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Contents
- The climate of Kaktovik
- The best time to visit Kaktovik
- The worst time to visit Kaktovik
- Spring weather in Kaktovik
- Summer weather in Kaktovik
- Autumn weather in Kaktovik
- Winter weather in Kaktovik
- 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 pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average snowfall
- Average snowfall days
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
The climate of Kaktovik
Kaktovik, Alaska, USA, typically experiences an ET or Tundra Köppen climate classification. This derives from the geographical position of the region, which is far in the northern part of the globe. The locale is subjected to a seemingly perpetual winter with the maximum average temperature reaching up to 48.6°F (9.2°C) only during the warmest month, and plunging as low as -13.7°F (-25.4°C) in the coldest month.
The weather in Kaktovik fluctuates dramatically throughout the year. Relative humidity hovers around 80 to 93%, with the driest period being in the summer. Rainfall averages between 0.24" (6mm) to 1.61" (41mm) per month, with heaviest precipitation seen in August, while snowfall tends to rise in the colder months attaining a peak of 3.07" (78mm) in October.
One distinctive feature of Kaktovik's climate is the disparity in daylight hours received through different seasons. Daylight spans from as little as 1.5 hours to a staggering 24 hours, owing to its position in the Arctic Circle. The sun shines for the longest duration from May to July, making these the brightest months in Kaktovik. Meanwhile, December experiences virtually no sunshine, aligning with the phenomena of Polar Night.
The weather in Kaktovik fluctuates dramatically throughout the year. Relative humidity hovers around 80 to 93%, with the driest period being in the summer. Rainfall averages between 0.24" (6mm) to 1.61" (41mm) per month, with heaviest precipitation seen in August, while snowfall tends to rise in the colder months attaining a peak of 3.07" (78mm) in October.
One distinctive feature of Kaktovik's climate is the disparity in daylight hours received through different seasons. Daylight spans from as little as 1.5 hours to a staggering 24 hours, owing to its position in the Arctic Circle. The sun shines for the longest duration from May to July, making these the brightest months in Kaktovik. Meanwhile, December experiences virtually no sunshine, aligning with the phenomena of Polar Night.
The best time to visit Kaktovik
Considering the weather conditions and the phenomena of midnight sun, June and July present as the best time to visit Kaktovik. June is the warmest month with temperatures reaching up to 42.8°F (6°C) and a low of 34.5°F (1.4°C). Also, as these months have the lowest relative humidity of under 80%, less moisture in the air fosters more comfortable conditions for sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Kaktovik
Venturing to Kaktovik in the winter months from November through to March is the least favourable. During these months, temperatures often plummet below freezing point with averages oscillating from -2.9°F (-19.4°C) to -13.7°F (-25.4°C). Coupled with snowfall reaching up to 2.87" (73mm) and scarce daylight hours, these conditions make it challenging for outdoor activities and exploration.
Spring weather in Kaktovik
In Kaktovik, spring arrives late and is relatively short. The months of April and May are frigid with average high temperatures ranging from 14.5°F (-9.7°C) to 31.5°F (-0.3°C). Snowfall continues well into this season, crippling to 0.83" (21mm) by May. Despite the increases in temperatures, outdoor activities are still restricted due to the cold.
Summer weather in Kaktovik
June through August signifies summer in Kaktovik. With temperatures ranging from 42.8°F (6°C) down to 34.5°F (1.4°C), it is noticeably cooler than typical summer climates. However, the highlight of this season is the 24 hours of daylight experienced in June and July, bringing with it extensive periods of opportunity for outdoor experiences.
Autumn weather in Kaktovik
September and October in Kaktovik are categorized by decreasing temperatures, peak rainfall, and increased snowfall. With temperatures plunging from 39°F (3.9°C) down to 24.4°F (-4.2°C) and increasing precipitation, these months mark the transition into the long and severe winters of the region.
Winter weather in Kaktovik
The months from November to March in Kaktovik are characterized by severe winter conditions. The temperatures undergo a steep decline from 9.5°F (-12.5°C) to -13.7°F (-25.4°C) while daylight hours diminish, reaching a low in December with no sunlight. It is a period marked by frequent snowfall, sometimes reaching up to 2.87" (73mm), making outdoor activities challenging yet awe-inspiring for those who brave the cold.
Weather in January
Reflective of the Arctic winter, January weather in Kaktovik, Alaska, USA, is characterized by short daylight hours, lasting only 1.5 hours, and low sunshine availability of 0.8 hours. The month is generally very cold with temperature ranges from 13.7°F (-10.2°C) to 5.1°F (-14.9°C). Weather in January »
Weather in February
Heading into February, Kaktovik experiences slight improvements in daylight hours, but overall, weather patterns remain similar to January. The pressure typically sits at 30.05in, offering a clue to the persisting chilly conditions. Weather in February »
Weather in March
March unveils a gradual shift in Kaktovik as it reveals slightly warmer temperatures, a bit more daylight, and a lesser percentage of cloud cover. As Spring slowly approaches, the average temperatures fluctuate between -10.5°F (-23.6°C) and 0.3°F (-17.6°C). Weather in March »
Weather in April
April reveals further alterations in Kaktovik's weather pattern, showing significant signs of the Spring thaw. This period sees a substantial increase in daylight hours to 16.4 hours from the previous month's 11.8 hours. The weather seems to respond to Spring's arrival as temperature fluctuations become more pronounced. Weather in April »
Weather in May
May in Kaktovik showcases further shifts in climate as Spring becomes more prevalent. The most noticeable change is the considerable escalation of daylight hours to 22.5 hours, indicating the onset of the Midnight Sun phenomenon. The mercury climbs higher as average temperatures hover around the freezing point, contributing to the thawing landscape. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June represents the summer solstice in Kaktovik, with nearly 24 hours of daylight creating a surreal ambient light. Sunshine hours reach their lowest at 0.6 hours despite the lengthy days due to cloud cover and the sun's low angle. Weather in June »
Weather in July
July features the warmest temperatures of the year in Kaktovik, ranging from 39.4°F (4.1°C) to 48.6°F (9.2°C). This period experiences high rainfall, with a monthly average of 0.83in over 11.5 days, the highest precipitation levels for the year. Weather in July »
Weather in August
August sees a slight dip in temperature, signaling the waning of summer. It is also the rainiest period in Kaktovik, with an average of 1.61in precipitation over 13.4 days. The increase in rain and presence of clouds leads to less sunshine. Weather in August »
Weather in September
September introduces the Fall season to Kaktovik, overlapping with Arctic summer. A noticeable decline in daylight hours to 13.3 and rapid reduction in average temperature signals the impending arrival of winter. A remarkable increase in snowfall to 1.73in is seen as the frost slowly begins to take command. Weather in September »
Weather in October
October undeniably marks the arrival of Winter, seeing an increased frequency of snowfall, reaching 3.07in. This month witnesses a drastic reduction in daylight hours to 8.8 hours from the previous month's 13.3 hours. These changes characterize October's weather as the mercury begins its descent into negative readings regularly. Weather in October »
Weather in November
November reinforces the dominance of Winter in Kaktovik, offering a frigid landscape. The rapidly reducing temperatures, reaching lows of -2.9°F (-19.4°C), affirm the icy hold of Winter. The snowfall is persistent, and the sunlight scarce, reinstating the sternness of the season. Weather in November »
Weather in December
December brings Kaktovik into full-blown winter, with the temperature fluctuating between -10.7°F (-23.7°C) and -2.9°F (-19.4°C). The snowfall persists, and the daylight hours are scarce, rounding off a typically Arctic year. Weather in December »
[Resources]Frequently asked questions
What is the coldest time of year in Kaktovik?
The lowest temperatures in Kaktovik are recorded in January, with averages reaching a high of -5.1°F (-20.6°C) and a low of -13.7°F (-25.4°C).
What are the most humid months in Kaktovik?
The months with the highest humidity in Kaktovik are January, March and December, with an average relative humidity of 93%.
How much does it rain in Kaktovik?
Throughout the year, in Kaktovik, there are 60.7 rainfall days, and 6.54" (166mm) of precipitation is accumulated.
When does it snow in Kaktovik?
Months with snowfall are January through June, August through December.
How much does it snow in Kaktovik?
In Kaktovik, Alaska, during the entire year, snow falls for 108.6 days and aggregates up to 17.83" (453mm) of snow.
What is the month with the lowest UV index in Kaktovik?
January through May, August through December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index in Kaktovik.
What is the driest month in Kaktovik?
The month with the least rainfall in Kaktovik, Alaska, is February, when the rain falls for 1 days and typically collects 0.24" (6mm) of precipitation.
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Kaktovik?
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts in Kaktovik, 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 least humid month in Kaktovik?
June is the least humid month in Kaktovik, Alaska, with an average relative humidity of 79%.
What is the month with the shortest days in Kaktovik?
The months with the shortest days in Kaktovik, Alaska, are June and December, with an average of 0h and 0min of daylight.
What is the hottest time of year in Kaktovik?
The highest temperatures in Kaktovik are recorded in July, with averages reaching a high of 48.6°F (9.2°C) and a low of 39.4°F (4.1°C).
When it does not snow in Kaktovik?
July is the only month when snow does not fall in Kaktovik.
What is the month with the highest UV index in Kaktovik?
July is the month with the highest UV index, with an average maximum UV index of 3.
What is the wettest month in Kaktovik?
August is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 13.4 days and accumulates 1.61" (41mm) of precipitation.
When are the longest days in Kaktovik?
August has the longest days of the year in Kaktovik, with an average of 18h and 12min of daylight.
What month has the most sunshine in Kaktovik?
August has the most sunshine of the year in Kaktovik, Alaska, with an average of 6.9h of sunshine.
What is the snowiest month in Kaktovik?
The month with the most snowfall is October, when snow falls for 14.2 days and typically aggregates up to 3.07" (78mm) of snow.
What is the month with the least sunshine in Kaktovik?
The month with the least sunshine is December, with an average of 0.4h of sunshine.
Average temperature
Kaktovik, AK
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (48.6°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (-5.1°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (39.4°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (-13.7°F).
Average pressure
Kaktovik, AK
- Average pressure in January:
30.06"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.05"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.07"Hg - Average pressure in April:
30.05"Hg - Average pressure in May:
30.06"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.94"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.91"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.86"Hg - Average pressure in September:
29.84"Hg - Average pressure in October:
29.88"Hg - Average pressure in November:
29.93"Hg - Average pressure in December:
29.99"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is March (30.07"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is September (29.84"Hg).
Average wind speed
Kaktovik, AK
- Average wind speed in January:
12.1mph - Average wind speed in February:
12.1mph - Average wind speed in March:
11.4mph - Average wind speed in April:
11.7mph - Average wind speed in May:
11mph - Average wind speed in June:
11.7mph
- Average wind speed in July:
10.8mph - Average wind speed in August:
11.3mph - Average wind speed in September:
11.9mph - Average wind speed in October:
13.1mph - Average wind speed in November:
11mph - Average wind speed in December:
11.1mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is October (13.1mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (10.8mph).
Average humidity
Kaktovik, AK
The months with the highest relative humidity are January, March and December (93%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is June (79%).
Average rainfall
Kaktovik, AK
- Average rainfall in January:
0.31" - Average rainfall in February:
0.24" - Average rainfall in March:
0.35" - Average rainfall in April:
0.28" - Average rainfall in May:
0.28" - Average rainfall in June:
0.39"
- Average rainfall in July:
0.83" - Average rainfall in August:
1.61" - Average rainfall in September:
0.79" - Average rainfall in October:
0.67" - Average rainfall in November:
0.47" - Average rainfall in December:
0.31"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (1.61").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is February (0.24").
Average rainfall days
Kaktovik, AK
- Average rainfall days in January:
1.1 days - Average rainfall days in February:
1 days - Average rainfall days in March:
2.8 days - Average rainfall days in April:
3.4 days - Average rainfall days in May:
4.6 days - Average rainfall days in June:
5.6 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
11.5 days - Average rainfall days in August:
13.4 days - Average rainfall days in September:
9.1 days - Average rainfall days in October:
4.8 days - Average rainfall days in November:
2.5 days - Average rainfall days in December:
0.9 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (13.4 days).
The month with the least rainy days is December (0.9 days).
Average snowfall
Kaktovik, AK
- Average snowfall in January:
1.54" - Average snowfall in February:
1.3" - Average snowfall in March:
1.85" - Average snowfall in April:
1.34" - Average snowfall in May:
0.83" - Average snowfall in June:
1.18"
The month with the highest snowfall is October (3.07").
The month with the least snowfall is July (0").
Average snowfall days
Kaktovik, AK
- Average snowfall days in January:
10.8 days - Average snowfall days in February:
11.4 days - Average snowfall days in March:
11.9 days - Average snowfall days in April:
12.7 days - Average snowfall days in May:
6.3 days - Average snowfall days in June:
1.8 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0.1 days - Average snowfall days in August:
1.6 days - Average snowfall days in September:
8 days - Average snowfall days in October:
14.2 days - Average snowfall days in November:
16.1 days - Average snowfall days in December:
13.7 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is November (16.1 days).
The month with the least snowfall days is July (0.1 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Kaktovik, AK
- Average daylight in January:
1h and 3min - Average daylight in February:
7h and 2min - Average daylight in March:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in April:
16h and 2min - Average daylight in May:
9h and 2min - Average daylight in June:
0h and 0min
- Average daylight in July:
2h and 5min - Average daylight in August:
18h and 1min - Average daylight in September:
13h and 2min - Average daylight in October:
8h and 5min - Average daylight in November:
3h and 1min - Average daylight in December:
0h and 0min
The month with the longest days is August (Average daylight: 18h and 12min).
The months with the shortest days are June and December (Average daylight: 0h and 0min).
- Average sunshine in January:
0h and 5min - Average sunshine in February:
2h and 3min - Average sunshine in March:
3h and 5min - Average sunshine in April:
6h and 1min - Average sunshine in May:
3h and 2min - Average sunshine in June:
0h and 4min
- Average sunshine in July:
1h and 1min - Average sunshine in August:
6h and 5min - Average sunshine in September:
4h and 4min - Average sunshine in October:
3h and 2min - Average sunshine in November:
1h and 1min - Average sunshine in December:
0h and 2min
The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 6h and 54min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 0h and 24min).
Average sunshine days
Kaktovik, AK
- Average sunshine days in January:
18.9 days - Average sunshine days in February:
17.5 days - Average sunshine days in March:
19.7 days - Average sunshine days in April:
16.7 days - Average sunshine days in May:
20.3 days - Average sunshine days in June:
21.8 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
17.7 days - Average sunshine days in August:
13.7 days - Average sunshine days in September:
12.4 days - Average sunshine days in October:
12.5 days - Average sunshine days in November:
12.6 days - Average sunshine days in December:
19 days
The month with the most sunshine days is June (21.8 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is September (12.4 days).
Average UV index
Kaktovik, AK
The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 3).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November and December (UV index 1).
Average cloud cover
Kaktovik, AK
The month with the most cloud cover is December (Cloud cover 73).
The month with the least cloud cover is June (Cloud cover 40).
Average visibility
Kaktovik, AK
The months with the highest visibility are June, July, August and September (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January and December (4mi).
Kaktovik, Alaska, USA
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