The climate of Prudhoe Bay
Home to extreme weather conditions,
Prudhoe Bay in
Alaska, USA, sits under the Köppen climate classification, Dsc. This weather category signifies the subarctic, subalpine climate that dominates the region throughout the year. Positioned at the northern tip of the continent, this geographical location contributes to the area's extensive range in the parameters of weather.
The variations in the weather parameters of Prudhoe Bay are profound. With ranging temperatures from an average low of -16.6°F (-27°C) in
January to an average high of 51.4°F (10.8°C) in
July. The temperature flux speaks volumes of the challenging weather conditions. Another element that displays fluctuations is the humidity, with a peak of 93% during the cold months and a slight decrease around 76% amid July.
Conversely, rainfall and snowfall records peak at different times of the year.
August registers the highest rainfall of 0.83" (21mm) with matching 11.8 rainfall days. While considering snowfall,
December records top with 1.81" (46mm) over 17.5 days. Daylight hours show high contrast from 24 hours in
June, dwindling down to zero in December. Moreover, the wind speed escalates to its supreme, 12.6mph (20.3km/h) in
October, and then slows down.
An intriguing pattern emerges from the sunshine chart, recording a low of 0.4 hours in December, peaking at 6.3 hours by
April, only to decrease again in the proceeding months. The UV index remains consistently low throughout the year, largely varying from one to three, bolstering the evidence of a harsh climate.
The best time to visit Prudhoe Bay
Visitors aiming to enjoy
Prudhoe Bay at its warmest should consider the months from
June to
August.
July displays a mildly pleasant high of 51.4°F (10.8°C) along with low humidity of 76%, creating possibly the most comfortable weather window in the year. Sunshine lasts for up to 24 hours in June and the visibility extends up to 6 miles in this duration, positively impacting outdoor visibility and adventures.
The worst time to visit Prudhoe Bay
The winter period from
November to
February poses considerable challenges for travelers.
January, the coldest month, plummets to an average low of -16.6°F (-27°C). Compounded by high relative humidity of 93%, it strengths the chill factor. Diminished sunlight hours coupled with low visibility makes it tough for navigation and outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Prudhoe Bay
In
Prudhoe Bay, the spring months of
March to
May mark a shift from extreme cold to somewhat moderate conditions. The temperature range of -1.1°F (-18.4°C) to 30°F (-1.1°C) can still induce chills but represents a considerable warm-up from the frigid winters. Rainfall during these months is negligible, while snowfall varies from 0.71" (18mm) to 0.87" (22mm). This period witnesses a notable increase in daylight hours from 7.2 in
February to 22.6 by May.
Summer weather in Prudhoe Bay
The summer season, spanning from
June to
August, brings about slight relief from the cold weather. With temperatures oscillating between 34.7°F (1.5°C) and 51.4°F (10.8°C), this period experiences the warmest months in the year. Rainfall increases in this duration, with August receiving the most rainfall of 0.83" (21mm). Humidity levels fall, creating comparatively more comfortable conditions.
Autumn weather in Prudhoe Bay
Autumn features a sharp downturn in temperatures, sliding from 38.5°F (3.6°C) in
September to a chilling 0.3°F (-17.6°C) in
November. Rainfall declines during this period, while snowfall creeps up, hitting 1.81" (46mm) in November. The daylight hours also dwindle, further amplifying the onset of harsh winters.
Winter weather in Prudhoe Bay
Winter in
Prudhoe Bay is a period of extreme conditions. From
December through
February, temperatures remain in the bone-chilling negative range, dropping to an average low of -16.6°F (-27°C) in
January. The humidity levels climb up to a high of 93%, intensifying the cold factor. The grimness of winter is heightened by the absence of sunlight in December, lasting until the first signs of spring.
Weather in January
January brings the coldest temperatures of the year, shivering in
Prudhoe Bay,
Alaska. A daily frosty display of winter weather marches on, with the average high and low temperatures peaking from -7.1°F (-21.7°C) to -16.6°F (-27°C).
Weather in January » Weather in February
February commences with weather patterns chillingly similar to
January; however, by this time, the city has adapted to these icy conditions. The usual frostiness is slightly diminished, with temperatures slightly warmer compared to last month, contributing to the region's charm.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March maintains the winter streak, although notable changes emerge towards the end of the month. Daylight begins to stretch its arms, with average hours gradually eclipsing the darkness that the preceding months held captive. Although cold, weather patterns are changing, showing the arrival of spring in the earth's northern extremes.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April signals a significant transition from winter toward the warmer months, dawning with a gradual melt of snow. This month brings a much-awaited break from the harsh winter, although the temperatures remain in the lower end of the scale.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May brings substantial warmth to
Prudhoe Bay, introducing an entirely different weather set for the locals to enjoy. Brilliant sunshine becomes a more common sight as daylight embraces Prudhoe Bay for longer hours, painting broad strokes of light across the sky.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June commences the year's warmest quarter in
Prudhoe Bay, offering ample daylight that nears a full day. This month sees the summer solstice, leading to prolonged periods of natural light, commonly called "midnight sun". Despite the soaring temperatures, it's not all sun and heat; showers are expected to punctuate the otherwise sunny days.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is defined by unusually hot days and bright nights, stretching daylight to a peak.
Prudhoe Bay's July weather contributes to active outdoor life, with residents grasping every moment of the rejuvenating sunlight. It's an astonishing sight to see the city under these never-setting sun conditions, defying the conventional ideas of day and night.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August brings a retreat from the significant warmth of the previous two months, though it remains pleasantly warm. The long summer days start to shorten, paving the way for starker distinctions between day and night. The weather strikes a balance between bearable warmth, moderate rainfall, and ample sunshine, appealing to the outdoor adventurers.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September is the herald of autumn and is identified by a clear drop in temperatures and receding daylight. With a crispness in the air, it's an ideal time for outdoor endeavours before winter returns. The weather begins to revert to its cooler state, hinting at the snowy months ahead.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October introduces thriving winter conditions to
Prudhoe Bay, emphasized by a steep drop in temperatures. The gold and auburn tints of foliage allude to the autumn's end, while significant snowfall forecasts the upcoming winter.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November brings a thick blanket of snow to
Prudhoe Bay, harkening to the heart of winter. From snow-covered streets to frost-bound trees, the scenery takes on a new character, beautiful in its winter attire. November's noticeably shorter daylight hours provide scant sunshine, yet they contribute to a surreal atmosphere.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December declares ultimate winter sovereignty in
Prudhoe Bay, with its noticeably reduced daylight hours and very short, exceptional glimpses of sunshine. Winter solstice haunts this month, delivering more darkness than most places on earth witness.
Weather in December »