The climate of Tok
Starting off,
Tok,
Alaska, USA, falls under the Dfc Köppen climate classification, which translates into a subarctic climate with severe winters, no dry seasons and cool summers. It is deeply fascinating to scrutinize the weather patterns of such a location. Humidity remains high through the entire year, hovering between 53% in
June and
July to 93% in
March. As for temperatures, it is a roller-coaster ride from -10.5°F (-23.6°C) in
January to 69.4°F (20.8°C) in July. The extreme shift underpins the subarctic weather of Tok, distinguished by its harsh winters and mild summers.
Rainfall is another crucial factor shaping the weather of Tok. While it gets as low as 0.24" (6mm) in March, it peaks at 1.54" (39mm) amid
August. The number of rainfall days also sees an upward trend from the beginning of the year, peaking in July and August with 13 and 12.8 days respectively. Interestingly, the snowfall, abundant in the months of
November to March, vanishes completely during the summer, thus, accentuating the summer with bright sunshine.
Furthermore, the city sees a legitimate fluctuation in daylight from 5.9 hours in January to 20.3 hours in June. The sunshine hours range between 1.6 and 13.7, with maximum sunlight visible during the summer months. Therefore, while Tok encounters a severe winter, it does enjoy a considerable amount of sunshine, especially in the summer months, which creates an interesting contrast.
The best time to visit Tok
As is typical with any subarctic climate, the best time to visit
Tok would be during the summer months. Specifically, the period from
June to
August offers the most inviting conditions. At this time, the average temperature varies from 65.8°F (18.8°C) to 69.4°F (20.8°C). With negligible snowfall, maximum daylight hours of 19.2 hours to 20.3 hours, and abundant sunshine ranging from 10.2 to 13.7 hours, it indeed caters to outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Tok
Contrarily, the timeframe between
November and
February stands out as the least favorable for a visit. This period is characterized by considerably lower temperatures that plunge to -10.5°F (-23.6°C) in
January. There is also a dramatic hike in snowfall, peaking at 3.39" (86mm) in November. Furthermore, during these winter months, daylight is scarce, with a meager amount of sunlight and shorter daylight hours.
Spring weather in Tok
During the spring months of
March to
May, a significant movement in the weather parameters can be noticed. Gradual warming up from a low of -2.7°F (-19.3°C) to a high of 56.5°F (13.6°C) presents a marked contrast. Concurrently, snowfall decreases from 1.61" (41mm) in March to nil in May. A surge in the number of daylight hours from 11.9 to 18.2 and sunshine hours from 5.4 to 11.8 also helps in shaking off the winter chills.
Summer weather in Tok
Summer, inclusive of
June to
August, sees a sharp rise in temperatures, moving between 65.8°F (18.8°C) and 69.4°F (20.8°C). Rainfall too spikes to 1.34" (34mm) in June and again to 1.54" (39mm) in August. However, there is no snowfall during these months. Remarkably, daylight hours are longest during this season, running from 19.2 hours in June to 16.1 hours in August. Simultaneously, sunshine hours range from 13 to 13.7, offering the inhabitants ample time to bask in natural light.
Autumn weather in Tok
Autumn in
Tok, from
September through
November, witnesses a considerable dip in temperatures, dwindling from 52°F (11.1°C) to 9°F (-12.8°C). The rainfall decreases from 1.54" (39mm) to 0.43" (11mm) over this period with an increase in snowfall from 0.59" (15mm) to 3.39" (86mm) in November. Daylight and sunshine hours decrease as well, signifying the arrival of a more severe climate, typical of this setting.
Winter weather in Tok
Winter months,
December to
February, are characterized by extreme cold, maintaining a low between -7.6°F (-22°C) and -10.5°F (-23.6°C). Snowfall surges, specifically in December, going up to 3.39" (86mm). In addition to less daylight hours, from 4.8 to 5.9 throughout these months, the hours of sunshine also decrease, averaging out between 1.6 and 2.8 during the winter season.
Weather in January
Weather in February
In
February, the weather in
Tok sees a marginal upturn in temperatures compared to
January, but the environment remains cold. Regular snowfall continues, contributing to the winter landscape and the local lifestyle of embracing the cold weather.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March welcomes a notable increase in temperatures reaching up to 16.9°F (-8.4°C), marking the transition towards the end of the harsh Alaskan winter. However, compared to
April, the weather remains significantly cold, and locals are still required to bundle up against the cold.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April,
Tok experiences a considerable change in the weather pattern compared to
March, with high temperatures climbing to a milder 35.1°F (1.7°C). The extra warmth signals the clear arrival of spring. With the increase in temperatures, the snow begins to melt, subsequently leading to higher rainfall.
Weather in April »Weather in May
The weather in
May takes a turn towards warmth and brightness, making it distinguishably different from the preceding month. Fire danger becomes a concern as rainfall reaches its peak at 0.63" (16mm), coinciding with increased daylight hours and a considerable jump in temperature.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June sees the most substantial warmth in
Tok,
Alaska, with high temperatures soaring to 65.8°F (18.8°C) - a significant increase from
May. This month brings the summer solstice - the period of maximum daylight hours and minimum dark periods.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the quintessential summer month in
Tok,
Alaska as it reaches the highest temperature of the year at 69.4°F (20.8°C). Compared to
June, humidity levels become slightly higher, but the overall weather remains dry and warm.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August experiences a slight decrease in temperature to 63.3°F (17.4°C), signaling the beginnings of a return to cooler conditions compared to
July. Despite this, the weather remains largely sunny and dry, with less cloud coverage compared to the neighboring months.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September ushers in the fall season for
Tok, with temperatures dropping significantly to 52°F (11.1°C) from
August. There is a sharp increase in precipitation, with rainfall intensifying significantly. This month, the trees start to shed their leaves and autumnal colors dominate the landscape.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October offers noticeably lower temperatures, paving the way for an imminent winter in
Tok,
Alaska. Compared to
September, October has lower rainfall and the snow becomes more recurrent, turning the landscape once more into a winter wonderland.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November is characterized by a further dip in temperatures, with high temperatures averaging a bitter 9°F (-12.8°C). This is prominently colder than
October, indicating that winter has properly set in. The snow-clad landscape of
Tok,
Alaska becomes the norm, and people engage in winter-specific activities and traditions.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December is the peak of winter in
Tok,
Alaska, and the weather conditions reflect this with an average lowest temperature of -7.6°F (-22°C). This month sees fewer rainfall days and increased snowfall, contributing to a white Christmas atmosphere.
Weather in December »