The best times to visit South Central Alaska for ideal weather are
June 25th to September 16th
based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Read below for more weather and travel details.
South Central Alaska Travel Guide
Other South Central Alaska Travel Info
Weather in South Central Alaska
Temperature
Average temperatures in South Central Alaska vary greatly. Considering humidity, temperatures feel cold for most of the year with a chance of rain or snow throughout most of the year. The area is far less temperate than some — in the 9th percentile for pleasant weather — compared to tourist destinations worldwide. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above. If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit South Central Alaska, the hottest months are July, August, and then June. See average monthly temperatures below. The warmest time of year is generally early July where highs are regularly around 63.4°F (17.4°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 51.4°F (10.8°C) at night.
South Central Alaska Temperatures (Fahrenheit)
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South Central Alaska Temperatures (Celsius)
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“Feels-Like” Temperatures
The way we experience weather isn’t all about temperature. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person.
South Central Alaska Perceived Temperature (F)
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South Central Alaska Perceived Temperature (C)
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Average South Central Alaska Temperatures by Month
Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night.
Show Fahrenheit
Month | Avg. High (°F) | Avg. Mean (°F) | Avg. Low (°F) |
---|---|---|---|
Jan | 31.1 | 27.3 | 24 |
Feb | 31.5 | 27.7 | 24.2 |
Mar | 33.6 | 29.1 | 25.4 |
Apr | 42.2 | 37.4 | 33.7 |
May | 52.8 | 46.4 | 41 |
Jun | 59 | 52.2 | 46.8 |
Jul | 61.4 | 55.3 | 50.8 |
Aug | 60.6 | 54.9 | 50.6 |
Sep | 54.9 | 49.8 | 46 |
Oct | 44.3 | 39.9 | 36.8 |
Nov | 36.4 | 32.8 | 29.8 |
Dec | 31.7 | 28 | 24.7 |
Show Celsius
Month | Avg. High (°C) | Avg. Mean (°C) | Avg. Low (°C) |
---|---|---|---|
Jan | -0.5 | -2.6 | -4.4 |
Feb | -0.3 | -2.4 | -4.3 |
Mar | 0.9 | -1.6 | -3.7 |
Apr | 5.7 | 3 | 0.9 |
May | 11.6 | 8 | 5 |
Jun | 15 | 11.2 | 8.2 |
Jul | 16.3 | 12.9 | 10.4 |
Aug | 15.9 | 12.7 | 10.3 |
Sep | 12.7 | 9.9 | 7.8 |
Oct | 6.8 | 4.4 | 2.7 |
Nov | 2.4 | 0.4 | -1.2 |
Dec | -0.2 | -2.2 | -4.1 |
Precipitation (Rain or Snow)
If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in South Central Alaska are February, May, and then June. Note that we define “significant precipitation” as .1 inches or more in this section. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around mid February. For example, on the week of February 19th there is 1 day of precipitation on average. By contrast, it’s most likely to rain or snow in mid August with an average of 6 days of significant precipitation the week of August 13th.
When can you find snow in South Central Alaska? Weather stations report far greater snow than most tourist destinations snow through most of the year likely to be deepest around April, especially close to late March. The best time to ski (if at all) in South Central Alaska is often around around March 12th when fresh powder is deepest. Please note that a value of 0 for snow in the graph below may either mean there was no snow, or that snow is unreported.
Chance of Precipitation
The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in South Central Alaska.
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Snow on the Ground
The graph below shows the average snow on the ground in South Central Alaska (in).
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Average Rain and Snow by Month
Show Inches
Month | Daily Chance of Rain | Average Snow Depth (in) | Total Precipitation (in) |
---|---|---|---|
Jan | 55% | 29 | 16.6 |
Feb | 44% | 28.3 | 12.8 |
Mar | 56% | 43.3 | 16.5 |
Apr | 57% | 49.6 | 19.3 |
May | 45% | 23.7 | 14.6 |
Jun | 48% | 7 | 12.4 |
Jul | 50% | 0 | 16 |
Aug | 56% | 0 | 12.7 |
Sep | 56% | 0 | 18.4 |
Oct | 61% | 2.1 | 20.8 |
Nov | 62% | 7.5 | 21.8 |
Dec | 50% | 12.5 | 13 |
Show Centimeters
Month | Daily Chance of Rain | Average Snow Depth (cm) | Total Precipitation (cm) |
---|---|---|---|
Jan | 55 | 73.7 | 42.2 |
Feb | 44 | 71.9 | 32.5 |
Mar | 56 | 110 | 41.9 |
Apr | 57 | 126 | 49 |
May | 45 | 60.2 | 37.1 |
Jun | 48 | 17.8 | 31.5 |
Jul | 50 | 0 | 40.6 |
Aug | 56 | 0 | 32.3 |
Sep | 56 | 0 | 46.7 |
Oct | 61 | 5.3 | 52.8 |
Nov | 62 | 19.1 | 55.4 |
Dec | 50 | 31.8 | 33 |
Humidity and Wind
South Central Alaska has some very humid months, and above average humidity throughout the year. The least humid month is May (66.5% relative humidity), and the most humid month is August (79%).
Wind in South Central Alaska is usually moderate. The windiest month is February, followed by December and November. February’s average wind speed of around 10.7 knots (12.3 MPH or 19.8 KPH) is considered “a gentle breeze.” Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in mid to late November where average top sustained speeds reach 24.4 knots, which is considered a strong breeze.
Relative Humidity (%)
The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in South Central Alaska.
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Wind
The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots.
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Average Wind Speeds
Show Wind Speeds
All wind speeds are in knots. 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH.
Month | Avg. Wind | Avg. Wind Feel | Sustained High Wind | High Wind Feel |
Jan | 9.3 | Gentle breeze | 19.7 | Strong breeze |
Feb | 10.7 | Gentle breeze | 20.6 | Strong breeze |
Mar | 8.8 | Gentle breeze | 18.5 | Strong breeze |
Apr | 7 | Gentle breeze | 14.6 | Significant breeze |
May | 5.6 | Light breeze | 12.4 | Strong breeze |
Jun | 4.9 | Light breeze | 12 | Significant breeze |
Jul | 4.8 | Light breeze | 11.5 | Strong breeze |
Aug | 3.9 | Barely noticeable | 10.6 | Gentle breeze |
Sep | 6.2 | Light breeze | 13.5 | Strong breeze |
Oct | 7.3 | Gentle breeze | 15.9 | Significant breeze |
Nov | 9.4 | Gentle breeze | 19.5 | Strong breeze |
Dec | 9.4 | Gentle breeze | 19.3 | Strong breeze |
Show Relative Humidity by Month
Month | Avg. Relative Humidity |
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Jan | 76.8% |
Feb | 73.5% |
Mar | 71.5% |
Apr | 73.7% |
May | 66.5% |
Jun | 71.3% |
Jul | 78.3% |
Aug | 79% |
Sep | 77.6% |
Oct | 76.7% |
Nov | 77.7% |
Dec | 76.3% |
Is it Safe to Travel to South Central Alaska?
Our best data indicates this area is generally safe. As of Dec 04, 2023 there are no travel advisories or warnings for the United States; exercise normal security precautions. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. This advisory was last updated on Dec 04, 2023.
The Busiest and Least Crowded Months
The busiest month for tourism in South Central Alaska, AK, US is July, followed by August and June. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Tourists are unlikely to visit South Central Alaska in November. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month.
Estimated Tourism by Month
Most Popular Months to Visit
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Overall South Central Alaska Travel Experience by Season
Spring (March through May)
Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel moderately cold. Highs range from 58.1°F (14.5°C) and 30.8°F (-0.7°C) with warmer temperatures in the later months. Rain is frequent with 14 to 17 days of significant precipitation per month. Spring is the second busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do.
Summer (June through August)
The middle-year months have cold weather with high temperatures that are brisk. These months see moderate precipitation with 15 to 17 days of precipitation per month. June – August is the busiest season for tourism in South Central Alaska, so lodging and other accommodations may cost more than usual.
Fall (September through November)
Fall daily highs range from 58.3°F (14.6°C) and 32.7°F (0.4°C), which will feel chilly given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a great amount: 17 to 19 days per month. Tourism is the slowest during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be affordably priced.
Winter (December through February)
Weather is far too cold this time of year in South Central Alaska to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 36.4°F (2.4°C) and 28°F (-2.2°C). On average, it rains or snows a very great amount: 12 to 17 times per month. These times of year are fairly slow with tourists.
Best Times to Travel› the United States › South Central Alaska, AK, US