Ultimate Guide to Traveling to Alaska in May
Looking to score the ultimate Alaska trip without battling peak-season tourists? Alaska in May is pure gold.
Our team has scoured the Last Frontier to bring you the ultimate guide that showcases the best of Alaska’s spring awakening!
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1. Dog Sledding on a Glacier
Hop aboard a helicopter in May when glacier dog sledding kicks off for the summer season.
You’ll soar over jaw-dropping mountain peaks before landing on snowy terrain where eager Alaskan huskies await.
Tours run from spots like Juneau or Skagway, with prices around $600 for this bucket-list worthy adventure.
2. Witness Gray Whale Migration
Pack your binoculars and head to coastal towns like Seward, Sitka, or Kodiak to catch one of nature’s most incredible shows.
These magnificent creatures, as long as a school bus and weighing up to 45 tons, cruise past Alaska’s shores during their 5,000-mile journey from Baja to their Arctic feeding grounds.
The whales often swim close to the coast, making them super easy to spot, and they’re known for being curious about boats.
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3. Hike the Harding Icefield Trail
While this trail isn’t fully snow-free until July, May offers a unique chance to see the dramatic transition from winter to spring.
This challenging 8.5-mile round-trip trek climbs 3,500 feet through several climate zones, rewarding determined hikers with mind-blowing views of the 700-square-mile Harding Icefield.
Insider Tip: Pack microspikes and warm layers since snow often lingers at higher elevations.
4. Ride the McKinley Explorer
Starting May 15, climb aboard these luxurious dome cars for an epic rail journey through Alaska’s wild heart.
The full-length glass windows offer unobstructed views of snow-capped peaks and pristine valleys.
Forget boring train food – the dining car serves up local delicacies like Reindeer Sausage Breakfast Burritos and Alaska Seafood Roll.
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5. Float Among Icebergs at Spencer Glacier
Starting May 24, jump on the Glacier Discovery Train to reach this hidden gem, accessible only by rail.
Your guide will row you up close to electric-blue icebergs on Spencer Lake, where you can actually touch these ancient frozen giants.
After exploring the iceberg garden, you’ll float down the pristine Placer River, surrounded by hanging glaciers and snow-dusted peaks.
At $306 from Anchorage, including train ride and float trip, this adventure delivers serious bang for your buck.
6. Explore Ice Caves
The Castner Glacier Cave, just a hop from Fairbanks, welcomes explorers with its jaw-dropping formations and glowing blue corridors.
Other caves to check out are Mendenhall near Juneau and Kennicott in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, where you’ll find yourself surrounded by otherworldly ice sculptures and ethereal light shows
7. Visit the Running Reindeer Ranch
Join a gang of antlered friends for an absolutely magical romp through Fairbanks’ boreal forest.
Your guides share fascinating tidbits about reindeer life while these charismatic animals bound through birch trees and stop for the occasional snuggle session.
Afterwards, warm up with homemade cookies and hot cocoa while watching the reindeer frolic freely around the property.
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8. Take a Flightseeing Tour of Denali
Soar past North America’s tallest peak on an aerial adventure that’ll make your jaw drop.
From your window seat, you’ll glide past massive glaciers, spot climbers tackling epic routes, and maybe even catch wildlife roaming far below.
The Ruth Glacier’s Great Gorge will blow your mind – imagine a canyon twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, filled with ice that’s been around for over 1,000 years!
9. Spot Bears at Lake Clark
Watch massive brown bears dig for clams, catch salmon, and teach their cubs the ways of the wild at this hidden gem of a national park.
Lake Clark’s coastal meadows and streams draw these magnificent creatures in droves – you might spot 20 or 30 bears in a single day!
The bears here are so focused on fishing and foraging that they barely notice humans, making for incredible up-close viewing opportunities.
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10. Soak in Chena Hot Springs
Slip into steamy, mineral-rich waters while snow-capped peaks tower around you at this off-grid oasis.
The outdoor rock-lined pool stays toasty at 106°F year-round thanks to natural geothermal heat.
Between soaks, check out the mind-blowing Aurora Ice Museum, where you can sip appletinis from glasses made of ice.
11. Attend the Kodiak Crab Festival
Mark your calendar for May 22-26, 2025, when Kodiak throws its biggest party of the year!
This five-day extravaganza celebrates the island’s rich maritime heritage with quirky competitions like the Norm Holm Survival Suit Race, where locals sprint down docks in survival gear and swim through the harbor.
Munch on fresh Dungeness crab straight from the boat, groove to live music, and catch the Saturday morning parade featuring everything from classic cars to Harley bikes.
12. Cruise Tracy Arm Fjord
Glide through a stunning 30-mile fjord where jade-colored waters mirror towering granite cliffs and 1,000-foot waterfalls cascade down emerald slopes.
Keep your camera ready for harbor seals lounging on electric-blue icebergs and bald eagles soaring overhead.
The grand finale? Getting up close to the massive Sawyer Glaciers, where chunks of ancient ice crash into the sea with thunderous roars.
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13. Bike the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
Hop on a bike and cruise this stunning 11-mile coastal path from downtown Anchorage to Kincaid Park.
You’ll pedal past tidal flats where moose munch on vegetation and maybe spot beluga whales playing in Cook Inlet.
The trail winds through fragrant forests and past Earthquake Park, where you can see how the massive 1964 quake reshaped the landscape.
14. Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center
Step into a vibrant celebration of Alaska’s Indigenous cultures where tradition meets modern life.
Watch mesmerizing traditional dance performances, try your hand at Native games, and explore six authentic traditional dwellings around a peaceful lake.
The center’s new digital guide makes it super easy to navigate all the cool exhibits and performances.
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15. Pan for Gold at Independence Mine
Channel your inner prospector at this historic mine nestled high in the Talkeetna Mountains.
Grab a pan and shovel (rentals available) and try your luck in the same creeks where miners struck it rich back in the day.
Between panning sessions, explore the preserved buildings where 206 hardy souls once lived and worked 4,000 feet above sea level.
Where To Stay
May brings sweet deals on accommodations across Alaska, with rooms going for less than peak summer rates.
Fairbanks stands out as a stellar spot in May. The Chena Hot Springs Resort lets you soak in steamy mineral pools while watching for early-season northern lights.
Downtown Anchorage puts you close to restaurants and shopping, plus it’s an easy drive to spring wildlife viewing spots. Hotel Captain Cook rocks panoramic views of Cook Inlet and the rising green mountains.
Near Denali, staying at the Denali Park Village means waking up to snowy peaks and wandering moose. The property sits right on the Nenana River, and the location is perfect for catching the first seasonal shuttle buses into the national park.
The charming small town of Seward makes an ideal base for spotting returning whales in May. The Seward Windsong Lodge nestles into a spruce grove by Exit Glacier, offering quick access to Kenai Fjords boat tours.
Weather
The temperatures in May range from the 40s to 60s Fahrenheit, making it an ideal time to explore without extreme cold.
Spring showers pop up frequently in May, but they tend to be quick. Between rain spells, you’ll catch plenty of sunny breaks perfect for outdoor activities.
The daylight hours stretch incredibly long by May, giving you tons of time to spot wildlife and take in the scenery.
Rain gear is essential even when the forecast looks clear – Alaska’s weather loves to keep visitors on their toes!
Average One-Week Budget
A week-long Alaska trip for two people in May typically costs between $2,700 and $5,400. This lower price point makes May an excellent month to visit compared to peak summer rates.
Hotel rates in May run about 10-18% lower than peak season prices. Standard rooms average $275 per night, while budget-friendly options can save you $100 per night.
Food costs range from $100 to $202 daily for two people. Grab breakfast at local cafes and pack picnic lunches to keep costs down while soaking in those mountain views.
Rental cars are significantly cheaper in May compared to peak season rates of $800+ per week. Book early to snag the best deals, as prices start climbing after mid-June.
Daily activities and tours can add $150-300 to your budget. Many hiking trails and scenic viewpoints are free, letting you mix paid excursions with cost-free natural attractions.
What To Pack
Pack a versatile raincoat that fits over layers – this is non-negotiable for May in Alaska. A light puffer jacket adds extra warmth when needed.
Bring 3-4 long-sleeve shirts, 2-3 thermal base layers, and 2 warm sweaters or fleeces. Add 2-3 pairs of quick-dry hiking pants and 1-2 pairs of jeans for casual evenings.
Sturdy waterproof boots are essential for keeping feet dry and warm. Pack 5-7 pairs of wool socks to rotate through the week.
Don’t skip the accessories – a warm hat, gloves, and neck gaiter or scarf make a huge difference. Sunglasses and sunscreen are crucial even in spring.
