Even during Alaskan summer days, it can get pretty chilly when your ship pulls up to a glacier. While you won’t need a parka or anything winter-weight, a synthetic fleece or wool jacket and a sweater make great layers for warmth. A fleece or wool vest helps take the early morning or late night chill off.
What should I pack for Alaska in May?
Alaska Summer Packing List: Summer Clothing
- Waterproof Hiking Boots. The first thing you’ll want to pack for a summer trip to Alaska is a pair of waterproof hiking boots.
- Sandals. Summer in Alaska can get HOT!
- Rain Boots.
- Wool Socks.
- Rain Jacket.
- Rain Pants.
- Fleece Jacket.
- Cozy Sweater or Flannel.
Is it cold in Alaska in May?
Alaska Cruise Weather in May
While it can be freezing cold at times, the weather can also be pleasantly cool. The low temperatures typically range from the mid-thirties to the low forties Fahrenheit, but the highs can get up to the upper fifties.
Will I need boots in Alaska in May?
Whether you are traveling to Alaska during the winter, on an Alaska Cruise, or during the beautiful summer, a solid pair of shoes or boots for Alaska is a must! We always recommend that your shoes for Alaska be waterproof, no matter what time of year you visit or what type of trip you have planned!
What is Alaska like in May?
In May, temperatures in Alaska range from an average low of 40°F (4°C) to an average high of 55°F (13°C). Heat wave! It’s clear about 50% of days on average and while there might be a late season snow or rainy day, May is a good month to visit Alaska based on the weather.
Is there snow in Anchorage in May?
January through May, September through December are months with snowfall. May is the last month it regularly snows. During 0.3 snowfall days, Anchorage aggregates 0.12″ (3mm) of snow. Throughout the year, there are 59.3 snowfall days, and 23.5″ (597mm) of snow is accumulated.
What kind of shoes should I wear in Alaska?
Overall, Alaska is very casual and tennis shoes are acceptable everywhere. It is encouraged to have a comfortable pair of walking shoes or tennis shoes as your staple footwear. Most trails around the lodges are very well maintained and this type of shoe is acceptable.
What is Anchorage like in May?
May Weather in Anchorage Alaska, United States. Daily high temperatures increase by 9°F, from 53°F to 62°F, rarely falling below 46°F or exceeding 70°F. Daily low temperatures increase by 10°F, from 37°F to 47°F, rarely falling below 32°F or exceeding 52°F.
Is it sunny in Alaska in May?
How sunny is it in Alaska in May? There are normally 9 hours of bright sunshine each day in Anchorage, Alaska in May – that’s 53% of daylight hours.
Can you see the northern lights in May in Alaska?
Yes, you can see the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, from Anchorage – but not in the summer. The aurora actually occurs all year long, but the sky needs to be clear and dark to see it. Views are best from September to April.
What boots are popular in Alaska?
Xtratuf boots, popular amongst Alaskans. Approved and proven by the stars of Discovery Channel’s hit show Deadliest Catch, these neoprene boots are an Alaska staple. Whether you’re on the deck of a fishing vessel or at a downtown Anchorage pub, you’ll see XTRATUF boots everywhere.
How cold is Alaska cruise in May?
Alaska Cruise Weather in May
Weather typically ranges from the 30s to a high of around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. May itineraries invite guests to pack sweaters and jackets for easy layering.
What is the weather like in Alaska in May and June?
Alaska cruise temperatures in May average lows around 40 and highs around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. May tends to be slightly rainier than June and July, with a slight chance of snow earlier in the month. (Ketchikan, one of the rainiest places in North America, receives an average of 9.5 inches of rain in May.)
What should you avoid in Alaska?
20 Things Everyone In Alaska Should Avoid At All Costs
- Farmed seafood. Flickr/fs999.
- Or buying fish in general.
- Even feeding your dogs farmed fish.
- Eating hot dogs.
- Camping without a view.
- Snacking on chips from the lower 48.
- Shopping at big corporate box stores.
- Drinking wine that isn’t from Alaska.
Can you see bears in Alaska in May?
Your best chance to see them is the summer months, and come as late as you can for the bears. Most Alaska wildlife vacations operate between May and September, the exceptions being Northern Lights tours that hope to catch the aurora borealis in March, and tailor made bear-watching trips.
What is the best month to visit Anchorage Alaska?
The best time to visit Anchorage
- High Season: June to August. Best time for exploring the outdoors. Backpacker hike in Chugach State Park near Anchorage, Alaska.
- Shoulder Season: March to May, August to November. Best time to beat the crowds.
- Low Season: November to February. Best time for snow sports.
What is the rainiest month in Alaska?
August is the wettest month in Alaska.
Can you hike in Alaska in May?
We have had a couple years of low snow but typically trails aren’t dried out until at least June 1st and snow free until mid-June and some even until mid-July on the Kenai and north of Anchorage many just start muddy and stay that way.
What’s the warmest month in Alaska?
July 2019 and last 12-month period
The average temperature for July across the contiguous U.S. was 74.6 degrees F (1.0 degree above the 20th-century average). Alaska marked its hottest July and hottest month on record with an average temperature of 58.1 degrees (5.4 degrees above average).
How should I dress for Alaska in May?
Waterproof/resistant clothing is essential for Alaska’s climate and should always be the top layer. For cooler days, wool/fleece sweaters and socks work well in layering and are very warm. Clothing Quick Tip: In May, you wear a waterproof jacket, water-resistant shoes, and waterproof pants on most days in Alaska.
Do I need rubber boots for Alaska?
Interior Alaska, including Fairbanks and Denali National Park are extremely cold (way below zero) in the winter and very warm boots are an absolute necessity. This is overkill most of the time in Southeast Alaska, where winters are quite wet and rubber boots or snow boots that are waterproof are most important.