Climate and monthly weather forecast
North Pole, AK

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A snow-covered road sign on the Santa Clause Lane in the North Pole, Alaska
A snow-covered road sign on the Santa Clause Lane in the North Pole, Alaska

The climate of North Pole

Located within Alaska, USA, North Pole features a prominent Dfc climate according to the Köppen climate classification. This classification signifies a subarctic climate that presents severe winters, no dry season and cool summers.

Looking at the average monthly values, North Pole has a broad spectrum of weather conditions throughout the year. Temperatures here fluctuate drastically. The highs peak at 71.1°F (21.7°C) usually in the middle of the year, whereas the lows can get as cold as -8.9°F (-22.7°C) in the colder months. Similarly, humidity levels change from 56% to 92%, the higher values typically seen in the colder periods of the year.

Other weather parameters display considerable variations as well. Rainfall amounts swing between 0.35in and 2.36in, with higher volumes seen in the latter half of the year. Furthermore, snowfall experienced varies from 0in to 6.1in, with higher amounts seen in the colder months. Also, noticeable is the variation in snowfall days, with the highest frequency seen in the winter months at 13.6 days, and virtually zero in the peak summer.

Unique weather patterns in North Pole can be gleaned from these data as well. For instance, there is an absolute lack of snowfall during the height of summer. The record humidity levels of 92% coincide with the colder months of the year, while rainfall volumes peak in the late summers and early autumn months.

The best time to visit North Pole

Judging by the climate parameters, the best time to visit North Pole would be during the summer months, between June and July. The average high temperatures during these months range from 69.1°F (20.6°C) to 71.1°F (21.7°C). At this time, daylight hours are at maximum, from 19.9 to 21.4 hours a day. Moreover, there is virtually no snowfall during these months. Thus, these conditions offer a relatively more comfortable and a less harsh climate for visitors.

The worst time to visit North Pole

The most challenging time to visit North Pole falls in the winter months, from November to January. Average high temperatures dip as low as 2.1°F (-16.6°C) to 6.3°F (-14.3°C) during these months, and lows between -8.9°F (-22.7°C) to -4.4°F (-20.2°C). In conjunction with the harsh temperatures, there are significantly fewer daylight hours, between 4 to 6.3 hours per day. Additionally, these months record the highest amount of snowfall, from 2.72in to 6.1in, with the maximum snowfall days between 10.5 and 13.6.

Spring weather in North Pole

Spring season in North Pole is marked by slowly increasing temperatures. In March, the highs reach 20.7°F (-6.3°C), while the lows stay at 1.9°F (-16.7°C). As we advance to the next months, temperatures hike up to 38.3°F (3.5°C) and 59.2°F (15.1°C) for highs, and 22.1°F (-5.5°C) and 39.7°F (4.3°C) for lows in April and May respectively. Rainfall begins to escalate from 0.55in to 0.79in in March to April, followed by a dip to 0.43in in May.

Summer weather in North Pole

The summer in North Pole sees the warmest temperatures reaching up to 71.1°F (21.7°C). The lowest average temperature in the summer is still pleasant, between 48.2°F (9°C) to 50.7°F (10.4°C). These months witness a peak in rainfall, increasing from 1.18in in June to 1.38in in July, dropping slightly to 2.36in in August. There are around 14.9 to 19.9 hours of daylight during the summer months, providing a lot of clear visibility for outdoor pursuits.

Autumn weather in North Pole

Autumn in North Pole witnesses dropping temperatures with averages falling from 64.4°F (18°C) to 34.3°F (1.3°C) for highs, and from 45.9°F (7.7°C) to 23.9°F (-4.5°C) for lows, from September to November. Rainfall also decreases from 1.22in in September to 0.71in in October, and to 0.79in in November. The daylight hours also start to diminish from 13 hours a day in September to just 6.3 hours a day by the end of November.

Winter weather in North Pole

Winter in North Pole is characterized by freezing temperatures, dropping as low as -8.9°F (-22.7°C) in December. The highest temperatures hover around 2.1°F (-16.6°C) for the highs and -8.9°F (-22.7°C) for the lows, showcasing the extreme cold of these months. Rainfall volumes are minimal, with values of 0.79in and 0.39in in December and January. Moreover, the short winter days only offer between 4 to 5.4 hours of daylight. These months also observe a high amount of snowfall, from 2.72in in December to 2.44in in January.

Weather in January

Stepping into the new year, North Pole, Alaska welcomes visitors with a chilling winter backdrop. Predominantly characterized by frigid temperatures and snow-laden landscapes, January is often considered the harshest time of year. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February in North Pole, Alaska continues the severe winter trend initiated by January, though with slight tempering. The extreme cold eases marginally, succeeded by a subtle yet notable increase in temperature. Both precipitation, in the form of rain or snow, and shorter days persist, maintaining the snowy landscapes. Weather in February »

Weather in March

Transitioning into spring, March's weather in North Pole, Alaska witnesses a shift towards warmer times. The rise in temperature triggers melting, introducing the beginnings of a thaw. Although snowfall remains a common phenomenon, it is less frequent compared to preceding months. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April in North Pole, Alaska brings with it more palpable indicators of spring. Gradually, the frozen landscape begins to transform, signaling the retreat of winter. The average wind speed stays slightly above the March levels at 4.7mph (7.6km/h), although it remains in line with the gradually increasing spring temperatures. Weather in April »

Weather in May

The onset of May in North Pole, Alaska heralds the full swing of spring. The increasing temperature fuels the rejuvenation of the frozen landscapes, giving way to a blossoming environment. Along with the visible decline in snow, there is a noticeable increase in daylight hours. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June marks the start of summer season in North Pole, Alaska. Accompanied by an abundance of sunshine hours, the temperature steadily climbs, marking a notable shift from spring. Temperatures seldom leap to an extreme, ensuring a mild and enjoyable summer. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July is the quintessential summer month in North Pole, Alaska. As heatwaves sweep over Alaska, temperatures here in July peak, reaching up to a balmy 71.1°F (21.7°C). Characterized by long, sunny days, and lower wind speeds of 6.9mph (11.1km/h), it encompasses the essence of the Alaskan summer. Weather in July »

Weather in August

As the calendar flips over to August, North Pole, Alaska experiences a subtle dip in temperature, signaling the onset of fall. The cool undertones become more prominent as the summer heat begins to fade away. Contrasting with the reduced warmth, August does see substantial rainfall, the highest in the year, amounting to 2.36in. Weather in August »

Weather in September

With the arrival of September, North Pole, Alaska is painted in the unmistakable hues of fall. The dipping temperatures, paired with reducing daylight hours, set the perfect backdrop for the fall foliage. A wind speed relatively consistent at 4.5mph (7.2km/h) aids the falling leaves to carpet the landscape. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October’s weather in North Pole, Alaska is characterized by the unraveling of the cold season. The falling leaves from September slowly start giving way to early snow. A steady decrease in temperature sets the stage for the harsher conditions of November. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November in North Pole, Alaska heralds a return to the icy grip of winter. With most of the fall foliage shed, snowflakes start to dominate the landscape, adding up to the most significant snowfall of 6.1in in a month. The increasing cold combined with a steady wind prepares the residents for the wintry months ahead. Weather in November »

Weather in December

Entering December, North Pole, Alaska embraces the heart of winter. The snowfall from November maps out a winter wonderland, intensified by December's chill. Days are shorter, sunshine is sparse and the wind speed aligns with the iciness of the season. Weather in December »

Frequently asked questions

What time of the year is the coldest?

In North Pole, January registers the lowest temperatures, averaging 2.1°F (-16.6°C) at the peak and -8.9°F (-22.7°C) at the lowest.

What is the driest month?

The month with the least rainfall is January, when the rain falls for 3.2 days and typically collects 0.35" (9mm) of precipitation.

How much does it rain?

In North Pole, during the entire year, the rain falls for 101.2 days and collects up to 10.59" (269mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow?

Months with snowfall are January through May, August through December.

How much does it snow?

Throughout the year, there are 76.9 snowfall days, and 24.37" (619mm) of snow is accumulated.

What is the most humid month?

The most humid month is March, with an average relative humidity of 92%.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from AKST to AKDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from AKDT to AKST.

What is the month with the lowest UV index?

The months with the lowest UV index are March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1.

What is the least humid month?

The months with the lowest humidity are May and June, with an average relative humidity of 56%.

When it does not snow?

In North Pole, Alaska, snow does not fall in June and July.

When are the longest days?

June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 21h and 24min of daylight.

What month has the most sunshine?

The month with the most sunshine is June, with an average of 12.4h of sunshine.

What is the month with the highest UV index?

June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 5, are months with the highest UV index.

What is the warmest month?

July tends to be the warmest month, with temperatures averaging a daily high of 71.1°F (21.7°C) and a low of 50.7°F (10.4°C).

What is the wettest month?

The month with the most rainfall is August, when the rain falls for 17 days and typically aggregates up to 2.36" (60mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow the most?

November is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 13.6 days and accumulates 6.1" (155mm) of snow.

What is the month with the shortest days?

With an average of 4h and 0min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

December has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 2h of sunshine.

Average temperature
North Pole, AK

Average temperature - North Pole, AK

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (71.1°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (2.1°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (50.7°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (-8.9°F).

Average pressure
North Pole, AK

Average pressure - North Pole, AK

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is February (29.97"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is September (29.77"Hg).

Average wind speed
North Pole, AK

Average wind speed - North Pole, AK

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is May (5.1mph).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are August, October, November and December (4.3mph).

Average humidity
North Pole, AK

Average humidity - North Pole, AK

The month with the highest relative humidity is March (92%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are May and June (56%).

Average rainfall
North Pole, AK

Average rainfall - North Pole, AK

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (2.36").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (0.35").

Average rainfall days
North Pole, AK

Average rainfall days - North Pole, AK

The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (17 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (2.3 days).

Average snowfall
North Pole, AK

Average snowfall - North Pole, AK

The month with the highest snowfall is November (6.1").
The months with the least snowfall are June and July (0").

Average snowfall days
North Pole, AK

Average snowfall days - North Pole, AK

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is November (13.6 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June and July (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
North Pole, AK

Average daylight / Average sunshine - North Pole, AK

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 21h and 24min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 4h and 0min).

The month with the most sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 12h and 24min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 2h and 0min).

Average sunshine days
North Pole, AK

Average sunshine days - North Pole, AK

The month with the most sunshine days is January (20.6 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is August (12.4 days).

Average UV index
North Pole, AK

Average UV index - North Pole, AK

The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are March, November and December (UV index 1).

Average visibility
North Pole, AK

Average visibility - North Pole, AK

The months with the highest visibility are May, June, July, August, September and October (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, November and December (4mi).

North Pole, Alaska, USA

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