-growing warmth and illumination, making May a truly delightful time to experience the beauty of this coastal gem.
May in Sitka, United States, tends to be less sunny compared to the preceding spring months, featuring a modest 12% chance of sunshine. This marks a noticeable dip from April's 32%, indicating that the transition from spring to early summer may not bring the anticipated warmth and brightness. While the chance of sunny weather fluctuates throughout the year, with more promising percentages in February and December, May stands out as one of the cloudier months. As summer approaches, the likelihood of sunny days rises gradually, but for now, residents and visitors may want to prepare for a somewhat overcast May.
As spring unfolds in Sitka, the length of daylight transforms dramatically, culminating in May, where residents enjoy an impressive 16 hours of daylight. This increase from the 14 hours experienced in April signals the approaching summer, revealing a clear trend of escalating sunshine as the year progresses. Following May, June peaks with an exceptional 17 hours of daylight, creating a vibrant atmosphere ideal for outdoor activities and exploration. As summer wanes into August, daylight begins to gradually taper off, dropping to 15 hours. The cycle continues into the fall months, with daylight decreasing steadily, showcasing the dynamic relationship between the seasons and the sun's presence in this enchanting Alaskan locale.
In May, Sitka experiences a gentle increase in wind speed, averaging 3.3 m/s (7 mph). This marks a slight rebound from the stillness of April, where breezes dipped to an average of 2.8 m/s (6 mph). As the month progresses, residents and visitors alike can enjoy a pleasant maritime freshness in the air, setting the tone for the upcoming summer. Following this trend, June and July see the winds calm again, returning to 2.8 m/s (6 mph) and 2.6 m/s (6 mph), respectively. However, May stands out as a transitional period, bridging the quieter winds of early spring with the more consistent breezy conditions typical of late summer and early autumn.
The weather in Sitka 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 Sitka and find detailed weather information for every month.
May and January offer stark contrasts in weather conditions. May features a mild temperature range with a minimum of 1°C (35°F) and a maximum of 20°C (68°F), making it significantly warmer than January, which has a frigid minimum of -17°C (2°F) and a maximum of only 13°C (56°F). While May experiences an average precipitation of 124 mm (4.9 in) across 19 days, January exceeds this with 219 mm (8.6 in) of precipitation over 18 days, indicating a wetter winter month. Both months showcase high humidity levels, with May at 88% and January slightly lower at 87%. For more details on January weather, you can check Sitka weather in January.
May and February in Sitka present a stark contrast in weather conditions. May enjoys milder temperatures, with averages around 8°C (46°F) and highs reaching up to 20°C (68°F), while February is characterized by colder temperatures averaging 0°C (32°F) and often plummeting to a chilling low of -16°C (4°F). Precipitation is notable in both months, with May experiencing 124 mm (4.9 in) over 19 days and February seeing slightly heavier precipitation at 179 mm (7.0 in) over 15 days. Humidity levels are relatively high in both months, at 88% in May and 85% in February, contributing to the overall dampness typical of the region. For more detailed information, you can read about the weather specifics here: Sitka weather in February.
In comparing the weather of May and March, we observe a notable shift in temperature and precipitation patterns. May boasts milder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 1°C (35°F) to a maximum of 20°C (68°F), with an average of 8°C (46°F), while March is considerably colder, with temperatures ranging from -13°C (9°F) to 11°C (52°F), averaging just 1°C (35°F). Interestingly, March experiences higher precipitation, totaling 179 mm (7.0 in) over 18 days, compared to May's 124 mm (4.9 in) across 19 days. Despite the increased rainfall in March, May maintains a slightly more humid atmosphere at 88%, compared to March’s 83%. For more detailed insights into March's weather, you can visit Sitka weather in March.
In Sitka, April weather is characterized by cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -6°C (21°F) and an average of 4°C (40°F), compared to May, where the temperatures range from a minimum of 1°C (35°F) to an average of 8°C (46°F) and a maximum of 20°C (68°F). While April experiences slightly higher precipitation levels at 174 mm (6.9 in) over 18 days, May sees a total of 124 mm (4.9 in) spread over 19 days, indicating more frequent, albeit lighter, rainfall. Humidity is also higher in May at 88%, compared to 83% in April, contributing to a more damp atmosphere as spring progresses. For more details on April weather, you can visit Sitka weather in April.
In comparing the weather between May and June, we see a gradual increase in temperature, with June experiencing a minimum of 4°C (40°F) and an average of 10°C (51°F), compared to May's minimum of 1°C (35°F) and average of 8°C (46°F). Both months exhibit significant precipitation, with June receiving slightly more at 137 mm (5.4 in) over 20 days, while May had 124 mm (4.9 in) over 19 days. Additionally, humidity rises in June to 95%, making it a muggy month, compared to May's already high humidity of 88%. For more detailed insights, you can check Sitka weather in June.
In comparing the weather between May and July, it becomes clear that July experiences milder temperatures, with minimums around 9°C (48°F) compared to May's cooler minimum of 1°C (35°F). The average temperature also rises, reaching 13°C (55°F) in July versus 8°C (46°F) in May, while the maximum temperature remains similar at about 22°C (72°F) in July and 20°C (68°F) in May. Both months see significant precipitation, with May receiving slightly more at 124 mm (4.9 in) over 19 days compared to July's 112 mm (4.4 in) over 15 days. Humidity is notably higher in July, peaking at 101% compared to May’s 88%. For further details on the July weather, you can visit Sitka weather in July.
May and August present quite different weather dynamics. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 1°C (35°F) to a pleasant maximum of 20°C (68°F), with an average of 8°C (46°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 124 mm (4.9 in) over about 19 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 88%. Conversely, August brings warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 7°C (45°F), an average of 13°C (56°F), and a maximum reaching 25°C (77°F). However, it also sees increased rainfall, accumulating to 201 mm (7.9 in) across 20 days, and humidity hits a peak of 100%. For more detailed information, you can check Sitka weather in August.
May and September present contrasting yet intriguing weather patterns. In May, temperatures start to rise, with averages around 8°C (46°F) and maximums reaching 20°C (68°F), while experiencing considerable humidity at 88%. However, the month is also marked by frequent rain, totaling 124 mm (4.9 in) over 19 days. In comparison, September brings slightly cooler temperatures, with averages of 11°C (52°F) and maxes of 21°C (70°F), yet the month sees increased rainfall, totaling 224 mm (8.8 in) over 17 days. The humidity also rises to 94%, creating a more damp atmosphere as summer transitions into fall. For more details on September conditions, visit Sitka weather in September.
May and October showcase a notable contrast in weather patterns. May generally enjoys milder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 1°C (35°F) to a maximum of 20°C (68°F), with an average of 8°C (46°F). In contrast, October presents cooler conditions, with temperatures dropping to a minimum of -3°C (28°F), averaging 7°C (45°F), and peaking at 16°C (60°F). Precipitation is also higher in October, with 276 mm (10.9 in) over 22 days, compared to May’s 124 mm (4.9 in) spanning 19 days. Humidity levels are relatively similar, with October at 87% and May at 88%. For more specific details on October weather, check out Sitka weather in October.
May and November present distinctly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 1°C (35°F) to a maximum of 20°C (68°F), with an average of 8°C (46°F). The month experiences around 124 mm (4.9 in) of precipitation over 19 days and high humidity at 88%. In contrast, November sees much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -6°C (21°F), an average of 4°C (39°F), and a maximum of 12°C (54°F). This month is also significantly wetter, accumulating about 284 mm (11.2 in) of precipitation across 23 days, while humidity remains slightly lower at 85%. For a more detailed look, you can check out Sitka weather in November.
Comparing the weather in May and December reveals a stark contrast in temperature and precipitation patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 1°C (35°F) to a maximum of 20°C (68°F), with an average of 8°C (46°F). This month experiences relatively moderate precipitation, totaling 124 mm (4.9 in) over 19 days, along with high humidity at 88%. In contrast, December is much colder, with temperatures dipping as low as -14°C (7°F) and averaging around 2°C (36°F). The month sees significantly higher precipitation of 293 mm (11.5 in) across 22 days, while humidity remains similar at 87%. For a detailed look at December's weather conditions, check out Sitka weather in December.
As May unfolds in Sitka, the weather begins to transition from the chilly grasp of winter to the gentle warmth of spring. Temperatures rise significantly compared to the preceding months, offering a refreshing change with more pleasant days ahead. However, the skies can be quite moody, bringing frequent precipitation that keeps humidity levels high. This blend of warmth and rainfall creates a unique atmosphere that revitalizes the lush landscapes, making it a perfect time to explore the vibrant nature and wildlife that define Sitka. For a deeper dive into how the seasons unfold in this picturesque location, visit Sitka Climate.