The climate of Seward
Seward,
Alaska, operates within a Köppen climate classification of Dfc, indicating a subarctic climate with severely freezing winters and no dry season. Located on the southern coast of Alaska, this temperate region registers annual fluctuations in weather conditions. Within this climatic zone, a notable absence of excessive heat prevails, yet the region finds itself prone to substantial snowfall during the colder part of the year.
Consideration reveals yearly average temperatures fluctuating from a chilling 17.1°F (-8.3°C) in
January to a moderate 56.8°F (13.8°C) in
July. Weather throughout the year witnesses significant variances, with higher temperatures from
May to
September, while colder weather prevails from
October through to
April. Reiterating, the area's highest temperature generally peaks in July at around 56.8°F (13.8°C). Simultaneously, the coldest months are
December and January, temperatures averaging between 17.1°F (-8.3°C) and 18.3°F (-7.6°C).
A consistent pattern of rainfall is observable throughout the year, with rainfall inches ranging from 2.09" (53mm) in
June to a substantial 7.64" (194mm) in December. Furthermore, monthly snowfall exhibits a noticeable ascent from
November to
February, December being the height of snowfall with 15.91" (404mm). Average daylight hours present a vast range from 6 hours in December to an impressive 18.8 hours in June, portraying significant variations during the year.
The best time to visit Seward
Optimum visiting times for
Seward,
Alaska, center around the summer months of
June through
August. During this period, temperatures average between 44.2°F (6.8°C) to 56.8°F (13.8°C), providing hospitable weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Furthermore, these months also offer the highest amount of daylight hours, peaking at 18.8 hours in June. This allows ample time for explorations and excursions amidst extended hours of sunlight. Nevertheless, potential visitors should note the relatively high rainfall during these months, particularly in August with an average precipitation of 3.94" (100mm).
The worst time to visit Seward
The least advantageous period for a visit to
Seward culminates in the winter months of
November through
March. Intense cold weather with an average low temperature below freezing at 17.1°F (-8.3°C) to 25.2°F (-3.8°C) is prevalent, and daylight is significantly reduced, hitting a low of 6 hours in
December. Additionally, steady snowfall ensues, escalating to a monthly average high of 15.91" (404mm) in December, making road travel challenging. Summatively, these conditions pose requisite preparations for potential tourists to keep safety paramount and enjoyment feasible.
Spring weather in Seward
Seward's springtime, from
March through
May, introduces a gradual warming trend after the harsh winter. March begins with temperature lows at 25.2°F (-3.8°C), steadily rising to 35.4°F (1.9°C) by May. Concurrently, the high temperature follows a similar pattern and elevates from 29.8°F (-1.2°C) in March to 44.2°F (6.8°C) in May. Noticeably, the daylight hours increase considerably from 11.9 hours to a substantial 17.3 hours during this period. On the other hand, expected rainfall will be around 3.62" (92mm) in
April to 3.82" (97mm) in May, and snowfall drops significantly to 0.47" (12mm) in May.
Summer weather in Seward
Summertime in
Seward, spanning from
June to
August, promises the warmest months of the year with temperature highs ranging from 52°F (11.1°C) in June to 56.8°F (13.8°C) in
July. Simultaneously, the low temperature registers a comfortable bracket between 43.3°F (6.3°C) to 47.8°F (8.8°C). High daylight hours compliment this season, peaking at 18.8 hours in June, reducing slightly to 17.9 hours in August. Predominantly, summer has the lowest rainfall of 2.09" (53mm) in June albeit a rise to 3.94" (100mm) in August.
Autumn weather in Seward
Autumn in
Seward, from
September to
November, brings a noticeable drop in temperatures. High temperatures decrease from 48.7°F (9.3°C) in September to a chilling 29.7°F (-1.3°C) in November. Correspondingly, low temperatures follow the trend, ranging from 41.9°F (5.5°C) down to 22.8°F (-5.1°C). Rainfall gradually intensifies, starting at 5.75" (146mm) in September and escalating up to 5.63" (143mm) in November, coinciding with the start of the snowfall season. Sequentially, daylight hours progressively reduce from 12.8 hours in September to 7.5 hours in November.
Winter weather in Seward
Winter engulfs
Seward from
December through
February, showcasing the coldest and harshest weather conditions of the year. During this period, high temperatures tumble to an average of 27°F (-2.8°C) in December and 24.6°F (-4.1°C) in February. Lows follow suit from 18.3°F (-7.6°C) in December to a chilling 17.1°F (-8.3°C) in
January. In unison with the cold, daylight hours shrink to a mere 6 hours in December. However, this time witnesses the maximum snowfall of the year of up to 15.91" (404mm) in December, providing ideal conditions for winter sports enthusiasts.
Weather in January
The chill of winter is in full swing in
Seward,
Alaska as
January unfolds. Compared to the slightly milder
December, January experiences a peak in snowfall with a considerable 9.76" (248mm). A common sight would be the pristine white snow adding splendour to Seward's landscape.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As the calendar turns to
February, the weather undergoes minor deviations from that of
January. There is a slight increase in snowfall, reaching an annual high of 18.35" (466mm) presenting
Seward in the prettiest of winter whites.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March heralds the transition period from Winter to Spring. From the snow-heavy months of
January and
February, snowfall dips to 15.04" (382mm) in March in
Seward. Despite the early signs of an imminent spring, the temperatures still lean towards the colder side.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Unlike the snow-laden
March,
April witnesses a dramatic plunge in snowfall, signifying the departure of winter in
Seward,
Alaska. The precipitation turns to rain, with an average of 3.62" (92mm). With the advent of spring, the overall weather pattern becomes more pleasant.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May is predominantly the onset of the summer season for
Seward. The most notable characteristic is the considerable increase in temperature, up to a high of 44.2°F (6.8°C) compared to the preceding months. The skies clear out substantially, affording more daylight hours for both residents and tourists alike.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Summer, by Alaskan standards, is in full bloom in
Seward in
June. Temperatures touch an agreeable 52°F (11.1°C), making daily activities more enjoyable. Humidity levels drop to the year’s lowest, offering residents a comfortable respite from the bone-drenching dampness of spring.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is essentially the peak of summer in
Seward, as temperatures escalate to an annual high of 56.8°F (13.8°C). Along with the heightened temperature, the sea temperature also peaks at 55.8°F (13.2°C), inviting a host of water sports activities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The weather in
August starts hinting at the impending departure of summer. A noticeable dip in temperature down to 55.6°F (13.1°C) from the
July peak, signals the commencement of autumn’s preamble. This gentle cool off coupled with a heightened rainfall of 3.94" (100mm) gives
Seward a new refreshingly cool look.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September marks the beginning of fall in
Seward with the arrival of some striking changes in weather characteristics. Temperatures start descending with average highs plummeting to 48.7°F (9.3°C). However, rainfall reaches an annual high at 5.75" (146mm), paving the way for lush landscapes and a flourishing local ecosystem.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October embraces autumn wholeheartedly in
Seward,
Alaska. An evident decrease in average temperature down to a high of 39.9°F (4.4°C) underlines the transition from
September. The rainfall prevails generously pouring 7.56" (192mm) in October laying the foundation for a vibrant, autumnal transformation of Seward.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As winter looms, the weather in
November turns significantly colder in
Seward, with highs not surpassing the 29.7°F (-1.3°C) mark. Snowfall makes a comeback after a prolonged hiatus, dusting the city with a moderate 4.84" (123mm).
Weather in November »Weather in December
December marks the official start of winter in
Seward,
Alaska. With the temperature hovering around a high of 27°F (-2.8°C), it ushers in the coldest phase of the year. The resurge in snowfall with a considerable 15.91" (404mm) is a clear indication of changing climatic conditions.
Weather in December »