Anchorage in May
In May, Anchorage averages 14°C (57°F) during the day and 5°C (41°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 18 days of the month see precipitation (46 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
May is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Anchorage. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Anchorage
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Anchorage (4th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (7th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 7°C above the annual average (7°C). May runs 7°C warmer than April (7°C) and warms a further 4°C into June (18°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Anchorage
Times shown for Anchorage local time (America/Anchorage), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Anchorage — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Anchorage's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Anchorage in May
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (Shoulder) and Anchorage's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Anchorage
Anchorage is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Anchorage
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Anchorage in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -5°C / 23°F | -10°C / 14°F | 58 mm | 18 | — |
| February | -4°C / 25°F | -9°C / 15°F | 59 mm | 17 | — |
| March | 1°C / 33°F | -7°C / 19°F | 41 mm | 14 | — |
| April | 7°C / 45°F | -2°C / 29°F | 34 mm | 15 | — |
| May | 14°C / 57°F | 5°C / 41°F | 46 mm | 18 | — |
| June | 18°C / 65°F | 10°C / 50°F | 51 mm | 18 | — |
| July | 20°C / 67°F | 12°C / 54°F | 96 mm | 19 | — |
| August | 18°C / 64°F | 11°C / 52°F | 118 mm | 21 | — |
| September | 13°C / 55°F | 6°C / 44°F | 127 mm | 21 | — |
| October | 6°C / 42°F | 0°C / 33°F | 91 mm | 18 | — |
| November | -2°C / 28°F | -7°C / 20°F | 78 mm | 19 | — |
| December | -4°C / 24°F | -9°C / 15°F | 80 mm | 19 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Anchorage in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Anchorage in May?
In May, Anchorage averages a high of 14°C (57°F) and a low of 5°C (41°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Anchorage in May?
May is quite rainy in Anchorage, with about 18 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Anchorage?
May is cool but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Anchorage in May?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Anchorage for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.