May · Alaska
Best time to visit Katmai National Park in May Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Katmai National Park in May
Average temperature 2°C, 113 mm of rain, about 16 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 90% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
May score
5.6/10
Ranked #3 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 2°C
- Rainfall
- 113 mm
- Humidity
- 90%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 16
- Crowd Density
- Moderate Crowds
- Average Expenses
- $$ · Moderate Cost ($$)
May in Katmai National Park scores 5.6/10 for nature and wildlife travel - one of the top 12-month picks (#3). Expect around 2°C, 113 mm of rain, and roughly 16 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Katmai protects a remote volcanic landscape, salmon rivers, and a major brown-bear population, with Brooks Camp its best-known visitor base.
May in Katmai National Park: mixed conditions, plan around the weather
At 2°C (36°F) this is proper winter weather in May: layer up and split the day between outdoor highlights and indoor stops.
113 mm of rain signals a properly wet month, with only about 16 days with 6+ hours of sunshine to count on — build indoor options into the schedule.
That is 5.6/10 on the same scale — 3rd of 12 months, versus 7.5/10 for the best month here.
Pack insulated layers, a windproof shell, gloves and boots with grip, a proper rain shell rather than an umbrella, footwear you can get muddy.
Expect mid-season pricing, and crowds are moderate.
If your dates are flexible, June is materially better in Katmai National Park — 1.9 points higher on the same scale.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Katmai National Park in May?
- In May, Katmai National Park averages 2°C, 113 mm of rain, and about 16 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 5.6/10.
- Is May a good time to visit Katmai National Park?
- May earns a 5.6/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Katmai National Park in May?
- Expect about 113 mm of rain in May. Average humidity is 90% and there are about 16 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Katmai National Park
Tickets & experiences
Things to do in Katmai National Park
Katmai National Park, Alaska. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.