Climate and monthly weather forecast
Kotzebue, AK

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A winter day in Kotzebue Village, Alaska - the sunlit buildings and snow-peaked mountains afar
A winter day in Kotzebue Village, Alaska - the sunlit buildings and snow-peaked mountains afar

The climate of Kotzebue

Resting on the northwestern coastline of the Alaskan Peninsula, Kotzebue maintains a subarctic climate. Its classification, according to the Köppen climate model, is Dfc, designating a substantial winter period, devoid of a dry season, and cool, fleeting summers. Oscillation among weather variables marks the passage of the year, contributing to the climate's significant contrast.

Tracking temperature fluctuation provides a vivid insight into Kotzebue's seasonal transition. Summer months, from June to August, bring relative warmth with high temperatures oscillating from 47.3°F (8.5°C) to 54.9°F (12.7°C) while low temperatures roam form a comfortable 40.6°F (4.8°C) to 48.4°F (9.1°C). However, the winter months, December through February, demonstrate the stark contrast with temperatures plunging to a low of -1.1°F (-18.4°C) and rarely exceeding 9.5°F (-12.5°C).

Moisture parameters, humidity and rainfall, also exhibit a unique pattern. Average relative humidity is consistent throughout the year, ranging from an annual low of 74% in June to a peak of 90% in February and March. Rainfall witnesses the most variation in late summer, with August showing 1.85" (47mm) of precipitation on 15.2 days, the maximum of the year. Winters contrast this with only 0.79" (20mm) of rain falling in December.

Discussing sunshine and daylight hours, the city experiences prolonged darkness during winter with only 2.2 hours of daylight and 1 hour of sunshine in December. Summer compensates for this lack of light, offering an abundance of sunlight. June provides the most, with an impressive 24 hours of daylight and 6 hours of sunshine.

The wind displays a consistent pattern, with mean speeds ranging from 7.9mph (12.7km/h) to 11.9mph (19.2km/h) over the months. Moreover, gusts, quite common in this region, can reach up to 19.8mph (31.9km/h) in October.

The best time to visit Kotzebue

Taking into account the weather variables, the best time to plan a trip to Kotzebue would be from June to August. During this period, temperatures typically range from a comfortable 40.6°F (4.8°C) to 54.9°F (12.7°C), allowing visitors to engage in a variety of outdoor activities. The city also receives the most daylight during these months, facilitating exploration and sightseeing.

The worst time to visit Kotzebue

Contrarily, the winter months, particularly from December to February, may not be the optimal choice for travel due to the extreme cold. Temperatures dip to below freezing, and sunlight hours dwindle to a bare minimum, potentially hampering outdoor activities and exploration.

Spring weather in Kotzebue

Springtime in Kotzebue lasts from March to May. During this time of transition, temperatures gradually increase from an average high of 11.1°F (-11.6°C) in March to 37.9°F (3.3°C) in May, and the city sees the least amount of rainfall. Furthermore, the days gradually lengthen leading up to summer, allowing more daylight for outdoor activities.

Summer weather in Kotzebue

The pinnacle of warmth, the summer months of June through August, display daily high temperatures fluctuating from 47.3°F (8.5°C) to 54.9°F (12.7°C). It's the best time to experience the city's robust culture and scenery. The period also has the most rainfall, so visitors need to prepare for occasional showers.

Autumn weather in Kotzebue

Autumn brings a significant gradual decline in temperature, moving from 46.6°F (8.1°C) in September to a mere 9.5°F (-12.5°C) by November. Rainfall levels fluctuate across these months with 1.22" (31mm) in September, followed by a decline in October and November. Nevertheless, the city retains a decent amount of daylight until late October.

Winter weather in Kotzebue

Winter months reveal the stark harshness of Kotzebue's subarctic climate. From December to February, temperatures plummet and daylight dwindles. Average lows range from 3°F (-16.1°C) to -1.1°F (-18.4°C), and the city experiences only 2.2 hours of daylight in December. Snowfall is also seen during this period with February recording the maximum of 2.8" (71mm). It's indeed a severe season but filled with its own stark beauty.

Weather in January

In the brisk opening month of the year at Kotzebue, Alaska, it is common to encounter snowfall, with 10.3 days of snow on average resulting in a total of 2.52" (64mm). These frigid conditions pose a stark contrast to the warmest month of the year later on. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Moving into February, the temperatures remain quite chilly in Kotzebue, although days with snowfall increase to 12.2, and a snowfall total inches to 3.27" (83mm). Also, visibility remains limited due to lingering frost and controlled snowstorms. Weather in February »

Weather in March

As the snow begins to dissipate in March, with a decline to 11.7 days of snow and the total falling to 3.98" (101mm), the frigid temperatures of Kotzebue persist. As the winter season draws to a close, a marked increase in daylight hours becomes evident, lending more time for residents and visitors to engage in various outdoor activities. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April brings a noticeable change to the Kotzebue weather. It witnesses a steep decline in snowfall days to 11, and the total accumulation lowers to 2.44" (62mm). The daylight hours increase significantly, a harbinger of the warmer months ahead. Weather in April »

Weather in May

As May greets Kotzebue, the decline of snowfall becomes quite evident. The days with snowfall slide to 5.8, and the total accumulation depletes to 0.98" (25mm). The landscape transforms into a lush green spectacle, shedding its frosty veil as spring takes hold. Weather in May »

Weather in June

In June, Kotzebue enters a phase of weather superiority devoid of snowfall. The once common snowfall drops to virtually 0" (0mm), signalling the onset of summer. The weather is welcoming, encouraging a vibrant array of outdoor activities. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July brings the peak of summer to Kotzebue, boasting the highest temperature of the year at 54.9°F (12.7°C) and non-existent snowfall. The dramatic shift in temperature transforms the landscape, inviting the community outdoors to enjoy the warmth. Weather in July »

Weather in August

With near-identical high temperatures as July, August in Kotzebue showcases summer in full swing while the city also experiences the highest average rainfall at 1.85" (47mm). The occasional drizzle amidst warm temperatures brings a welcome and refreshing change. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September signals the beginning of Kotzebue's weather shift, with temperatures dropping and snowfall reappearing at 0.35" (9mm). The abrupt plunge intimates the retreat of summer and the impending arrival of winter. The landscape begins its transformation from lush greenery to a barren winter wonderland. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Kotzebue ushers in a stark weather change with a rise in both snowfall days and total accumulation to 9.3 days and 2.44" (62mm) respectively. The arrival of snow signifies a transition to the colder half of the year. Weather in October »

Weather in November

Come November, winter begins to reign supreme once again in Kotzebue, as the snowfall days rise to 10.9 along with the total accumulation increasing to 2.68" (68mm). The decrease in temperature lures back the frost, transforming the landscape into a winter spectacle once more. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December caps the year in Kotzebue with the return of maximum snowfall days at 12.6 and an accumulation total of 2.8" (71mm). Together with considerably shorter periods of daylight and a corresponding decrease in temperature, it endorses the full arrival of a long-lasting winter season. Weather in December »
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Frequently asked questions

What is the coldest month in Kotzebue?

In Kotzebue, January records the average lowest temperatures, peaking at 6.3°F (-14.3°C) and reaching a low of -1.1°F (-18.4°C).

How much does it rain in Kotzebue?

Throughout the year, there are 83.3 rainfall days, and 11.85" (301mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow in Kotzebue?

Months with snowfall in Kotzebue, Alaska, are January through May, September through December.

How many days does it snow in Kotzebue?

In Kotzebue, during the entire year, snow falls for 86.9 days and aggregates up to 21.46" (545mm) of snow.

What are the most humid months in Kotzebue?

February and March, with an average relative humidity of 90%, are most humid months in Kotzebue.

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

February, April, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index in Kotzebue, Alaska.

When does it snow the most in Kotzebue?

March is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 11.7 days and accumulates 3.98" (101mm) of snow.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Kotzebue?

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

When are the longest days in Kotzebue?

The month with the longest days in Kotzebue, Alaska, is May, with an average of 20h and 0min of daylight.

What are the months with the highest UV index in Kotzebue?

The months with the highest UV index in Kotzebue are May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 3.

What is the least humid month in Kotzebue?

With an average relative humidity of 74%, June is the least humid month in Kotzebue.

What is the driest month in Kotzebue?

The month with the least rainfall in Kotzebue, Alaska, is June, when the rain falls for 7.7 days and typically collects 0.47" (12mm) of precipitation.

When it does not snow in Kotzebue?

June through August are months without snowfall in Kotzebue.

What is the month with the shortest days in Kotzebue?

The month with the shortest days in Kotzebue, Alaska, is June, with an average of 0h and 48min of daylight.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Kotzebue?

With an average of 0.6h of sunshine, June has the least sunshine of the year in Kotzebue, Alaska.

What part of the year is the hottest in Kotzebue?

The warmest time of the year is July, with temperatures averaging a high of 54.9°F (12.7°C) and a low of 48°F (8.9°C).

What is the wettest month in Kotzebue?

The month with the most rainfall in Kotzebue, Alaska, is August, when the rain falls for 15.2 days and typically aggregates up to 1.85" (47mm) of precipitation.

When is the ocean warmest in Kotzebue?

With an average ocean temperature of 54.1°F (12.3°C), August is the month with the warmest seawater.

What month has the most sunshine in Kotzebue?

The month with the most sunshine is August, with an average of 7.8h of sunshine.

When is the ocean coldest in Kotzebue?

With an average ocean temperature of 29.3°F (-1.5°C), December is the month with the coldest seawater in Kotzebue.

Average pressure
Kotzebue, AK

Average pressure - Kotzebue, AK

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is March (29.96"Hg).
The months with the lowest atmospheric pressure are September and October (29.77"Hg).

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Average wind speed
Kotzebue, AK

Average wind speed - Kotzebue, AK

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is October (13.3mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is May (7.9mph).

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Average humidity
Kotzebue, AK

Average humidity - Kotzebue, AK

The months with the highest relative humidity are February and March (90%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is June (74%).

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Average rainfall
Kotzebue, AK

Average rainfall - Kotzebue, AK

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (1.85").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is June (0.47").

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Average rainfall days
Kotzebue, AK

Average rainfall days - Kotzebue, AK

The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (15.2 days).
The months with the least rainy days are January and December (2.3 days).

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Average snowfall
Kotzebue, AK

Average snowfall - Kotzebue, AK

The month with the highest snowfall is March (3.98").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July and August (0").

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Average snowfall days
Kotzebue, AK

Average snowfall days - Kotzebue, AK

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is December (12.6 days).
The month with the least snowfall days is July (0 days).

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Average sea temperature
Kotzebue, AK

Average sea temperature - Kotzebue, AK

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (54.2°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is December (29.4°F).

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Average daylight / Average sunshine
Kotzebue, AK

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Kotzebue, AK

The month with the longest days is May (Average daylight: 20h and 0min).
The month with the shortest days is June (Average daylight: 0h and 48min).

The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 7h and 48min).
The month with the least sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 0h and 36min).

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Average sunshine days
Kotzebue, AK

Average sunshine days - Kotzebue, AK

The month with the most sunshine days is June (20.5 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is August (13 days).

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Average UV index
Kotzebue, AK

Average UV index - Kotzebue, AK

The months with the highest UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index 3).
The months with the lowest UV index are February, April, November and December (UV index 1).

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Average visibility
Kotzebue, AK

Average visibility - Kotzebue, AK

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

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Kotzebue, Alaska, USA

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