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Contents
- The climate of Sitka
- The best time to visit Sitka
- The worst time to visit Sitka
- Spring weather in Sitka
- Summer weather in Sitka
- Autumn weather in Sitka
- Winter weather in Sitka
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average snowfall
- Average snowfall days
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
The glacial carved Three Sisters Mountains in Sitka, Alaska
The climate of Sitka
Sitka, located in Alaska, falls under the Subartic, severe winter, no dry season, and cool summer, category Dfc as per the Köppen climate classification. As it's name suggests, the year-round climate is extremely varied. Throughout the year, temperatures fluctuate from a low of 30.4°F (-0.9°C) to a high of 57.9°F (14.4°C), accurately reflecting the stark severity of the subarctic winter and moderate coolness of the summer.
One of the main aspects of Sitka's climate data is the immense amount of rainfall, averaging around from 3.82" (97mm) in May to 10.16" (258mm) in November. While rain can be expected in nearly every month, November alone claims the highest rainfall, signifying a greater moisture burden during these winter months. On the contrary, May experiences the least rainfall, marking it as the driest time of the year in Sitka.
The high humidity ranging from 83% to 89% and a visibility averaging at 6 miles further accentuates the moist weather conditions of Sitka. When it comes to snowfall, the city witnesses a considerable amount, with January and March receiving over 15" (381mm) and 17" (432mm), respectively. February, however, records the highest number of snowfall days, up to 14.1 days. When comparing daylights hours, while June and July experience the maximum of 17.8 hrs and 17.1 hrs, respectively, the city gets the smallest amount of daylight in December, just 6.8 hours.
One of the main aspects of Sitka's climate data is the immense amount of rainfall, averaging around from 3.82" (97mm) in May to 10.16" (258mm) in November. While rain can be expected in nearly every month, November alone claims the highest rainfall, signifying a greater moisture burden during these winter months. On the contrary, May experiences the least rainfall, marking it as the driest time of the year in Sitka.
The high humidity ranging from 83% to 89% and a visibility averaging at 6 miles further accentuates the moist weather conditions of Sitka. When it comes to snowfall, the city witnesses a considerable amount, with January and March receiving over 15" (381mm) and 17" (432mm), respectively. February, however, records the highest number of snowfall days, up to 14.1 days. When comparing daylights hours, while June and July experience the maximum of 17.8 hrs and 17.1 hrs, respectively, the city gets the smallest amount of daylight in December, just 6.8 hours.
The best time to visit Sitka
Based on the weather and climate data, the optimal time to travel to Sitka falls in the summer months from May to July. During these months, the city receives the highest temperature of up to 57.9°F (14.4°C), making the weather pleasant and ideal for venturing outdoors. These months also see the most amount of daylight at 16.6 and 17.8 hours, respectively, providing ample time for sightseeing. Precipitation is also at its lowest in May with rainfall limited to 3.82" (97mm).
The worst time to visit Sitka
The months from November to March represent a challenging period to visit Sitka. Temperatures dip to nearly freezing levels, with November registering a high of only 38.8°F (3.8°C) and March sinking even lower to 37°F (2.8°C). Coupled with this, these months also bring the highest snowfall, making travel and outdoor activities troublesome. November to March features considerable rainfall, especially in November, which keys in for 10.16" (258mm) of precipitation.
Spring weather in Sitka
The spring in Sitka, forming throughout March to May, is admired with an average low temperature of 30.2°F (-1°C) in March, which elevates to 41.5°F (5.3°C) by May. During these months, the average high temperature also sees a positive swing from 37°F (2.8°C) in March to 49.6°F (9.8°C) in May. The rainfall gradually decreases from 5.87" (149mm) in March to 3.82" (97mm) by May. Finally, the amount of sunshine during the spring months increases, especially in May, which records up to 6.5 hours per day.
Summer weather in Sitka
In the summer months of June to August, Sitka experiences warmth with the average high temperature going up to 57.9°F (14.4°C) in August. June conveys the longest daylight hours at 17.8 hours per day. Rainfall during the summer increases from 3.86" (98mm) in June to a more considerable 6.18" (157mm) in August. The average number of sunshine hours remains at a steady average of about 6 hours per day during these months.
Autumn weather in Sitka
From September to November, Sitka witnesses the onset of autumn, when temperature progressively decreases from a high of 54.1°F (12.3°C) in September to a lower 38.8°F (3.8°C) in November. Similarly, there is a steady reduction in the amount of daylight from 12.7 hours in September to 8.1 hours by November. The rainfall levels steeply rise, going up from 7.91" (201mm) in September to the year's highest, 10.16" (258mm) in November.
Winter weather in Sitka
The winter months of December to February in Sitka are distinguished by cold temperatures ranging from a high of 35.6°F (2°C) in December to a low 35.2°F (1.8°C) in February. Alongside this, December and January observe the least daylight, 6.8 and 7.5 hours, respectively. Snowfall is common, with January receiving the highest at 15.39" (391mm). As for rainfall, it remains consistently high during the winter months, with 9.33" (237mm) in December, 9.13" (232mm) in January, and 6.89" (175mm) in February, contributing to the overall severe winter conditions of these months.
Weather in January
January in Sitka, Alaska is the heart of the winter season with significant snowfall and limited daylight. With an average of 8.4 days of snowfall and a total snow accumulation of 11.89" (302mm), the city is covered in a winter wonderland. Weather in January »
Weather in February
Moving from January to February, Sitka residents experience a slight increase in daylight hours and a marginal elevation in temperatures. However, snowfall continues to paint the city white, registering at 15.39" (391mm) spread over an average of 10.2 days. Weather in February »
Weather in March
The month of March is the beginning of change in Sitka's weather patterns. The snowfall begins to decrease, yet remaining a record of 17.72" (450mm) over an average of 14.1 days. The significant shift in weather becomes visible with longer daylight hours and an increase in sunshine hours. Weather in March »
Weather in April
By April, the weather in Sitka notably shifts towards milder conditions. A significant decrease in snowfall taking as low as 3.23" (82mm) and happening on about 3.8 days emphasizes the arrival of spring. With this, rainfall begins to store its regular quota furthering the spring's aspiration. Weather in April »
Weather in May
As the calendar turns to May, Sitka's weather continues to evolve, displaying characteristics of a spring season. Whilst the snowfall reduces to a mere 0.12" (3mm) averagely occurring in 0.2 days, rainfall starts to take precedence. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June in Sitka announces the onset of summer. With no snowfall on record for this month, rainfall and humidity define June's weather. The most daylight is observed in June, indicating the longest days of the year. Despite being a summer month, wind speed stays calm, rendering a smoother weather experience. Weather in June »
Weather in July
July marks the height of summer in Sitka, boasting the warmest temperatures of the year. However, the summer heat is roughened by 4.33" (110mm) of rainfall. Humidity reaches its peak adding a damp characteristic to the overall weather. Weather in July »
Weather in August
The Sitka weather in August experiences minor changes from July. Albeit the temperatures may be similar, an increase in rainfall taking up to 6.18" (157mm) is noted. Daylight hours begin to reduce, signifying the shortening of summer days. Weather in August »
Weather in September
As September arrives in Sitka, it ushers in the fall season. Despite witnessing a decline in temperatures, rainfall surges to 7.91" (201mm). The plunge in daylight hours indicates shorter days and an approaching winter season. Winds begin to pick up speed and the humidity marginally drops. Weather in September »
Weather in October
October maintains the autumn rhythm in Sitka's weather with continually decreasing temperatures. Rainfall holds its course at 9.02" (229mm), complimenting the crisp fall air. There's an increase in wind speed, adding a biting feel to the dropping temperatures. Weather in October »
Weather in November
Sitka in November shows signs of an incoming winter with a steep drop in temperatures. Snow makes its first significant appearance of the year, accumulating up to 5.08" (129mm) over approximately 6 days. Despite this, rainfall remains prevalent, amounting to 10.16" (258mm). Weather in November »
Weather in December
December in Sitka, Alaska, is a full-on winter month. With the highest snowfall of 10.04" (255mm) over about 9.5 days, the ground is blanketed with a soft white layer. Meanwhile, daylight hours dip to their lowest, resulting in shorter and darker days. Weather in December »
Updated: Jun 22, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
What time of the year is the coldest?
The month of January, characterized by an average high of 34.7°F (1.5°C) and a low of 30.4°F (-0.9°C), is recognized as the coldest in Sitka.
How much does it rain?
In Sitka, Alaska, during the entire year, the rain falls for 243.6 days and collects up to 82.76" (2102mm) of precipitation.
When does it snow?
January through May, October through December are months with snowfall.
How many days does it snow?
Throughout the year, there are 52.4 snowfall days, and 63.58" (1615mm) of snow is accumulated.
What is the month with the least sunshine?
With an average of 2.7h of sunshine, January has the least sunshine of the year.
When is the lowest UV index?
The months with the lowest UV index are January, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1.
What is the least humid month?
February and March, with an average relative humidity of 83%, are the least humid months.
When does it snow the most?
The month with the most snowfall is March, when snow falls for 14.1 days and typically aggregates up to 17.72" (450mm) of snow.
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 is the driest month?
May is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 19.9 days and accumulates 3.82" (97mm) of precipitation.
What month has the most sunshine?
The month with the most sunshine is May, with an average of 6.5h of sunshine.
When it does not snow?
June through September are months without snowfall.
When are the longest days?
June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 17h and 48min of daylight.
When is the highest UV index?
July is the month with the highest UV index, with an average maximum UV index of 4.
What part of the year is the hottest?
Sitka's August weather, with an average high temperature of 57.9°F (14.4°C) and an average low temperature of 51.1°F (10.6°C), tends to be the warmest of the year.
What is the most humid month?
The most humid month in Sitka is August, with an average relative humidity of 89%.
What is the wettest month?
The month with the most rainfall is November, when the rain falls for 21.2 days and typically aggregates up to 10.16" (258mm) of precipitation.
What is the month with the shortest days?
With an average of 6h and 48min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.
Average temperature
Sitka, AK
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is August (57.9°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (34.7°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is August (51.1°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is February (29.7°F).
Average pressure
Sitka, AK
- Average pressure in January:
29.77"Hg - Average pressure in February:
29.89"Hg - Average pressure in March:
29.8"Hg - Average pressure in April:
29.89"Hg - Average pressure in May:
30"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.98"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
30.05"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.97"Hg - Average pressure in September:
29.88"Hg - Average pressure in October:
29.81"Hg - Average pressure in November:
29.72"Hg - Average pressure in December:
29.8"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is July (30.05"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is November (29.72"Hg).
Average wind speed
Sitka, AK
- Average wind speed in January:
9.8mph - Average wind speed in February:
8.3mph - Average wind speed in March:
8.2mph - Average wind speed in April:
7mph - Average wind speed in May:
5.9mph - Average wind speed in June:
5.3mph
- Average wind speed in July:
5.2mph - Average wind speed in August:
5.8mph - Average wind speed in September:
7mph - Average wind speed in October:
8.1mph - Average wind speed in November:
9.4mph - Average wind speed in December:
9.3mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (9.8mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (5.2mph).
Average humidity
Sitka, AK
The month with the highest relative humidity is August (89%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are February and March (83%).
Average rainfall
Sitka, AK
- Average rainfall in January:
9.13" - Average rainfall in February:
6.89" - Average rainfall in March:
5.87" - Average rainfall in April:
6.26" - Average rainfall in May:
3.82" - Average rainfall in June:
3.86"
- Average rainfall in July:
4.33" - Average rainfall in August:
6.18" - Average rainfall in September:
7.91" - Average rainfall in October:
9.02" - Average rainfall in November:
10.16" - Average rainfall in December:
9.33"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is November (10.16").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is May (3.82").
Average rainfall days
Sitka, AK
- Average rainfall days in January:
20.8 days - Average rainfall days in February:
14.6 days - Average rainfall days in March:
15.6 days - Average rainfall days in April:
22.3 days - Average rainfall days in May:
19.9 days - Average rainfall days in June:
22.7 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
20.3 days - Average rainfall days in August:
21.8 days - Average rainfall days in September:
21.7 days - Average rainfall days in October:
23.5 days - Average rainfall days in November:
21.2 days - Average rainfall days in December:
19.2 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is October (23.5 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (14.6 days).
Average snowfall
Sitka, AK
- Average snowfall in January:
11.89" - Average snowfall in February:
15.39" - Average snowfall in March:
17.72" - Average snowfall in April:
3.23" - Average snowfall in May:
0.12" - Average snowfall in June:
0"
The month with the highest snowfall is March (17.72").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").
Average snowfall days
Sitka, AK
- Average snowfall days in January:
8.4 days - Average snowfall days in February:
10.2 days - Average snowfall days in March:
14.1 days - Average snowfall days in April:
3.8 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0.2 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0 days - Average snowfall days in October:
0.2 days - Average snowfall days in November:
6 days - Average snowfall days in December:
9.5 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is March (14.1 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Sitka, AK
- Average daylight in January:
7h and 3min - Average daylight in February:
9h and 3min - Average daylight in March:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in April:
14h and 2min - Average daylight in May:
16h and 4min - Average daylight in June:
17h and 5min
- Average daylight in July:
17h and 1min - Average daylight in August:
15h and 1min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 4min - Average daylight in October:
10h and 2min - Average daylight in November:
8h and 1min - Average daylight in December:
6h and 5min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 17h and 48min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 6h and 48min).
- Average sunshine in January:
2h and 4min - Average sunshine in February:
3h and 4min - Average sunshine in March:
4h and 4min - Average sunshine in April:
5h and 2min - Average sunshine in May:
6h and 3min - Average sunshine in June:
5h and 4min
- Average sunshine in July:
5h and 5min - Average sunshine in August:
5h and 5min - Average sunshine in September:
5h and 5min - Average sunshine in October:
3h and 3min - Average sunshine in November:
3h and 1min - Average sunshine in December:
3h and 1min
The month with the most sunshine is May (Average sunshine: 6h and 30min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 2h and 42min).
Average sunshine days
Sitka, AK
- Average sunshine days in January:
6.2 days - Average sunshine days in February:
8.3 days - Average sunshine days in March:
7 days - Average sunshine days in April:
5.7 days - Average sunshine days in May:
8.8 days - Average sunshine days in June:
4.8 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
8.1 days - Average sunshine days in August:
7.4 days - Average sunshine days in September:
7.4 days - Average sunshine days in October:
6.9 days - Average sunshine days in November:
5 days - Average sunshine days in December:
6.2 days
The month with the most sunshine days is May (8.8 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (4.8 days).
Average UV index
Sitka, AK
The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 4).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, November and December (UV index 1).
Average cloud cover
Sitka, AK
The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 72).
The months with the least cloud cover are February, May and September (Cloud cover 60).
Average visibility
Sitka, AK
The months with the highest visibility are February, March, April, May, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, June, July and August (5mi).
Sitka, Alaska, USA
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