The climate of Nome
Positioned within the Arctic region,
Nome,
Alaska, adheres to the Köppen climate classification of ET, signifying a predominate Tundra climate. This cold desert climate exhibits long, severe winters with short, cool summers, with temperatures rarely exceeding 54°F (12.2°C). Monthly temperatures fluctuate vastly throughout the year. Highs range from 10.4°F (-12°C) in the first month of the year to a peak of 54.3°F (12.4°C) in
July, while lows alternate from 2.7°F (-16.3°C) in
January to 48.7°F (9.3°C) seen from July to
August.
Analyzing the annual precipitation data reveals an obvious pattern; the town experiences the highest rainfall levels from July to
September, with peak rainfall of 2.2" (56mm) in August. A contrastingly drier pattern occurs from
November to
April with a mere 0.91" (23mm) of rainfall in January. With a lowest recorded humidity level of 76% and the highest of 89%, Nome frequently experiences high humidity levels, contributing to its overall cold and misty atmosphere.
The uniqueness of Nome's weather patterns is also demonstrated by its snowfall periods. Despite the generally cold temperatures, snowfall is not a year-round event. Snow typically falls from
October through
May, with peak snowfall of 5.08" (129mm) seen in
March. The town experiences a snow-free period from
June to September.
The best time to visit Nome
The summer months, particularly
June and
July, offer the warmest temperatures, making it an opportune time to experience
Nome in slightly milder conditions. June flaunts the longest daylight hours of 21.2H, allowing tourists to enjoy longer days. This period also basks in an average sea temperature of 52.1°F (11.2°C) to 52.5°F (11.4°C), providing a unique chance to explore the nearby waters.
The worst time to visit Nome
The period between
December and
February, with harsh winter temperatures dropping to as low as 2.7°F (-16.3°C), can prove challenging for visitors unaccustomed to extreme cold. These months exhibit the shortest daylight hours, with December offering only 4.2H. Besides, winter also brings increased snowfall. December stands out as the month with the highest snowfall at 3.7" (94mm).
Spring weather in Nome
Spring in
Nome ranges from
March to
May, marked by rising temperatures and increased daylight hours. March shows highs of 15.3°F (-9.3°C) and lows of 2.8°F (-16.2°C), progressing to 38.5°F (3.6°C) and 32.4°F (0.2°C) in May. The town also experiences rising precipitation levels in Spring, with rainfall increasing from 1.14" (29mm) in March to 0.71" (18mm) in May.
Summer weather in Nome
The summer months of
June to
August in
Nome provides a slight relief from the otherwise cold temperatures. Highs during these months range from 49.8°F (9.9°C) to 54.3°F (12.4°C), while lows vary from 43.3°F (6.3°C) to 48.7°F (9.3°C). Despite the mild temperatures, the summer period witnesses increased rainfall, with levels reaching as high as 2.2" (56mm) in August.
Autumn weather in Nome
Shifting into Autumn from
September to
November,
Nome experiences a decrease in temperatures, receding daylight hours, and higher precipitation levels compared to the summer months. Highs drop from 47.3°F (8.5°C) in September down to 15.3°F (-9.3°C) in November. Rainfall levels also experience fluctuations, with a high of 1.97" (50mm) in
October, reducing to 1.18" (30mm) by November.
Winter weather in Nome
Winter blankets
Nome between
December and
February, seeing the most drastic temperature dips. Highs fluctuate between 15.3°F (-9.3°C) in December and 10.4°F (-12°C) in
January, with lows dropping to 8.1°F (-13.3°C) in February. The winter months herald in the peak snowfall period, with snow reaching up to 3.7" (94mm) in December.
Weather in January
January in
Nome,
Alaska, brings the lowest average temperatures of the year with maximums averaging 10.4°F (-12°C) and minimums of 2.7°F (-16.3°C). Even the sea temperatures are extreme, remaining close to freezing levels. Nome is a winter wonderland during this month, receiving a large amount of snowfall.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Be prepared for another cold month in
Nome,
Alaska, with
February temperatures only slightly up from
January. The snowfall continues to cover the city, although it is less compared to January, ensuring an extended winter charm.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March ushers in spring in
Nome,
Alaska, slightly raising the temperatures from
February, retaining the chilly charm. However, snowfall reaches a peak for the year in this month, leading to an ultimate paradise for snow enthusiasts.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Nome,
Alaska, denotes the start of snow melting season with the reduction in snowfall. Temperatures begin to rise significantly compared to the first quarter of the year, resulting in the disappearance of the winter white blanket, revealing an untouched, lush landscape underneath.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May experiences a further increase in temperature, with maximums reaching up to 38.5°F (3.6°C). This makes it more feasible for outdoor explorations and gold panning, a popular activity around
Nome. Ice melts to give way to the blooming of wildflowers, painting the landscape in vibrant hues.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Nome,
Alaska, genuinely brings in summer, witnessing an almost 10°F (-12.2°C) rise from
May. The warming trend makes it comfortable for exploring the natural surroundings, although the relative humidity begins to drop. June's long daylight hours and clear skies provide plentiful opportunities for photography and mountain hikes.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the warmest month in
Nome,
Alaska, with average high temperatures climbing to 54.3°F (12.4°C). Ample rainfall and long hours of daylight ensure a thriving flora, turning the city into a nature lover's paradise. It's a great time to visit the vast wilderness of Alaska in full splendor.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Despite a slight dip in temperatures in
August,
Nome,
Alaska, continues its summer mode, but with more rainfall. While the rain rejuvenates the nature, it also invites an array of beautiful migratory birds, drawing bird watchers from around the globe.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Nome,
Alaska, sees a significant drop in temperatures from
August, signaling the onset of autumn. A distinct chill permeates the air as the season transitions. However, it's an ideal time to explore the foliage colors that paint the scenic Nome landscapes.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October ushers in winter with a rapid temperature fall, thus ending the short autumnal spell in
Nome,
Alaska. The first snowflakes are likely to appear, transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland again. This month offers a visual treat of fiery reds and yellows scattered across the landscape, making it appealing for nature enthusiasts.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November stands out as the month with considerable snowfall, indicating the oncoming harsh winter.
Nome feels significantly colder than in
October, making it essential to wear layers to stay warm. The daylight hours plunge further, leading to longer and darker nights.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December welcomes the holiday season in
Nome,
Alaska, with the city under a deep layer of snowfall. Temperatures continue to fall and remain freezing throughout the month. December receives the least amount of sunshine, which sets the stage for extraordinary displays of the Northern Lights.
Weather in December »