The climate of Fort Yukon
Fort Yukon, situated in the heartland of
Alaska, USA, experiences a predominantly Subarctic climate, as classified by the Köppen climate system - marked as Dfc. This classification is mostly defined by severe winters, cool summers and the absence of a dry season. With this in mind, daily weather variations and unique patterns contribute to the overall climate of this region throughout the year.
A glance at the climatological parameters reveals an array of weather conditions owing to the location’s diverse features. Typically, weather oscillates from severely cold temperatures at the start and end of the year and gradually warms up, reaching its peak in summer months. Climatic data indicate high temperatures ranging between a chilling -6.3°F (-21.3°C) in
January and a comfortable 74.3°F (23.5°C) during
July. The low temperatures also vary considerably from a frigid -18°F (-27.8°C) in January gaining warmth to top at 54.7°F (12.6°C) in July.
Fort Yukon experiences recognizable shifts in humidity and rainfall over the year maintaining a consistent rainfall regime with monthly averages from 0.28" (7mm) in
February to 1.18" (30mm) in
August. Contributing to such metric, the area has standout months with increased rainfall days escalating to 11.7 days in August. However, the snowfall, behaving differently from rainfall, has peak months from
December to February while being completely absent in the summer months.
Fort Yukon experiences remarkable hours of daylight which peak during the summer months, specially in
June, reaching up to 23.8 hours a day. It is noteworthy how this aspect affects the sunshine hours, which reach a yearly high of 10.9 hours during the month of
May. Despite having considerable daylight in summer, June has the least hours of sunshine, amounting to a mere 1 hour a day.
The best time to visit Fort Yukon
Contemplating
Fort Yukon's climate, the most agreeable time to explore this Alaskan utopia would be during the summer months. From
June to
August, average maximum temperatures are fairly warm - from 65.8°F (18.8°C) to 74.3°F (23.5°C). During these months, the sunshine duration increases to more pleasant lengths, reaching up to 10 hours per day in August. With enjoyable temperatures, longer sunny days and relative humidity between 44 to 63%, these months provide the inviting climate suited best for sightseeing or outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Fort Yukon
For a comfortable visit to
Fort Yukon, it is advisable to avoid the season of intense cold - winter. The harsh season starts from
December and lasts till
February. The weather during these months remains severely cold with temperatures plunging down to −18°F (-7.8°C) in
January. Snowfall is high during these months, with averages ranging from 2.4" (61mm) to 3.58" (91mm), while daylight hours are grievously reduced to as minimum as 2.6 hours in December.
Spring weather in Fort Yukon
Spring in
Fort Yukon is observed from
March to
May. During this season, temperatures start to climb from as low as -4.7°F (-20.4°C) in March to a moderate 57.4°F (14.1°C) by the end of May. With the increase in temperature, the daylight hours also see an ascend, swinging from 11.8 hours in March to an appreciable 19.8 hours in May.
Summer weather in Fort Yukon
Summer in
Fort Yukon is a period of pleasantly warm temperatures, extended daylight hours and a prolonged shooting of sunlight. Commencing from
June and lasting till
August, this season experiences a stable maximum temperature ranging from 65.8°F (18.8°C) to 74.3°F (23.5°C). During this span, the town enjoys daylight of over 21 hours making daytime adventures more attractive.
Autumn weather in Fort Yukon
Autumn or fall season starts off in
September with comfortable weather conditions but gradually cools down by
November. Daytime temperatures fall from 50.9°F (10.5°C) in September to the chilly 4.8°F (-15.1°C) by November end. Rainfall increases throughout autumn reaching its yearly high of 1.18" (30mm) in
August, while daylight hours reduce sharply from 13.1 hours in September to 5.6 hours in November.
Winter weather in Fort Yukon
Winter season in
Fort Yukon stretches from
December to
February. This period is characterized by extreme cold, substantial snowfall and considerably short duration of daylight. The temperature plummets drastically with both high and low averages falling below freezing. With the biting cold and short daylight time, this season presents a more challenging time for visitors.
Weather in January
A new year in
Fort Yukon,
Alaska, begins with the embrace of frosty weather. Cold mornings quickly turn into brisk afternoons with temperatures descending from -6.3°F (-21.3°C) to a chilling trough of -18°F (-27.8°C). Snowfall graces the landscape in abundance, turning the city into a white paradise.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Following
January's severe frost,
February offers only a minor reprieve in frigid weather. The city continues to contend with abundant snowfall and high humidity levels, lending the city a persistent wintry guise. The relentless essence of winter, combined with poor visibility due to snow-covered landscapes, restraints out-of-door activities.
Weather in February »Weather in March
By
March, the blanket of snow is ever-present. But with mean temperatures inching upwards from -12.6°F (-24.8°C) to -4.7°F (-20.4°C), and daylight hours starting to extend, the arrival of spring makes its subtle signs. Even though the mercury doesn’t rise significantly, the increasing UV Index hints at the impending seasonal change.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The breath of spring is now strongly felt in
Fort Yukon by
April. With temperatures taking a bold leap from -4.7°F (-20.4°C) to 16.2°F (-8.8°C), the snowfall starts a gradual recession. The city begins to come out from its icy shell, with longer days paving way for more daylight activities.
Weather in April »Weather in May
The transformation in
May is evident; from biting cold to milder climes, the shift in seasons is palpable. As temperatures make their way up from 16.2°F (-8.8°C) to a gentle 39.2°F (4°C), ice gives way to waking flora. Humidity significantly drops to its lowest level for the year, being less than half of what it was in winter.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June brings a complete climate reversal from the preceding winter months. The city basks in temperatures soaring as high as 71.6°F (22°C), a mark of the year's warmest weather. Along with the heat, daylight hours extend to a noteworthy peak, offering the longest day length of the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July sustains the warm trend of
June, but peaks with slightly higher temperatures of around 74.3°F (23.5°C), creating a pleasant summertime atmosphere. The city seizes full advantage of the lengthy days and plentiful sunshine, making it an ideal time for holidaying and outdoor activities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August serves as the final act of summer in
Fort Yukon, with temperatures beginning to untwist from 74.3°F (23.5°C) to 65.8°F (18.8°C). There is a notable reduction in daylight hours and an increase in cloud coverage, which results in shorter periods of sunshine.
Weather in August » Weather in September
With arrival of
September, autumn makes its grand entrance, morphing the landscape into hues of gold and amber. The drop in temperature to 50.9°F (10.5°C) is accompanied by diminishing daylight hours. Cool winds, often with rapid gusts, usher in the initial stages of the transforming season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October seals the transition from itinerant fall to winter’s oncoming grasp. With temperatures dropping to 29.3°F (-1.5°C), and snowfall making a more frequent appearance, the onset of winter is undeniable. Shorter days mean reduced sunshine hours and increased reliance on artificial illumination.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November foretells winter's advent with temperatures dipping further from 29.3°F (-1.5°C) to a tightening 4.8°F (-15.1°C). The increasingly crisp and frosty ambience pushes wildlife into hibernation and slows down urban activities.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings the year to a close with a complete return of the winter season. Icy temperatures, ranging from 4.8°F (-15.1°C) to a numbing -2.9°F (-19.4°C), immerse the city fully into a snowy tableau. The month serves a short, sweet daylight window while owning the year's longest stretches of night.
Weather in December »