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Contents
- The climate of Denali National Park and Preserve
- The best time to visit Denali National Park and Preserve
- The worst time to visit Denali National Park and Preserve
- Spring weather in Denali National Park and Preserve
- Summer weather in Denali National Park and Preserve
- Autumn weather in Denali National Park and Preserve
- Winter weather in Denali National Park and Preserve
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average UV index
Wonder Lake in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
The climate of Denali National Park and Preserve
Situated in the northern part of the Alaska Range, Denali National Park and Preserve is classified under the Köppen climate classification as ET, indicating a Tundra climate. Tundra climates are characterized by long, extremely cold winters and short, cool to mild summers.
Typically, yearly weather highlights include long, bitterly cold winters with consistent snowfall, and brief, temperate summers with some precipitation. Average high temperatures cover a range from 5°F (-15°C) in the depth of winter to a peak of 57°F (13.9°C) in the height of summer. This stark contrast underlines the harshness of the climate.
Low temperatures, however, provide a stark visual of the extremity of this cold environment, plummeting to an average low of -13°F (-25°C) in the coldest month, and only rising to 39°F (3.9°C) in the warmest. Within the variable rainfall throughout the year, July averages the highest rainfall of 3" (76mm) while April and May see the lowest at 0.7" (18mm) each.
Daylight hours also exhibit a notable shift throughout the year, reflecting the park's position close to the Arctic circle. The shortest daylight period is in December with only 4.9 hours, while at the height of summer in June, the park enjoys 20.2 sunshine hours. Aligned with this, June also heralds the highest UV index at 5, contrasting with 0 recorded in the depths of winter.
Typically, yearly weather highlights include long, bitterly cold winters with consistent snowfall, and brief, temperate summers with some precipitation. Average high temperatures cover a range from 5°F (-15°C) in the depth of winter to a peak of 57°F (13.9°C) in the height of summer. This stark contrast underlines the harshness of the climate.
Low temperatures, however, provide a stark visual of the extremity of this cold environment, plummeting to an average low of -13°F (-25°C) in the coldest month, and only rising to 39°F (3.9°C) in the warmest. Within the variable rainfall throughout the year, July averages the highest rainfall of 3" (76mm) while April and May see the lowest at 0.7" (18mm) each.
Daylight hours also exhibit a notable shift throughout the year, reflecting the park's position close to the Arctic circle. The shortest daylight period is in December with only 4.9 hours, while at the height of summer in June, the park enjoys 20.2 sunshine hours. Aligned with this, June also heralds the highest UV index at 5, contrasting with 0 recorded in the depths of winter.
The best time to visit Denali National Park and Preserve
To experience the most favorable conditions in Denali National Park and Preserve, the period from late May to early September offers the most temperate weather. Average high temperatures range from 43°F (6.1°C) to 57°F (13.9°C), vastly more comfortable than the exhausting chill of winter. Despite this, visitors should come prepared for some rainfall as August is typically the wettest month, averaging 2.9" (74mm) across 16 days.
With daylight hours ranging from 15 hours in early May and 12.9 hours in late September, this period offers ample opportunity for outdoor activities such as hiking, sightseeing, and photography.
With daylight hours ranging from 15 hours in early May and 12.9 hours in late September, this period offers ample opportunity for outdoor activities such as hiking, sightseeing, and photography.
The worst time to visit Denali National Park and Preserve
The harshness of the Alaskan winter makes the period from November to March the least favorable for visiting Denali National Park and Preserve. Average high temperatures range from 5°F (-15°C) to 16°F (-8.9°C), and can sink as low as -13°F (-25°C) to -9°F (-22.8°C), creating intense cold conditions that may be challenging for many visitors. Travellers are further deterred by the presence of snow and the sparse daylight hours, reaching a low of only 4.9 hours in December.
Spring weather in Denali National Park and Preserve
Spring in Denali National Park and Preserve spans from March to May. During this time of thawing snow and gradually lengthening days, average high temperatures rise from 16°F (-8.9°C) to 43°F (6.1°C). Meanwhile, average lows warm up from -4°F (-20°C) to 23°F (-5°C). Rainfall remains consistently low at this time, with April and May averaging a minimal 0.7" (18mm) across 8 to 10 days respectively.
Summer weather in Denali National Park and Preserve
The arrival of summer in Denali Park is signaled by long, glorious days, and a peak in both temperature and UV index. From June to August, average highs range between 54°F (12.2°C) and 57°F (13.9°C) with lows between 34°F (1.1°C) and 39°F (3.9°C). Rainfall is generally higher during this season with amounts peaking at 3" (76mm) in July spread across 16 days. Daylight, however, is a summer triumph, with an astounding 20.2 hours of sunshine in June, falling to 16.1 hours in August.
Autumn weather in Denali National Park and Preserve
Autumn, from September to November, sees temperatures and daylight hours drop drastically. Average high temperatures shift from 43°F (6.1°C) to 10°F (-12.2°C), and lows descend from 27°F (-2.8°C) to -6°F (-21.1°C). September experiences the most rainfall in this season with 1.8" (46mm) over 15 days. Alongside this, daylight also decreases, going from 12.9 hours in September to 6.8 hours in November.
Winter weather in Denali National Park and Preserve
True to its Tundra classification, winter in Denali National Park and Preserve is a harsh affair. From December to February, visitors can expect to face average high temperatures in the single digits, between 5°F (-15°C) and 9°F (-12.8°C), and average lows hitting a teeth-chattering -13°F (-25°C) in January. Rainfall during these months is relatively low, at 0.9" (23mm) each in December and February. Daylight is also at its most scarce with December experiencing the least sunlight, at just 4.9 hours per day.
Weather in January
January's weather in Denali National Park and Preserve shows the true strength of Alaskan winters. There is a noticeable difference between high temperatures, which average 5°F (-15°C), and low temperatures, which can plummet to -13°F (-25°C). Weather in January »
Weather in February
February's weather patterns show a slight shift toward favor as temperatures inch higher. A leap from January's icy lows to this month’s -9°F (-22.8°C) signals the gradual retreat of the intense cold. The increase in daylight hours to 8.8, nearly 3 more than January, offers more opportunities for outdoor activities. Weather in February »
Weather in March
In March, Denali National Park and Preserve experiences some of the first signs of spring. Gradually warmer days rise to 16°F (-8.9°C), up from February’s 9°F (-12.8°C). The sunlight that touches the park starts to lengthen, boosting the daily sunshine hours to 6. Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings undeniable signs of spring with warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours. Days get significantly longer with an increase in daylight to 15 hours. There is an observable shift in the quantity of rainfall which drops to 0.7" (18mm), the second lowest after January. Weather in April »
Weather in May
As the calendar turns to May, Mother Nature paints a clearer image of spring in Denali National Park and Preserve. As the daily sunshine hours stretch to 9 hours, it results in a significant jump in the UV index up to 4. The park gets more exposure to the sun, moderating the ambient temperature. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June marks the arrival of summer in Denali National Park and Preserve. The most striking features of this month's weather is an impressive 20.2 daylight hours, illuminating the park for almost the entire day. High temperatures reach their apex, soaring to 54°F (12.2°C), making it the hottest month of the year. Weather in June »
Weather in July
In July, Denali National Park and Preserve endures the peak of the Alaskan summer. With the highest rainfall of 3" (76mm), this month is the wettest period of the year. The park basks in the glory of 19 average daily daylight hours, the second-highest after June. Weather in July »
Weather in August
As August rolls in, weather patterns in Denali National Park and Preserve begin their transition back towards cooler temperatures. Although the remnants of summer weather can still be felt with high temperatures lingering at 54°F (12.2°C), the arrival of August is a telltale sign of oncoming autumn. Weather in August »
Weather in September
September represents the shift to fall in Denali National Park and Preserve with a significant change in weather dynamics. A particular characteristic of September is the retreat of daylight hours to 12.9 from August’s high of 16.1. Weather in September »
Weather in October
By October, the fall season has a firm grip in Denali National Park and Preserve. An evident departure from warmer months, October exhibits cooler temperatures and shrinking daylight hours. The decrease in sunlight, from around 15 hours in summer to just under 10, is a clear indicator of the seasonal transition. Weather in October »
Weather in November
In November, the weather in Denali National Park and Preserve takes a polar turn. A drastic dip in high temperatures from 25°F (-3.9°C) in October to 10°F (-12.2°C) in November is evident as winter approaches. The shortening daylight hours, falling to 6.8, further reinforce the onset of Alaskan winter. Weather in November »
Weather in December
December ushers in winter with its frigid climax in Denali National Park and Preserve. Matching the lowest UV index of the year with January, December also experiences the least amount of daylight, offering just 4.9 hours. While the temperatures continue to plummet, there is a minute increase in rainfall from the previous month. Weather in December »
[Resources]Frequently asked questions
What are the coldest months in Denali National Park and Preserve?
The coldest period in Denali National Park and Preserve tends to be January, when average temperatures fluctuate between a high of 5°F (-15°C) and a low of -13°F (-25°C).
How many days does it rain in Denali National Park and Preserve?
Throughout the year, in Denali National Park and Preserve, there are 145 rainfall days, and 16.85" (428mm) of precipitation is accumulated.
What are the months with the least sunshine in Denali National Park and Preserve?
January, November and December, with an average of 2h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine in Denali National Park and Preserve.
What are the months with the lowest UV index in Denali National Park and Preserve?
January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 0, are months with the lowest UV index in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska.
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Denali National Park and Preserve?
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts in Denali National Park and Preserve, 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.
What is the driest month in Denali National Park and Preserve?
April is the month with the least rainfall in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska. Rain falls for 8 days and accumulates 0.67" (17mm) of precipitation.
What is the month with the most sunshine in Denali National Park and Preserve?
May and June, with an average of 9h of sunshine, are months with the most sunshine in Denali National Park and Preserve.
When are the longest days in Denali National Park and Preserve?
June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 20h and 12min of daylight.
What are the months with the highest UV index in Denali National Park and Preserve?
June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 5, are months with the highest UV index in Denali National Park and Preserve.
What are the warmest months in Denali National Park and Preserve?
July proves to be the warmest month in Denali National Park and Preserve, recording an average peak temperature of 57.2°F (14°C) and a minimum temperature of 39.2°F (4°C).
What is the rainiest month in Denali National Park and Preserve?
July is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 16 days and accumulates 2.95" (75mm) of precipitation.
What is the month with the shortest days in Denali National Park and Preserve?
The month with the shortest days in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska, is December, with an average of 4h and 54min of daylight.
Average temperature
Denali National Park and Preserve, AK
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (57°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (5°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (39°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (-13°F).
Average rainfall
Denali National Park and Preserve, AK
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is July (3").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are April and May (0.7").
Average rainfall days
Denali National Park and Preserve, AK
- Average rainfall days in January:
9 days - Average rainfall days in February:
10 days - Average rainfall days in March:
10 days - Average rainfall days in April:
8 days - Average rainfall days in May:
10 days - Average rainfall days in June:
14 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
16 days - Average rainfall days in August:
16 days - Average rainfall days in September:
15 days - Average rainfall days in October:
13 days - Average rainfall days in November:
12 days - Average rainfall days in December:
12 days
The months with the highest number of rainy days are July and August (16 days).
The month with the least rainy days is April (8 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Denali National Park and Preserve, AK
- Average daylight in January:
6h and 0min - Average daylight in February:
8h and 5min - Average daylight in March:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in April:
15h and 0min - Average daylight in May:
18h and 1min - Average daylight in June:
20h and 1min
- Average daylight in July:
19h and 0min - Average daylight in August:
16h and 1min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 5min - Average daylight in October:
9h and 5min - Average daylight in November:
6h and 5min - Average daylight in December:
4h and 5min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 20h and 12min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 4h and 54min).
The months with the most sunshine are May and June (Average sunshine: 9h).
The months with the least sunshine are January, November and December (Average sunshine: 2h).
Average UV index
Denali National Park and Preserve, AK
The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 0).
Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska, USA
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