Utqiagvik in May
In May, Utqiagvik averages -1°C (30°F) during the day and -4°C (24°F) at night, with around 9 days of rain (14 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are deeply cold — proper winter gear is essential. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
May in Utqiagvik is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How May compares to the rest of the year in Utqiagvik
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Utqiagvik (5th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 5°C above the annual average (-6°C). May runs 9°C warmer than April (-10°C) and warms a further 7°C into June (6°C).
May daylight in Utqiagvik
At 71° N latitude, Utqiagvik experiences the midnight sun — 24 hours of daylight in mid-May.
📅 When to book — Utqiagvik 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 (Off-peak) and Utqiagvik's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Utqiagvik
This is off-peak for Utqiagvik — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.
Why this tier: challenging tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Utqiagvik
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.
🥶 Bitter cold — Utqiagvik in May
Gear: Snow rare but air is freezing. Insulated coat, hat, and gloves still required — wind chill is the real enemy.
Utqiagvik in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -20°C / -3°F | -24°C / -12°F | 6 mm | 7 | — |
| February | -20°C / -4°F | -25°C / -13°F | 10 mm | 9 | — |
| March | -16°C / 3°F | -22°C / -7°F | 9 mm | 8 | — |
| April | -10°C / 13°F | -15°C / 4°F | 7 mm | 6 | — |
| May | -1°C / 30°F | -4°C / 24°F | 14 mm | 9 | — |
| June | 6°C / 43°F | 1°C / 34°F | 24 mm | 12 | — |
| July | 9°C / 48°F | 3°C / 38°F | 48 mm | 15 | — |
| August | 6°C / 43°F | 3°C / 37°F | 39 mm | 14 | — |
| September | 3°C / 38°F | 0°C / 32°F | 33 mm | 17 | — |
| October | -2°C / 28°F | -6°C / 22°F | 29 mm | 16 | — |
| November | -9°C / 15°F | -14°C / 8°F | 24 mm | 14 | — |
| December | -17°C / 1°F | -22°C / -8°F | 13 mm | 10 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Utqiagvik in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Utqiagvik in May?
In May, Utqiagvik averages a high of -1°C (30°F) and a low of -4°C (24°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Utqiagvik in May?
May sees occasional rain in Utqiagvik, with about 9 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Utqiagvik?
May is cold. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Utqiagvik in May?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves. See the full May packing list for Utqiagvik for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.