The climate of Dillingham
Dillingham,
Alaska exemplifies the Subarctic, severe winter, no dry season, cool summer climate, known scientifically as 'Dfc' in the Köppen climate classification. This coastal town lies within one of the chilliest regions in the United States. Weather phenomena across the year demonstrate a broad range of temperatures, from a high average of 62.4°F (16.9°C) in
July to a low average of 9.7°F (-12.4°C) in
January. In terms of relative humidity, levels remain quite consistent, ranking between 68% in
May and 88% in January and
February.
Rainfall in Dillingham exhibits a variation that is not significant. Precipitation levels rise from 1.42in in
June to reach a peak of 2.83in in
October. Additionally, Dillingham experiences a varying number of rainy days per month with a maximum average of 18.1 days in
August and a minimum average of 5.3 days in February. Snowfall is a striking feature of this subarctic climate, largely occurring in the winter months. Peak snowfall is observed in February and
December with 7.4in and 6.1in respectively.
The best time to visit Dillingham
A visit to
Dillingham is most pleasant in the months of
June and
July when the temperatures are at their highest, ascending to an average of 61.2°F (16.2°C) and 62.4°F (16.9°C) respectively. Relative humidity is also at its lowest point around this period, making the summer air quite comfortable. Despite a marginal increase in rainfall during these months, the amount of sunshine Dillingham experiences is significantly higher, with 8.7 hours in June and 7.2 hours in July. Visitors can expect to witness some of the longest daylight hours during these months, providing more time to explore this Alaskan gem.
The worst time to visit Dillingham
Traveling to
Dillingham is most challenging in the winter months, particularly from
December to
February, when frigidity reigns supreme. Temperatures fall to their lowest averages, dropping to 21.6°F (-5.8°C) in December and plummeting even further to 17.4°F (-8.1°C) in
January. Snowfall is quite substantial for most of these months, exceeding 6" (152mm) in both December and February. Visiting in winter means fewer daylight hours; darkness prevails as daylight lasts barely more than 6 to 7 hours.
Spring weather in Dillingham
Spring ushers in a gradual transition from the freezing cold to slightly warmer conditions. The temperatures hover between a high average of 25.2°F (-3.8°C) in
March and 52.3°F (11.3°C) in
May. In conjunction with the rising temperatures, the snowfall substantially decreases from 6.02in in March to a mere 0.31in in May. Daylight hours also increase considerably during this period, offering more time for outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Dillingham
Summer is comfortably mild in
Dillingham, with temperatures reaching their highest, averaging from 52.3°F (11.3°C) in
June to a peak of 62.4°F (16.9°C) in
July before falling to 61.2°F (16.2°C) in
August. The summer months are also the most humid time of the year in Dillingham, with relative humidity spiking to 78% in July from 69% in June. Despite the increase in rainfall in August, the summer months are marked by the longest periods of daylight, extending up to 18.4 hours in June.
Autumn weather in Dillingham
Autumn witnesses a considerable dip in temperatures, dropping from a high average of 54.1°F (12.3°C) in
September to 27.7°F (-2.4°C) in
November. As November encroaches, the city sees an increase in snowfall with 4.7in recorded as the season transitions into winter. Rainfall also sees a significant increase during this period, with
October typically noting the highest average rainfall of the year at 2.83in. Despite the encroaching chill, autumn days in
Dillingham still offer around 10 to 13 hours of daylight.
Winter weather in Dillingham
Winter in
Dillingham is characterized by harsh, freezing conditions. The temperatures persistently fall below the freezing point throughout the season, with the lowest average temperature hitting 9.7°F (-12.4°C) in
January. Snowfall is rampant during these months, surpassing 6" (152mm) in
December and
February. Daylight hours are significantly reduced, leaving Dillingham with short, dark days. Despite these challenging conditions, the winter landscapes offer a unique, pristine beauty that only the bravest explorers tend to witness.
Weather in January
January in
Dillingham,
Alaska, brings a blend of chilly temperatures and substantial snowfall. This month observes the least amount of warm daylight hours at 7.1 hours and highest snowfall at 6.22" (158mm). As the New Year rings in, one perceives a significant drop in temperature compared to
December.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February in
Dillingham signifies a slight improvement in weather conditions when contrasted with
January. Temperatures climb a trifle higher and daylight lengthens to a reasonable 9.3 hours. The snowfall persists at a substantial rate of 7.4" (188mm), adding a fresh coat to last month's accumulations.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March marks the transition between winter and spring in
Dillingham. There is a moderate increase in temperature and a notable elevation in daylight time to 11.9 hours. Blessed with 5.5 days of average rainfall, March witnesses the onset of the melting phase of snow, thereby reducing snow-cover.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April,
Dillingham fully embraces the freshness of spring.
May it be the rising daylight of 14.6 hours or the diminishing snowfall, the city witnesses a palpable shift in weather pattern. Spotting wildlife becomes more common in April as animals awaken from their winter slumbers.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May discerns a significant leap in temperature, a clear indication of warming weather in
Dillingham. A high temperature of 52.3°F (11.3°C) and extended daylight hours of 17 uncloud the Alaskan sky and spotlight the spectacular landscapes of Dillingham.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June, in many areas in the world, marks the onset of summer and this applies to
Dillingham as well. With long daylight of 18.4 hours, these conditions are perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the rugged terrains of
Alaska.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the peak summer month in
Dillingham, with a top temperature of 62.4°F (16.9°C). This month, Dillingham residents experience the longest daylight time of the year for about 17.6 hours. Sunlight glaring off the foilage and hitting the lakes provides a mesmerizing view.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August signals the approaching conclusion of summer in
Dillingham with temperatures starting to decline from
July’s peak. Daylight reduces to 15.4 hours signifying the beginning of the transition into fall. The city still relishes in temperatures as high as 61.2°F (16.2°C) as the warmth lingers for some time.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September ushers in the autumn season in
Dillingham. Weather changes become evident with the shortening daylight hours, now at 12.8 hours, and the drop in temperature highs to 54.1°F (12.3°C). Dillingham's fauna starts to morph into shades of yellow and orange, extending a wonderful spectacle to residents and visitors alike.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The town of
Dillingham fully immerses into the fall spirit in
October. Temperature highs dip to 42.3°F (5.7°C), reminding residents of the imminent arrival of winter. Despite the reduced daylight hours of 10.2, the unobstructed views of autumnal landscapes under sunny skies remain appealing.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Dillingham sets the stage for the forthcoming winter, featuring cooler temperature averages. Evidence of the approaching season becomes more prominent when small flurries begin to appear, especially with measurable snowfall of 4.72" (120mm).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December marks the onset of full-fledged winter in
Dillingham. As the city forms a snowy wonderland featuring 6.1" (155mm) of snow, daylight shrinks to the shortest 6.3 hours. The temperatures further drop to their year-end low, creating a chilling atmosphere that provides a fitting end to the year.
Weather in December »