The climate of Deadhorse
Located in the upper northern reaches of
Alaska, USA,
Deadhorse is predominantly a subarctic, subalpine climate, as per the Köppen climate classification (Dsc). Distinctly noted for its long, brutally cold winters and short, cool summers, which contribute to a climate landscape characterised by large swings in temperature, low evaporation rates, and high humidity.
Throughout the year, temperature ranges from a low of -16.6°F (-27°C) in the colder months of winter, to a high of 51.4°F (10.8°C) in the peak of summer. Polar in its nature, the temperature in Deadhorse rarely crosses the freezing point during the cold months. Relative humidity remains fairly high throughout the year, fluctuating between 76% in the warmer months and 93% during the cooler months.
Rainfall is relatively low with a monthly average from 0.16" (4mm) to 0.83" (21mm) but increases substantially from
June to
August. Snowfall graces the region extensively from
October to
April, with the highest snowfall of 1.81" (46mm) happening in
November. At its peak, Deadhorse experiences up to 17.5 snowfall days in a single month.
The wind speed varies from 9.8mph (15.8km/h) in the warm seasons to 11.9mph (19.2km/h) in the colder months. The visibility in the region remains relatively stable with averages of 4 miles during cold months and 6 miles during the warm seasons.
The best time to visit Deadhorse
The brief but beautiful summer,
July and
August, would be the most amiable time to visit
Deadhorse. During this period, temperatures reach a lively peak of 51.4°F (10.8°C) and the precipitation takes a back seat, averaging 0.55" (14mm) to 0.83" (21mm). The daylight hours also delight, with the sun gracing the region with an impressive 23.8 hours per day in July, a phenomenon commonly known as the 'Midnight Sun'.
The worst time to visit Deadhorse
The challenging weather conditions of
Deadhorse recommend avoiding the peak winter months of
December,
January and
February. Temperatures drop dramatically to lows of -16.6°F (-27°C), and there are frequent appearances of snow lasting on average 13.9 days in February with snowfall of 0.91" (23mm). The little available daylight, as low as 0 hours in December, and reduced sunshine averaging 0.4 hours in December do not favor outdoor activities thus significantly reducing the chances of an enjoyable visit.
Spring weather in Deadhorse
Spring in
Deadhorse, embraced in the months of
March,
April and
May, is characterized by slowly rising temperatures and increasing daylight hours. Although the temperature continues to linger below the freezing point in March and April, it takes a respite in May, reaching a high of 30°F (-1.1°C). Rainfall is moderate, averaging 0.16" (4mm) in March to 0.24" (6mm) in May, and snowfall begins to reduce from 0.71" (18mm) in March to 0.87" (22mm) in May.
Summer weather in Deadhorse
The short summer of
Deadhorse, spanning from
June to
August, brings mild temperatures and the much-awaited midnight sun. Temperature ranges from 43.9°F (6.6°C) in June to a pleasing 51.4°F (10.8°C) in
July. Rainfall escalates, peaking at 0.83" (21mm) in August. Snowfall becomes an unfamiliar scene during these months as daylight hours peak at 24 hours per day in June.
Autumn weather in Deadhorse
Autumn in
Deadhorse is noticed in
September and
October. As the transition from summer to winter takes place, temperatures begin a downward trajectory from 39.2°F (4°C) in September to a chilling 26.6°F (-3°C) in October. Rainfall averages at 0.31" (8mm) in September, rising to 0.35" (9mm) in October, while snowfall begins to make a reentry with 0.87" (22mm) in September, increasing to 1.69" (43mm) in October.
Winter weather in Deadhorse
Winter in
Deadhorse, encapsulated in the months of
November,
December and
January, is ruthlessly cold and sun-deprived. The temperature oscillates between -4.2°F (-20.1°C) to -7.1°F (-21.7°C) and snowfall dominates the region with 1.81" (46mm) in November and 1.02" (26mm) in December. Daylight hours dwindle, reaching a veritable nil in December, returning only toward the end of January.
Weather in January
January in
Deadhorse,
Alaska, bears the brunt of the winter season with harsh, frigid weather. Conditions include frosty temperatures that dip to minus 16.6°F (-8.6°C) and rarely exceed minus 7.1°F (-13.8°C). Blankets of snow dominate the floors and rooftops, providing a picturesque white landscape.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Moving into
February,
Deadhorse experiences incrementally less severe cold in comparison to
January, though it still maintains a robust winter atmosphere. The coldest nights ease slightly in this month, and temperatures range from minus 13.4°F (-10.3°C) to minus 3.1°F (-16.1°C).
Weather in February »Weather in March
The transition from winter to spring in
March often witnesses a noticeable shift in weather patterns. Weather remains chilly, with temperatures shifting between minus 13°F (-10.6°C) and minus 1.1°F (-17.2°C). March also experiences a heightened number of precipitation days, contributing to typically muddy conditions.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April, the weather begins to soften, affirming the arrival of spring. Temperature swings from a minimum of 0.7°F (-17.4°C) to a maximum of 13.5°F (-10.3°C) provide respite from the freezing winter conditions. As the ice thaws, the city witnesses an increase in rainfall, superseding the prevalent snowfall of the prior months.
Weather in April »Weather in May
The weather in
May in
Deadhorse,
Alaska, transitions consistently into warmer conditions. It is during May that the mercury rises and fluctuates between 21.6°F (-5.8°C) and 30°F (-1.1°C). Suns out for longer durations, and more clear skies add a spark to the city's charm.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the arrival of summer in
Deadhorse, with temperatures peaking for the year at a high of 43.9°F (6.6°C). A significant shift in weather is noticeable, featuring fewer extreme conditions. Fair and balmy weather accompanies extended daylight hours, providing ample opportunity for outdoor pursuits.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, the peak of the summer season, sustains the warming trend noted in
June. Highest temperatures soar to 51.4°F (10.8°C), making it the warmest month of the year. Delightful weather conditions make this a highly attractive time for outdoor activities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The weather in
August gives hints of the inevitable march towards autumn. Temperatures begin to retreat, ranging from 38.5°F (3.6°C) to 46.9°F (8.3°C). Rainfall records a significant increase, resulting in historically the wettest month of the year.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Deadhorse,
Alaska, often witnesses a rapid transition towards cooler temperatures. The mercury ranges from 33.1°F (0.6°C) to a bearable 39.2°F (4°C), heralding the impending arrival of fall. Less rainfall and more snowfall indicate the return of the colder months.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October represents the shift to cooler temperatures as the fall season becomes more pronounced. Maximum temperatures plummet to 26.6°F (-3°C), while lows touch 21.4°F (-5.9°C). Instances of snowfall rise significantly, contrasted by decreased rainfall, reminding locals of the imminent winter.
Weather in October » Weather in November
By
November,
Deadhorse relapses into full winter mode, with distinct drops in temperature, ranging from a low of 0.3°F (-17.6°C) to a high of 7.9°F (-13.4°C). Snowfall becomes a regular feature, covering the city's landscape.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December, the final chapter, remains within the grip of stern winter conditions.
Deadhorse experiences a frigid climate with temperatures dawdling between minus 13.4°F (-10.3°C) and minus 4.2°F (-15.4°C). Snowfall covers the cityscape completely, creating a white Christmas stereotype.
Weather in December »