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
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 »