Climate and monthly weather forecast
Unalaska, AK

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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 »
Updated: Jun 22, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

How many days does it rain?

Throughout the year, there are 198.8 rainfall days, and 33.78" (858mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow?

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

When does it snow the most?

The month with the most snowfall is January, when snow falls for 14.2 days and typically aggregates up to 6.97" (177mm) of snow.

How many days does it snow?

In Unalaska, during the entire year, snow falls for 78.3 days and aggregates up to 30.39" (772mm) of snow.

What months are the ocean coldest?

February and March, with an average ocean temperature of 38.8°F (3.8°C), are months with the coldest seawater.

What are the months with the lowest UV index?

February through April and November, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index in Unalaska.

What part of the year is the coldest?

March, with its high-temperature average of 34.7°F (1.5°C) and a low-temperature average of 30.7°F (-0.7°C), is the coldest month.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Unalaska?

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.

When it does not snow?

June through September are months without snowfall.

When are the longest days in Unalaska?

The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 17h and 0min of daylight.

What month has the most sunshine?

June has the most sunshine of the year in Unalaska, with an average of 5.8h of sunshine.

What is the most humid month?

With an average relative humidity of 91%, July is the most humid month.

What is the driest month?

July is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 19.2 days and accumulates 1.85" (47mm) of precipitation.

When is the highest UV index?

July and August, with an average maximum UV index of 3, are months with the highest UV index.

What part of the year is the hottest?

Unalaska's warmest month, August, registers temperatures that range from a high of 53.2°F (11.8°C) to a low of 49.6°F (9.8°C).

What month is the ocean warmest?

August is the month with the warmest seawater in Unalaska, with an average ocean temperature of 50.2°F (10.1°C).

What is the least humid month?

The months with the lowest humidity are November and December, with an average relative humidity of 80%.

What is the rainiest month?

December is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 15.3 days and accumulates 4.21" (107mm) of precipitation.

What is the month with the shortest days?

With an average of 7h and 30min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

The month with the least sunshine is December, with an average of 2h of sunshine.

Average temperature
Unalaska, AK

Average temperature - Unalaska, AK

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is August (53.2°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is March (34.7°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is August (49.6°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is March (30.7°F).

Average pressure
Unalaska, AK

Average pressure - Unalaska, AK

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is July (29.98"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is January (29.5"Hg).

Average wind speed
Unalaska, AK

Average wind speed - Unalaska, AK

The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are November and December (16.5mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (9.1mph).

Average humidity
Unalaska, AK

Average humidity - Unalaska, AK

The month with the highest relative humidity is July (91%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are November and December (80%).

Average rainfall
Unalaska, AK

Average rainfall - Unalaska, AK

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is December (4.21").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is July (1.85").

Average rainfall days
Unalaska, AK

Average rainfall days - Unalaska, AK

The month with the highest number of rainy days is October (21.8 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (11.1 days).

Average snowfall
Unalaska, AK

Average snowfall - Unalaska, AK

The month with the highest snowfall is January (6.97").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
Unalaska, AK

Average snowfall days - Unalaska, AK

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (14.2 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average sea temperature
Unalaska, AK

Average sea temperature - Unalaska, AK

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (50.1°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (38.8°F).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Unalaska, AK

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Unalaska, AK

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 17h and 0min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 7h and 30min).

The month with the most sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 5h and 48min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 2h and 0min).

Average sunshine days
Unalaska, AK

Average sunshine days - Unalaska, AK

The month with the most sunshine days is August (9.7 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is April (3.8 days).

Average UV index
Unalaska, AK

Average UV index - Unalaska, AK

The months with the highest UV index are July and August (UV index 3).
The months with the lowest UV index are February, March, April and November (UV index 1).

Average visibility
Unalaska, AK

Average visibility - Unalaska, AK

The months with the highest visibility are May, June, August, September, October and November (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, July and December (5mi).

Unalaska, Alaska, USA

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