Weather in Alaska

climate and weather in alaskaAlaska is the northernmost and coldest state of the US, a stone's throw from Russia across the Bering Strait, it is bordered by Canada, the Arctic and Pacific Oceans. Famed for its vast wilderness, unique wildlife and hardy locals, Alaska is known as the ‘Last Frontier’ and the ‘Land of the Midnight Sun’. It is, paradoxically, the largest and one of the least populated states in the US, with approximately half the population living in the Anchorage metropolitan area. Its main industries match the rugged landscape, as Alaska exports oil, natural gas and fish, with a growing stake in the US tourism industry.

Alaska has a cold climate, with oceanic, sub-arctic and arctic climactic variations. The southeast and Juneau, the state capital, have the only oceanic climates in Alaska, characterised by temperate weather, the only region where mid-winter are above freezing point. The sub-arctic climates, in the south, west and the interior, have long, cold and icy winters, sometimes with extreme highs in summer. Finally, the north has an arctic climate with snowfall during the long cold winters and short cool summers.

There are two well defined season in Alaska, winter and summer. Winter runs from September to April and summer from June to August, with May in the middle as, very often, a muddy, spring-like month. Regional differences are vast, but in the heart of winter it can drop to -30°C (-22°F), while summer peaks at 22°C (72°F), sometimes well into the mid 20s (77°F). It rains and snows throughout the year in many places, yet, some areas receive such little precipitation that they are technically desserts.

Plan well and avoid being stuck in the snow because the weather conditions can greatly hamper travel plans in the country.

 

When is the best time to go to Alaska?

Few tourists travel outside of the summer and, in fact, most tour operators in Alaska only open from June to August, so expect higher prices at this time of year. However, this is the only time explore the Alaskan wilderness in 20°C (68°F) weather. June, July and August are famous for the salmon runs, with May and September having special wildlife phenomena as well. It may snow in some places and August is rainy, but both are warm months nonetheless. 

Outside of the summer, April, October and November are not good times to because thick mud often dampens any holiday cheer. But people who don't mind cold should come in winter because, unlike most places in the world, Alaska comes alive in winter from December to March. Winter has many snow sports festivals, arts and cultural events, and spectacular natural occurrences like the aurora borealis.

 

What to pack for a holiday in Alaska

Alaska is typically cold, so layers of clothing are essential. Pack a thick coat, gloves, hats and thermals along with thick trousers, warm dresses or skirts, long sleeved shirts, a few jerseys and a few T-shirts for the summer. Synthetic clothing is better than cotton, especially for outdoor activities, because travellers will get wet, often. The general rule is that it's better to take off layers than to go without and darker clothing is advised.

Take running shoes with good traction and sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots for treks, and waterproof footwear is ideal. Use a backpack for extra clothes on day trips and pack all valuables into zip lock bag in order to keep them dry and clean.

When it comes to summer, mosquito repellent is a must, because with over 3 million lakes mosquitos will come in droves. A hat and some sunscreen, a few light items of clothing like long sleeved shirts, skirts, dresses and T-shirts with warm jerseys will also be useful. Take some swimwear because, despite the state’s icy reputation, it's great to swim in one of the Alaskan lakes in summer. Pack something smart for cruise ship journeys, or a special night out, because many require formal attire for dinners or events.
 

Weather in Alaska in January

Average temperature in Alaska in January: -28°C to -6°C (-19°F to 21°F)
Average sea temperature in Alaska in January: -1°C (30°F)
Average rainfall in Alaska in December (including snowfall): 15mm to 210mm (0.6in to 8.3in)
Notes: Expect snowfall in Alaska for most of the month, with heavy snowfall in many inland and northern areas. Bear in mind that in recent years there has been unusually low amounts of snowfall in the region.
Events: There is nothing like Alaskan folk, and the Anchorage Folk festival will have some of the best folk music, with local performers and ‘out of towners’.
 

Weather in Alaska in February

Average temperature in Alaska in February: -30°C to 0.5°C (-22°F to 33°F)
Average sea Temperature in Alaska in February: -1°C (30°F)
Average rainfall in Alaska in February (including snowfall): 11mm to 155mm (0.43in to 6.1in)
Notes: Expect snowfall in Alaska for most of the month, with heavy snowfall in many inland and northern areas. Bear in mind that in recent years there has been unusually low amounts of snowfall in the region.
Events: The Yukon Quest 1,000 Mile International Sled Dog Race and Iron Dog Gold Rush Classic, a snowmobile cross-country race, are two sporting events of epic proportions taking place across the snowy terrain of Alaska. The World Ice Arts Championships is an international festival of arts and winter fun, with competitors from across the world offering sculpting classes, dog sled rides and many other family-friendly events.
 

Weather in Alaska in March

Average temperature in Alaska in March: -28°C to 4°C (-20°F to 39°F)
Average sea Temperature in Alaska in March: 0.6°C (31°F)
Average rainfall in Alaska in March (including snowfall): 6mm to 140mm (0.24in to 5.5in)
Notes: Don’t be surprised to see snowfall in Alaska during March, with heavy snowfall in many inland and northern areas. Bear in mind that in recent years there has been unusually low amounts of snowfall in the region.
Events: The Iditarod Sled Dog Race is a world famous racing event that takes place over 1,000 miles of icy wilderness. For another traditional event, visit the Camai Dance Festival, which explores the history and culture of the First Nation’s peoples of Alaska. The Fur Rendezvous Festival is the highlight of the month, a great sporting and multi-cultural celebration of Alaskan heritage.
 

Weather in Alaska in April

Average temperature in Alaska in April: -23°C to 9°C (-10°F to 48°F)
Average sea Temperature in Alaska in April: 0°C (32°F)

Average rainfall in Alaska in April: 8mm to 147mm (0.31in to 5.8in)
Events: The Native Youth Games is a great display of athletic ability in both traditional and modern sporting events. Stikine River Migratory Bird and Garnet Festival celebrate the arrival of bald eagles, shorebirds, snow geese and other birds to the region.
 

Weather in Alaska in May

Average temperature in Alaska in May: -9°C to 16°C (15°F to 60°F)
Average sea Temperature in Alaska in May: 6°C (42°F)
Average rainfall in Alaska in May: 15mm to 150mm (0.59in to 5.6in)
Notes: Sea temperatures in Barrow will be no more than 4°C (40°F).
Events: The Juneau Jazz & Classics is a jazz and classical musical festival that has been running for over three decades, a fantastic family friendly event.
 

Weather in Alaska in June

Average temperature in Alaska in June: -2°C to 21°C (29°F to 70°F)
Average sea Temperature in Alaska in June: 9°C (49°F)
Average rainfall in Alaska in June: 19mm to 150mm (0.75in to 5.9in)
Events: The Sitka Summer Music Festival makes the most of the short Alaskan summer, with great classical music for over four decades. The Gold Rush Days is a festival with many sporting events in honour of Alaska’s mining and logging industry.
 

Weather in Alaska in July

Average temperature in Alaska in July: 0.5°C to 22°C (33°F to 72°F)
Average sea Temperature in Alaska in July: 10°C (50°F)
Average rainfall in Alaska in July: 37mm to 124mm (1.46in to 4.9in)
Events: The Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival and the Girdwood Forest Fair are two cultural events that provide fun for the whole family, with music, food and arts exhibitions. For some traditional fun go to the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics, which is a competition in traditional arts and tests of strength, as well as a cultural celebration of Alaska’s Native Americans. Golden Days is a family friendly music festival in Fairbanks, an event over 60 years old.
 

Weather in Alaska in August

Average temperature in Alaska in August: 0.5°C to 20°C (33°F to 68°F)
Average sea Temperature in Alaska in August: 11°C (51°F)
Average rainfall in Alaska in August: 48mm to 117mm (1.89in to 4.6in)
Events: The Blueberry Arts Festival is a large arts festival in Ketchikan that has been active for over four decades and hosts some of the best modern and traditional art of the region. The Tanana Valley State Fair is a family-friendly event during last days of summer.
 

Weather in Alaska in September

Average temperature in Alaska in September: -2°C to 13°C (28°F to 56°F)
Average sea Temperature in Alaska in September: 9°C (48°F)
Average rainfall in Alaska in September: 28mm to 188mm (1.1in to 7.4in)
Notes: Sea temperatures in Barrow will be no more than 4°C (40°F).
Events: Starting in late August, the Alaska state fair has been a gathering place for Alaskans for over 75 years, a chance to mix with locals and experience local traditions.
 

Weather in Alaska in October

Average temperature in Alaska in October: -12°C to 9°C (9°F to 48°F)
Average sea Temperature in Alaska in October: 6°C (42°F)
Average rainfall in Alaska in October (including snowfall): 21mm to 210mm (0.83in to 8.3in)
Notes: Expect snowfall in Alaska for most of the month, with heavier snowfall inland and in northern areas. Bear in mind that in recent years there has been unusually low amounts of snowfall in the region.
Events: The Alaska Day Festival commemorates the purchase of the region from Russia and is multicultural family-friendly event.
 

Weather in Alaska in November

Average temperature in Alaska in November: -22°C to 3°C (-7°F to 38°F)
Average sea Temperature in Alaska in November: 3°C (38°F)
Average rainfall in Alaska in November (including snowfall): 14mm to 175mm (0.57in to 6.9in)
Notes: Expect snowfall in Alaska for most of the month, with heavy snowfall in many inland and northern areas. Bear in mind that in recent years there has been unusually low amounts of snowfall in the region.
Events: The Sitka Whalefest and the Alaska Bald Eagle Festival celebrates the wildlife of the region with documentaries, food and markets, all dedicated to the spirit of nature.
 

Weather in Alaska in December

Average temperature in Alaska in December: -27°C to 0°C (-17°F to 32°F)
Average sea Temperature in Alaska in December: 2°C (36°F)
Average rainfall in Alaska in December (including snowfall): 15.5mm to 213mm (0.61in to 8.4in)
Notes: Expect snowfall in Alaska for most of the month, with heavy snowfall in many inland and northern areas. Bear in mind that in recent years there has been unusually low amounts of snowfall in the region. Winter in Alaska is one of the most beautiful places in the world, still and crisp, with the aurora borealis most visible during this time of year.
Events: Enjoy cosy Christmas celebrations and a party on New Year’s in Alaska.
 

Notes on weather averages 

The weather in Alaska is so dynamic that it is essential to check each intended destination regularly. For example, Barrow is technically a desert with less than 127mm (5in) of rain per year and 74cm (29in) of snow, while Yakutan has nearly double the rainfall of the average highs in most cities. Similarly, average sea temperatures in Alaska will vary between the coasts, with the south being warmer than temperatures at the Bering Strait or Arctic Sea.