Climate and monthly weather forecast
Girdwood, AK

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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 »

Frequently asked questions

What time of the year is the coldest?

In Girdwood, January registers the lowest temperatures, averaging 18°F (-7.8°C) at the peak and 7.5°F (-13.6°C) at the lowest.

What is the driest month?

The month with the least rainfall is January, when the rain falls for 7.1 days and typically collects 1.14" (29mm) of precipitation.

How many days does it rain?

In Girdwood, during the entire year, the rain falls for 158.6 days and collects up to 23.62" (600mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow?

January through May, September through December are months with snowfall.

How much does it snow?

Throughout the year, there are 92.4 snowfall days, and 43.31" (1100mm) of snow is accumulated.

What are the months with the lowest UV index in Girdwood?

January through March, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index.

What are the most humid months?

March and December, with an average relative humidity of 92%, are most humid months.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from AKST to AKDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from AKDT to AKST.

What month has the most sunshine?

May has the most sunshine of the year, with an average of 8.5h of sunshine.

What is the least humid month?

The least humid month is June, with an average relative humidity of 79%.

When it does not snow?

In Girdwood, Alaska, snow does not fall in June through August.

When are the longest days?

The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 19h and 6min of daylight.

When is the highest UV index?

The months with the highest UV index are June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 3.

What part of the year is the hottest?

July, having an average high-temperature of 56.8°F (13.8°C) and an average low-temperature of 44.1°F (6.7°C), is the warmest month.

What is the rainiest month?

October is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 16.6 days and accumulates 3.03" (77mm) of precipitation.

What is the snowiest month?

The month with the most snowfall is December, when snow falls for 17.6 days and typically aggregates up to 9.57" (243mm) of snow.

What is the month with the shortest days?

With an average of 5h and 42min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in Girdwood.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

The month with the least sunshine is December, with an average of 2.1h of sunshine.

Average temperature
Girdwood, AK

Average temperature - Girdwood, AK

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (56.8°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (18°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (44.1°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (7.5°F).

Average pressure
Girdwood, AK

Average pressure - Girdwood, AK

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is July (29.97"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is November (29.66"Hg).

Average wind speed
Girdwood, AK

Average wind speed - Girdwood, AK

The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are November and December (5.9mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (4.7mph).

Average humidity
Girdwood, AK

Average humidity - Girdwood, AK

The months with the highest relative humidity are March and December (92%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is June (79%).

Average rainfall
Girdwood, AK

Average rainfall - Girdwood, AK

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is October (3.03").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (1.14").

Average rainfall days
Girdwood, AK

Average rainfall days - Girdwood, AK

The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (21.8 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (6 days).

Average snowfall
Girdwood, AK

Average snowfall - Girdwood, AK

The month with the highest snowfall is December (9.57").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July and August (0").

Average snowfall days
Girdwood, AK

Average snowfall days - Girdwood, AK

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is December (17.6 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July and August (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Girdwood, AK

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Girdwood, AK

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 19h and 6min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 5h and 42min).

The month with the most sunshine is May (Average sunshine: 8h and 30min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 2h and 6min).

Average sunshine days
Girdwood, AK

Average sunshine days - Girdwood, AK

The month with the most sunshine days is January (14.2 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is August (8 days).

Average UV index
Girdwood, AK

Average UV index - Girdwood, AK

The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 3).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, October, November and December (UV index 1).

Average visibility
Girdwood, AK

Average visibility - Girdwood, AK

The month with the highest visibility is June (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, October, November and December (4mi).

Girdwood, Alaska, USA

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