Juneau in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Juneau

57°C (135°F) High Temp

40°C (104°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Peak shoulder season means 40% fewer cruise passengers than June-August, with downtown shops and restaurants less crowded but still fully operational
Daylight extends to nearly 19 hours by late May, giving you massive flexibility for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing from 5 AM to midnight
Humpback whale migration peaks in late May with 85% success rate for sightings, plus optimal conditions for glacier viewing before summer cloud cover increases
Hotel rates average 25-30% lower than peak summer months while weather is consistently mild enough for all outdoor activities without winter gear

Considerations

Rain occurs on 60% of days, typically as brief afternoon showers lasting 20-45 minutes that can disrupt outdoor plans if not timed properly
Some seasonal tour operators don't begin full daily schedules until Memorial Day weekend, limiting choices for helicopter tours and remote wilderness access
Trail conditions above 305 m (1,000 ft) elevation can still have snow patches and muddy sections, making some advanced hiking routes challenging without proper footwear

Best Activities in May

Mendenhall Glacier and Ice Caves Exploration

May offers ideal conditions for glacier viewing before summer's increased cloud cover. The 19-hour daylight allows flexible timing, and ice caves are most accessible before heavy summer melt. Morning visits (8-11 AM) have best lighting and fewer crowds.

Booking Tip: Reserve glacier tours 2-3 weeks ahead as May begins busy season. Helicopter glacier tours typically cost $300-500 per person. Book morning slots for clearest conditions and reference booking widget for current helicopter and boat options.

Whale Watching and Marine Wildlife Tours

Peak humpback whale migration occurs late May with exceptional success rates. Calm seas and long daylight hours create optimal viewing conditions. Orcas, sea lions, and porpoises are also highly active. Morning tours (9 AM-12 PM) typically see most whale activity.

Booking Tip: Book whale watching 10-14 days ahead through licensed operators. Tours range $120-180 per adult for 3-4 hour trips. Choose operators with naturalist guides and whale sighting guarantees available in booking section below.

Mount Roberts Tramway and Alpine Hiking

May's mild weather makes the 550 m (1,800 ft) tram ride and summit trails perfect without heavy winter clothing. Clear mountain views before summer haze, plus alpine flowers beginning to bloom. Extended daylight allows afternoon visits after cruise passengers depart.

Booking Tip: Tram tickets cost $35-40 for adults and rarely need advance booking in May. Visit after 4 PM for smaller crowds and golden hour lighting. Current tram schedules available in booking section.

Tracy Arm Fjord and Sawyer Glaciers

May conditions offer calm waters for the 80 km (50 mile) journey into this pristine fjord. Dramatic ice formations, waterfalls at peak flow from snowmelt, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Full-day tours take advantage of extended daylight hours.

Booking Tip: Full-day fjord tours typically cost $150-220 per person and should be booked 2-3 weeks ahead for best vessel selection. Choose tours with glacier guarantee policies. See current fjord tour options in booking widget below.

Downtown Historic Walking and Cultural Tours

May's mild weather with 70% humidity makes 2-3 hour walking tours comfortable without heavy layers. Russian Orthodox history, Gold Rush sites, and local culture are accessible year-round, but May offers perfect outdoor exploration weather.

Booking Tip: Walking tours cost $25-40 per person and can usually be booked same-day in May. Afternoon tours (2-5 PM) avoid morning cruise ship arrivals. Multiple tour options available through booking section below.

Salmon Hatchery and Wildlife Centers

May marks the beginning of salmon runs preparation, offering educational experiences about Alaska's fishing industry. Indoor/outdoor combination perfect for variable May weather. Extended daylight allows visits any time of day.

Booking Tip: Hatchery tours cost $15-25 per adult with no advance booking required in May. Combine with nearby Gastineau Salmon Hatchery visits. Current tour schedules in booking section below.

May Events & Festivals

Late May

Memorial Day Weekend Festivities

Extended weekend marking unofficial start of tourist season with local parades, outdoor markets, and community events celebrating the beginning of Alaska's outdoor recreation season

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - May showers last 20-45 minutes and occur 60% of days, usually in afternoon

Layers including merino wool base layer - temperatures swing from 40°C (104°F) mornings to 57°C (135°F) afternoons

Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support - trails above 305 m (1,000 ft) may have mud and snow patches

SPF 50+ sunscreen and sunglasses - UV index reaches 8 with extended 19-hour daylight exposure

Quick-dry pants and moisture-wicking shirts - 70% humidity makes cotton uncomfortable for active days

Warm hat and light gloves for early morning wildlife viewing and glacier tours

Small daypack for hiking with rain cover - essential for variable weather during outdoor activities

Binoculars for whale watching and wildlife viewing - distances across water make them essential

Portable phone charger - extended daylight encourages long photo sessions that drain batteries quickly

Cash in small bills - some local tour operators and markets prefer cash payments over credit cards

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations near downtown by March for May visits - the 25-30% lower rates compared to summer fill up quickly as savvy travelers discover shoulder season advantages

Schedule outdoor activities for morning hours (8 AM-12 PM) when weather is most stable - afternoon rain typically starts around 2-4 PM and locals plan accordingly

Many restaurants extend hours in May preparing for summer season - take advantage of longer dining windows before peak season crowds and higher prices hit in June

Local fishing charters offer best rates in May before peak season pricing kicks in - salmon season preparation means captains are eager for bookings at 20-25% below summer rates

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only lightweight summer clothing - mornings at 40°C (104°F) require warm layers that many visitors underestimate for 'spring' weather

Not booking glacier helicopter tours early enough - limited daily flights in May shoulder season means popular time slots fill 2-3 weeks ahead

Scheduling tight itineraries without weather flexibility - afternoon showers disrupt 60% of May days and require backup indoor plans