The climate of Girdwood
Positioned geographically in the Subarctic region, the weather of
Girdwood,
Alaska is classified under the Koppen climate system as Dfc. This classification signifies a severe winter, lack of a dry season and cool summer. Over the course of the year, Girdwood experiences substantial variations in the temperatures, humidity, and precipitation levels.
The highest average temperatures fluctuate between 18°F (-7.8°C) in
January and peak at 56.8°F (13.8°C) in
July, effectively outlining the cold nature of the place. During nighttime, the mercury dips as low as 7.5°F (-13.6°C) in January and records its highest low at 44.1°F (6.7°C) in July. The relative humidity ranges from 79% in
June to 92% in
March and
December, implying a generally moist environment throughout the year.
Monthly average rainfall varies from 1.14" (29mm) in January to 3.03" (77mm) in
October. On the other hand, snowfall is prominent from January to
April and
November to December, with the greatest average snowfall of 9.57" (243mm) seen in December. Observing daylight hours reveal a clear distinction in day length. The sun stays out for as little as 6.7 hours in December, escalating to a staggering 19.1 hours by June. Notably, the UV index maintains a low profile from 1 to 3 across all months.
The best time to visit Girdwood
June emerges as the most favorable time to plan a visit to
Girdwood. During this month, the weather is relatively warmer with the highest average temperature reaching up to 52.9°F (11.6°C) and the lowest, a comfortable 39.7°F (4.3°C). Moreover, visitors can enjoy the long daylight hours, extending nearly 19.1 hours on an average day in June. With precipitation ranging between 1.57" (40mm) of rain to zero inches of snow, the conditions are optimal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Girdwood
January exhibits the coldest and harshest weather conditions, making it the least ideal time for travelers to visit
Girdwood. During January, temperature extremes can vary from 18°F (-7.8°C) during the day to a chilling 7.5°F (-13.6°C) at night. Heavy snowfall is also typical in this period, with an average snowfall of 5.87" (149mm). It also records the second shortest daylight length of just 6.7 hours.
Spring weather in Girdwood
In
Girdwood, Spring brings a significant change in the weather scene.
March initiates the season with an upper limit temperature of 26.1°F (-3.3°C), which eventually reaches 43.5°F (6.4°C) by
May. The lower limit also leaps from 10.8°F (-11.8°C) to 32°F (0°C) during the same period. Rainfall averages around 1.22" (31mm) to 1.42" (36mm), and average snowfall decreases drastically from 7.6" (193mm) in March to merely 0.47" (12mm) in May. Daylight hours also multiply with 11.9 hours in March, coming up to 17.5 hours by May.
Summer weather in Girdwood
Girdwood's summer, from
June to
August, is marked by a pleasant increase in temperature. The maximum average temperature escalates from 52.9°F (11.6°C) in June to reach its yearly peak at 56.8°F (13.8°C) in
July, while the minimum averages rise to 44.1°F (6.7°C) in July from 39.7°F (4.3°C) in June. Precipitation in the summer months is predominantly rainfall, measuring between 1.57" (40mm) in June to 2.68" (68mm) in August. Days are at their longest in June with 19.1 hours of daylight, which reduces to 15.7 hours by August.
Autumn weather in Girdwood
As autumn sets in
Girdwood from
September to
November, a notable drop in temperature is evident. Maximum averages descend from 45.5°F (7.5°C) in September to 23.2°F (-4.9°C) in November while the minimum averages decrease from 36.3°F (2.4°C) to 13.6°F (-10.2°C). Rainfall increases during this season and ranges from 2.32" (59mm) in September to 2.01" (51mm) in November. Additionally, daylight hours fall across these months, starting with 12.9 hours in September and decreasing to 7.3 hours in November.
Winter weather in Girdwood
The winter season in
Girdwood from
December to
February is characterized by its low temperatures and abundant snowfall. The maximum average temperature drops to a year low of 18°F (-7.8°C) in
January from 20.1°F (-6.6°C) in December, and the minimum average also plummets to 7.5°F (-13.6°C) in January from 10.2°F (-12.1°C) in December. Snowfall increases drastically during this period, fluctuating between 5.87" (149mm) in December to 8.43" (214mm) in February. Moreover, the average daylight duration declines to 5.7 hours in December, the shortest throughout the year.
Weather in January
Temperatures in
January in
Girdwood,
Alaska are typically very low, with average highs reaching 18°F (-7.8°C) and lows dipping to 7.5°F (-13.6°C). This month sees a high relative humidity of 90% along with the most significant snowfall of the year, receiving an average of 5.87" (149mm).
Weather in January »Weather in February
Deep winter continues in
Girdwood in
February. The month comes with slightly higher temperatures and an increase in daylight hours compared to
January. The typical precipitation pattern includes both rain and snow, with respective averages of 1.69" (43mm) and 8.43" (214mm).
Weather in February »Weather in March
Moving into
March, the weather in
Girdwood,
Alaska treads a delicate line between late winter and early spring. Compared to
February, a minor rise in both high and low temperatures sets the prelude to the seasonal transition. Whereas, compared to
April, this month is notably cooler, sees less daylight and keeps wintry conditions lingering, with average snowfall amounting to a significant 7.6" (193mm). Transitioning into March, Girdwood records an average high-temperature of a still subzero cold 26.1°F (-3.3°C), almost identical to February's 22.3°F (-5.4°C).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks a prominent shift in
Girdwood's weather patterns as daylight extends, and warmer temperatures become more frequent. The last snowfall before the onset of summer usually occurs this month with an average of 4.33" (110mm).
Weather in April » Weather in May
May offers a brisk and dynamic weather picture in
Girdwood,
Alaska. The temperatures increase considerably from
April, averaging between 33.4°F (0.8°C) and 43.5°F (6.4°C), hinting at the forthcoming summer. In contrast to the drier, sunny days of
June, May varies with a blend of rain and sunshine, with both rainfall and sunshine hours continuing to increase. In Girdwood, stepping into May brings a temperature increase, moving up from April's icy 33.4°F (0.8°C) to a chilly 43.5°F (6.4°C).
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Girdwood is filled with long days, the most prolonged daylight of the year with 19.1 hours on average and mild temperatures. The snowfall finally ceases, ushering in a season of so-called 'nightless' days in this Alaskan borough.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Despite the high average temperatures between 44.1°F (6.7°C) and 56.8°F (13.8°C),
July is best known in
Girdwood for its peak rainfall of 2.17" (55mm). With the increased rainfall, the relative humidity creeps up to 82%. In spite of the weather cooling down a bit with an increase in cloud cover in
August, July remains the hottest month of the year in Girdwood,
Alaska. In Girdwood, July records the highest average temperatures, peaking at 56.8°F (13.8°C) and reaching a low of 44.1°F (6.7°C).
Weather in July »Weather in August
August brings slightly cooler temperatures compared to
July. Nonetheless,
Girdwood's weather remains warm, with increased rain showers noted. A touch more cloud cover than July, combined with decreasing daylight hours, subtly heralds the approaching end of summer.
Weather in August » Weather in September
With fall on the horizon in
Girdwood,
September sees temperatures, daylight, and sunshine hours decrease from
August but remains rainier than
October. The arrival of fall is exhibited in increased cloudiness, dropping temperature, and shortened days which continue from now until the winter solstice in
December. During the shift to September, Girdwood records a mild decrease in average high-temperature, moving from a cool 53.4°F (11.9°C) in August to a chilly 45.5°F (7.5°C).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Cooler weather takes hold in
October as
Girdwood transitions into full-fledged autumn. The month compares closely to
November with similar temperature lows, daylight hours, and observable snowfall. The congruity in climatological conditions makes it challenging to discern October weather from that of November, one notable exception being the increased rainfall in November. Girdwood's weather in October involves a decrease in the average high-temperature, moving down from
September's frosty 45.5°F (7.5°C) to a wintry 35.1°F (1.7°C).
Weather in October »Weather in November
The pre-winter chill accentuates in
Girdwood as
November advances, comparable to the lowering temperatures of
December. Prominently, snow begins to fall again after a six-month hiatus, marking the transition into the Alaskan winter season.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December is the harbinger of winter in
Girdwood,
Alaska, with temperatures reaching their lowest points for the year. With a reduction in daylight hours to just 5.7 on average, and an increase in average snowfall up to 9.57" (243mm), it truly heralds the start of the winter season.
Weather in December »