Yearly & Monthly weather

The climate of Skagway
The best time to visit Skagway
The worst time to visit Skagway
Spring weather in Skagway
Summer weather in Skagway
Autumn weather in Skagway
Winter weather in Skagway
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 White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad heading to Skagway in Alaska

The climate of Skagway

Skagway, Alaska, USA has a Dsc climate classification according to the Köppen scheme, also referred to as a Subartic, subalpine climate. This region has a distinct seasonal variation in weather, with long, harsh winters and brief, mild summers.

Reviewing the monthly averages, temperatures fluctuate greatly throughout the year. The warmest months are July and August with average highs of 54.9°F (12.7°C) and 51.4°F (10.8°C) respectively. Wintertime is notably cold with January seeing lows of 9°F (-12.8°C). Alaska's summer, although brief, sees a significant leap in temperatures from the perishing cold of winter, with temperatures increasing from 18.3°F (-7.6°C) in March to 31.3°F (-0.4°C) in April.

Rainfall distributes unevenly across the year, reaching the peak in November with 3.9" (99mm). Alongside rainfall, Skagway also experiences snowfall during the colder months, with the heaviest occurring in January amounting to 19.69" (500mm).

The region displays noticeable humidity, maintaining consistently high relative humidity levels ranging between 80% to 94%. The highest UV index of 3 is observed in July, reiterating the mild intensity of the sun during the summer months.

The best time to visit Skagway

Considering the temperature, sunshine hours, and rainfall, the most favorable period to visit Skagway is from June to August. During this period, the mean temperature ranges from 50.2°F (10.1°C) to 54.9°F (12.7°C), providing a pleasant escape from the harsh winter cold.

In addition to favorable temperatures, these months also get the most sunshine, with June receiving an average of 9.8 sunshine hours per day. Despite June being the peak of the rainy season with 1.77" (45mm) of average rainfall, it still provides enough dry intervals for outdoor activities.

The worst time to visit Skagway

The least favorable time to visit Skagway is during the chill of winter from December to February. Temperatures during these months dip to low averages between 9°F (-12.8°C) and 18.3°F (-7.6°C).

Aside from bitterly low temperatures, these months also experience the highest snowfall, making outdoor activities challenging. Notably, January observes 19.69" (500mm) of snowfall.

On top of the severe winter conditions, the winter months experience the shortest daylight hours, ranging from 6.2 to 7 hours, diminishing the scope of outdoor exploration and sightseeing.

Spring weather in Skagway

Spring in Skagway, extending from March to May, experiences a rapid transition from winter chill to moderately warm conditions. The temperatures increase progressively from 18.3°F (-7.6°C) in March to 44.1°F (6.7°C) by the end of May.

Whilst March experiences the last of the snowy days with an average snowfall of 10.55" (268mm), it slowly dwindens with the arrival of warmer weather. The rainfall levels show an uptick from 2.09" (53mm) in March to 1.54" (39mm) in May.

Summer weather in Skagway

Summertime in Skagway, spanning from June to August, is relatively mild despite being the warmest part of the year. Average high temperatures hover around 50.2°F (10.1°C) to 54.9°F (12.7°C) during these months, providing a respite from the Subarctic cold.

Compared to other months, June experiences the highest rainfall of 1.77" (45mm). However, rainfall levels show a slight increase as summer progresses, with August reporting 3.07" (78mm) of rainfall.

Autumn weather in Skagway

Autumn in Skagway, spanning from September to November, witnesses a gradual return of the cold. Average temperatures decline from a high of 43.9°F (6.6°C) in September to a cooler 22.1°F (-5.5°C) in November.

Rainfall during Autumn fluctuates, starting at 3.11" (79mm) in September, climbing slightly to 3.66" (93mm) in October, before peaking at 3.9" (99mm) in November. Snowfall makes a return with 2.24" (57mm) recorded in October, increasing to 7.6" (193mm) by November.

Winter weather in Skagway

Winter in Skagway, extending from December to February, is characterised by freezing cold conditions. December starts with an average low temperatures of 9°F (-12.8°C), followed by January, the coldest time of the year with a high of only 17.8°F (-7.9°C) and a low as low as 9°F (-12.8°C).

These months also record substantial snowfall, with December and January experiencing major snowfall amounts of 18.11" (460mm) and 19.69" (500mm) respectively. The limited daylight during these months, with only 6.2 hours in December, adds to the harsh winter conditions. The wind speed also is higher during winter, reaching up to a gusting speed of 11.9mph (19.2km/h) in February.

Weather in January

The first month of the year presents a rather crisp and frosty environment in Skagway. January weather shows the lowest highs and lows of the year, starting from the temperature range from 9°F (-12.8°C) to 18.3°F (-7.6°C). Snowfall remains a significant feature of the city's weather, covering the ground on most days. Weather in January »

Weather in February

The weather remains cold in Skagway in February, although fractions warmer than January. Snow continues to blanket the city, though at a lesser rate compared to the previous month. As the second month of the year runs its course, the daylight hours begin to increase, signaling a gradual transition to spring. Weather in February »

Weather in March

As Skagway transitions into spring in March, the weather begins to warm up gradually. The level of snowfall experienced notably drops, with the city recording only 10.55in of snow throughout the entire month. Concurrently, the increased daylight hours start to break the winter chill, with more hours of sunshine experienced across the city. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April signals a notable shift in Skagway's weather as the spring season settles in. The city witnesses a high increase in temperatures, with lows rising from 9.1°F (-12.7°C) in March to 18.9°F (-7.3°C) in April. While the rainfall remains pretty consistent, the snow gives way to rain, and the city barely experiences any snowfall. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May is the month where Skagway truly blooms into the spring weather, with the city shedding its last remnants of winter. The temperatures experience a significant leap, with the highs rising to a comfortable 44.1°F (6.7°C). With the disappearance of snowfall, rainfall takes center stage but remains moderate. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June in Skagway sees the arrival of the summer season, with the weather turning noticeably warmer. The temperatures reach their annual peak, going up to a high of 50.2°F (10.1°C). Along with the increase in temperature, the city enjoys the maximum daylight hours across the year. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July maintains the trend of warm summer weather in Skagway, with hardly any fluctuation in temperatures compared to June. The city receives the maximum amount of sunshine, marked at a UV index of 3, making the days longer and brighter. Weather in July »

Weather in August

As the summer progresses into August, Skagway experiences a slight dip in temperatures. Rainfall continues to remain high in this month, with the city recording an average of 3.07in. Simultaneously, the sudden increase in humidity levels contributes to a somewhat cloudy and damp atmosphere. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September in Skagway marks the onset of fall, with the temperatures beginning to decrease noticeably. Snowfall makes a reappearance after a gap of several months, though only sparingly at 0in. Meanwhile, the rainfall remains high, signaling the gradual transition from summer to fall. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Skagway witnesses a more pronounced fall weather, with a significant drop in temperatures. Snowfall becomes more regular, presenting Skagway in a new light with 2.24in. Rainfall also remains pretty consistent, adding to the city's generally damp feel during this month. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November brings the chill of pending winters to Skagway, although the temperatures, ranging from 13.8°F (-10.1°C) to 22.1°F (-5.5°C), remain above freezing point. Snowfall becomes increasingly heavy, leaving the entire city under a thick blanket of snow. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December marks the return of the winter season in Skagway, with the temperatures plunging to their lowest levels of the year. The heavy snowfall of 18.11in reinforces the winter climate throughout the city. Despite the regular snowfall and the resulting increase in ground precipitation, the rainfall remains fairly moderate. Weather in December »

Updated: Jun 3, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the most humid month?

The most humid month is January, with an average relative humidity of 94%.

What is the rainiest month?

The month with the most rainfall in Skagway is January, when the rain falls for 11.3 days and typically aggregates up to 4.13" (105mm) of precipitation.

How much does it rain?

In Skagway, during the entire year, the rain falls for 172.5 days and collects up to 33.66" (855mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow?

January through May, October through December are months with snowfall.

When does it snow the most?

January is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 18.7 days and accumulates 19.69" (500mm) of snow.

How many days does it snow?

In Skagway, during the entire year, snow falls for 95.8 days and aggregates up to 78.78" (2001mm) of snow.

When is the lowest UV index?

January, February, April, September 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 is the driest month?

May is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 16.4 days and accumulates 1.54" (39mm) of precipitation.

What is the least humid month?

June and July, with an average relative humidity of 80%, are the least humid months.

When it does not snow in Skagway?

In Skagway, snow does not fall in June through September.

When are the longest days in Skagway?

June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 18h and 30min of daylight.

What month has the most sunshine?

June has the most sunshine of the year in Skagway, Alaska, with an average of 9.8h of sunshine.

What month is the hottest?

In Skagway, July is identified by the average highest temperatures, reaching a peak of 54.9°F (12.7°C) and a low of 42.6°F (5.9°C).

What is the month with the highest UV index?

July is the month with the highest UV index, with an average maximum UV index of 3.

What part of the year is the coldest?

Temperature readings reach their annual highs in December, averaging 17.8°F (-7.9°C) and a minimum average of 9°F (-12.8°C).

What is the month with the shortest days in Skagway?

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 6h and 12min of daylight.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

The month with the least sunshine is December, with an average of 2.8h of sunshine.

Average temperature
Skagway, AK

Average high temperature in January:
18.3°F
Average high temperature in February:
20.3°F
Average high temperature in March:
23.4°F
Average high temperature in April:
31.3°F
Average high temperature in May:
44.1°F
Average high temperature in June:
50.2°F

Average high temperature in July:
54.9°F
Average high temperature in August:
51.4°F
Average high temperature in September:
43.9°F
Average high temperature in October:
33.1°F
Average high temperature in November:
22.1°F
Average high temperature in December:
17.8°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (54.9°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (17.8°F).

Average low temperature in January:
9°F
Average low temperature in February:
7°F
Average low temperature in March:
9.1°F
Average low temperature in April:
18.9°F
Average low temperature in May:
31.5°F
Average low temperature in June:
37.9°F

Average low temperature in July:
42.6°F
Average low temperature in August:
41.9°F
Average low temperature in September:
35.2°F
Average low temperature in October:
26.8°F
Average low temperature in November:
13.8°F
Average low temperature in December:
9°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (42.6°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is February (7°F).

Average pressure
Skagway, AK

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is July (30"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is November (29.83"Hg).

Average wind speed
Skagway, AK

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (7.3mph).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are April and May (5.5mph).

Average humidity
Skagway, AK

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (94%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are June and July (80%).

Average rainfall
Skagway, AK

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is January (4.13").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is May (1.54").

Average rainfall days
Skagway, AK

Average rainfall days in January:
11.3 days
Average rainfall days in February:
7.2 days
Average rainfall days in March:
8.5 days
Average rainfall days in April:
15.2 days
Average rainfall days in May:
16.4 days
Average rainfall days in June:
18.8 days

Average rainfall days in July:
18.8 days
Average rainfall days in August:
19.6 days
Average rainfall days in September:
18.8 days
Average rainfall days in October:
18.4 days
Average rainfall days in November:
11.5 days
Average rainfall days in December:
8 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (19.6 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (7.2 days).

Average snowfall
Skagway, AK

The month with the highest snowfall is January (19.69").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
Skagway, AK

Average snowfall days in January:
18.7 days
Average snowfall days in February:
15.1 days
Average snowfall days in March:
15.7 days
Average snowfall days in April:
10.1 days
Average snowfall days in May:
0.8 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:
3 days
Average snowfall days in November:
14.4 days
Average snowfall days in December:
18 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (18.7 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Skagway, AK

Average daylight in January:
7h and 0min
Average daylight in February:
9h and 2min
Average daylight in March:
11h and 5min
Average daylight in April:
14h and 4min
Average daylight in May:
17h and 1min
Average daylight in June:
18h and 3min

Average daylight in July:
17h and 5min
Average daylight in August:
15h and 2min
Average daylight in September:
12h and 5min
Average daylight in October:
10h and 1min
Average daylight in November:
7h and 4min
Average daylight in December:
6h and 1min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 18h and 30min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 6h and 12min).

Average sunshine in January:
3h and 1min
Average sunshine in February:
3h and 5min
Average sunshine in March:
5h and 2min
Average sunshine in April:
6h and 2min
Average sunshine in May:
8h and 3min
Average sunshine in June:
9h and 5min

Average sunshine in July:
8h and 2min
Average sunshine in August:
6h and 4min
Average sunshine in September:
6h and 1min
Average sunshine in October:
4h and 1min
Average sunshine in November:
3h and 4min
Average sunshine in December:
2h and 5min

The month with the most sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 9h and 48min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 2h and 48min).

Average sunshine days
Skagway, AK

Average sunshine days in January:
8.3 days
Average sunshine days in February:
11.3 days
Average sunshine days in March:
12.3 days
Average sunshine days in April:
8.3 days
Average sunshine days in May:
11.5 days
Average sunshine days in June:
8 days

Average sunshine days in July:
9.8 days
Average sunshine days in August:
9.6 days
Average sunshine days in September:
9.2 days
Average sunshine days in October:
10.2 days
Average sunshine days in November:
9.5 days
Average sunshine days in December:
10.2 days

The month with the most sunshine days is March (12.3 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (8 days).

Average UV index
Skagway, AK

The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 3).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, April, September, October, November and December (UV index 1).

Average cloud cover
Skagway, AK

The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 68).
The month with the least cloud cover is May (Cloud cover 51).

Average visibility
Skagway, AK

The months with the highest visibility are May, June, July, August, September and October (5mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, November and December (4mi).

Climate and monthly weather forecastSkagway, AK

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