Climate and monthly weather forecast
Prudhoe Bay, AK

Share

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 »

Frequently asked questions

What is the coldest time of year?

January tends to be the coldest month, with temperatures averaging a daily high of -7.1°F (-21.7°C) and a low of -16.6°F (-27°C).

What are the most humid months?

The months with the highest humidity are January through March and December, with an average relative humidity of 93%.

What is the driest month?

January, April and December are months with the least rain when the rain falls for 1.3 days and typically aggregates up to 0.16" (4mm) of rain.

How many days does it rain?

Throughout the year, in Prudhoe Bay, there are 52.1 rainfall days, and 3.62" (92mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow?

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

How much does it snow?

In Prudhoe Bay, during the entire year, snow falls for 122.8 days and aggregates up to 10.24" (260mm) of snow.

When is the lowest UV index?

February through April, August through December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index.

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 are the months with the shortest days?

The months with the shortest days are June and December, with an average of 0h and 0min of daylight.

What are the months with the highest UV index?

June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 3, are months with the highest UV index.

What time of the year is the hottest in Prudhoe Bay?

Prudhoe Bay's July weather, with an average high temperature of 51.4°F (10.8°C) and an average low temperature of 40.6°F (4.8°C), tends to be the warmest of the year.

What is the least humid month?

With an average relative humidity of 76%, July is the least humid month.

When it does not snow?

The only month without snowfall is July.

What is the rainiest month?

The month with the most rainfall is August, when the rain falls for 11.8 days and typically aggregates up to 0.83" (21mm) of precipitation.

When are the longest days in Prudhoe Bay?

August has the longest days of the year, with an average of 18h and 12min of daylight.

What month has the most sunshine?

With an average of 6.6h of sunshine, August has the most sunshine of the year.

What is the snowiest month?

The month with the most snowfall is November, when snow falls for 17.5 days and typically aggregates up to 1.81" (46mm) of snow.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

With an average of 0.4h of sunshine, December has the least sunshine of the year.

Average temperature
Prudhoe Bay, AK

Average temperature - Prudhoe Bay, AK

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (51.4°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (-7.1°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (40.6°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (-16.6°F).

Average pressure
Prudhoe Bay, AK

Average pressure - Prudhoe Bay, AK

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is March (30.07"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is September (29.84"Hg).

Average wind speed
Prudhoe Bay, AK

Average wind speed - Prudhoe Bay, AK

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is October (11.9mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is May (9.8mph).

Average humidity
Prudhoe Bay, AK

Average humidity - Prudhoe Bay, AK

The months with the highest relative humidity are January, February, March and December (93%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is July (76%).

Average rainfall
Prudhoe Bay, AK

Average rainfall - Prudhoe Bay, AK

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (0.83").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are January, April and December (0.16").

Average rainfall days
Prudhoe Bay, AK

Average rainfall days - Prudhoe Bay, AK

The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (11.8 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (0.7 days).

Average snowfall
Prudhoe Bay, AK

Average snowfall - Prudhoe Bay, AK

The month with the highest snowfall is November (1.81").
The month with the least snowfall is July (0").

Average snowfall days
Prudhoe Bay, AK

Average snowfall days - Prudhoe Bay, AK

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is November (17.5 days).
The month with the least snowfall days is July (0.2 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Prudhoe Bay, AK

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Prudhoe Bay, AK

The month with the longest days is August (Average daylight: 18h and 12min).
The months with the shortest days are June and December (Average daylight: 0h and 0min).

The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 6h and 36min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 0h and 24min).

Average sunshine days
Prudhoe Bay, AK

Average sunshine days - Prudhoe Bay, AK

The month with the most sunshine days is June (21 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is September (14 days).

Average UV index
Prudhoe Bay, AK

Average UV index - Prudhoe Bay, AK

The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 3).
The months with the lowest UV index are February, March, April, August, September, October, November and December (UV index 1).

Average visibility
Prudhoe Bay, AK

Average visibility - Prudhoe Bay, AK

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

Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, USA

Weather forecast for your location

1. Click Locate me button
2. Allow the app to use your location