In May you can see the beautiful snow in interior Alaska while enjoying long days that are often sunny. Value train tickets are available on some scenic rail routes including Anchorage to Denali. Hotels, campgrounds and tours will be gearing up throughout the month with nearly full offerings on Memorial Day weekend and beyond. The temperatures are warmer which makes packing easier.

Denali Park Road opens as weather allows. By mid-May free shuttle buses begin to Savage River. Shortly afterwards bus tours and transit buses begin, allowing access further into the Park. Babies are being born, though we saw more wildlife babies in June than in May.

As the photos show, May is typically when ice breaks up in interior Alaska waterways. We loved watching the thawing rivers. Hopefully in 2024 we can hear it too, as we never heard the snapping and popping that can occur as ice breaks-up. If you are going to be in Alaska in early to mid-May, consider participating in the Nenana Ice Classic, a yearly event that started in the early 1900’s. Perhaps you can guess to the minute when the Tanana River officially breaks-up! https://www.nenanaakiceclassic.com/

Below shows changing snow levels on and around Mount Healy from the cabin we rent. There are dramatic changes in the landscape in May!

As you decide what month(s) to visit, here is a great link: https://www.alaska.org/advice/best-time-to-visit-alaska