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Contents
- The climate of Barrow
- The best time to visit Barrow
- The worst time to visit Barrow
- Spring weather in Barrow
- Summer weather in Barrow
- Autumn weather in Barrow
- Winter weather in Barrow
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average snowfall
- Average snowfall days
- Average sea temperature
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
The climate of Barrow
Barrow, Alaska, is characterized by a Tundra (ET) climate, according to the Köppen climate classification. Its geographical position well within the Arctic Circle directly influences its distinctive weather patterns and extreme conditions. Throughout the entire year, temperatures range from a frigid -11.2°F (-24°C) in January to a high of 43.3°F (6.3°C) in July, lending to a generally cold climate.
Further analysis of the climatological data uncovers a consistency in humidity, with relative humidity levels hovering near 90% for much of the year. Precipitation varies subtly, demonstrating a rise in rainfall inches from 0.2 in January to a peak of 1.06" (27mm) in August. Snowfall, on the other hand, depicts a notable climb from 0.87" (22mm) in January to a highpoint of 3.15" (80mm) in October.
Sea temperatures remain quite constant, fluctuating minimally between 28°F (-2.2°C) and 36°F (2.2°C), while daylight hours show a dramatic shift from a mere 0.8 hours in December to full 24-hour daylight in June and July. Wind speeds oscillate between 11.4mph (18.3km/h) and 15.3mph (24.6km/h) throughout the year, reaching their pinnacle in October.
Further analysis of the climatological data uncovers a consistency in humidity, with relative humidity levels hovering near 90% for much of the year. Precipitation varies subtly, demonstrating a rise in rainfall inches from 0.2 in January to a peak of 1.06" (27mm) in August. Snowfall, on the other hand, depicts a notable climb from 0.87" (22mm) in January to a highpoint of 3.15" (80mm) in October.
Sea temperatures remain quite constant, fluctuating minimally between 28°F (-2.2°C) and 36°F (2.2°C), while daylight hours show a dramatic shift from a mere 0.8 hours in December to full 24-hour daylight in June and July. Wind speeds oscillate between 11.4mph (18.3km/h) and 15.3mph (24.6km/h) throughout the year, reaching their pinnacle in October.
The best time to visit Barrow
Assessing Barrow's climate conditions, the ideal visiting period falls between June and August. During these months, the temperature climbs to a comparatively warm range of 38.8°F (3.8°C) to 43.3°F (6.3°C). The long days, with daylight hours extending up to 24, and the relatively low precipitation make these months appealing for visitors. Despite being the wettest months, rainfall during this period averages only up 1.06" (27mm).
The worst time to visit Barrow
Given the severe cold and extremely limited daylight, the months from November through March pose significant challenges for visitors. During this period, temperatures can plunge to as low as -11.2°F (-24°C) and daylight can dwindle to less than an hour. Coupled with an increased frequency of snowfall reaching up to 2.68" (68mm), these conditions make travel and outdoor activities arduous.
Spring weather in Barrow
Spring in Barrow, spanning April to June, witnesses a slow rise in temperature from 12.7°F (-10.7°C) to a high of 38.8°F (3.8°C). April and May still hold the thrills of winter with the last remnants of snowfall. As spring progresses, daylight extends dramatically, reaching the full 24 hours by June.
Summer weather in Barrow
Barrow's short summer runs between July and August. In these months, temperatures, although mild compared to most places, are the warmest for the region, reaching up to 43.3°F (6.3°C). Days are bright, with an uninterrupted 24 hours of daylight in July, creating a phenomenon known as the 'Midnight Sun'.
Autumn weather in Barrow
Autumn in Barrow, spanning September through November, experiences declining temperatures ranging from 37.9°F (3.3°C) to 13.5°F (-10.3°C). As the season advances, daylight shortens considerably with only 2.3 hours in November. Precipitation rise, with both rainfall and snowfall escalating to 0.87" (22mm) and 3.15" (80mm) respectively by November.
Winter weather in Barrow
Winter in Barrow sets in December, continuing right through till March. This season brings with it extremely cold temperatures that can plummet to as low as -11.2°F (-24°C) in January. Barrow's winter stands out as peculiar with December offering just 0.8 hours of daylight. Wind speed escalates during this period, reaching up to 15.3mph (24.6km/h) in December, contributing to the piercing wind chill that dominates this frosty season.
Weather in January
A fresh start to the year in Barrow, Alaska brings with it one of the coldest months. Sub-zero temperatures dominate, reaching a maximum of -3.3°F (-19.6°C) and sinking to lows of -11.2°F (-24°C). Unsurprisingly, a heavy blanket of snow tends to cover the city, aided by frequent snowfall. Weather in January »
Weather in February
In Barrow, the grip of winter holds strong throughout February. The harsh cold persists, albeit slightly more bearable than January, with a relative increase in high temperatures to -1.8°F (-18.8°C). This season is marked by frequent snowfall and partly cloudy skies. Weather in February »
Weather in March
By March, Barrow starts to thaw, and the slightly higher temperature, with high reaching up to 0.1°F (-17.7°C) hints at the onset of spring. The snow melts gradually, yet snowfall continue steadily. This month offers slightly longer daylight hours than February, a welcome change for the locals. Weather in March »
Weather in April
Spring is transitioning into summer in April, a shift marked by a noticeable increase in temperature, with highs soaring to 12.7°F (-10.7°C). The snow from the previous months continues to recede gradually, and the landscape becomes greener. Weather in April »
Weather in May
May ushers in the full beauty of Alaskan summers in Barrow. As the city warms up, temperatures reach their peak at 29.1°F (-1.6°C), a significant increase from April's highs. Rainfall continues to be a prominent feature, catering to the thriving flora. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June in Barrow, Alaska exhibits a perfect summer picture, with temperatures leaping to their highest point of the year, reaching 38.8°F (3.8°C). Many outdoor activities are at their peak as residents take in the comfortably warm weather. Weather in June »
Weather in July
The warmth of June extends into July, presenting a comfortable summer month with high temperatures climbing up to 43.3°F (6.3°C). Compared to June, the intensity of rainfall increases dramatically, keeping the city verdant. Despite being the peak summer month, relatively cool nights still prevail, a unique characteristic of Barrow weather. Weather in July »
Weather in August
Barrow witnesses a slight dip in temperature in August, bringing down the heat to 41.4°F (5.2°C), signaling the gradual end of summer. Although the rainfall continues to be prevalent, it takes on a gentler persona compared to the heavy showers of July. Weather in August »
Weather in September
September sees the onset of the fall season in Barrow, with temperatures receding down to 37.9°F (3.3°C). The landscape gradually shifts from dense green to crisp autumn hues. The amount of sunshine reduces as the city prepares for the approaching winter. Weather in September »
Weather in October
October is characterized by dropping temperatures, reaching a high of 29.1°F (-1.6°C). The previously vibrant landscape starts to freeze as the city begins to feel the bite of the impending winter season. As daylight hours continue to lessen, quite dramatically from September, an increase in the duration of nights is noticed. Weather in October »
Weather in November
By November, Barrow plunges into the grip of an intense winter. The temperature continues to drop, with the complete transition from fall to winter. There is a significant temperature shift from October's relative warmth, with November's highs barely reaching 13.5°F (-10.3°C). Weather in November »
Weather in December
December brings with it the coldest month of the year, as temperatures dip into bone-chilling lows of -7.1°F (-21.7°C). The Christmas season witnesses a thick cover of snow, further enhancing the dramatic fall in temperature from November. Weather in December »
Updated: Jun 3, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
What time of the year is the coldest?
With an average high-temperature of -3.3°F (-19.6°C) and an average low-temperature of -11.2°F (-24°C), January is the coldest month in Barrow.
What is the most humid month?
January through March and December, with an average relative humidity of 95%, are most humid months.
What is the driest month in Barrow?
The month with the least rainfall is January, when the rain falls for 1 days and typically collects 0.2" (5mm) of precipitation.
How many days does it rain?
Throughout the year, there are 58.5 rainfall days, and 6.81" (173mm) of precipitation is accumulated.
When does it snow?
Months with snowfall are January through December.
How much does it snow?
In Barrow, during the entire year, snow falls for 125.6 days and aggregates up to 17.13" (435mm) of snow.
What months are the ocean coldest?
The months with the coldest seawater are January through June and December, with an average ocean temperature of 28.4°F (-2°C).
What are the months with the lowest UV index?
The months with the lowest UV index are January through March, May, August, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 1.
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from AKST to AKDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from AKDT to AKST.
What month has the most sunshine?
The month with the most sunshine in Barrow is April, with an average of 6.1h of sunshine.
What is the month with the highest UV index?
The months with the highest UV index are April, June, July and September, with an average maximum UV index of 2.
What is the least humid month?
With an average relative humidity of 82%, June is the least humid month.
What are the months with the shortest days?
The months with the shortest days are June, July and December, with an average of 0h and 0min of daylight.
What is the hottest time of year?
The average temperatures reach their apex in July, averaging 43.3°F (6.3°C) at the high end and 37°F (2.8°C) at the low end.
When it does not snow?
The month with the least snowfall is July, when snow falls for 1.3 days and typically aggregates up to 0.08" (2mm) of snow.
What is the rainiest month?
August is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 11.9 days and accumulates 1.06" (27mm) of precipitation.
What are the months with the warmest ocean?
August and September, with an average ocean temperature of 35.6°F (2°C), are months with the warmest seawater.
When are the longest days?
August has the longest days of the year, with an average of 18h and 48min of daylight.
When does it snow the most?
The month with the most snowfall is October, when snow falls for 15.2 days and typically aggregates up to 3.15" (80mm) of snow.
What is the month with the least sunshine?
The month with the least sunshine is December, with an average of 0.3h of sunshine.
Average temperature
Barrow, AK
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (43.3°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (-3.3°F).
- Average low temperature in January:
-11.2°F - Average low temperature in February:
-10.8°F - Average low temperature in March:
-10.1°F - Average low temperature in April:
1.8°F - Average low temperature in May:
20.7°F - Average low temperature in June:
33.4°F
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (37°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (-11.2°F).
Average pressure
Barrow, AK
- Average pressure in January:
30.09"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.07"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.09"Hg - Average pressure in April:
30.08"Hg - Average pressure in May:
30.07"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.96"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.9"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.88"Hg - Average pressure in September:
29.85"Hg - Average pressure in October:
29.9"Hg - Average pressure in November:
29.94"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.03"Hg
The months with the highest atmospheric pressure are January and March (30.09"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is September (29.85"Hg).
Average wind speed
Barrow, AK
- Average wind speed in January:
12mph - Average wind speed in February:
12.7mph - Average wind speed in March:
11.7mph - Average wind speed in April:
11.6mph - Average wind speed in May:
10.6mph - Average wind speed in June:
11.4mph
- Average wind speed in July:
11.7mph - Average wind speed in August:
12.2mph - Average wind speed in September:
13mph - Average wind speed in October:
15.3mph - Average wind speed in November:
12.7mph - Average wind speed in December:
12.1mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is October (15.3mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is May (10.6mph).
Average humidity
Barrow, AK
The months with the highest relative humidity are January, February, March and December (95%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is June (82%).
Average rainfall
Barrow, AK
- Average rainfall in January:
0.2" - Average rainfall in February:
0.39" - Average rainfall in March:
0.39" - Average rainfall in April:
0.35" - Average rainfall in May:
0.39" - Average rainfall in June:
0.51"
- Average rainfall in July:
0.91" - Average rainfall in August:
1.06" - Average rainfall in September:
0.83" - Average rainfall in October:
0.87" - Average rainfall in November:
0.59" - Average rainfall in December:
0.31"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (1.06").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (0.2").
Average rainfall days
Barrow, AK
- Average rainfall days in January:
1 days - Average rainfall days in February:
0.8 days - Average rainfall days in March:
2 days - Average rainfall days in April:
3.8 days - Average rainfall days in May:
5.3 days - Average rainfall days in June:
6.4 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
11.8 days - Average rainfall days in August:
11.9 days - Average rainfall days in September:
9.2 days - Average rainfall days in October:
3 days - Average rainfall days in November:
2.7 days - Average rainfall days in December:
0.6 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (11.9 days).
The month with the least rainy days is December (0.6 days).
Average snowfall
Barrow, AK
- Average snowfall in January:
0.87" - Average snowfall in February:
1.54" - Average snowfall in March:
1.65" - Average snowfall in April:
1.81" - Average snowfall in May:
1.46" - Average snowfall in June:
0.31"
- Average snowfall in July:
0.08" - Average snowfall in August:
0.39" - Average snowfall in September:
1.46" - Average snowfall in October:
3.15" - Average snowfall in November:
2.68" - Average snowfall in December:
1.73"
The month with the highest snowfall is October (3.15").
The month with the least snowfall is July (0.08").
Average snowfall days
Barrow, AK
- Average snowfall days in January:
11.3 days - Average snowfall days in February:
12 days - Average snowfall days in March:
13 days - Average snowfall days in April:
12.7 days - Average snowfall days in May:
12.3 days - Average snowfall days in June:
2.3 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
1.3 days - Average snowfall days in August:
3 days - Average snowfall days in September:
10.5 days - Average snowfall days in October:
15.2 days - Average snowfall days in November:
16.9 days - Average snowfall days in December:
15.1 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is November (16.9 days).
The month with the least snowfall days is July (1.3 days).
Average sea temperature
Barrow, AK
The best months for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) are August and September (36°F).
The coldest months (with the lowest average sea temperature) are January, February, March, April, May, June and December (28°F).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Barrow, AK
- Average daylight in January:
0h and 5min - Average daylight in February:
6h and 5min - Average daylight in March:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in April:
16h and 5min - Average daylight in May:
6h and 5min - Average daylight in June:
0h and 0min
- Average daylight in July:
0h and 0min - Average daylight in August:
18h and 5min - Average daylight in September:
13h and 2min - Average daylight in October:
8h and 4min - Average daylight in November:
2h and 2min - Average daylight in December:
0h and 0min
The month with the longest days is August (Average daylight: 18h and 48min).
The months with the shortest days are June, July and December (Average daylight: 0h and 0min).
- Average sunshine in January:
0h and 3min - Average sunshine in February:
1h and 2min - Average sunshine in March:
3h and 0min - Average sunshine in April:
6h and 1min - Average sunshine in May:
1h and 1min - Average sunshine in June:
0h and 4min
- Average sunshine in July:
0h and 2min - Average sunshine in August:
4h and 5min - Average sunshine in September:
3h and 4min - Average sunshine in October:
2h and 2min - Average sunshine in November:
0h and 5min - Average sunshine in December:
0h and 2min
The month with the most sunshine is April (Average sunshine: 6h and 6min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 0h and 18min).
Average sunshine days
Barrow, AK
- Average sunshine days in January:
19.6 days - Average sunshine days in February:
15 days - Average sunshine days in March:
17.8 days - Average sunshine days in April:
16.2 days - Average sunshine days in May:
15.9 days - Average sunshine days in June:
19.3 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
14.9 days - Average sunshine days in August:
12.8 days - Average sunshine days in September:
9.2 days - Average sunshine days in October:
7.9 days - Average sunshine days in November:
11.6 days - Average sunshine days in December:
16.5 days
The month with the most sunshine days is January (19.6 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is October (7.9 days).
Average UV index
Barrow, AK
The months with the highest UV index are April, June, July and September (UV index 2).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, May, August, October, November and December (UV index 1).
Average cloud cover
Barrow, AK
The month with the most cloud cover is December (Cloud cover 84).
The month with the least cloud cover is June (Cloud cover 47).
Average visibility
Barrow, AK
The months with the highest visibility are May, June, July, August and September (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January and March (4mi).
Barrow, Alaska, USA
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