The climate of Eagle River
Nestled in the northern reaches of
Alaska, USA,
Eagle River experiences a dominant Dfc Köppen climate classification, indicative of a subarctic climate with severe winters, no dry season, and cool summers. The geographical position of Eagle River gives rise to weather fluctuations fuelled by its inherent subarctic climate. Perched amidst stunning Alaskan vistas, the climate here is akin to experiencing a perpetual winter wonderland.
Annual temperature extremes fluctuate from 9.7°F (-12.4°C) in winter to a mild 63.1°F (17.3°C) in the height of summer, displaying the stark contrast between seasons. Dry winter air showcases an average relative humidity of 86% in
January, dipping to 65% in
May before its slow incline to 86% again in
December. Precipitation varies across the year, with the least rainfall in May, followed by the showers intensifying from
June, reaching a pinnacle by
September.
A characteristic feature of Eagle River's weather is the snowfall, accumulating around 5.98" (152mm) in December and tapering to a nonexistent level by June. Days of sunshine reflect the seasonal changes, extending from 3.9 hours in December, climbing to a long 19.3 hours in June, displaying the lengthened days in the Alaskan summer. Wind speeds follow a relatively stable pattern throughout the year, oscillating between 4.1mph (6.6km/h) and 4.6mph (7.4km/h).
The best time to visit Eagle River
The magnificent landscapes of
Eagle River along with its vibrant community life can be best experienced during the summer months, from
May to
July. The temperatures during this period ascend from a pleasant 52.3°F (11.3°C) in May to a peak of 63.1°F (17.3°C) in July, offering a cool, refreshing environment that welcomes exploration and outdoor activities. Plentiful daylight hours reach the zenith in
June, providing ample sunshine for sightseeing and adventure. Nevertheless, while the rainfall does increase during these months, it does not tend to impede visitor enjoyment of the area.
The worst time to visit Eagle River
While the allure of a winter wonderland may tempt some, the severe cold and heavy snowfall from
November to
March can pose significant challenges for visitors. The mercury plummets to an average low of 12.6°F (-10.8°C) in
December to the harshest low of 9.7°F (-12.4°C) in
January. Snowfall inches up to an imposing 5.98" (152mm) in December with the number of snowfall days reaching approximately 10.9 days. With daylight hours at their lowest and short-lived, touring
Eagle River becomes difficult during this period.
Spring weather in Eagle River
Spring in
Eagle River, encompassing the months of
March to
May, is marked by a gradual rise in temperature from 28.8°F (-1.8°C) to 52.3°F (11.3°C). Aspects of the subarctic climate linger in early spring, with residual snowfall in March giving way to completely snow-less May. It is during this period that the daylight hours start to lengthen noticeably, reaching up to 17.6 hours by May. Humidity also begins to drop, paving the way for drier conditions as spring proceeds.
Summer weather in Eagle River
Summer in
Eagle River is moderately paced. With temperatures ranging from 59.5°F (15.3°C) in
June to 60.3°F (15.7°C) in
August, it's a break from the otherwise freezing weather. Summertime witnesses blossoming of relative humidity, a surge in rainfall, and a discontinuation of snowfall, drawing a clear line from its frigid counterparts. With an abundance of daylight reaching up to 19.3 hours in June, summers ensure the longest days of the year.
Autumn weather in Eagle River
Autumn commences with a gradual drop in temperature, from 52.5°F (11.4°C) in
September to a cooler 25.7°F (-3.5°C) by
November. Rainfall reaches its zenith in September and then begins to decrease, with November receiving almost half of September's quantity. Concurrently, snowfall starts marking its presence from
October. Daylight hours begin to ebb away, with 7.2 hours of sunlight by November. The onset of autumn signifies the transition towards the upcoming harsh winter.
Winter weather in Eagle River
Winter in
Eagle River is unrelentingly severe with temperatures lying between 21.6°F (-5.8°C) in
December to 19°F (-7.2°C) in
February. Snowfall is common, with a spike of 5.98" (152mm) witnessed in December. Additional facets of a typical subarctic winter include intense humidity, lower pressure, and limited daylight hours, which get as short as 5.6 hours in December. Though the wintry panorama is a sight to behold, the unfavorable conditions pose challenges for navigation and outdoor activities.
Weather in January
January expects an average high temperature of 19°F (-7.2°C) and a low of around 9.7°F (-12.4°C). A peak in snowfall frequency is witnessed, measuring 3.07" (78mm) over nine snowy days. The cold and dry weather generally sees a fair amount of sunshine with daylight averaging 6.5 hours per day.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Shifting to the chilly
February, the temperatures slightly elevate but remain effectively below freezing. An intriguing increase in snowfall is observed, climaxing to 4.41" (112mm) spanning eleven separate days. The vegetation mostly turns white, giving
Eagle River a tranquil and serene appearance.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March encompasses the transition period from biting winters to slightly warmer temperatures in
Eagle River,
Alaska. A decrease in snowfall but an increase in rainfall characterizes this month with 0.71" (18mm) of rain distributed over 11.1 days.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Welcoming spring,
April records a notable rise in temperature with daytime being considerably warmer. Significantly the snowfall diminishes to 2.32" (59mm) over nearly six days. The receded snow reveals the blooming flora around
Eagle River enhancing the city's aesthetic charm.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May introduces milder temperatures, a stark contrast from the harsh
Alaska winters. An almost absolute cessation in snowfall is noted, with a minor 0.16" (4mm). The landscape of
Eagle River bartered snow-clad trees for vibrant green forests, signaling the arrival of summer.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June exemplifies the heat of the summer, with longer, warmer, sunny days. This month witnesses no snowfall and high relative humidity.
Eagle River,
Alaska, buzzes with life as the temperatures foster wildlife activity in its lush forests.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, the mid of summers, observes the year's highest temperatures. Remarkably, rainfall spikes to the yearly maximum of 1.46" (37mm) over 14.7 rain-heavy days. The environment around
Eagle River appears lush, giving an enticing allure to its hiking trails.
Weather in July » Weather in August
With brief rainfall and continuing high temperatures,
August persists with
July's weather pattern. A slight drop in maximum temperature and an increase in rainfall to 1.73" (44mm) make for the wettest month of the year.
Eagle River resounds with the sound of rain spattering against the leaves.
Weather in August »Weather in September
In
September,
Eagle River,
Alaska, witnesses the merging of summers and the beginning of fall. The snowfall makes a minor comeback, with only 0.08" (2mm). The weather transition not only carries a noticeable reduction in temperatures but also a reduction in daylight.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
With the arrival of
October, fall is in full swing in
Eagle River,
Alaska as temperatures continue to drop. It presents a minor rise in snowfall, signaling the nearing winter with 0.79" (20mm). The landscape is adorned with a combination of golden, orange, and red leaves, creating a mesmerizing effect.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November brings back the colder days, prompting a significant increase in snowfall with about 3.5" (89mm) spread across eight days. The flora changes from vibrant fall colors to a white snowy cover, marking a complete transformation in
Eagle River,
Alaska's landscape.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December, being the coldest month, sees temperatures typically hovering around freezing point. This month boasts about the highest snowfall of 5.98" (152mm) accumulating over nearly eleven days. The town of
Eagle River gets decorated with a thick blanket of snow, invigorating a festive spirits.
Weather in December »