The climate of Gustavus
Characterized by freezing winter temperatures and cool summers,
Gustavus,
Alaska, falls into the Subarctic clime according to the Köppen climate classification. This small city nestled in the northernmost region of the USA experiences an extensive winter period and no dry season. The Dfc predominate weather pattern brings along a broad spectrum of weather conditions throughout the year. Gustavus boasts monthly average temperatures fluctuating between a low of 25.9°F (-3.4°C) in
February to a high of 57.2°F (14°C) in
July, illustrative of the city’s subarctic climate.
Precipitation in Gustavus takes two main forms: rainfall and snowfall. From
January to
December, both rainfall and snowfall record varied measurements. Rainfall ranges from a somewhat dry 1.61" (41mm) in
May and pours heavily at 4.21" (107mm) in both
October and
November. Similarly, snowfall figures take a sharp turn from zero inches from May to
September with a steep climb to a peak of 11.22" (285mm) by January.
Evidently, variations in Gustavus's atmospheric conditions bring about changes in its relative humidity, visibility, cloud cover, atmospheric pressure, and wind. Cloud cover varies throughout the year with moderate scores of 56% in May to a more cloudy 71% in November. The relative humidity remains reasonably consistent during the year, with a modest range from 85 to 90%. The pressure also stays relatively stable, varying from 29.77" (756mm) in November to 30.03" (763mm) in July.
The best time to visit Gustavus
Balancing between favorable weather conditions and outdoor activity possibilities, the period from
June to
August could be considered the optimal time to visit
Gustavus. During this time, the temperatures hover between 45.1°F (7.3°C) and 57.2°F (14°C) - conditions that promote exploring the breathtaking landscapes
Alaska is famous for. Also, the rainfall remains below 3" (76mm), making outdoor adventure and exploration more feasible.
The worst time to visit Gustavus
The early part of the year, from
January towards the end of
March, may arguably be the least favorable time to visit
Gustavus. During these months, the city is under the grip of severe winters with the average low temperature plunging to 25.9°F (-3.4°C) in
February and an average high reaching only 32.5°F (0.3°C) in March.
Spring weather in Gustavus
Weather conditions in
Gustavus during spring, from
March through
May, present a gradual increase in temperatures. The average high ascends from 32.5°F (0.3°C) in March to 48°F (8.9°C) in May, while the average low soars from 26.2°F (-3.2°C) to 39.9°F (4.4°C) in the same period. Besides, spring records one of the lowest monthly rainfalls, standing at 1.61" (41mm) in May leading to more clear days.
Summer weather in Gustavus
The summer months in
Gustavus, from
June to
August, welcome relatively warmer conditions with a noticeable dip in rainfall. Average high temperatures peak in
July at 57.2°F (14°C), while the lowest average temperatures are in June, around 45.1°F (7.3°C). Summertime also offers extended daylight hours, reaching up to 18.2 hours in June - ideal for outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Gustavus
Autumn in
Gustavus, from
September to
November, records a consistent decrease in temperatures with a parallel increase in precipitation. The temperatures taper down from 51.1°F (10.6°C) to 35.1°F (1.7°C) as autumn progresses while rainfall amplifies to its annual peak at 4.21" (107mm) in
October and November.
Winter weather in Gustavus
The winter season in
Gustavus, arriving in
December and lasting till
February, is characterized by cold, frosty conditions with the local climate living up to its subarctic classification. Temperatures average between 26.2°F (-3.2°C) and 31.1°F (-0.5°C), alongside an increase in snowfall, reaching upto 11.22" (285mm) in
January. These conditions lend a chilly weather atmosphere indicative of a northern Alaskan winter.
Weather in January
In
January,
Gustavus,
Alaska experiences chilly weather with frequent snowfall, making it a winter wonderland. There's a decline in temperature this month, marking it as one of the coldest times of the year. The combination of snowfall approximately 11.22" (285mm), along with more than 10 days of snow, renders January as the busiest month in terms of snowfall.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As
Gustavus moves into
February, the weather conditions continue in a similar pattern to
January. The snowfall decreases to 9.69" (246mm), with the number of snowfall days going down slightly. Despite the cold temperatures, the increasing daylight hours are stencilled as the month’s first signs of spring.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Shifting from
February to
March,
Gustavus still keeps its winter charm. The snowfall inches are further reduced to 10.24" (260mm), moving towards an eventual spring season. Despite the remnants of the winter chill, sunlight begins its steady climb promising longer, warmer days.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Coming to
April,
Gustavus brings a significant change in the weather. The month of April is noteworthy with the absence of snowfall, making it the first snow-free month of the year. The temperature starts escalating, denoting the approach of the warmer season.
Weather in April »Weather in May
As
May embarks upon
Gustavus, it’s a complete turnaround from the winter season. The temperature scale keeps soaring with May standing in as one of the warmer months. The sky remains relatively clear, which gives way to greater daylight hours.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Gustavus is one of the warmest months of the year, calling out for summer. The proximity to the summer solstice gifts Gustavus with the highest daylight hours of the year. There’s an increase in humidity that results in frequent rainfall, adding to the city’s enchanting beauty.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
By
July,
Gustavus is in full summer swing with temperatures reaching their peak. July witnesses the highest temperatures of the year along with the maximum UV index at 4 units. Humidity increases slightly from the previous month contributing to the overall summery feel.
Weather in July »Weather in August
Heading towards the end of summer,
August in
Gustavus remains relatively warm. The lengthy daylight hours from
July suffer a slight reduction, hinting at the upcoming autumn. August does see a rise in rainfall, which is highest at 3.39" (86mm) for the entire year.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September kicks off a transitional phase in the weather of
Gustavus. This month marks the beginning of fall, showcasing a steady fall in temperatures. Rainfall remains in abundance, keeping the city’s lush greenery intact. The daylight hours gradually decrease as the city steps towards the end of the third quarter.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Gustavus presents an array of weather changes, marking the progression into late fall. After several months of absence, snowfall makes a slight reappearance with around 1.02" (26mm). The temperature witnesses a significant plunge, preparing the city for the approaching winter.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As
Gustavus steps into
November, it greets the late autumn and early winter months. November sees a steep rise in snowfall with around 6.81" (173mm) with around 8 days of snow. The temperature drops further, silently ushering in the cold season.
Weather in November »Weather in December
In
December,
Gustavus wraps up the year with a return to its winter glory. The snowfall hits a high with 11.18" (284mm), occurring on almost 12 days. The city is once again transformed into a snow capped paradise, living up to
Alaska's reputation for snow.
Weather in December »