Alaska is the largest state in the United States, boasting vast areas and diverse climate zones. From Arctic climates to maritime climates, Alaska exhibits unique rainfall and snowfall patterns in each region. In this blog post, we will explore the annual average number of rainy days across Alaska, monthly average rainfall, highest recorded rainfall, annual average snowfall, monthly average snowfall, highest recorded snowfall, and the climatic characteristics of each region.

Annual Average Number of Rainy Days

The annual average number of rainy days in Alaska varies significantly by region. Overall, Alaska has areas with relatively high and low rainfall coexisting.

  • Western Coast (especially Anchorage and Juneau): An average of about 150 days of rain per year. This area has a maritime climate, characterized by high rainfall and frequent rain.
  • Interior (Fairbanks): An average of about 50 days of rain per year. The interior has a continental climate, with very cold and dry winters.
  • Eastern Alaska (Dallas Fort, etc.): An average of about 130 days or more of rain per year. This area also has a maritime climate, with significant rainfall.
  • Northern Alaska: An average of about 60 days of rain per year. This area has a polar climate, with more snowfall than rain.

Monthly Average Rainfall

The monthly average rainfall in Alaska varies significantly by region.

Anchorage

  • January: About 2.0 inches of rain.
  • February: About 2.1 inches of rain.
  • March: About 3.0 inches of rain.
  • April: About 2.5 inches of rain.
  • May: About 3.5 inches of rain.
  • June: About 3.8 inches of rain.
  • July: About 3.5 inches of rain.
  • August: About 3.3 inches of rain.
  • September: About 3.0 inches of rain.
  • October: About 3.2 inches of rain.
  • November: About 3.1 inches of rain.
  • December: About 2.5 inches of rain.

Main Features:

  • Spring (March to May): Spring sees a gradual increase in rainfall, with melting snow leading to significant rain.
  • Summer (June to August): Summer is the wettest season in Alaska, characterized by humid conditions and frequent rain.
  • Autumn (September to November): Autumn still sees considerable rainfall, but it gradually decreases as winter approaches.
  • Winter (December to February): Winter has relatively low rainfall, but it is a time of heavy snowfall.

Annual Average Snowfall

Snowfall in Alaska varies significantly by region. Snowfall distribution corresponds to the characteristics of each area, including the western coast, interior, and northern regions.

  • Western Coast (Anchorage, Juneau): An average of about 75 inches of snow per year. Due to the maritime climate, this area experiences significant snowfall and frequent snow.
  • Interior (Fairbanks): An average of about 57 inches of snow per year. The continental climate brings very cold weather and substantial snowfall in winter.
  • Eastern Alaska: An average of about 60 inches or more of snow per year. The maritime climate leads to both significant rain and snow.
  • Northern Alaska: An average of about 30 inches of snow per year. The polar climate does not see much snowfall, but winters are very cold and long.

Monthly Average Snowfall

The monthly average snowfall in Alaska varies somewhat by region.

Anchorage

  • January: About 15 inches of snow.
  • February: About 12 inches of snow.
  • March: About 10 inches of snow.
  • April: About 5 inches of snow.
  • May: About 2 inches of snow.
  • June: Very little snow falls.
  • July: Very little snow falls.
  • August: Very little snow falls.
  • September: About 1 inch of snow.
  • October: About 3 inches of snow.
  • November: About 10 inches of snow.
  • December: About 15 inches of snow.

Main Features:

  • Winter (December to February): In Anchorage, heavy snowfall occurs during winter, with frequent snowstorms.
  • Spring and Autumn: Intermittent snowfall occurs in spring and autumn, but very little snow falls in summer.

Highest Recorded Snowfall

The highest recorded snowfall in Alaska varies by region, but the highest snowfall recorded in Anchorage occurred during a blizzard on July 1, 1989, with 30 inches (about 762mm) of snow. This snowfall resulted from a concentrated period of heavy snow, leading to flooding and inundation in the area. Alaska's climate is highly diverse by region, and the annual average number of rainy days, rainfall, and snowfall varies significantly according to the climatic characteristics of each area. The annual average ranges from 30 to 150 rainy days, and the monthly average rainfall and snowfall fluctuate by region and season, but extreme weather phenomena such as record heavy rain and snow can also occur.