The climate of Big Lake
The prevailing climatological conditions of
Big Lake,
Alaska, USA fall under the Dfc category of the Köppen climate classification indicating a Subarctic climate. This classification supports the reality of severe winters devoid of a dry season and relatively cool summers.
Situated strategically, Big Lake experiences a very distinguished weather pattern throughout the year with high levels of humidity usually sitting between 64% for the driest month (
May) and 88% for the wettest month (
March). Rainfall ranges from a low of 0.59" (15mm) in both
April and May to a high of 1.77" (45mm) in
September. The region is also familiar with snowfall, especially from
December to
February with up to 5.67" (144mm) recorded in December and somewhat in late autumn (
November) and early spring (March).
Uniquely, Big Lake experiences long hours of daylight during summer (up to 19.3 hours in
June) and fewer daylight hours during winter (a low of 5.5 hours in December). Temperatures, however, exhibit notable variations with maximum temperatures around 64.8°F (18.2°C) in
July and minimum temperatures at 10.6°F (-11.9°C) in
January. Wind speed is relatively moderate with gusts peaking at 9.5mph (15.3km/h) in December.
The Best Time to Visit Big Lake
For a tourist venture in
Big Lake, the warmest months between
May and
August provide the most conducive settings. In particular, temperatures in
July can are characteristically around 64.8°F (18.2°C). July also proffers long daylight hours, reaching up to 18.4 hours, offering plenty of time for exploration. During this period, clear skies sessions are longer and are accompanied by an average of 4 UV Index.
The Worst Time to Visit Big Lake
Considering the severe winter conditions, traveling to
Big Lake from
December to
February can be very challenging. The conditions are harsh with colder temperatures falling to 10.6°F (-11.9°C) in
January, the coldest month of the year. Additionally, daylight hours are limited to as little as 5.5 hours in December, thus restraining the duration for outdoor activities.
Spring Weather in Big Lake
Springtime in
Big Lake, extending from
March to
May, is generally mild. With temperatures slowly climbing from 29.3°F (-1.5°C) in March to 54.1°F (12.3°C) in May. Coupled with a general decrease in snowfall and an increase in rainfall, the snow gradually melts away paving the way for a vibrant summer season. Despite the melting snow, the humidity remains relatively high until May.
Summer Weather in Big Lake
Between
June and
August, the weather in
Big Lake becomes very appealing. June presents the highest amount of daylight, totalling at around 19.3 hours. Though the temperatures peak in
July at 64.8°F (18.2°C), these early summer months are nonetheless warm, setting a perfect scene for outdoor activities.
Autumn Weather in Big Lake
Autumn, spanning from
September to
November, presents a steady decline in temperatures from 53.4°F (11.9°C) in September to 26.4°F (-3.1°C) in November. Rainfall spikes to 1.77" (45mm) in September before gradually simmering down, while the amount of daylight decreases with each passing month. However, compared to other months, autumn is quite windy, with wind gusts up to 9.3mph (15km/h) in November.
Winter Weather in Big Lake
Winter dominates
Big Lake from
December to
February, characterized by very low temperatures, extensive snowfall, and minimal daylight hours. Between these months, temperatures range from a high of 21.7°F (-5.7°C) in December to a chilling low of 10.6°F (-11.9°C) in
January. Snowfall surges to a high of 5.67" (144mm) in December, creating a white blanket over the region.
Weather in January
Kickstarting the year in
Big Lake,
Alaska,
January presents classic winter conditions. Compared to
December, the weather is slightly cooler, with the lowest average temperatures of the year ranging from 10.6°F (-11.9°C) at its mildest to a chilly 19.2°F (-7.1°C) at its highest.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February in
Big Lake,
Alaska, continues on the winter appeal but introduces subtle changes. Temperatures rise slightly, allowing for more snowfall which increases to 4.06" (103mm). Commuting may be hindered but the snow-ridden scenery brings its charm to the city.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Crafting a transition between winter and spring,
March in
Big Lake,
Alaska, shows slightly warmer temperatures. This shift enables residents to immerse themselves more in outdoor activities. An interesting aspect of March weather is the consistent snowfall from
February, measured at 4.06" (103mm).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April strides into
Big Lake,
Alaska, with a pleasant change in climatic conditions. The snowfall drastically dips to 1.61" (41mm), marking a significant decline from the heavy snowfall in
March. Combined with a notable rise in temperature, this month ushers in a refreshing spring vibe.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Weather in
May in
Big Lake,
Alaska, exudes a congenial spring atmosphere. Given the stark contrast witnessed from
April’s conditions, it's as if the landscape has been painted anew: the snow completely dissipates, replaced by the mild spring showers of 0.59" (15mm) rainfall.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June greets
Big Lake,
Alaska, with budding summer weather. This month exhibits the longest daylight hours, boasting about 19.3 hours of light exposure. Showers continue to ease off, this time declining to 0.75" (19mm) rainfall. The approach of
July foreshadows a shift towards the peak summer vibe, with a slight rise in temperature and the highest rainfall of the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July takes over
Big Lake,
Alaska, with the clear dominance of summer. This month holds the record for the highest average temperatures in a year, recording a maximum of 64.8°F (18.2°C), and the maximum annual rainfall of 1.22" (31mm).
Weather in July » Weather in August
As the second half of the year progresses,
August in
Big Lake,
Alaska, witnesses a mild deceleration of summer. The rainfall goes up the scale a notch, standing at 1.46" (37mm), marginally higher than
July. In contrast to the incoming
September, this month showcases the waning phase of warm conditions, heading towards a cooler autumn.
Weather in August »Weather in September
In
September,
Big Lake,
Alaska, welcomes serene autumn conditions. The climate cools down while the rainfall has its peak, registering at 1.77" (45mm). A community adorns much-loved cozy sweaters and hot beverages become a regular diet.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Big Lake,
Alaska, carries forward the spirit of autumn along with a subtle introduction to winter. Notably, the temperatures drop more than the previous month and when compared to the upcoming
November, the climate remains relatively warm.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Big Lake,
Alaska, is the prelude to the anticipated cold winters. The climate consistently cools down and the first signs of snow start appearing with an average snowfall of 3.23" (82mm). Comparatively, the forthcoming
December will have lower temperatures and greater snowfall.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Entering the final month of the year,
December in
Big Lake,
Alaska, immerses itself fully into the winter conditions. Witness how winters are at their peak with an aggregate snowfall of 5.67" (144mm), the highest throughout the year.
Weather in December »