The climate of Petersburg
Petersburg,
Alaska, USA, experiences a Humid continental climate with no dry season and a warm summer, according to the Köppen climate classification. This Dfb climate predominant type denotes that this coastal town nestled in the southeastern part of Alaska, coordinates at an approximate latitude of 56.8°N and a longitude of 132.9°W.
Throughout the year, Petersburg experiences substantial variations in temperature, precipitation, humidity, and daylight hours. Average high temperatures fluctuate from 32.4°F (0.2°C) to 59.7°F (15.4°C), whereas the average low temperatures range from 25.9°F (-3.4°C) to 50.2°F (10.1°C). The town's yearly humidity oscillates moderately with relative percentages in the low to mid-eighties.
Petersburg experiences more precipitation in comparison to the national average for the USA. The average rainfall varies between 2.01" (51mm) to 6.3" (160mm) throughout the year, with a noteworthy increase during the fall months. Snow is common during the colder months, with snowfall amounts ranging from 10.67" (271mm) in
December to 13.46" (342mm) in
March.
Maximum daylight hours can be as much as 17.7 hours in
June, while December sees the least daylight with an average of around 6.9 hours. Alongside this, the town experiences decent sunshine throughout the year, with
May offering the highest sunshine duration of 7.4 hours.
The best time to visit Petersburg
To take advantage of the most favorable weather conditions, summer emerges as the top choice to visit
Petersburg. From
June to
August, the town sees the warmest temperatures with an average high from 55.4°F (13°C) to 59.7°F (15.4°C), and low temperatures oscillating from 46.2°F (7.9°C) to 50.2°F (10.1°C). Simultaneously, daylight hours extend up to approximately 16.5 to 17.7 hours, providing a lot of daylight for outdoor activities and exploration. The frequency of rainfall and snowfall also decreases, promoting dry and pleasant conditions for both inhabitants and visitors.
The worst time to visit Petersburg
On the other hand, winter presents the least optimal period for visiting
Petersburg. From
December to
February, the average high temperature drops to around 32.4°F (0.2°C) to 32.9°F (0.5°C) and the average low to 25.9°F (-3.4°C) to 27.3°F (-2.6°C). The daylight hours significantly reduce to 6.9 to 9.6 hours, limiting the visibility for outdoor activities. Furthermore, these months see an increase in snowfall, ranging from 10.67" (271mm) in December to 13.46" (342mm) in February.
Spring weather in Petersburg
Spring in
Petersburg transpires from
March to
May. During these months, the average high temperatures move up from 36.9°F (2.7°C) to 51.6°F (10.9°C), while the average low temperatures increase from 27.9°F (-2.3°C) to 41.9°F (5.5°C). Rainfall during this season varies from 3.54" (90mm) to 2.01" (51mm), and snowfall decrease continuously from 13.46" (342mm) in March to virtually no snowfall in May, marking the transition from winter to a milder climate.
Summer weather in Petersburg
The onset of summer begins in
June and lasts until
August. This period marks the warmest months of the year, with average high temperatures ranging from 55.4°F (13°C) to 59.7°F (15.4°C). The average low temperatures too are mild, fluctuating from 46.2°F (7.9°C) to 50.2°F (10.1°C). Rainfall increases again, varying from 3.19" (81mm) to 5.55" (141mm), and there is no snowfall. The daylight hours are also at their peak, with approximately 17.1 to 17.7 hours of light each day.
Autumn weather in Petersburg
From
September to
November, autumn season manifests in
Petersburg. Average high temperatures begin to decrease, moving from 54.3°F (12.4°C) in September to 37°F (2.8°C) in November. During the same period, the average low temperatures drop from 46.4°F (8°C) to 32.4°F (0.2°C). Precipitation increases significantly during autumn months, reaching its peak at 6.3" (160mm) in
October. Snowfall returns in November with an average of 6.38" (162mm), indicating the commencement of colder months.
Winter weather in Petersburg
Winter in
Petersburg begins in
December and ends in
February. During these months, average high temperatures drop to their lowest, ranging from 32.4°F (0.2°C) to 32.7°F (0.4°C). The average low temperatures plunge into the mid and high twenties. Precipitation decreases, with an average rainfall between 4.65" (118mm) to 6.02" (153mm). Snowfall rises to its highest; with February seeing the most snow of year at around 12.95" (329mm). The daylight hours are minimized to around 6.9 to 7.6 hours, marking the shortest days of the year.
Weather in January
In
Petersburg,
Alaska,
January is dominated by winter conditions. The snowy landscapes present a picturesque sight, and temperatures tend to dwell in the winter lows. With the highest snowfall of 11.73" (298mm) in the year, January flaunts its winter charm.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Following
January,
February sustains the winter chill in
Petersburg. The month presents marginally higher temperatures when compared to its predecessor. Snowfall is a consistent feature, complemented by a relatively low amount of rainfall.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March experiences a break from the persistent cold, ushering in milder temperatures compared to the previous two months. Rainfall levels dip this month, with intermittent snowfall accompanying the mix. The length of daylight hours gradually increases, hinting at the approach of spring.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April witnesses a significant transition in weather patterns in
Petersburg. The blend of temperatures shifting towards warmth, coupled with the decreasing snowfall, points towards the advent of a unique spring season. Humidity levels and daylight hours rise, making outdoor activities more feasible.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Perceived as the gateway to summer,
May brings a perceptible change in
Petersburg’s weather. Noticeable warming of temperatures further reduces the frequency of snowfall seen in the previous months. The number of daylight and sunshine hours significantly rise, highlighting the blooming of a delightful season.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the official start of summer, accompanied by ample daylight and sunshine hours in
Petersburg. This period sees minimal snowfall, with heightened sea temperatures supporting marine life. Increased visibility and longer sunshine hours make outdoor activities more enticing.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, being the warmest month in the year, exhibits elevated temperatures and stricter UV indexes in
Petersburg. As rainfall increases, humidity levels also rise, creating a unique balance of sun and rain. The high sea temperature of 52.1°F (11.2°C) makes it an appealing period for water-based activities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August witnesses a continuation of summer with increased rainfall punctuating the sunny days in
Petersburg. Temperatures plateau in the warm range, marking it one of the hottest months. High sea temperatures and extended daylight hours call for outdoor activities and exploration.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The change in seasons from summer to autumn becomes evident in
September. Lower temperatures make a comeback, while rainfall is also partly prevalent, a telltale sign of the approaching winter. The days start to shorten, and cooler evenings usher in the mild autumnal charm.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October sees a steady decline in temperature, locking
Petersburg firmly in the embrace of fall. Accompanied by increased winds and rising humidity, the season of autumn truly sets in. Sea temperatures begin to fall, and daylight hours continue to decrease.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November is a preface to the harsh winter that follows, characterized by plummeting temperatures and rising snowfall. The increased precipitation combined with reduced daylight hours makes for longer and colder nights. Low sea temperatures call for extra precautions in marine activities.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Wrapping up the year,
December introduces the unquestionable winter chills in
Petersburg. Temperatures continue their descent, and the frequency of snowfall increases. Daylight hours hit a low point, and the city witnesses a unique Christmas atmosphere.
Weather in December »