Climate and monthly weather forecast
Cordova, AK

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A boat-laden busy bay of Cordova, Alaska, with the view of forests and snow-peaked mountains
A boat-laden busy bay of Cordova, Alaska, with the view of forests and snow-peaked mountains

The climate of Cordova

Nestled in the balmy heart of Alaska, USA, Cordova is structured under the Köppen climate classification as Dfc, demonstrating a predominant Subarctic climate with severe winters, no dry season, and cool summers. This geographical placard typifies the city's rugged resilience against imposing weather conditions volatile and diverse throughout the calendar year.

A closer inspection of the climate data reveals conspicuous disparities in the weather conditions. The highest temperatures, reserved for the summer months from June to August, peak at 58.6°F (14.8°C) while the chilliest months, engulfing December through February, observe low-lying temperatures stooping to 24.8°F (-4°C). Marking an upward trajectory, humidity relative levels manifest a ratcheting pattern reaching zeniths in the rainy season covering the months of August, registering an imposing 84% humidity.

A striking feature characteristic to Cordova is the fluctuation in precipitation. Rainfall is most abundant in the autumn months with September being the wettest, notching up to an impressive 8.98" (228mm). On the other end of the spectrum, June witnesses the lowest rainfall at a meager 2.72" (69mm). The city, home to a snowbound landscape, encounters the heaviest snowfall, recorded as 17.76" (451mm) in December, while June, July, and August present a snowless scenery.

The best time to visit Cordova

Given Cordova's Subarctic climate, the ideal time to visit largely hinges on individual weather preferences. However, for those seeking milder temperatures and comparatively reduced rainfall, the period spanning from June to August emerges as a compelling choice. During this summer period, temperature peaks to a daily high of 58.6°F (14.8°C) in July, forming a comfortable and enjoyable climate for outdoor enthusiasts. Adding to the allure, daylight hours extend to approximately 19 hours in June, providing plenty of time to explore the natural beauty of this Alaskan gem.

The worst time to visit Cordova

The climate data makes a compelling case for avoiding visits to Cordova between November and February. These months are characterized by freezing temperatures, with the mercury plummeting to distressing lows of 24.8°F (-4°C). This time of year also sees an escalation in snowfall, with December witnessing a staggering 17.76" (451mm) of snow. The short daylight hours, particularly low in December at about 5.9 hours, further cast a gloomy shadow over these winter months, making them less appealing to travelers.

Spring weather in Cordova

The spring months from March to May in Cordova see a transition from severe winter conditions to a more temperate climate. During this period, the city experiences temperatures ranging from 30.2°F (-1°C) in March to a more inviting 48.6°F (9.2°C) in May. Simultaneously, there is a decrease in snowfall, going from 13.03" (331mm) in March to practically none by May. This period also ushers in longer daylight hours, blossoming to approximately 14.7 hours by the end of May, creating a more comfortable environment for visitors.

Summer weather in Cordova

The season of summer brings along warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours to Cordova. From June through August, the city experiences its highest temperatures, with daily highs hitting 58.6°F (14.8°C) in July. This season is notably drier, with rainfall settling to the year's lowest of 2.72" (69mm) in June. Summer also offers the longest daylight hours, allowing visitors to soak up the Alaskan scenery under approximately 19 hours of daylight in June.

Autumn weather in Cordova

Autumn in Cordova, spanning September to November, is characterized by steadily decreasing temperatures and escalating precipitation levels. As summer fades, temperatures tumble from a daily high of 52.5°F (11.4°C) in September to 34.5°F (1.4°C) by November. This season is partly identified by heavy rainfall, peaking at a substantial 9.09" (231mm) in October. It's during this period that the picturesque town starts witnessing the initial specks of snow, hinting at the oncoming winter.

Winter weather in Cordova

The winter months from December to February in Cordova tend to be particularly harsh. During this season, the city experiences its lowest temperatures, with the thermometer recording 24.8°F (-4°C) in December. The city also becomes a snowy wonderland, receiving the greatest abundance of snowfall, rising to a significant 17.76" (451mm) in December. The daylight hours in this season shrink, introducing a maximum of only 6.8 hours in December, further amplifying the cold, gloomy weather that engulfs the town.

Weather in January

From a meteorological perspective, January in Cordova, Alaska continues the grip of winter. Relative humidity rises to 80%, whereas wind speed slightly drops from December values. Following the trend of the winter season, January remains the coldest month, with the recorded monthly high and low temperatures being 30.2°F (-1°C) and 24.8°F (-4°C) respectively. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February in Cordova experiences a noticeable surge in temperature compared to January, albeit still retaining its winter character. Both the amount of daylight and temperature show a slight uptick. In a peculiar deviation, February is Cordova's snowiest month, with an average snowfall reaching the peak at 17.72" (450mm). Weather in February »

Weather in March

The weather in March holds a promise of the impending spring, with a slight rise in temperature from February. There's an observable uptick in the amount of daylight, signaling longer, brighter days ahead. For snow enthusiasts, March also beckons with a considerable snowfall of 13.03" (331mm). Weather in March »

Weather in April

April in Cordova bears witness to an evident increase in the average temperature, signifying the arrival of the spring season. Following the trend of previous months, it registers an increase in daylight hours, further enhancing the charm of spring. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May establishes itself as a transitional period in Cordova weather from Spring to Summer. The increase in temperature and daylight hours continues in May, bringing a warmth to the air that the previous months lacked. From a climatological standpoint, May sees a near-total cessation of snowfall, with almost nominal total snowfall of only 0.31" (8mm). Weather in May »

Weather in June

Warm conditions take hold in June, one of the warmest months in Cordova, Alaska. Notably, June initiates the period of maximum daylight hours, a facet characteristic of Alaskan summers. Interestingly, the plummet in snowfall continues, warranting precisely no occurrence of snowfall in June. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July persists with the trend set in June, being another notably warm month in Cordova. Coupled with the longer days, the weather is generally sunny, indicating summer in full swing. It flaunts the highest sea temperature of the year at 57.3°F (14.1°C) in Cordova. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August continues the trend of July, offering warm temperatures and an ample amount of daylight. It still experiences summer weather, though there is a slight dip in overall temperature. Plus, August sees the year’s highest level of relative humidity at 84%. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September begins with a gradual fall in temperature, indicating the onset of the autumn season in Cordova. Along with an observable decrease in daylight duration, it signifies that the days have started becoming shorter. Importantly, the highest average rainfall of 8.98" (228mm) is seen this month, marking it as the rainiest month of the year. Weather in September »

Weather in October

In October, Cordova welcomes the fall season in full swing, with temperatures steadily declining from September levels. An evident reduction in daylight hours further intensifies the onset of the fall. October remains the tail-end of the wet season with an only averaged rainfall of 9.09" (231mm), trailing slightly behind September. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November ushers in the cold weather in Cordova, with temperatures sliding down further. The trend of decreased daylight hours continues, indicating the approach of winter. Snowfall, a notable feature of Cordova’s November, makes a comeback with an average of 5.83" (148mm). Weather in November »

Weather in December

December in Cordova marks the height of winter with low temperatures and high snowfall. The decrease in the average temperature and sunlight duration continues, reaching their yearly minimums. Snowfall, a regular feature of December, surges to an average of 17.76" (451mm), second only to February. Weather in December »

Frequently asked questions

What part of the year is the coldest?

January, with an average high of 30.2°F (-1°C) and a low of 24.8°F (-4°C), signifies the coldest month of the year.

How much does it rain in Cordova?

Throughout the year, there are 191.3 rainfall days, and 72.4" (1839mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow?

Months with snowfall in Cordova are January through May, October through December.

How many days does it snow?

In Cordova, during the entire year, snow falls for 66.1 days and aggregates up to 74.57" (1894mm) of snow.

What month is the ocean coldest?

The month with the coldest seawater is March, with an average ocean temperature of 39.7°F (4.3°C).

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Cordova?

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 are the months with the most sunshine?

May through July, with an average of 7.6h of sunshine, are months with the most sunshine.

What is the driest month?

The month with the least rainfall is June, when the rain falls for 17.2 days and typically collects 2.72" (69mm) of precipitation.

When it does not snow?

In Cordova, snow does not fall in June through September.

When are the longest days?

The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 18h and 54min of daylight.

What time of the year is the hottest?

The temperatures reach their highest averages in July, with highs of 58.6°F (14.8°C) and lows of 49.5°F (9.7°C).

When is the ocean warmest?

July is the month with the warmest seawater, with an average ocean temperature of 57.4°F (14.1°C).

When is the highest UV index?

With an average maximum UV index of 4, July is the month with the highest UV index.

What is the most humid month?

The most humid month is August, with an average relative humidity of 84%.

What is the wettest month?

The month with the most rainfall is October, when the rain falls for 20.3 days and typically aggregates up to 9.09" (231mm) of precipitation.

What is the least humid month in Cordova?

With an average relative humidity of 75%, November is the least humid month.

When is the lowest UV index?

November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index.

When does it snow the most?

The month with the most snowfall is December, when snow falls for 12.9 days and typically aggregates up to 17.76" (451mm) of snow.

What is the month with the shortest days?

With an average of 5h and 54min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

With an average of 2.1h of sunshine, December has the least sunshine of the year.

Average temperature
Cordova, AK

Average temperature - Cordova, AK

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (58.6°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (30.2°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is August (50°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (24.8°F).

Average pressure
Cordova, AK

Average pressure - Cordova, AK

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is July (30"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is November (29.65"Hg).

Average wind speed
Cordova, AK

Average wind speed - Cordova, AK

The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are January and November (12.1mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is June (5.2mph).

Average humidity
Cordova, AK

Average humidity - Cordova, AK

The month with the highest relative humidity is August (84%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is November (75%).

Average rainfall
Cordova, AK

Average rainfall - Cordova, AK

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is October (9.09").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is June (2.72").

Average rainfall days
Cordova, AK

Average rainfall days - Cordova, AK

The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (21 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (9.6 days).

Average snowfall
Cordova, AK

Average snowfall - Cordova, AK

The month with the highest snowfall is December (17.76").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
Cordova, AK

Average snowfall days - Cordova, AK

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is December (12.9 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average sea temperature
Cordova, AK

Average sea temperature - Cordova, AK

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is July (57.3°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is March (39.6°F).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Cordova, AK

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Cordova, AK

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 18h and 54min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 5h and 54min).

The months with the most sunshine are May, June and July (Average sunshine: 7h and 36min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 2h and 6min).

Average sunshine days
Cordova, AK

Average sunshine days - Cordova, AK

The month with the most sunshine days is July (12.1 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is September (8 days).

Average visibility
Cordova, AK

Average visibility - Cordova, AK

The months with the highest visibility are February, March, April, May, June, July, September, October and November (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, August and December (5mi).

Cordova, Alaska, USA

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