The climate of Kodiak
Kodiak,
Alaska, falls under the Dfc Köppen climate classification, a category marked by severe winters, cool summers, and no dry season. Positioned in the subarctic zone, the city witnesses a fascinating and varied climate throughout the year. The yearly temperature ranges from a low average of 30.7°F (-0.7°C) in
January to a high average of 57.6°F (14.2°C) in
August. Relatively high humidity prevails all year round, peaking at 86% in
July.
Patterns of precipitation demonstrate significant seasonal changes. Rainfall, with an annual average ranging from 1.85" (47mm) in July to 4.53" (115mm) in
November, is prevalent all year. Kodiak also experiences snowfall between
October and
April, with the highest snowfall measures 3.15" (80mm) in
March.
Throughout the year, Kodiak faces high wind speeds, ranging from 7.8mph (12.6km/h) in July to 14.2mph (22.9km/h) in
December. Despite the generally cloudy weather, with a yearly cloud coverage ranging from 52% in
September to 63% in January, the city also enjoys a generous amount of sunshine. The sunshine duration varies from 2.6 hours in December and January to 8.6 hours in July.
The best time to visit Kodiak
Considering the climate data, the ideal time to visit
Kodiak largely depends on the preferred activities of visitors. However,
June through
September is often recommended due to the comfortable average high temperature ranging from 51.4°F (10.8°C) in June to 57.6°F (14.2°C) in
August and comparatively less rainy days. The longer daylight hours, ranging from 16.7 hours in
May to 17.3 hours in
July, offer extended time for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Kodiak
The colder months from
December to
February present significant challenges for visitors. During this period, temperatures drop to an average low of 30.7°F (-0.7°C) in
January with high relative humidity of 83% in January & December. These months also record increased snowfall with averages from 2.52" (64mm) in December to 2.64" (67mm) in February. Coupled with the shorter daylight hours, specifically 6.6 hours in December, outdoor activities are significantly limited.
Spring weather in Kodiak
During spring, from
March to
May,
Kodiak undergoes a gradual transition. The average temperature rises from 35.8°F (2.1°C) in March to 45.3°F (7.4°C) in May. Relative humidity stays fairly consistent around 82% from March to May, while daylight hours increase substantially from 11.9 hours in March to 16.7 hours in May. Rainfall averages from 2.36" (60mm) in March to 2.72" (69mm) in May, as the last traces of winter snowfall disappear by May.
Summer weather in Kodiak
From
June to
August,
Kodiak experiences its warmest months. The temperature reaches a peak of 57.6°F (14.2°C) in August, while the sea water temperature rises to 52.3°F (11.3°C) in
July and 53.4°F (11.9°C) in August. The city sees minimum average wind speeds of 7.8mph (12.6km/h) in July, and the rainiest days decrease from 12.8 in June to the yearly low of 14.1 in July. Long daylight hours from 18 hours in June to 17.3 hours in July, coupled with increased sunshine hours, make summer an inviting season in Kodiak.
Autumn weather in Kodiak
Autumn in
Kodiak, spanning from
September to
November, then witnesses a steady decline in temperature from 53.1°F (11.7°C) in September to 39.9°F (4.4°C) in November. The sea temperature also declines from 51.1°F (10.6°C) in September to 44.1°F (6.7°C) in November. Though the daylight hours shorten from 12.8hours in September to 8 hours in November, rain becomes more frequent, reaching a peak in November with 4.53" (115mm).
Winter weather in Kodiak
As winter sets in,
December through
February sees a further drop in temperature, reaching a minimum average of 30.7°F (-0.7°C) in
January. The city experiences its highest snowfall from 2.52" (64mm) in December to 2.64" (67mm) in February. The wind speed maintains an average high from 13.9mph (22.4km/h) in December to 14.2mph (22.9km/h) in February. The sea temperature drops to its yearly low of 39.5°F (4.2°C) in February. But despite these harsh conditions, winter presents a distinct serene beauty unique to
Kodiak.
Weather in January
Kodiak,
Alaska's weather in
January presents a wintry picture complete with snowfall and low temperatures; marking the start of a prominent winter season. There's a noticeable transition from
December as both the high and low mercury readings drop to 35.4°F (1.9°C) and 30.7°F (-0.7°C) respectively.
Weather in January » Weather in February
In
February, the
Kodiak weather plays with slightly warmer temperatures, rising marginally from
January. February days have a slightly longer daylight duration, inviting more outdoor activities across the city. This month experiences fewer rainfall days and average rainfall measures a lower 2.8" (71mm).
Weather in February »Weather in March
The
Kodiak weather begins to show signs of spring in
March. The mercury rises in comparison to
February with daily temperatures becoming more comfortable. This month observes an increase in daylight and sunshine, with residents starting to feel the arrival of spring.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
Kodiak, the
Alaska weather in
April brings a profound shift towards spring conditions. The average temperature, daylight hours, and sunshine duration increase considerably compared to
March. However, April brings the highest number of rainfall days with an average of 15.1 days.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May showcases the
Kodiak weather transitioning fully into the spring season, with warmer temperatures, extended daylight hours, and an abundance of sunshine. In May, the weather becomes markedly warmer compared to
April, and snowfall gives way to rainfall.
Weather in May » Weather in June
In
June, the
Kodiak,
Alaska weather takes a leap towards summer. June marks a considerable change from
May, bringing warmer temperatures, lengthier daylight hours, and less rainfall. The onset of summer is a season of constant light, with the city experiencing the longest daylight hours annually.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July ushers in the peak of summer in
Kodiak,
Alaska’s weather cycle. There's a noticeable shift in weather from
June, offering higher temperatures, constant sunshine, and a reduced cloud cover. The month is characterized by the warmest sea temperatures of the year which tempt locals and tourists to the coast.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Kodiak holds onto the tempo of summer weather, despite slight changes in temperature and rainfall from
July. This month holds the distinction of the highest average temperatures, offering relief to the residents from the otherwise chilly conditions.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The
Kodiak,
Alaska weather in
September, presents an interplay of summer and autumn, with temperature and rainfall changes becoming more noticeable. A significant change from
August's weather is the decrease in daylight hours, indicating the onset of autumn.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October embodies the essence of autumn in
Kodiak’s weather repertoire. Compared to
September, this month sees a major decrease in temperature, telling the start of a cooling trend. Kodiak continues to witness longer rainfall hours, even after the fairly high September rainfall.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The
Kodiak weather in
November takes a profound turn towards winter. November’s characteristic weather change from
October is the drop in both average temperatures and sea temperatures. The weather in November observes a shift from rainfall to snowfall, setting the city for its yearly snowy season.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Weather in
Kodiak,
Alaska for
December marks the onset of the winter season. December sees a steady drop in temperature, compared to
November and is characterized by increased snowfall days. Despite the freezing weather, December maintains high humidity levels, similar to the previous month.
Weather in December »