Alaska (Seward) · May
Best travel monthTravel seasonUSA · North America
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 0° (32°)-12– (10–)6 (43) | 1° (34°)-9– (16–)6 (43) | 3° (37°)-6– (21–)8 (46) | 7° (45°)2– (36–)14 (57) | 12° (54°)6– (43–)19 (66) | 15° (59°)10– (50–)23 (73) | 17° (63°)11– (52–)24 (75) | 17° (63°)12– (54–)23 (73) | 13° (55°)8– (46–)19 (66) | 8° (46°)1– (34–)13 (55) | 2° (36°)-7– (19–)8 (46) | 1° (34°)-9– (16–)7 (45) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | -5° (23°)-16– (3–)1 (34) | -4° (25°)-13– (9–)1 (34) | -3° (27°)-13– (9–)1 (34) | 1° (34°)-6– (21–)4 (39) | 5° (41°)-1– (30–)8 (46) | 8° (46°)3– (37–)11 (52) | 11° (52°)6– (43–)14 (57) | 11° (52°)5– (41–)13 (55) | 7° (45°)1– (34–)10 (50) | 3° (37°)-4– (25–)8 (46) | -3° (27°)-11– (12–)3 (37) | -4° (25°)-14– (7–)2 (36) |
☀️Sunshine | 1h UV 1 | 4h UV 2 | 7h UV 4 | 9h UV 6 | 10h UV 7 | 10h UV 7 | 9h UV 6 | 7h UV 5 | 5h UV 4 | 4h UV 2 | 2h UV 1 | 1h UV 0 |
🌊Water Temp | 6° (43°) | 5° (41°) | 5° (41°) | 5° (41°) | 7° (45°) | 11° (52°) | 13° (55°) | 14° (57°) | 13° (55°) | 10° (50°) | 8° (46°) | 7° (45°) |
🌧Rain Days | 10d141mm (5.5") | 8d106mm (4.2") | 7d79mm (3.1") | 9d82mm (3.2") | 8d76mm (3.0") | 7d52mm (2.1") | 8d89mm (3.5") | 13d148mm (5.8") | 14d229mm (9.0") | 13d224mm (8.8") | 10d152mm (6.0") | 10d161mm (6.3") |
Best travel time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel season — mid-range prices, good availability.
May is one of the best months to visit Alaska (Seward) — with 10 sunshine hours per day and pleasant highs of 12°C (54°F).
Temperatures reach a maximum of 12°C (54°F) during the day and drop to 5°C (41°F) at night — warm layers recommended. Peaks reach around 19°C (66°F), the coldest nights around -1°C (30°F) — frost does occur. With 10 sunshine hours per day, May is one of the sunniest months — 76 mm (3.0 in) of rain over 8 days. At 7°C (45°F), the water is still quite cool in May — a wetsuit may be useful.
Layer up — warm days and cool evenings alternate. Perfect timing for hikes and sightseeing.
A bright early summer: Seward is among the sunniest spots on the Alaska coast, days are long and the mountain backdrop is clear. The first boats head into Kenai Fjords, and humpback whales and puffins appear. Little rain and lower prices make these weeks the best time to come.
Packing list for Alaska (Seward) in May
- Warm jacket
- Jumpers and warm layers
- Long trousers
- Warm shoes
- SPF 50 sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Light umbrella or rain poncho
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is May a good time to visit Alaska (Seward)?
- Yes — May is one of the best months to visit Alaska (Seward) (Climate Score: 62/100). Pleasant temperatures (12°C (54°F)), good sunshine (10 h/day), and few rain days (8) make it one of the most recommended months.
- How warm is it in Alaska (Seward) in May?
- In May, Alaska (Seward) sees daily highs of 12°C (54°F). Nights cool to 5°C (41°F), with a daily average of 8°C (46°F). Peaks reach around 19°C (66°F), the coldest nights around -1°C (30°F) — frost does occur.
- How much rain falls in Alaska (Seward) in May?
- In May, Alaska (Seward) receives an average of 76 mm (3.0 in) of rain over 8 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
- How many sunshine hours does Alaska (Seward) get in May?
- Alaska (Seward) averages 10 sunshine hours per day in May — above the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Alaska (Seward) in May?
- Water temperature in Alaska (Seward) in May averages 7°C (45°F) — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.
