Climate and monthly weather forecast
Palmer, AK

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The scenic Mountain Park within the Mine State Historical Park in Palmer Province, Alaska
The scenic Mountain Park within the Mine State Historical Park in Palmer Province, Alaska

The climate of Palmer

Situated in the striking landscape of Alaska, USA, Palmer boasts a Crown-Köppen classified climate known as Dfc. Predominantly characterized by severe winters, a cold summer and non-dry season - it's a subarctic climate. Stemming from this classification, the weather throughout the year in Palmer gets influenced by shifting weather parameters from one month to another.

A focal part of the weather pattern in Palmer is the variation in temperature records. A glance at the data presents a minimum temperature of 8.1°F (-13.3°C) and a maximum reaching as high as 61.2°F (16.2°C). An apparent distinction is observable throughout the weather parameters. The humidity relative has an annual range from 69% to 87%. Palmer sees an unequal quantity of rainfall, fluctuating from 0.91" (23mm) registered as the minimum monthly average to a peak of 2.24" (57mm). Rainfall days and snowfall days witness quite a disparity too, varying between 8.9 days and 22.4 days, and zero days and 14.1 days respectively.

Apart from ample daylight hours through the year, particularly from 17.7 hours to 5.5 hours, the average monthly daylight hours does change quite significantly. Sunshine hours, on the other hand, hover between 11.8 hours to a mere 3.9 hours, with sunshine days spanning from 5.3 days to 13.9 days. A marked feature of Palmer's weather conditions is the UV index, which changes mildly, oscillating between index points 1 and 4.

The best time to visit Palmer

Although subjective to personal preferences, the period from June to August is often considered the most opportune time to visit Palmer, Alaska. During these months the temperatures are most agreeable, resting at a comfortable 57.2°F (14°C) and reaching a maximum of 61.2°F (16.2°C). Coupled with over 18 hours of daylight and around 11 hours of sunshine, it indeed fosters a vibrant ambiance. Despite the relative humidity of 69% to 74%, these months have the highest UV index of 4, offering the perfect weather for outdoor explorations.

The worst time to visit Palmer

Visitors might want to avoid the months between December and February due to the severe Arctic climate. During this period the average temperatures plummet down to between 8.1°F (-13.3°C) and 9°F (-12.8°C), with maximum temperatures barely touching 23.2°F (-4.9°C). With merely 5.5 hours to 6.5 hours of daylight and a restrain of snowfall as high as 6.93" (176mm), these months tend to be pretty overwhelming for visitors unaccustomed to such harsh weather conditions.

Spring Weather in Palmer

As the season transitions from Winter to Spring, the weather in Palmer begins to grow rather amicable. The months from March to May see escalating temperatures from 18.1°F (-7.7°C) up to 48.6°F (9.2°C). Significant disparities settle with respect to rainfall, rainfall days, daylight hours, and sunshine hours. Rainfall increases from 0.94" (24mm) in March to 1.18" (30mm) in May, and daylight hours extend from 11.9 hours to an impressive 17.7 hours, enabling more outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Summer Weather in Palmer

Summer emerges around June to August, during which Palmer exhibits its most pleasant weather. A substantial increase in temperature can be observed, with the mercury rising to peak at 61.2°F (16.2°C). Daylight hours also reign supreme, touching 19.4 hours, while sunshine hours reach their highest averaging 11.8 hours in June.

Autumn Weather in Palmer

As summer winds down, Autumn brings cooler temperatures ranging from 57.6°F (14.2°C) to 36.7°F (2.6°C) between September and November. With decreasing daylight and sunshine hours, it is the rainfall that shows an upward trend. The amount of rainfall swells up to a substantial 2.24" (57mm) in September, the highest for the year, making this season less ideal for outdoor activities.

Winter Weather in Palmer

Winter is perhaps the most characteristic of all seasons in Palmer. From December to February, the temperature consistently stays below freezing, fluctuating between 8.1°F (-13.3°C) and 23.2°F (-4.9°C). The daylight dwindles down to a yearly low of 5.5 hours in December, with sunshine hours lingering only 3.9 hours. Instead, snowfall takes centre stage, reaching as high as 6.93" (176mm) in January. It perfectly resonates with the elements of a harsh subarctic Winter.

Weather in January

January weather in Palmer, Alaska, exhibits the intense chill of winter. Compared to December, the temperatures fall marginally with higher temperatures ranging from 19.8°F (-6.8°C) to 18.1°F (-7.7°C) and lower temperatures between 9.9°F (-12.3°C) to 8.1°F (-13.3°C). Weather in January »

Weather in February

As Palmer turns the corner from January, February offers a slight respite from the bone-chilling cold. A decrease in snowfall from 5" (127mm) to 6.93" (176mm) signifies the impending end of winter. The days remain short and due to the relatively low temperatures, Palmer's residents anticipate the arrival of spring. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March in Palmer signifies the transition from winter to spring. From February to March, the average temperature increases notably, offering residents some relief from the harsh winter cold. The significant increase in daylight hours from 9 hours to almost 12 hours is a welcome change for locals. Weather in March »

Weather in April

Palmer in April sees substantial changes in weather parameters. A major uplift in temperatures from March, with a high of 27.5°F (-2.5°C) to an impressive 36.1°F (2.3°C) makes it feel like true spring has arrived. The city receives the highest rainfall of 1.1" (28mm) and significant daylight to enjoy outdoor activities. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May marks the transition from spring to early summer in Palmer. The increased daytime temperature and significant reduction in snowfall indicate the end of winter. Residents prepare for warmer days with more sunlight and outdoor activities. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June in Palmer, Alaska, is marked by the arrival of summer with temperatures reaching a high point of 57.2°F (14°C). With almost 19.4 hours of daylight, it is the longest day of the year in Palmer. Summer activities are in full swing, and locals cherish the delightful weather. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July is the pinnacle of summertime in Palmer, with temperatures peaking at 61.2°F (16.2°C). The longer sunshine hours and considerable decrease in snowfall make it the most desirable month for outdoor activities. The arrival of August, albeit with slightly reduced temperatures, continues to offer summery days. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August strikes a balance between the heat of July and the onset of autumn in September. While peak temperatures drop from 61.2°F (16.2°C) in July to a slightly lower 57.6°F (14.2°C), the weather remains quite warm. The city begins to prepare for the coming autumn, anticipating the leaf-changing season. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September in Palmer sees the commencement of the autumn season. The average temperature drops significantly from 57.6°F (14.2°C) in August to 48.7°F (9.3°C). The transition into autumn is evident with cooler days and longer nights compared to August. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October brings the full bloom of autumn in Palmer. Compared to September’s warmth, October’s cooler temperatures signal the beginning of the end of fall. The dwindling daylight hours and colder nights prepare residents for the approaching winter. Weather in October »

Weather in November

Palmer's November weather hints at the inevitable arrival of winter. As the temperature plunges from 36.7°F (2.6°C) in October to a chillier 23.2°F (-4.9°C), residents brace for the coming cold months. The decreased daylight hours and increased winds add to the frigid impression. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December in Palmer represents the thick of winter with some of the lowest temperatures of the year. Significant snowfall of 6.69" (170mm) indicates the onset of a true Alaska winter. Residents gear up to endure the harsh weather conditions that this frosty month throws their way. Weather in December »

Frequently asked questions

What time of the year is the coldest in Palmer?

January, with average temperatures reaching a high of 18.1°F (-7.7°C) and a low of 8.1°F (-13.3°C), is the coldest month.

What is the driest month?

January is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 11.7 days and accumulates 0.91" (23mm) of precipitation.

How many days does it rain?

In Palmer, during the entire year, the rain falls for 190.7 days and collects up to 17.4" (442mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow?

January through May, September through December are months with snowfall.

How many days does it snow?

Throughout the year, there are 76.2 snowfall days, and 33.5" (851mm) of snow is accumulated.

What is the month with the lowest UV index?

The months with the lowest UV index are January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1.

What is the snowiest month?

The month with the most snowfall is February, when snow falls for 14.1 days and typically aggregates up to 6.93" (176mm) of snow.

What is the most humid month?

With an average relative humidity of 87%, March is the most humid month.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Palmer?

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.

What are the least humid months?

The months with the lowest humidity are May and June, with an average relative humidity of 69%.

What month has the most sunshine?

May has the most sunshine of the year, with an average of 11.8h of sunshine.

When it does not snow?

June through August are months without snowfall in Palmer.

When are the longest days in Palmer?

June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 19h and 24min of daylight.

What are the months with the highest UV index?

The months with the highest UV index are June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 4.

What are the warmest months?

Palmer's July weather, with an average high temperature of 61.2°F (16.2°C) and an average low temperature of 44.2°F (6.8°C), tends to be the warmest of the year.

What is the rainiest month in Palmer?

The month with the most rainfall is September, when the rain falls for 20.6 days and typically aggregates up to 2.24" (57mm) of precipitation.

What is the month with the shortest days?

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 5h and 30min of daylight.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

The month with the least sunshine is December, with an average of 3.9h of sunshine.

Average temperature
Palmer, AK

Average temperature - Palmer, AK

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (61.2°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (18.1°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (44.2°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (8.1°F).

Average pressure
Palmer, AK

Average pressure - Palmer, AK

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is July (29.96"Hg).
The months with the lowest atmospheric pressure are November and December (29.7"Hg).

Average wind speed
Palmer, AK

Average wind speed - Palmer, AK

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (5.5mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (4mph).

Average humidity
Palmer, AK

Average humidity - Palmer, AK

The month with the highest relative humidity is March (87%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are May and June (69%).

Average rainfall
Palmer, AK

Average rainfall - Palmer, AK

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is September (2.24").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (0.91").

Average rainfall days
Palmer, AK

Average rainfall days - Palmer, AK

The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (22.4 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (8.9 days).

Average snowfall
Palmer, AK

Average snowfall - Palmer, AK

The month with the highest snowfall is February (6.93").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July and August (0").

Average snowfall days
Palmer, AK

Average snowfall days - Palmer, AK

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (14.1 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July and August (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Palmer, AK

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Palmer, AK

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 19h and 24min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 5h and 30min).

The month with the most sunshine is May (Average sunshine: 11h and 48min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 3h and 54min).

Average sunshine days
Palmer, AK

Average sunshine days - Palmer, AK

The month with the most sunshine days is January (13.9 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (5.3 days).

Average visibility
Palmer, AK

Average visibility - Palmer, AK

The months with the highest visibility are May, June, July, August, September, October and November (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are February, March and April (4mi).

Palmer, Alaska, USA

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