Climate and monthly weather forecast
Skagway, AK

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The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad heading to Skagway in Alaska
The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad heading to Skagway in Alaska

The climate of Skagway

Skagway, Alaska, USA has a Dsc climate classification according to the Köppen scheme, also referred to as a Subartic, subalpine climate. This region has a distinct seasonal variation in weather, with long, harsh winters and brief, mild summers.

Reviewing the monthly averages, temperatures fluctuate greatly throughout the year. The warmest months are July and August with average highs of 54.9°F (12.7°C) and 51.4°F (10.8°C) respectively. Wintertime is notably cold with January seeing lows of 9°F (-12.8°C). Alaska's summer, although brief, sees a significant leap in temperatures from the perishing cold of winter, with temperatures increasing from 18.3°F (-7.6°C) in March to 31.3°F (-0.4°C) in April.

Rainfall distributes unevenly across the year, reaching the peak in November with 3.9" (99mm). Alongside rainfall, Skagway also experiences snowfall during the colder months, with the heaviest occurring in January amounting to 19.69" (500mm).

The region displays noticeable humidity, maintaining consistently high relative humidity levels ranging between 80% to 94%. The highest UV index of 3 is observed in July, reiterating the mild intensity of the sun during the summer months.

The best time to visit Skagway

Considering the temperature, sunshine hours, and rainfall, the most favorable period to visit Skagway is from June to August. During this period, the mean temperature ranges from 50.2°F (10.1°C) to 54.9°F (12.7°C), providing a pleasant escape from the harsh winter cold.

In addition to favorable temperatures, these months also get the most sunshine, with June receiving an average of 9.8 sunshine hours per day. Despite June being the peak of the rainy season with 1.77" (45mm) of average rainfall, it still provides enough dry intervals for outdoor activities.

The worst time to visit Skagway

The least favorable time to visit Skagway is during the chill of winter from December to February. Temperatures during these months dip to low averages between 9°F (-12.8°C) and 18.3°F (-7.6°C).

Aside from bitterly low temperatures, these months also experience the highest snowfall, making outdoor activities challenging. Notably, January observes 19.69" (500mm) of snowfall.

On top of the severe winter conditions, the winter months experience the shortest daylight hours, ranging from 6.2 to 7 hours, diminishing the scope of outdoor exploration and sightseeing.

Spring weather in Skagway

Spring in Skagway, extending from March to May, experiences a rapid transition from winter chill to moderately warm conditions. The temperatures increase progressively from 18.3°F (-7.6°C) in March to 44.1°F (6.7°C) by the end of May.

Whilst March experiences the last of the snowy days with an average snowfall of 10.55" (268mm), it slowly dwindens with the arrival of warmer weather. The rainfall levels show an uptick from 2.09" (53mm) in March to 1.54" (39mm) in May.

Summer weather in Skagway

Summertime in Skagway, spanning from June to August, is relatively mild despite being the warmest part of the year. Average high temperatures hover around 50.2°F (10.1°C) to 54.9°F (12.7°C) during these months, providing a respite from the Subarctic cold.

Compared to other months, June experiences the highest rainfall of 1.77" (45mm). However, rainfall levels show a slight increase as summer progresses, with August reporting 3.07" (78mm) of rainfall.

Autumn weather in Skagway

Autumn in Skagway, spanning from September to November, witnesses a gradual return of the cold. Average temperatures decline from a high of 43.9°F (6.6°C) in September to a cooler 22.1°F (-5.5°C) in November.

Rainfall during Autumn fluctuates, starting at 3.11" (79mm) in September, climbing slightly to 3.66" (93mm) in October, before peaking at 3.9" (99mm) in November. Snowfall makes a return with 2.24" (57mm) recorded in October, increasing to 7.6" (193mm) by November.

Winter weather in Skagway

Winter in Skagway, extending from December to February, is characterised by freezing cold conditions. December starts with an average low temperatures of 9°F (-12.8°C), followed by January, the coldest time of the year with a high of only 17.8°F (-7.9°C) and a low as low as 9°F (-12.8°C).

These months also record substantial snowfall, with December and January experiencing major snowfall amounts of 18.11" (460mm) and 19.69" (500mm) respectively. The limited daylight during these months, with only 6.2 hours in December, adds to the harsh winter conditions. The wind speed also is higher during winter, reaching up to a gusting speed of 11.9mph (19.2km/h) in February.

Weather in January

The first month of the year presents a rather crisp and frosty environment in Skagway. January weather shows the lowest highs and lows of the year, starting from the temperature range from 9°F (-12.8°C) to 18.3°F (-7.6°C). Snowfall remains a significant feature of the city's weather, covering the ground on most days. Weather in January »

Weather in February

The weather remains cold in Skagway in February, although fractions warmer than January. Snow continues to blanket the city, though at a lesser rate compared to the previous month. As the second month of the year runs its course, the daylight hours begin to increase, signaling a gradual transition to spring. Weather in February »

Weather in March

As Skagway transitions into spring in March, the weather begins to warm up gradually. The level of snowfall experienced notably drops, with the city recording only 10.55in of snow throughout the entire month. Concurrently, the increased daylight hours start to break the winter chill, with more hours of sunshine experienced across the city. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April signals a notable shift in Skagway's weather as the spring season settles in. The city witnesses a high increase in temperatures, with lows rising from 9.1°F (-12.7°C) in March to 18.9°F (-7.3°C) in April. While the rainfall remains pretty consistent, the snow gives way to rain, and the city barely experiences any snowfall. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May is the month where Skagway truly blooms into the spring weather, with the city shedding its last remnants of winter. The temperatures experience a significant leap, with the highs rising to a comfortable 44.1°F (6.7°C). With the disappearance of snowfall, rainfall takes center stage but remains moderate. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June in Skagway sees the arrival of the summer season, with the weather turning noticeably warmer. The temperatures reach their annual peak, going up to a high of 50.2°F (10.1°C). Along with the increase in temperature, the city enjoys the maximum daylight hours across the year. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July maintains the trend of warm summer weather in Skagway, with hardly any fluctuation in temperatures compared to June. The city receives the maximum amount of sunshine, marked at a UV index of 3, making the days longer and brighter. Weather in July »

Weather in August

As the summer progresses into August, Skagway experiences a slight dip in temperatures. Rainfall continues to remain high in this month, with the city recording an average of 3.07in. Simultaneously, the sudden increase in humidity levels contributes to a somewhat cloudy and damp atmosphere. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September in Skagway marks the onset of fall, with the temperatures beginning to decrease noticeably. Snowfall makes a reappearance after a gap of several months, though only sparingly at 0in. Meanwhile, the rainfall remains high, signaling the gradual transition from summer to fall. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Skagway witnesses a more pronounced fall weather, with a significant drop in temperatures. Snowfall becomes more regular, presenting Skagway in a new light with 2.24in. Rainfall also remains pretty consistent, adding to the city's generally damp feel during this month. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November brings the chill of pending winters to Skagway, although the temperatures, ranging from 13.8°F (-10.1°C) to 22.1°F (-5.5°C), remain above freezing point. Snowfall becomes increasingly heavy, leaving the entire city under a thick blanket of snow. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December marks the return of the winter season in Skagway, with the temperatures plunging to their lowest levels of the year. The heavy snowfall of 18.11in reinforces the winter climate throughout the city. Despite the regular snowfall and the resulting increase in ground precipitation, the rainfall remains fairly moderate. Weather in December »
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Frequently asked questions

What is the most humid month in Skagway?

January is the most humid month in Skagway, with an average relative humidity of 94%.

What is the rainiest month in Skagway?

January is the month with the most rainfall in Skagway. Rain falls for 11.3 days and accumulates 4.13" (105mm) of precipitation.

How many days does it rain in Skagway?

Throughout the year, there are 172.5 rainfall days, and 33.66" (855mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow in Skagway?

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

When does it snow the most in Skagway?

The month with the most snowfall in Skagway, Alaska, is January, when snow falls for 18.7 days and typically aggregates up to 19.69" (500mm) of snow.

How much does it snow in Skagway?

In Skagway, during the entire year, snow falls for 95.8 days and aggregates up to 78.78" (2001mm) of snow.

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

The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, April, September through December, with an average maximum UV index of 1.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Skagway?

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

May is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 16.4 days and accumulates 1.54" (39mm) of precipitation.

What are the least humid months in Skagway?

June and July, with an average relative humidity of 80%, are the least humid months.

When it does not snow in Skagway?

June through September are months without snowfall.

When are the longest days in Skagway?

The month with the longest days in Skagway is June, with an average of 18h and 30min of daylight.

What month has the most sunshine in Skagway?

The month with the most sunshine in Skagway is June, with an average of 9.8h of sunshine.

What is the warmest month in Skagway?

July stands out as Skagway's warmest month, with temperatures ranging between an average high of 54.9°F (12.7°C) and a low of 42.6°F (5.9°C).

What is the month with the highest UV index in Skagway?

The month with the highest UV index is July, with an average maximum UV index of 3.

What time of the year is the coldest in Skagway?

December proves to be the coldest month in Skagway, recording an average maximum temperature of 17.8°F (-7.9°C) and a minimum temperature of 9°F (-12.8°C).

What is the month with the shortest days in Skagway?

December has the shortest days of the year in Skagway, with an average of 6h and 12min of daylight.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Skagway?

The month with the least sunshine is December, with an average of 2.8h of sunshine.

Average pressure
Skagway, AK

Average pressure - Skagway, AK

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is July (30"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is November (29.83"Hg).

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Average wind speed
Skagway, AK

Average wind speed - Skagway, AK

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (7.3mph).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are April and May (5.5mph).

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Average humidity
Skagway, AK

Average humidity - Skagway, AK

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (94%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are June and July (80%).

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Average rainfall
Skagway, AK

Average rainfall - Skagway, AK

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is January (4.13").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is May (1.54").

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Average rainfall days
Skagway, AK

Average rainfall days - Skagway, AK

The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (19.6 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (7.2 days).

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Average snowfall
Skagway, AK

Average snowfall - Skagway, AK

The month with the highest snowfall is January (19.69").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

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Average snowfall days
Skagway, AK

Average snowfall days - Skagway, AK

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (18.7 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

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Average daylight / Average sunshine
Skagway, AK

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Skagway, AK

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 18h and 30min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 6h and 12min).

The month with the most sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 9h and 48min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 2h and 48min).

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Average sunshine days
Skagway, AK

Average sunshine days - Skagway, AK

The month with the most sunshine days is March (12.3 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (8 days).

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Average UV index
Skagway, AK

Average UV index - Skagway, AK

The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 3).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, April, September, October, November and December (UV index 1).

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Average visibility
Skagway, AK

Average visibility - Skagway, AK

The months with the highest visibility are May, June, July, August, September and October (5mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, November and December (4mi).

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Skagway, Alaska, USA

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