Learning about the coldest states in May will help you plan better. The weather in May is delightful in many states, with bright sunshine and warm temperatures. It’s a perfect time to visit the United States, especially if you’re uncomfortable with crowds during the hotter summer.
In general, U.S. weather is warm in spring. However, states in the north may have relatively low temperatures in May.
1. Alaska
In the summer, temperatures in the interior range from 45°F to 75°F.
Alaska is in the extreme northwest of the continent of North America. It was the 49th state to be admitted to the United States on January 3, 1959. The state covers an area of 1,723,337 square km and is inhabited by 733,583 people, per 2022 estimates.
Its capital is Juneau in the state’s southeast, in the panhandle region. Alaska borders the Arctic Ocean and the Beaufort Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the South. On the eastern side, it’s bounded by British Columbia and Canada’s Yukon Territory. On the west, lies the Bering Sea and Bering Strait.
In the summer, temperatures in the interior range from 45°F to 75°F and drop to about 20°F to -10°F in winter. May temperatures range from as low as 24.7°F and as high as 62°F. The state holds the record for the lowest temperature recorded in the United States. On January 23, 1971, at Prospect Creek Camp in the Arctic Circle along Alaska pipeline, temperatures measured -80°F.
2. Maine
Maine is the largest of the six New England states in the U.S. and represents almost half of the New England area. This state is among the coldest states in May. It was admitted as the 23rd state into the union on March 15, 1820. Its capital is Augusta. It borders Quebec and New Brunswick Canadian provinces to the northwest and northeast, respectively, and New Hampshire to the west.
The state covers an area of 91,634 square km (35,380 square miles) and has a population of 1,385,340, according to 2022 estimates. Most of Maine is sparsely populated, and four-fifth of its land is forested. It has three climatic zones: northern, southern, and central.
3. Wyoming
Wyoming comes in third in the coldest states in May. It became the 44th state in the union on July 10, 1890. It’s the 10th largest state in the country in terms of area coverage.
It shares borders with six Great Plains and mountain states, including Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Colorado, Utah, and Idaho.
May temperatures in Wyoming range from a high of 65°F to a low of 40.8°F in some regions, with an average of 54°F. Wyoming’s topography consists of large basins and the Rocky Mountains that are part of an intact temperate-zone environment. The state has an area of 253,334 square km (97,813 square miles), inhibited by a population of 581,381.
4. North Dakota
North Dakota was the 39th state admitted to the union on November 2, 1889. It borders two Canadian provinces to the north, Minnesota to the east, Montana to the west, and South Dakota to the South. The capital is Bismarck, located in the center of the state.
The state has a continental climate that experiences extreme temperatures. It has a population of 779,261 (2022 est.). Summer temperatures can rise above 49°F (120°C); in winter, they can fall below -51°F (-60°C). In general, May temperatures range from a high of 65°F to a low of 41.1°F.
5. Vermont
Vermont is also among the coldest states in May. The state is among the six New England states in the northeastern corner of the U.S.A., admitted as the 14th state on March 4, 1791. Vermont’s capital is Montpelier, the country’s least-populous state capital. The state borders Quebec to the north, New Hampshire to the east, Massachusetts to the south, and New York to the west.
The state winter temperatures can dip to -34°F (-37°C); in summer, they can rise above 90°F (32°C). May temperatures in Vermont range from a high of 68°F to as low as 41.5°F.
Common trees in Vermont are hemlock, pine, fir, and spruce, with birch and maple being the indigenous species. Sugar maple is Vermont’s state tree, reflecting the state’s reputation for producing maple syrup.
Although most of the country experiences warm weather in May, some states in the north remain cold. If you plan on visiting any of the coldest states in May, pack your sweaters!
