Climate and monthly weather forecastSkagway, AK
Climate and monthly weather forecast
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 »Updated: Jun 3, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
The most humid month is January, with an average relative humidity of 94%.
The month with the most rainfall in Skagway is January, when the rain falls for 11.3 days and typically aggregates up to 4.13" (105mm) of precipitation.
In Skagway, during the entire year, the rain falls for 172.5 days and collects up to 33.66" (855mm) of precipitation.
January through May, October through December are months with snowfall.
January is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 18.7 days and accumulates 19.69" (500mm) of snow.
In Skagway, during the entire year, snow falls for 95.8 days and aggregates up to 78.78" (2001mm) of snow.
January, February, April, September through December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index.
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.
May is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 16.4 days and accumulates 1.54" (39mm) of precipitation.
June and July, with an average relative humidity of 80%, are the least humid months.
In Skagway, snow does not fall in June through September.
June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 18h and 30min of daylight.
June has the most sunshine of the year in Skagway, Alaska, with an average of 9.8h of sunshine.
In Skagway, July is identified by the average highest temperatures, reaching a peak of 54.9°F (12.7°C) and a low of 42.6°F (5.9°C).
July is the month with the highest UV index, with an average maximum UV index of 3.
Temperature readings reach their annual highs in December, averaging 17.8°F (-7.9°C) and a minimum average of 9°F (-12.8°C).
December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 6h and 12min of daylight.
The month with the least sunshine is December, with an average of 2.8h of sunshine.
Average temperature
Skagway, AK
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (54.9°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (17.8°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (42.6°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is February (7°F).
Average pressure
Skagway, AK
- Average pressure in January:
29.89"Hg - Average pressure in February:
29.98"Hg - Average pressure in March:
29.9"Hg - Average pressure in April:
29.92"Hg - Average pressure in May:
29.98"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.93"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
30"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.94"Hg - Average pressure in September:
29.87"Hg - Average pressure in October:
29.85"Hg - Average pressure in November:
29.83"Hg - Average pressure in December:
29.89"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is July (30"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is November (29.83"Hg).
Average wind speed
Skagway, AK
- Average wind speed in January:
7.3mph - Average wind speed in February:
6.6mph - Average wind speed in March:
6.5mph - Average wind speed in April:
5.5mph - Average wind speed in May:
5.5mph - Average wind speed in June:
5.6mph
- Average wind speed in July:
5.7mph - Average wind speed in August:
6mph - Average wind speed in September:
6.4mph - Average wind speed in October:
6.4mph - Average wind speed in November:
6.6mph - Average wind speed in December:
6.8mph
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).
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%).
Average rainfall
Skagway, AK
- Average rainfall in January:
4.13" - Average rainfall in February:
2.76" - Average rainfall in March:
2.09" - Average rainfall in April:
2.05" - Average rainfall in May:
1.54" - Average rainfall in June:
1.77"
- Average rainfall in July:
1.93" - Average rainfall in August:
3.07" - Average rainfall in September:
3.11" - Average rainfall in October:
3.66" - Average rainfall in November:
3.9" - Average rainfall in December:
3.66"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is January (4.13").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is May (1.54").
Average rainfall days
Skagway, AK
- Average rainfall days in January:
11.3 days - Average rainfall days in February:
7.2 days - Average rainfall days in March:
8.5 days - Average rainfall days in April:
15.2 days - Average rainfall days in May:
16.4 days - Average rainfall days in June:
18.8 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
18.8 days - Average rainfall days in August:
19.6 days - Average rainfall days in September:
18.8 days - Average rainfall days in October:
18.4 days - Average rainfall days in November:
11.5 days - Average rainfall days in December:
8 days
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).
Average snowfall
Skagway, AK
- Average snowfall in January:
19.69" - Average snowfall in February:
14.57" - Average snowfall in March:
10.55" - Average snowfall in April:
5.91" - Average snowfall in May:
0.12" - Average snowfall in June:
0"
The month with the highest snowfall is January (19.69").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").
Average snowfall days
Skagway, AK
- Average snowfall days in January:
18.7 days - Average snowfall days in February:
15.1 days - Average snowfall days in March:
15.7 days - Average snowfall days in April:
10.1 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0.8 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0 days - Average snowfall days in October:
3 days - Average snowfall days in November:
14.4 days - Average snowfall days in December:
18 days
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).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Skagway, AK
- Average daylight in January:
7h and 0min - Average daylight in February:
9h and 18min - Average daylight in March:
11h and 54min - Average daylight in April:
14h and 36min - Average daylight in May:
17h and 6min - Average daylight in June:
18h and 30min
- Average daylight in July:
17h and 48min - Average daylight in August:
15h and 24min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 48min - Average daylight in October:
10h and 6min - Average daylight in November:
7h and 36min - Average daylight in December:
6h and 12min
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).
- Average sunshine in January:
3h and 12min - Average sunshine in February:
3h and 48min - Average sunshine in March:
5h and 18min - Average sunshine in April:
6h and 24min - Average sunshine in May:
8h and 30min - Average sunshine in June:
9h and 48min
- Average sunshine in July:
8h and 24min - Average sunshine in August:
6h and 36min - Average sunshine in September:
6h and 6min - Average sunshine in October:
4h and 6min - Average sunshine in November:
3h and 42min - Average sunshine in December:
2h and 48min
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).
Average sunshine days
Skagway, AK
- Average sunshine days in January:
8.3 days - Average sunshine days in February:
11.3 days - Average sunshine days in March:
12.3 days - Average sunshine days in April:
8.3 days - Average sunshine days in May:
11.5 days - Average sunshine days in June:
8 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
9.8 days - Average sunshine days in August:
9.6 days - Average sunshine days in September:
9.2 days - Average sunshine days in October:
10.2 days - Average sunshine days in November:
9.5 days - Average sunshine days in December:
10.2 days
The month with the most sunshine days is March (12.3 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (8 days).
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).
Average cloud cover
Skagway, AK
The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 68).
The month with the least cloud cover is May (Cloud cover 51).
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).
