The climate of Nenana
Characterized by Subarctic climate conditions,
Nenana is situated in
Alaska, USA. Predominantly, the weather falls under the Köppen climate classification of Dfc, implying brutal winters, no dry seasons, and cool summers. Over the year, the temperatures commonly fluctuate between a chilly -10.8°F (-23.8°C) in the coldest months and a mild 73°F (22.8°C) at the peak of summer.
Nenana's relative humidity typically varies from 54% to 95%. Highest levels often occur during winter, tapering off somewhat in the summer months when percentages drop down to the mid-50s region. This pattern of humidity contributes to the regular monthly rainfall that Nenana encounters. Rainfall ranges from 0.31" (8mm) in the drier times to a drizzle-heavy 2.56" (65mm) during the wettest periods.
Particularly noteworthy is the snowfall, which starts accumulating from 2.2" (56mm) and can layer up to 6.5" (165mm). Snowfall is frequent with days of snow ranging from zero in the summer to 14.4 in winter. Daylight hours are another stark transition, dimming from a mere 4.1 hours in winter to a bright 21.2 hours in summer. Conversely, sunshine hours are relatively lesser in comparison, stretching from 1.8 to 11.9 hours.
The best time to visit Nenana
For visitors with an affinity for moderate temperatures, the period between
June and
August manifests as the best time to explore
Nenana. In these summer months, temperature variations reside between 49.6°F (9.8°C) and 73°F (22.8°C), facilitating outdoor activities. Additionally, ample daylight hours that peak at 21.2, accompany the relatively warm weather. These conditions combined with a UV index of 5 during June and
July and reduced cloud coverage of 42% boost overall visibility, ideal for tourists seeking to admire the stunning Alaskan landscape.
The worst time to visit Nenana
The harsh winter months of
December,
January, and
February render
Nenana quite challenging for tourism purposes. These months bring about lowest temperatures that dive down to -10.8°F (-23.8°C), challenging even the hardiest visitors. Accompanied by heavy snowfall up to 6.5" (165mm) in
November, short daylight hours, and a very low UV index, these adverse climatic conditions often restrict outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Nenana
Nenana faces a brisk transition into spring, with temperatures ranging from a low of -3.6°F (-19.8°C) in
February to a preferable 22.3°F (-5.4°C) in
April. Noteworthy is the increase in daylight hours during this period, expanding from a sparse 8.6 hours in February to a decent 15.3 hours in April. Rainfall moderately increases, beginning with 0.43" (11mm) and climbing to 0.71" (18mm) by April end. Snowfall, however, demonstrates a significant drop in April with just 2.52" (64mm), a decrease from 3.78" (96mm) seen in the prior month.
Summer weather in Nenana
From chilling temperatures,
Nenana transition to a cool summer with maximum heat reaching 73°F (22.8°C). There is an influx in rainfall as well, soaring from 0.55" (14mm) to 1.18" (30mm) from
May to
July respectively. Meanwhile, summer brings in a hiatus of snowfall coupled with an increase in daylight hours, reaching its annual peak of 21.2 hours in
June. The relative humidity during summer falls to the year's lowest in June, down to 54%.
Autumn weather in Nenana
The shift towards autumn sees the temperatures cool off from a maximum of 53.8°F (12.1°C) in
September to 12°F (-11.1°C) by
November. Interestingly, rainfall peaks in
August with 2.56" (65mm) before receding to 0.91" (23mm) in November. The days become visibly shorter with daylight diminishing from 16.4 hours to 6.3 hours between August and November. Conversely, snowfall gradually increases, reaching 6.5" (165mm) in November, signaling the onset of winter.
Winter weather in Nenana
Commencing in
December, winters in
Nenana are severe, with temperatures primarily ranging from -6°F (-21.1°C) to 1.4°F (-17°C). The snowfall, reaching a high 6.5" (165mm) in
November, continues into December with 2.95" (75mm), marking one of the year's peaks. Sparing sunshine of merely 1.8 hours, coupled with the shortest daylight hours of just 4.1 in December, intensifies the season's rigorousness. Furthermore, high relative humidity values only embellish the severity of the Nenana winter.
Weather in January
January weather in
Nenana,
Alaska, brings in the most frigid time of the year. The cold of the previous month deepens, with temperatures reaching -10.8°F (-23.8°C) at night and rarely rising above 1.4°F (-17°C) during the day.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Moving into
February, the grip of winter eases slightly in
Nenana,
Alaska, but the chilly weather persists. The temperatures are slightly higher compared to
January, however, it is still frigid. February shares similar snow patterns as January, with the landscape remaining under a cover of snow.
Weather in February »Weather in March
In
March, the winter begins to yield in
Nenana,
Alaska, as noticeable changes start appearing in the weather patterns. With temperatures hovering around the freezing point, the snow begins to melt, giving way to budding flowers and greenery.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April ushers in a warmer season in
Nenana,
Alaska, with a marked departure from the chilly days of
March. The longest daylight hours of the year, 15.3 hours, are now in play, illuminating the landscapes in a brilliant light. Temperatures can shoot up to 38.5°F (3.6°C) during day, providing much-needed respite from the cold of winter months.
Weather in April » Weather in May
With
May’s arrival,
Nenana,
Alaska, finally steps into the realm of a pleasant spring. The sun is up for a larger part of the day, resulting in a soft, warm glow enveloping the city. The earthy smell of rain becomes more common, but without the hindrance of winter’s snow.
Weather in May »Weather in June
Compared to
May,
June in
Nenana,
Alaska, exhibits a consistency in weather. Fair and temperate climate dominates most of the days, providing residents with maximum daylight hours - 21.2 in total. Slightly warmer than the previous month, June sees a high of 70.9°F (21.6°C) treating residents to some of nature’s finest displays.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July,
Nenana,
Alaska, is in its warmest month with temperatures reaching a peak of 73°F (22.8°C). The residue of
June’s warmth lingers during the day, interspersed with sporadic showers due to increased humidity. The rainfall can bring a welcome relief on particularly stifling afternoons, however, it is also the height of summer in Alaska.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August in
Nenana,
Alaska, experiences a shift in weather, giving early signs of the approaching autumn. The clear blue skies of
July are gradually replaced by cloudy skies and a decrease in daylight hours. Despite the highest rainfall of the year - 2.56" (65mm) - August retains much of the summer’s warmth.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the beginning of autumn in
Nenana,
Alaska. The summer’s heat reduces substantially, resulting in comfortable temperatures and the splendid colors of fall dominate the landscape. Compared to
August, the rainfall is lower but the month does herald cooler days.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Nenana,
Alaska, witnesses falling temperatures, a clear sign that winter is on its way. The pleasant days of
September are replaced by a cold nip in the air. The decreasing temperatures coupled with shortening daylight hours make the evenings and nights considerably chilly.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Nenana,
Alaska, embraces the onset of winter, laying the foundation of the holiday season. Temperatures are significantly colder than in
October, falling to an average low of 2.5°F (-16.4°C). The arrival of winter reaffirms its presence with increased snowfall and very few hours of daylight.
Weather in November » Weather in December
In
December, the
Nenana,
Alaska, winter is in full force. The city experiences the coldest temperatures of the year, plunging as low as -6°F (-21.1°C) at night. The few hours of daylight result in a frosty, twilight ambience throughout the city.
Weather in December »