Ketchikan in May
In May, Ketchikan averages 14°C (58°F) during the day and 8°C (46°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 19 days of the month see precipitation (151 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 Ketchikan. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Ketchikan
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Ketchikan (5th of 12) and one of the driest months (12th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 4°C above the annual average (10°C). May runs 5°C warmer than April (9°C) and warms a further 2°C into June (16°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Ketchikan
Times shown for Ketchikan local time (America/Sitka), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Ketchikan — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Ketchikan's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Ketchikan
Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan
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.
Ketchikan in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4°C / 39°F | 0°C / 32°F | 366 mm | 23 | — |
| February | 4°C / 38°F | -1°C / 30°F | 251 mm | 19 | — |
| March | 6°C / 43°F | 0°C / 33°F | 255 mm | 21 | — |
| April | 9°C / 49°F | 3°C / 38°F | 281 mm | 23 | — |
| May | 14°C / 58°F | 8°C / 46°F | 151 mm | 19 | — |
| June | 16°C / 61°F | 10°C / 50°F | 174 mm | 22 | — |
| July | 19°C / 65°F | 13°C / 55°F | 179 mm | 22 | — |
| August | 18°C / 65°F | 13°C / 55°F | 283 mm | 21 | — |
| September | 15°C / 59°F | 10°C / 50°F | 343 mm | 22 | — |
| October | 10°C / 51°F | 6°C / 43°F | 372 mm | 23 | — |
| November | 6°C / 43°F | 2°C / 36°F | 401 mm | 25 | — |
| December | 3°C / 38°F | -1°C / 31°F | 333 mm | 21 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Ketchikan in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Ketchikan in May?
In May, Ketchikan averages a high of 14°C (58°F) and a low of 8°C (46°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Ketchikan in May?
May is quite rainy in Ketchikan, with about 19 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Ketchikan?
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 Ketchikan in May?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Ketchikan for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.