Fairbanks in May
In May, Fairbanks averages 16°C (61°F) during the day and 5°C (41°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 15 days of the month see precipitation (30 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
May is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Fairbanks. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Fairbanks
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Fairbanks (4th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 12°C above the annual average (4°C). May runs 10°C warmer than April (6°C) and warms a further 5°C into June (21°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Fairbanks
Times shown for Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Fairbanks's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Fairbanks
Fairbanks 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.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Fairbanks
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.
Fairbanks in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -14°C / 6°F | -21°C / -5°F | 13 mm | 10 | — |
| February | -11°C / 13°F | -19°C / -2°F | 20 mm | 11 | — |
| March | -3°C / 26°F | -13°C / 8°F | 14 mm | 9 | — |
| April | 6°C / 44°F | -5°C / 23°F | 16 mm | 10 | — |
| May | 16°C / 61°F | 5°C / 41°F | 30 mm | 15 | — |
| June | 21°C / 69°F | 11°C / 52°F | 62 mm | 19 | — |
| July | 22°C / 71°F | 13°C / 55°F | 74 mm | 18 | — |
| August | 18°C / 64°F | 10°C / 50°F | 88 mm | 20 | — |
| September | 12°C / 53°F | 4°C / 39°F | 49 mm | 16 | — |
| October | 2°C / 35°F | -4°C / 25°F | 29 mm | 13 | — |
| November | -8°C / 17°F | -14°C / 7°F | 24 mm | 13 | — |
| December | -12°C / 10°F | -19°C / -2°F | 27 mm | 13 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Fairbanks in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Fairbanks in May?
In May, Fairbanks averages a high of 16°C (61°F) and a low of 5°C (41°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Fairbanks in May?
May is quite rainy in Fairbanks, with about 15 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Fairbanks?
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 Fairbanks in May?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Fairbanks for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.