The climate of Wasilla
Located in
Alaska,
Wasilla is home to a predominantly subarctic climate, extensively referred to as Dfc under the Köppen climate classification. This categorization encompasses the severe winters and cool summers that the residents experience, alongside a lack of dry season. When embarking on a comprehensive review of Wasilla's climate, it becomes evident that the region exhibits considerable fluctuations in environmental conditions across all twelve months.
The temperatures in Wasilla swing drastically between a chilling 8.6°F (-13°C) during the winter months to an average peak of 63.3°F (17.4°C) during the summer. The highest average temperature occurs in
July, while the lowest gets recorded in
January. The extent of yearly temperature fluctuation underlines the city's distinct seasonal division.
In terms of humidity, Wasilla experiences the highest relative humidity levels, averaging 86%, during the winter months and in
March.
June and
May see the lowest humidity at a still fairly high 65% and 67%, respectively. Rainfall is most concentrated from May to
September with
August witnessing notably the highest precipitation of 0.94" (24mm). Remarkably, the town registers snowfall from January up to
April and then again in
October,
November, and
December, with December having the most at 2.64" (67mm).
Windowing in on the wind patterns, the annual wind speeds generally hold at around 4.2mph (6.8km/h) to 4.8mph (7.7km/h). However, gusts can reach up to 9.7mph (15.6km/h) particularly in December. Meanwhile, concerning sunshine, June enjoys the most extended daylight hours at 19.4 hours, with December at the other extreme having merely 5.5 hours. Nevertheless, the city does witness certain fluctuations in sunshine duration throughout different times of the year.
The best time to visit Wasilla
Even though the best time to visit
Wasilla largely depends on personal preferences, the location's climate data suggests that the summer months from
June to
August present the most favourable conditions. Notably, these months, particularly
July, have the most comfortable temperatures, reaching up to an average high of 63.3°F (17.4°C). Moreover, July also has one of the lowest snowfall periods and a UV index of 4, which makes outdoor activities more enjoyable and less hazardous.
The worst time to visit Wasilla
Regarding the more unfavourable times to visit
Wasilla, it would have to be during the colder and darker season from
November to
February. Extreme low temperatures averaging between 8.6°F (-13°C) to 18.3°F (-7.6°C), combined with extended periods of snowfall averaging between 1.77" (45mm) to 2.64" (67mm), pose significant difficulties for outdoor activities.
December holds the record for the least amount of daylight with only 5.5 hours, further limiting the scope for outdoor endeavors.
Spring weather in Wasilla
Spring in
Wasilla occurs between
April and
May, bringing an upward shift in temperatures and a decrease in snowfall. Temperatures show a discernible climb, going from an average low of 24.3°F (-4.3°C) in April to an average high of 52.3°F (11.3°C) in May. However, temperatures can still drop to an average low of 37.4°F (3°C) during May. Rainfall also starts to increase during these months, offering some respite from the colder winter days. The daylight hours sufficiently extend, reaching 14.8 hours in April and, significantly, 17.7 hours in May.
Summer weather in Wasilla
Summer in
Wasilla, extending from
June to
August, represents the warmest period of the year. With average high temperatures shooting up to between 59.7°F (15.4°C) and 63.3°F (17.4°C), the weather becomes relatively comfortable for outdoor exploration. This period also corresponds to the highest precipitation, peaking in August with 0.94" (24mm) of rainfall. However, the enhanced rainfall does not reduce the increased amount of sunshine, with the month of June relishing the peak daylight hours of 19.4.
Autumn weather in Wasilla
Autumn makes its entrance in
Wasilla in
September and concludes in
November. It ushers in dropping temperatures starting from an average high of 52°F (11.1°C) in September, inevitably leading to a chillier 24.8°F (-4°C) in November. As temperatures start to dwindle, the region begins to witness snowfall again, beginning in
October. Despite the declining temperatures and onset of snow, daylight remains relatively abundant during the initial autumn months before dropping to 7.2 hours in November.
Winter weather in Wasilla
Winter in
Wasilla starts in
December and lingers until
March. It marks the season of severe cold, with temperatures ebbing to an average low of 8.6°F (-13°C) in
January. Snowfall is high during these months, specifically peaking in December with 2.64" (67mm). Daylight remains limited, particularly with December having the least daylight hours at 5.5 hours. However, despite the cold and limited light, Wasilla's winter presents an impressive spectacle of a subarctic climate at its peak.
Weather in January
Jump-starting the year in
Wasilla,
Alaska,
January presents a winter wonderland. Outdoor lovers can expect an average snowfall of 1.85" (47mm) throughout the month. As from mid-January, the increasing daylight hours from 6.5 hours bring a welcome change.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Moving into
February, chilly temperatures persist; however, the increment of daylight hours fosters a sprightlier mood. Snowfall averages increase by approximately half an inch compared to
January, settling at about 2.4" (61mm).
Weather in February »Weather in March
March weather in
Wasilla,
Alaska, is synonymous with the transition from frigid winter to the somewhat warmer spring season. This transition is highlighted by a slight increase in rainfall, averaging around 0.39" (10mm). The amount of daylight extends significantly, a signal of the approaching spring season.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April proffers more significant shifts in
Wasilla's weather as spring steps up its game. On average, the amount of daylight extends significantly to approximately 14.8 hours per day. This shift gives the town a brighter ambiance, making outdoor activities even more enjoyable.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May represents the cusp of summer with minimal traces of the past winter apparent. The most apparent change lies in the disappearance of measurable snowfall, allowing the beauty of
Alaska's nature to emerge. The end of May sees the sunrise as early as 4 a.m.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Alaska experiences its impatiently awaited summer in
June. Average relative humidity decreases to around 67% compared to
May, presenting a considerably drier climate. Extended daylight hours peak at this time of the year, reaching a high of over 19 hours per day.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the peak of
Wasilla's short summer season. The temperature extremes point that out, with highs resting at 63.3°F (17.4°C) and lows averaging around 47.1°F (8.4°C). It's a delight for those who thrive during long sunny days; it’s summer in full swing.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Summer takes a bow in
Wasilla with
August weather, ushering in the early signs of autumn. Average daylight hours start to decrease, yet remain above 15 hours per day. The summer's heat starts to fade, with temperatures dropping gradually.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September enters the scene as an emblematic representation of autumn in
Wasilla. Average daily sunshine hours keep decreasing, moving down to roughly 12.9 hours. Leaves begin their color transformation, decorating Wasilla with picturesque views.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October weather in
Wasilla is marked by a crisp, fall feel with cooler temperatures. Fresh snowfall begins to appear, setting the stage for the imminent winter. There's a steep drop in daylight hours returning to less than 10 hours per day.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
Wasilla,
November acts as a prelude to winter, introducing Alaskans to snowfall. The snowfall average jumps to 1.77" (45mm), a noticeable increase from
October's slim half an inch. Shops begin to stock winter gear, and preparations are underway for the winter season.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Wasilla captures the essence of Alaskan winters, characterized by chilly temperatures and abundant snowfall. Snowfall sees its peak at 2.64" (67mm), perfectly creating a winter wonderland in time for the holiday season.
Weather in December »