Alaska

Climate in Alaska

Although the assumption is that Alaska is a land of snow and sub-zero temperatures, the climate is actually extremely varied as it's caused by the state's six different topographic regions. The far north is extremely dry and very cold, with Arctic conditions and temperatures averaging about 20°F (29°C), and the ground at Point Barrow remains permanently frozen to a depth of 1,330 ft (405m). However, summer temperatures in most of Alaska are surprisingly high, averaging in the 60s Fahrenheit (about 16ºC), and they have been known to reach 90°F (32ºC) and up. The southeast tends to be fairly moderate, with damp, rainy and sometimes mild conditions, with temperatures in July averaging 56ºF (13ºC) and temperatures in January averaging 30ºF (-1ºC). The south and central areas tend to be similar, with slightly colder winter temperatures. Western Alaska tends to be rainy, while the Aleutian Islands in winter are damp and rainy, with fog. Heavy snows are common in the north and central regions of the state. The best time to visit Alaska is in the summer months, when days are long and the weather is perfect for outdoor adventures.