The climate of Palmer
Situated in the striking landscape of
Alaska, USA,
Palmer boasts a Crown-Köppen classified climate known as Dfc. Predominantly characterized by severe winters, a cold summer and non-dry season - it's a subarctic climate. Stemming from this classification, the weather throughout the year in Palmer gets influenced by shifting weather parameters from one month to another.
A focal part of the weather pattern in Palmer is the variation in temperature records. A glance at the data presents a minimum temperature of 8.1°F (-13.3°C) and a maximum reaching as high as 61.2°F (16.2°C). An apparent distinction is observable throughout the weather parameters. The humidity relative has an annual range from 69% to 87%. Palmer sees an unequal quantity of rainfall, fluctuating from 0.91" (23mm) registered as the minimum monthly average to a peak of 2.24" (57mm). Rainfall days and snowfall days witness quite a disparity too, varying between 8.9 days and 22.4 days, and zero days and 14.1 days respectively.
Apart from ample daylight hours through the year, particularly from 17.7 hours to 5.5 hours, the average monthly daylight hours does change quite significantly. Sunshine hours, on the other hand, hover between 11.8 hours to a mere 3.9 hours, with sunshine days spanning from 5.3 days to 13.9 days. A marked feature of Palmer's weather conditions is the UV index, which changes mildly, oscillating between index points 1 and 4.
The best time to visit Palmer
Although subjective to personal preferences, the period from
June to
August is often considered the most opportune time to visit
Palmer,
Alaska. During these months the temperatures are most agreeable, resting at a comfortable 57.2°F (14°C) and reaching a maximum of 61.2°F (16.2°C). Coupled with over 18 hours of daylight and around 11 hours of sunshine, it indeed fosters a vibrant ambiance. Despite the relative humidity of 69% to 74%, these months have the highest UV index of 4, offering the perfect weather for outdoor explorations.
The worst time to visit Palmer
Visitors might want to avoid the months between
December and
February due to the severe Arctic climate. During this period the average temperatures plummet down to between 8.1°F (-13.3°C) and 9°F (-12.8°C), with maximum temperatures barely touching 23.2°F (-4.9°C). With merely 5.5 hours to 6.5 hours of daylight and a restrain of snowfall as high as 6.93" (176mm), these months tend to be pretty overwhelming for visitors unaccustomed to such harsh weather conditions.
Spring Weather in Palmer
As the season transitions from Winter to Spring, the weather in
Palmer begins to grow rather amicable. The months from
March to
May see escalating temperatures from 18.1°F (-7.7°C) up to 48.6°F (9.2°C). Significant disparities settle with respect to rainfall, rainfall days, daylight hours, and sunshine hours. Rainfall increases from 0.94" (24mm) in March to 1.18" (30mm) in May, and daylight hours extend from 11.9 hours to an impressive 17.7 hours, enabling more outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Summer Weather in Palmer
Summer emerges around
June to
August, during which
Palmer exhibits its most pleasant weather. A substantial increase in temperature can be observed, with the mercury rising to peak at 61.2°F (16.2°C). Daylight hours also reign supreme, touching 19.4 hours, while sunshine hours reach their highest averaging 11.8 hours in June.
Autumn Weather in Palmer
As summer winds down, Autumn brings cooler temperatures ranging from 57.6°F (14.2°C) to 36.7°F (2.6°C) between
September and
November. With decreasing daylight and sunshine hours, it is the rainfall that shows an upward trend. The amount of rainfall swells up to a substantial 2.24" (57mm) in September, the highest for the year, making this season less ideal for outdoor activities.
Winter Weather in Palmer
Winter is perhaps the most characteristic of all seasons in
Palmer. From
December to
February, the temperature consistently stays below freezing, fluctuating between 8.1°F (-13.3°C) and 23.2°F (-4.9°C). The daylight dwindles down to a yearly low of 5.5 hours in December, with sunshine hours lingering only 3.9 hours. Instead, snowfall takes centre stage, reaching as high as 6.93" (176mm) in
January. It perfectly resonates with the elements of a harsh subarctic Winter.
Weather in January
January weather in
Palmer,
Alaska, exhibits the intense chill of winter. Compared to
December, the temperatures fall marginally with higher temperatures ranging from 19.8°F (-6.8°C) to 18.1°F (-7.7°C) and lower temperatures between 9.9°F (-12.3°C) to 8.1°F (-13.3°C).
Weather in January » Weather in February
As
Palmer turns the corner from
January,
February offers a slight respite from the bone-chilling cold. A decrease in snowfall from 5" (127mm) to 6.93" (176mm) signifies the impending end of winter. The days remain short and due to the relatively low temperatures, Palmer's residents anticipate the arrival of spring.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March in
Palmer signifies the transition from winter to spring. From
February to March, the average temperature increases notably, offering residents some relief from the harsh winter cold. The significant increase in daylight hours from 9 hours to almost 12 hours is a welcome change for locals.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Palmer in
April sees substantial changes in weather parameters. A major uplift in temperatures from
March, with a high of 27.5°F (-2.5°C) to an impressive 36.1°F (2.3°C) makes it feel like true spring has arrived. The city receives the highest rainfall of 1.1" (28mm) and significant daylight to enjoy outdoor activities.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May marks the transition from spring to early summer in
Palmer. The increased daytime temperature and significant reduction in snowfall indicate the end of winter. Residents prepare for warmer days with more sunlight and outdoor activities.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Palmer,
Alaska, is marked by the arrival of summer with temperatures reaching a high point of 57.2°F (14°C). With almost 19.4 hours of daylight, it is the longest day of the year in Palmer. Summer activities are in full swing, and locals cherish the delightful weather.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the pinnacle of summertime in
Palmer, with temperatures peaking at 61.2°F (16.2°C). The longer sunshine hours and considerable decrease in snowfall make it the most desirable month for outdoor activities. The arrival of
August, albeit with slightly reduced temperatures, continues to offer summery days.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August strikes a balance between the heat of
July and the onset of autumn in
September. While peak temperatures drop from 61.2°F (16.2°C) in July to a slightly lower 57.6°F (14.2°C), the weather remains quite warm. The city begins to prepare for the coming autumn, anticipating the leaf-changing season.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Palmer sees the commencement of the autumn season. The average temperature drops significantly from 57.6°F (14.2°C) in
August to 48.7°F (9.3°C). The transition into autumn is evident with cooler days and longer nights compared to August.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings the full bloom of autumn in
Palmer. Compared to
September’s warmth, October’s cooler temperatures signal the beginning of the end of fall. The dwindling daylight hours and colder nights prepare residents for the approaching winter.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Palmer's
November weather hints at the inevitable arrival of winter. As the temperature plunges from 36.7°F (2.6°C) in
October to a chillier 23.2°F (-4.9°C), residents brace for the coming cold months. The decreased daylight hours and increased winds add to the frigid impression.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Palmer represents the thick of winter with some of the lowest temperatures of the year. Significant snowfall of 6.69" (170mm) indicates the onset of a true
Alaska winter. Residents gear up to endure the harsh weather conditions that this frosty month throws their way.
Weather in December »