The climate of Homer
Located in
Alaska, USA,
Homer's climate is predominantly classified as Subarctic according to the Köppen climate classification. This means Homer experiences severe winters, no dry seasons, and cool summers. This type of climate grants a certain uniqueness to the city weather-wise throughout the year.
The yearly temperature in Homer ranges from a chilly 21.6°F (-5.8°C) to a relatively cool 57.7°F (14.3°C). It is colder in winter with the lowest lows in
December at 23.7°F (-4.6°C) while the warmest period is in
July with temperatures peaking at 57.7°F (14.3°C). The relative humidity level generally sits between 76% to 86%, indicating a certain level of moisture in the air all year round.
Rainfall patterns in Homer are consistent with the highest rainfall of 4.65" (118mm) occurring in December and the lowest of 1.54" (39mm) in
June. However, significant snowfall also contributes to Homer's water levels with peak snowfall hitting 11.54" (293mm) in December.
February also moderates snowfall as it records 10.12" (257mm), indicating that winter weather conditions are prevalent in Homer starting even from late autumn.
Interestingly, despite the consistent rainfall, the city achieves daylight hours ranging from 6.1 hours up to 18.6 hours. The shortest days are in December, while the longest days occur in June. In addition to daylight, the sunshine hours also vary considerably from a minimum of 2.6 hours in December to a maximum of 8.8 hours in June and July.
The best time to visit Homer
Taking into account weather parameters such as temperature, rainfall, and sunshine, the best time to visit
Homer would be during the summer months of
June,
July, and
August. During this period, temperatures are at their highest for the year, rising from 53.4°F (11.9°C) to 57.7°F (14.3°C), making it comfortable to explore outdoor attractions. Furthermore, rainfall is relatively lower during this period, especially in June with just 1.54" (39mm). In conjunction with lower rainfall, summer in Homer also boasts the highest daylight hours, reaching up to 18.6 hours; and the most sunshine hours per day, at 8.8 hours in June and July.
The worst time to visit Homer
Winter, particularly
December, can be rather challenging for visitation given the extreme weather conditions. The temperatures plummet to as low as 23.7°F (-4.6°C) and snowfall can accumulate up to a substantial 11.54" (293mm). Daylight is also scarce during this season, with only 6.1 hours of daylight in December, the shortest for the year. This significantly limits the amount of time for outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Homer
Spring in
Homer spans from
March to
May. March ushers in temperatures from 30.6°F (-0.8°C) to 23.2°F (-4.9°C), while May closes the season with warmer conditions with temperatures between 46.9°F (8.3°C) and 39.2°F (4°C). Rainfall is fairly moderate with an average values ranging from 2.09" (53mm) to 2.17" (55mm), while snowfall becomes negligible from
April.
Summer weather in Homer
Summer in
Homer is a mild affair with temperatures varying from 46.9°F (8.3°C) in
May to a peak of 57.7°F (14.3°C) in
July. By
August, temperatures start to decline slightly to 56.7°F (13.7°C). Expected rainfall decreases from 2.17" (55mm) in May to a year's low of 1.54" (39mm) in
June, followed by an increase to 2.56" (65mm) in July. Pelting rains are therefore quite rare, providing ample time for outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Homer
Homer's Autumn season, between
September and
November, is characterized by falling temperatures and increasing precipitation. September temperatures sit between 51.3°F (10.7°C) and 43.9°F (6.6°C), while by November temperatures drop further from 32°F (0°C) to 27.5°F (-2.5°C). Rainfall increases significantly from 3.86" (98mm) in September to a peak of 4.61" (117mm) in
October, before slightly decreasing to 3.5" (89mm) in November.
Winter weather in Homer
Winters in
Homer are typically severe with temperatures plunging to between 32°F (0°C) in
November and 21.6°F (-5.8°C) in
January. Substantial snowfall occurs during these months, particularly in
December when it reaches an annual high of 11.54" (293mm). Precipitation is also high with 4.65" (118mm) recorded in December. However, despite these challenging conditions, the pristine snow-covered landscape does have its charms.
Weather in January
The new year in
Homer,
Alaska, begins with cold temperatures, presenting a bolstering average of 27°F (-2.8°C) highs and lows around 21.6°F (-5.8°C). The city undergoes stable weather conditions from the previous month. Snowfall is significant, with snowfall reaching a notable peak of 7.6" (193mm) translating to snow days numbering around 13.
Weather in January »Weather in February
The second month in
Homer appeals to winter aficionados with similar cold temperatures to
January. However, the days in
February become slightly longer compared to the first month of the year. There is an increase in snowfall, with a substantial 10.12" (257mm) of snow recorded this month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As the Alaskan winter mood persists in
March, there is a marginal increase in temperature leading to a bit of a thaw. Slight dips in snowfall, rainfall, and cloud cover percentages compared to
February indicate a minor shift towards spring.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings forth a turning point in temperature trends with noticeable daily highs reaching 37.6°F (3.1°C). This month marks the transition from winter to spring as the snowfall drops drastically to 4.45" (113mm), paving the way for increasing rainfall.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The refreshing weather in
May is perfect to enjoy
Homer's seasides. The easing-off of the winter chill results in a noticeable temperature increase with highs averaging around 46.9°F (8.3°C). While there is a substantial reduction in snowfall from
April to a mere 0.16" (4mm) this month, the rainfall stays consistent.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Homer is representative of the Alaskan summer with the warming trend continuing to average highs of 53.4°F (11.9°C). This month carries the unique distinction of having no snowfall, marking its stature as a typical summer month.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
As the height of summer descends upon
Homer,
July sets itself apart with the warmest average high and low temperatures peaking at 57.7°F (14.3°C) and 48.7°F (9.3°C), respectively. With extended daylight hours and maximum UV index rating, this period signifies the height of brightness throughout the year.
Weather in July »Weather in August
Though retaining the warmth of the peak summer month,
August in
Homer presents a slight decrease in temperature and an increase in rainfall from the preceding month. Notably, an increase in rainfall up to 3.15" (80mm) can be observed in this month.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September witnesses a perceptible change in
Homer's weather that signals the onset of the fall season. The temperature continues to dip gradually from
August, paving the way for the cooler months. Intriguingly, this month sees the return of snowfall, albeit at a minimal 0.39" (10mm), which indicates the reappearance of winter-like climatic traits.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
A better part of
October in
Homer is characterized by decreasing temperatures and daylight hours. The colder trend is evident from the significant drop in average high temperatures from 51.3°F (10.7°C) to 41.9°F (5.5°C) during this month.
Weather in October »Weather in November
The descent into winter becomes prominent in
November in
Homer with a substantial increase in snowfall to 5.55" (141mm). Hence, this month marks the onset of the snow season and a marked dip in the temperature. The city continues to experience longer nights and shorter daylight which largely corresponds to reduced visibility and lesser sunshine hours.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Homer amplifies the cold conditions and registers the highest snowfall in the year, with a significant 11.54" (293mm). This makes it an ideal time for snow-related activities. With the days becoming increasingly shorter, it is characterized by minimal daylight hours and meager sunshine time, adding to the winter's intensity.
Weather in December »