The climate of Unalaska
Owing to its geographical position and climatic conditions,
Unalaska,
Alaska, USA falls primarily within the ET category of the Köppen climate classification, also known as the Tundra climate. With a backdrop of relatively low temperatures and significant precipitation throughout the year, the city displays a clear-cut manifestation of this polar climate type.
Temperature fluctuations during the year highlight a distinctive pattern. The year starts on a cooler note with the average high temperature in
January registering at 35.1°F (1.7°C) and gradually increasing to 37.4°F (3°C) by
April. The warmest months are
July and
August, where the high temperatures hover around 53.2°F (11.8°C), before starting their descent towards the year-end. On the other hand, the average low temperatures tiptoe from a year-start low of 31.6°F (-0.2°C) to a peak of 49.6°F (9.8°C) in August, again portraying a similar annual trend.
Precipitation in Unalaska also showcases variability across the annual timeline. The city receives maximum rainfall in
December at 4.21" (107mm), while
February is the driest with only 3.03" (77mm). Simultaneously, snowfall patterns reveal that January experiences the most snow with 6.97" (177mm), tapering off through spring and summer to virtually nonexistent levels, then gradually resuming from
October.
The best time to visit Unalaska
Considering the combination of temperature, daylight, UV index, cloud%, and precipitation, the best time to visit
Unalaska would be from
June to
August. During this period, the temperature oscillates between 46.4°F (8°C) and 53.2°F (11.8°C), the longest daylight will be at 17 hours, the sunshine ranges from 5.8 hours to 4.9 hours, and the UV index reaches peak values of 3.
The worst time to visit Unalaska
The least favorable time to visit
Unalaska would be from
November to
January. The temperature stoops to sub-40°F (-40°C) levels, the shortest daylight being at 7.5 hours and the sunshine reaching its annual minimum of 2 hours. The snowfall also hits its peak in January.
Spring weather in Unalaska
Spring in
Unalaska stretches from
March with an average high temperature of 34.7°F (1.5°C) to
May's warmer 41.4°F (5.2°C). During this transition, daylight expands from 11.9 hours to 16 hours, resulting in increased sunlight duration ranging from 3.9 hours to 5.2 hours. The rainfall and snowfall decrease significantly, leading to relatively moist and chilly weather conditions.
Summer weather in Unalaska
The temperature during the summer in
Unalaska hovers around a pleasant 50.5°F (10.3°C) to 53.2°F (11.8°C). The peak daylight can reach a maximum of 17 hours during this period. The humidity in the summer months is relatively higher, reaching up to 91% while the region receives less rainfall, with
June being the driest month.
Autumn weather in Unalaska
Unalaska during autumn witnesses temperatures gradually dipping from a high of 50°F (10°C) in
September down to 37°F (2.8°C) in
November. This period also experiences a decrease in daylight from 12.7 hours to 8.6 hours. Rainfall and relative humidity increase substantially, with
October receiving the highest rainfall of 3.62" (92mm).
Winter weather in Unalaska
Winter in
Unalaska is characterized by sub-40°F (-40°C) temperatures and an average snowfall of 4.17" (106mm) in
December. The scarcity of daylight, with an average of 7.5 hours in December, combined with limited sunshine of 2 hours, makes the season quite cold and dark. The wind speed also peaks at 16.5mph (26.6km/h), making winter truly felt in this part of
Alaska.
Weather in January
Kicking off the year,
Unalaska,
Alaska experiences a surge in snowfall with an impressive 6.97" (177mm) falling on average, making
January a peak month for snow enthusiasts. The cold temperatures and the snow are accompanied by low daylight hours presenting typically Alaskan winter conditions.
Weather in January »Weather in February
With
February comes a slight decrease in snowfall and marginally higher temperatures compared to
January, signaling the gradual end of the peak winter season in
Unalaska. The persistent chill from icy winds and surfaces, combined with the snowy landscape, maintains the winter feel.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Weather in
Unalaska during
March sees the onset of spring with clear indicators like reduced snowfall, a substantial increase in daylight hours, and a slight elevation of average temperatures. The sea temperature remains pretty much steady, not contributing much to any major weather change.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April's weather marks a noticeable transition from winter to spring in
Unalaska with temperatures gradually rising to high 30s°F and low rainfall of 2.44" (62mm). The increased daylight hours encourage outdoor activities while the expanded sunshine length adds a warming effect.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May,
Unalaska feels a stronger flow of spring warmth with the average high temperature rising to over 40°F (4.4°C). The snowfall disappears completely, replaced by precipitation at other times. The increased daylight hours and sunshine duration add to a more comfortable and pleasant environment.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June reveals a more pleasant profile of weather in
Unalaska, reflecting a clear summer onset with the average high temperatures climbing until they hit the mid-40s°F. The daylight hours reach their zenith, emphasizing the arrival of the Alaskan summer.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The heart of summer in
July treats
Unalaska with the warmest temperatures of the year, peaking at an average high of 53.2°F (11.8°C), coinciding with a lower rainfall value of 1.85" (47mm). The prevailing summer weather also exhibits longer daylight hours, although slightly fewer than in
June.
Weather in July »Weather in August
Unalaska's weather in
August retains much of its summer characteristics, with the temperature remaining similar to
July's, although a slight increase in rainfall to 2.56" (65mm) is noticeable. The humidity diminishes allowing for slightly drier conditions than in July.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Come
September, the summer heat in
Unalaska starts to ease off, reflected in the minor decrease in average temperatures, signalling the onset of fall. Wind speeds climb higher, introducing a fresh breeze into the atmosphere. The cloud cover maintains the uniformity, not affecting the overall visibility.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October speaks volumes about the shift towards colder weather in
Unalaska with a further decrease in temperature. This month rings in the colder half of the year with an increase in rainfall to 3.62" (92mm), coupled with the reemergence of snowfall, albeit merely 0.12" (3mm).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Unalaska welcomes winter with significant evidence of snowfall averaging 2.83" (72mm). The average low temperature continues to decrease, setting the stage for a full-fledged winter. The noticeably shorter daylight hours and minimal sunshine duration contributes to a very cold environment.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Unalaska exhibits full-blown winter characteristics with the lowest average high temperature and the highest rainfall rate of 4.21" (107mm). The snowfall reaches its second-highest point at 5.43" (138mm). The chilling winds continue to blow at high speeds and daylight hours touch their yearly low point.
Weather in December »