Climate and monthly weather forecast
Seward, AK

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The busy Small Boat Harbor in Seward City, Alaska
The busy Small Boat Harbor in Seward City, Alaska

The climate of Seward

Seward, Alaska, operates within a Köppen climate classification of Dfc, indicating a subarctic climate with severely freezing winters and no dry season. Located on the southern coast of Alaska, this temperate region registers annual fluctuations in weather conditions. Within this climatic zone, a notable absence of excessive heat prevails, yet the region finds itself prone to substantial snowfall during the colder part of the year.

Consideration reveals yearly average temperatures fluctuating from a chilling 17.1°F (-8.3°C) in January to a moderate 56.8°F (13.8°C) in July. Weather throughout the year witnesses significant variances, with higher temperatures from May to September, while colder weather prevails from October through to April. Reiterating, the area's highest temperature generally peaks in July at around 56.8°F (13.8°C). Simultaneously, the coldest months are December and January, temperatures averaging between 17.1°F (-8.3°C) and 18.3°F (-7.6°C).

A consistent pattern of rainfall is observable throughout the year, with rainfall inches ranging from 2.09" (53mm) in June to a substantial 7.64" (194mm) in December. Furthermore, monthly snowfall exhibits a noticeable ascent from November to February, December being the height of snowfall with 15.91" (404mm). Average daylight hours present a vast range from 6 hours in December to an impressive 18.8 hours in June, portraying significant variations during the year.

The best time to visit Seward

Optimum visiting times for Seward, Alaska, center around the summer months of June through August. During this period, temperatures average between 44.2°F (6.8°C) to 56.8°F (13.8°C), providing hospitable weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Furthermore, these months also offer the highest amount of daylight hours, peaking at 18.8 hours in June. This allows ample time for explorations and excursions amidst extended hours of sunlight. Nevertheless, potential visitors should note the relatively high rainfall during these months, particularly in August with an average precipitation of 3.94" (100mm).

The worst time to visit Seward

The least advantageous period for a visit to Seward culminates in the winter months of November through March. Intense cold weather with an average low temperature below freezing at 17.1°F (-8.3°C) to 25.2°F (-3.8°C) is prevalent, and daylight is significantly reduced, hitting a low of 6 hours in December. Additionally, steady snowfall ensues, escalating to a monthly average high of 15.91" (404mm) in December, making road travel challenging. Summatively, these conditions pose requisite preparations for potential tourists to keep safety paramount and enjoyment feasible.

Spring weather in Seward

Seward's springtime, from March through May, introduces a gradual warming trend after the harsh winter. March begins with temperature lows at 25.2°F (-3.8°C), steadily rising to 35.4°F (1.9°C) by May. Concurrently, the high temperature follows a similar pattern and elevates from 29.8°F (-1.2°C) in March to 44.2°F (6.8°C) in May. Noticeably, the daylight hours increase considerably from 11.9 hours to a substantial 17.3 hours during this period. On the other hand, expected rainfall will be around 3.62" (92mm) in April to 3.82" (97mm) in May, and snowfall drops significantly to 0.47" (12mm) in May.

Summer weather in Seward

Summertime in Seward, spanning from June to August, promises the warmest months of the year with temperature highs ranging from 52°F (11.1°C) in June to 56.8°F (13.8°C) in July. Simultaneously, the low temperature registers a comfortable bracket between 43.3°F (6.3°C) to 47.8°F (8.8°C). High daylight hours compliment this season, peaking at 18.8 hours in June, reducing slightly to 17.9 hours in August. Predominantly, summer has the lowest rainfall of 2.09" (53mm) in June albeit a rise to 3.94" (100mm) in August.

Autumn weather in Seward

Autumn in Seward, from September to November, brings a noticeable drop in temperatures. High temperatures decrease from 48.7°F (9.3°C) in September to a chilling 29.7°F (-1.3°C) in November. Correspondingly, low temperatures follow the trend, ranging from 41.9°F (5.5°C) down to 22.8°F (-5.1°C). Rainfall gradually intensifies, starting at 5.75" (146mm) in September and escalating up to 5.63" (143mm) in November, coinciding with the start of the snowfall season. Sequentially, daylight hours progressively reduce from 12.8 hours in September to 7.5 hours in November.

Winter weather in Seward

Winter engulfs Seward from December through February, showcasing the coldest and harshest weather conditions of the year. During this period, high temperatures tumble to an average of 27°F (-2.8°C) in December and 24.6°F (-4.1°C) in February. Lows follow suit from 18.3°F (-7.6°C) in December to a chilling 17.1°F (-8.3°C) in January. In unison with the cold, daylight hours shrink to a mere 6 hours in December. However, this time witnesses the maximum snowfall of the year of up to 15.91" (404mm) in December, providing ideal conditions for winter sports enthusiasts.

Weather in January

The chill of winter is in full swing in Seward, Alaska as January unfolds. Compared to the slightly milder December, January experiences a peak in snowfall with a considerable 9.76" (248mm). A common sight would be the pristine white snow adding splendour to Seward's landscape. Weather in January »

Weather in February

As the calendar turns to February, the weather undergoes minor deviations from that of January. There is a slight increase in snowfall, reaching an annual high of 18.35" (466mm) presenting Seward in the prettiest of winter whites. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March heralds the transition period from Winter to Spring. From the snow-heavy months of January and February, snowfall dips to 15.04" (382mm) in March in Seward. Despite the early signs of an imminent spring, the temperatures still lean towards the colder side. Weather in March »

Weather in April

Unlike the snow-laden March, April witnesses a dramatic plunge in snowfall, signifying the departure of winter in Seward, Alaska. The precipitation turns to rain, with an average of 3.62" (92mm). With the advent of spring, the overall weather pattern becomes more pleasant. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May is predominantly the onset of the summer season for Seward. The most notable characteristic is the considerable increase in temperature, up to a high of 44.2°F (6.8°C) compared to the preceding months. The skies clear out substantially, affording more daylight hours for both residents and tourists alike. Weather in May »

Weather in June

Summer, by Alaskan standards, is in full bloom in Seward in June. Temperatures touch an agreeable 52°F (11.1°C), making daily activities more enjoyable. Humidity levels drop to the year’s lowest, offering residents a comfortable respite from the bone-drenching dampness of spring. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July is essentially the peak of summer in Seward, as temperatures escalate to an annual high of 56.8°F (13.8°C). Along with the heightened temperature, the sea temperature also peaks at 55.8°F (13.2°C), inviting a host of water sports activities. Weather in July »

Weather in August

The weather in August starts hinting at the impending departure of summer. A noticeable dip in temperature down to 55.6°F (13.1°C) from the July peak, signals the commencement of autumn’s preamble. This gentle cool off coupled with a heightened rainfall of 3.94" (100mm) gives Seward a new refreshingly cool look. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September marks the beginning of fall in Seward with the arrival of some striking changes in weather characteristics. Temperatures start descending with average highs plummeting to 48.7°F (9.3°C). However, rainfall reaches an annual high at 5.75" (146mm), paving the way for lush landscapes and a flourishing local ecosystem. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October embraces autumn wholeheartedly in Seward, Alaska. An evident decrease in average temperature down to a high of 39.9°F (4.4°C) underlines the transition from September. The rainfall prevails generously pouring 7.56" (192mm) in October laying the foundation for a vibrant, autumnal transformation of Seward. Weather in October »

Weather in November

As winter looms, the weather in November turns significantly colder in Seward, with highs not surpassing the 29.7°F (-1.3°C) mark. Snowfall makes a comeback after a prolonged hiatus, dusting the city with a moderate 4.84" (123mm). Weather in November »

Weather in December

December marks the official start of winter in Seward, Alaska. With the temperature hovering around a high of 27°F (-2.8°C), it ushers in the coldest phase of the year. The resurge in snowfall with a considerable 15.91" (404mm) is a clear indication of changing climatic conditions. Weather in December »
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Frequently asked questions

What time of the year is the coldest in Seward?

The coldest month in Seward is January, with an average high-temperature of 24.6°F (-4.1°C) and an average low-temperature of 17.1°F (-8.3°C).

How much does it rain in Seward?

In Seward, Alaska, during the entire year, the rain falls for 166.9 days and collects up to 56.06" (1424mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow in Seward?

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

How many days does it snow in Seward?

Throughout the year, in Seward, there are 72 snowfall days, and 73.19" (1859mm) of snow is accumulated.

What are the months with the least sunshine in Seward?

The months with the least sunshine are January and December, with an average of 3.1h of sunshine.

What are the months with the lowest UV index in Seward?

January, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index in Seward, Alaska.

What is the snowiest month in Seward?

February is the month with the most snowfall in Seward. Snow falls for 13.3 days and accumulates 18.35" (466mm) of snow.

What is the most humid month in Seward?

The months with the highest humidity in Seward are March, April and December, with an average relative humidity of 87%.

What is the month with the coldest ocean in Seward?

With an average ocean temperature of 39°F (3.9°C), March is the month with the coldest seawater in Seward.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Seward?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts in Seward, 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 Seward?

The least humid month in Seward is June, with an average relative humidity of 80%.

What is the driest month in Seward?

The month with the least rainfall in Seward, Alaska, is June, when the rain falls for 15.8 days and typically collects 2.09" (53mm) of precipitation.

When it does not snow in Seward?

In Seward, snow does not fall in June through September.

When are the longest days in Seward?

With an average of 18h and 48min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year in Seward, Alaska.

What month has the most sunshine in Seward?

The month with the most sunshine is June, with an average of 9.5h of sunshine.

What part of the year is the hottest in Seward?

The month of July sees the average highest temperatures in Seward, Alaska, reaching 56.8°F (13.8°C) at the peak and 47.8°F (8.8°C) at the low.

When is the highest UV index in Seward?

The month with the highest UV index in Seward, Alaska, is July, with an average maximum UV index of 4.

What month is the ocean warmest in Seward?

With an average ocean temperature of 55.9°F (13.3°C), August is the month with the warmest seawater in Seward, Alaska.

What is the wettest month in Seward?

The month with the most rainfall in Seward, Alaska, is December, when the rain falls for 11.9 days and typically aggregates up to 7.64" (194mm) of precipitation.

What is the month with the shortest days in Seward?

With an average of 6h and 0min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in Seward, Alaska.

Average pressure
Seward, AK

Average pressure - Seward, AK

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is July (29.98"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is November (29.61"Hg).

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Average wind speed
Seward, AK

Average wind speed - Seward, AK

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is November (8.9mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is June (4.8mph).

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Average humidity
Seward, AK

Average humidity - Seward, AK

The months with the highest relative humidity are March, April and December (87%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is June (80%).

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Average rainfall
Seward, AK

Average rainfall - Seward, AK

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is December (7.64").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is June (2.09").

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Average rainfall days
Seward, AK

Average rainfall days - Seward, AK

The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (19 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (7.6 days).

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Average snowfall
Seward, AK

Average snowfall - Seward, AK

The month with the highest snowfall is February (18.35").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

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Average snowfall days
Seward, AK

Average snowfall days - Seward, AK

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is March (14.3 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

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Average sea temperature
Seward, AK

Average sea temperature - Seward, AK

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (56°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is March (39°F).

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Average daylight / Average sunshine
Seward, AK

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Seward, AK

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 18h and 48min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 6h and 0min).

The month with the most sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 9h and 30min).
The months with the least sunshine are January and December (Average sunshine: 3h and 6min).

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Average sunshine days
Seward, AK

Average sunshine days - Seward, AK

The month with the most sunshine days is January (13.8 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is September (10.6 days).

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Average visibility
Seward, AK

Average visibility - Seward, AK

The months with the highest visibility are June, July, August, September, October and November (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May and December (5mi).

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Seward, Alaska, USA

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