Climate of Alaska, USA
Area-weighted average across Alaska. For where people actually live and travel, see the cities below.
Alaska, a subdivision of United States of America, has a strongly continental climate on average. Area-weighted monthly temperatures across the whole territory range from -18.6°C / -1.5°F in January to 11.8°C / 53.2°F in July, with rainfall from 24 mm / 0.9 in to 73 mm / 2.9 in depending on the season (515 mm / 20.3 in total across the year). See the city listed below for point-value climate at specific locations — these often differ from the area-weighted average, especially in geographically diverse subdivisions.
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | -18.6°C-1.5°F | 34 mm1.3″ | Snowy |
| February | -16.6°C2.1°F | 30 mm1.2″ | Snowy |
| March | -14.1°C6.6°F | 28 mm1.1″ | Snowy |
| April | -6.6°C20.1°F | 24 mm0.9″ | Snowy |
| May | 2.4°C36.3°F | 27 mm1.1″ | — |
| June | 9.6°C49.3°F | 43 mm1.7″ | — |
| July | 11.8°C53.2°F | 59 mm2.3″ | — |
| August | 9.9°C49.8°F | 73 mm2.9″ | — |
| September | 4.6°C40.3°F | 63 mm2.5″ | — |
| October | -4.5°C23.9°F | 53 mm2.1″ | Snowy |
| November | -12.8°C9°F | 41 mm1.6″ | Snowy |
| December | -16.8°C1.8°F | 40 mm1.6″ | Snowy |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Alaska?
Alaska, United States of America does not have a clear sunny-and-dry window by our cutoffs. The warmest month is July at 11.8°C / 53.2°F, and the driest is April at 24 mm / 0.9 in — likely your best travel window. For city-level detail, see the cities section below.
What is the climate of Alaska?
Alaska, United States of America has area-weighted monthly average temperatures ranging from -18.6°C / -1.5°F in January to 11.8°C / 53.2°F in July. Annual rainfall averages about 515 mm / 20.3 in, with the wettest month being August (73 mm / 2.9 in) and the driest April (24 mm / 0.9 in). Because this is an area average across the whole subdivision, local city values can differ substantially.
What is the hottest month in Alaska?
The hottest month in Alaska is July, with an area-wide average temperature of 11.8°C / 53.2°F.
What is the coldest month in Alaska?
The coldest month in Alaska is January, with an area-wide average temperature of -18.6°C / -1.5°F.
When does it rain most in Alaska?
The wettest month in Alaska is August, averaging about 73 mm / 2.9 in of rainfall. The driest is April with about 24 mm / 0.9 in.