Article Overview: Alaska in May
While summer reigns supreme for many travelers, May offers a unique perspective on this awe inspiring state. With long daylight hours, awakening wildlife, and less crowded, cheaper, shoulder season charm, visiting Alaska in May can be an unforgettable experience. However, it comes with its own set of pros and cons, so let’s delve deeper into what you can expect from Alaska in May.
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My Experience with Alaska in May
The last time I was in Alaska in May I filmed a honey bee harvest, a shed build, and a bear hunt. The longer warmer days give way to a new landscape and new opportunities that the cold short winter days won’t allow. The ground is usually thawed enough to dig and install foundations, the wildlife is awake and active, and everyones attitude is much better!
After sleeping in arctic ovens and enduring winter storms that pound us with feet of snow, longer warmer May days in Alaska are enthusiastically welcomed. And while there are still challenges that come with working in Alaska in May, they are’t as stifling as the winter months. Mud season and mosquitos can make things difficult, but nothing a good pair of boots and a face net can’t mitigate.
I do admit that my considerations probably aren’t that same a casual tourists, and my bias towards weather may be skewed towards thinking 40 degrees is warm. I’ll lay out all the facts in the following article and let you decide. But all in all, after working many May months in Alaska, I would certainly recommend visiting the last frontier during this time.
Alaska in May
Table of Contents: Alaska in May
Table of contents
Reasons to Visit Alaska in May
The Last Frontier is epic and awe in springing during every month of the year. So let’s break down the distinguishing factors on why visiting Alaska in May, is a good idea.
Witnessing the Return of Wildlife
May is the prime time to see wildlife emerging from hibernation and beginning to live their best life. Both black bears and brown bears emerge from their dens in the spring. By May, they’re actively foraging for food after a long winter sleep. Dall sheep and mountain goats are more visible in May as they move to higher elevations with the melting snow.
In addition to the larger mammals, spring brings a surge of migratory birds returning to Alaska. Keep an eye out for shorebirds and waterfowl. Sea lions and harbor seals are also active in May, hauling out on beaches and rocks to rest and pup.
While late June to August is considered prime humpback whale viewing in Alaska, they may start arriving as early as May. And places in southeast Alaska have year round resident Humpback whales, so there’s always a chance to see these magnificent creatures.
Longer warmer Days
Visiting Alaska in May offers a delightful taste of spring. The state begins to shed its winter coat as the days grow longer and warmer. Alaska temperatures in May range from the 40s to 50s, making it comfortable for outdoor activities. It might not be beach lounging temps, but its great hiking weather!
While it’s not quite summer yet, May still boasts significantly more daylight compared to other months. Most areas of the state will see an average of 16 to 17 hours of daylight in May. It’s kind of the perfect balance, plenty of daylight hours for adventures, but enough darkness to enable you to sleep. If you’re a light sleeper and visit in June, you might find yourself tin foiling your windows!
Shoulder Season Prices & Crowds
Compared to the peak summer months, May offers a chance to experience Alaska on a budget and with far fewer crowds. Flights and accommodations are usually slightly less expensive, making it a more accessible option for budget conscious travelers.
May Weather in Alaska
May in Alaska presents a fascinating weather tapestry, with conditions varying greatly across different regions. The first half of May in Alaska can still be a bit chilly and barren, but the second half starts to really heat up and feel like summer. Here’s a breakdown to help you plan your Alaskan adventure:
Southeast Alaska (Ketchikan, Juneau):
- Temperature: Expect cool but comfortable days with highs ranging from the mid 40s to 60s by the end of the month. Nights can dip down to the 30s.
- Precipitation: May is one of the drier months in Southeast Alaska, with an average of 7 rainy days. However, most of the region is rainforest, so showers can certainly still occur.
Anchorage:
- Temperature: Highs usually hang in the high 40’s and low 50’s but can reach the 60s, with lows dropping to the mid-30s.
- Precipitation: Similar to the southeast, May weather in Anchorage sees less rain with an average of 7 days. Prepare for potential snow showers in the mountains.
Denali National Park & Fairbanks:
- Temperature: May is on the cusp of spring in Denali and Fairbanks. Expect chilly days with highs in the low 50s Fahrenheit and lows dipping down to the freezing mark or even below.
- Precipitation: May can be a bit wetter in interior Alaska compared to the south, with an average of 8-10 rainy or snowy days.
May is Mud Season in Alaska
April and May in Alaska is “breakup season.” And no it isn’t what you’re thinking. Break-up season in Alaska isn’t when couples emerge from their winter slumbers and part ways in search of a fresh set of genitals. Although that probably does happen.
Breakup season occurs when the Alaskan permafrost, the permanently frozen ground, begins to thaw from the top down. This melting process creates a layer of mud on top of the still-frozen soil, making for a sometimes treacherous landscape. The severity of breakup season varies by location, with lower elevations experiencing the most dramatic transformations.
While Alaska’s mud season in May might transform some hiking trails into muddy bogs there is an upside. The snow melt and mud signifies Alaska’s rejuvenation. Witnessing the landscape awaken from its winter slumber, with wildflowers pushing through and wildlife digging in the soft earth, it can make a good trip great! So pack some buy some Xtratuff’s and embrace the mud!
May Festivals & Events in Alaska 2024
May in Alaska is when everyone starts shaking off their sleepy winter time attitude and starts gearing up for the busy summer season. It’s still relatively slow compared to June, July, and August, but there are some great events held in the month of May in Alaska. Here’s a list of some unique and unmissable Alaska events in May, 2024:
Great Alaska Aviation Gathering (May 4-5, 2024)
Held in Palmer at the Alaska State Fairgrounds and Palmer Municipal Airport, this free event is the largest aviation gathering in the nation. It features over 275 aviation exhibitors showcasing the latest technology, aircraft static displays, educational seminars, and live demonstrations. It’s a must-attend for pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by the world of flight. Check out there website for more details.
Kodiak Crab Festival (May 23-27, 2024)
The Kodiak Crab Festival is a week long celebration, traditionally held in late May around Memorial Day weekend. First held in 1958, the famous event celebrates the beginning of summer season and the communities bountiful seas. The five day May affair takes place….drum roll please….. in Alaska on Kodiak Island, obviously.
The crusty carnival has something for everyone. There’s a Saturday morning parade, coast guard demonstrations, a survival suit race, a fish toss, and art shows. And of course, the festival features a variety of food vendors serving up all sorts of crab dishes, as well as other seafood favorites. For more information check out there website.
Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival (May 8-12, 2024)
Head to Homer for the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival, a birdwatcher’s paradise. May is prime time for bird migration, and this festival offers guided birding tours, educational programs, and family-friendly activities along the stunning Kachemak Bay. This years keynote speaker is Ted Floyd, the longtime Editor of Birding magazine.
Little Norway Festival (Third full weekend in May):
Held in Petersburg, this festival celebrates the town’s Norwegian heritage by honoring Norwegian Constitution Day on May 17th. The festival features traditional Norwegian food, music, dancing, and a badass parade down the towns main strip.
For a full guide to Alaska’s Flowers check out our article: Alaska Flowers: Chronicling the Flora of the Last Frontier
May Openings in Alaska: Tours & Parks
Alaska awakens in May, and so does its tourism industry! Many tour operators and outfitters across the state typically kick off their seasons around mid-May. This coincides with the arrival of longer days, milder temperatures, and receding snow, making it ideal weather for exploring. So, whether you’re craving a glacier hike, a white water rafting adventure, or a wildlife viewing expedition, it all becomes available in mid May. In addition to that, some National Parks become much more accessible.
Denali National Park
Limited vehicle access on the Park Road typically begins in mid-May, subject to weather conditions. This allows you to drive a portion of the road and access some lower elevation trails. Full access to the park road, reaching higher elevations, usually occurs by early June.
McCarthy & Wrangell St. Elias National Park
The McCarthy Road is a challenging gravel route, so four-wheel drive vehicles with high clearance are essential, especially early in the season. I’ve driven the road in snowy, muddy conditions, and its always open, but it gets much easier and safer towards the end of May.
Once you get to the end of the road and finally reach the Park, the small town of McCarthy is there and by mid May the restaurants and lodging options are open and ready to cater to tourists. If you arrive before mid may, you better bring your own food!
For a guide on rafting Alaska, check out our article: Rafting Alaska’s Whitewater: Nenana, Lowe, Sixmile Creek, & More
How to Pack for Alaska in May
Packing for Alaska in May requires a layered approach, as the weather can be unpredictable and transition rapidly between spring and summer. Here’s what you should pack for a comfortable and enjoyable trip:
- Base Layers: Pack thermals (thin long underwear) made of merino wool or synthetic materials for warmth and moisture-wicking properties.
- Mid-Layers: Fleece jackets or sweaters are perfect for layering and providing additional warmth.
- Outerwear: A waterproof and breathable rain jacket is essential. May can see showers, and a good rain jacket will shield you from the elements. Consider a light down jacket or a well-insulated synthetic jacket for extra warmth on cooler days.
- Pants: Pack convertible hiking pants that zip off into shorts. This versatility allows you to adapt to changing weather conditions. Durable, water-resistant pants are also a good option.
- Pack for All Weather Conditions: Be prepared for rain, sun, and even a possibility of snow flurries. A rain shell doesn’t take much space in your bag, just toss it in there!
- Wool is your Friend: Wool clothing is a great option for Alaska. Wool naturally wicks away moisture and stays warm even when wet.
- Bug Repelent: Depending on your location, mosquitoes might be present. Pack insect repellent with DEET or a natural alternative.
Alaska in May: The Cons
While May offers a glimpse of Alaska awakening from winter with longer daylight hours and returning wildlife, there are some downsides to consider before booking your trip:
- Mosquitos: Mosquitos are no joke in May. Depending on where you are going they can swarm you by the hundreds.
- Unpredictable Weather: May falls in the shoulder season, so the weather can be quite fickle. Expect a mix of sunshine, rain showers, and even the possibility of lingering snow, especially at higher elevations.
- Limited Services and Amenities: Many tourist businesses and attractions operate on a summer schedule, and might not be fully operational until mid May.
- Mud Season: Melting snow can create muddy conditions on trails, making hiking and exploring less enjoyable. Be prepared for muddy terrain, especially in areas with lower elevations.
More Alaska Article
Winter in Alaska: How to Thrive in a Frozen Wonderland
Summer in Alaska, Land of the Midnight Sun: (FULL GUIDE)
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