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The Alaska climate for the mainland peninsula is comparable with other northern climates that are in the same latitude.
The most obvious example is of Norway, Sweden and Finland. From Oslo, Norway to the top end of those countries, it is the same latitude as the mainland Alaska Peninsula. And therefore temperatures and seasons will be similar. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ALASKA CLIMATE: However, that doesn't mean the Alaskan climate is exactly the same. The climate also depends on many other factors besides the latitude. The Alaska climate is a strange combination of conditions. Even though there is a lot of water in its numerous rivers, glaciers, lakes, muskegs, creeks and ponds, the air is dry.
The summers are not long enough and don't get hot enough to dry the land up entirely, so there's a lot of marshland in low-lying areas. Also, ice remains in the ground just a few feet under the surface (perma-frost) and snow remains in the higher altitudes all summer long. Extreme cold in the winter causes moisture to freeze out of the air, making it quite dry. Then the air is usually crystal clear, so you'll generally see more sunshine in winter than in summer. TIP: After a freezing spell, you can get very bad shocks from static electricity. Try rubbing your hands on your own clothing before touching cabinets, walls, light switches, etc.
ALASKA WEATHER - RAINFALL, SNOWFALL AND STORMS: Thunderstorms, rare on the coastline, are more common in the interior because of summer heat. Though I've been in some hurricane force winds around Anchorage, they are also rare. We do get some rather strong, but enjoyable, warm Chinook winds in spring — it helps get rid of the snow. Fog, rain and clouds are not uncommon, but rain is usually light or misty—more like a fog in the Anchorage area, which is at the upper end of Cook Inlet. Any coastal cities which are closer to, or on the ocean, such as Seward, Homer, Kodiak and villages along the Aleutian chain often have heavy rains and high winds. The panhandle of Alaska being further south and all coastline, also has heavier rains and lots of very rainy days. The Alaska climate does not create the very damaging storms that occur in hotter climates. Alaskans only have to worry about earthquakes and volcanoes! But any that do damage are rare, too. Though you may frequently feel slight ground tremors, there is not much to be concerned about with regard to natural climatic occurrences. We always count ourselves lucky when we have a lot of big snowfalls early in the winter. Snow means sledding, snow-machines, skiing and lots of other fun. It also keeps the ground from freezing too deeply, so it will thaw earlier in the spring. And in the cities, it keeps water and sewer pipes from freezing up. The best part is that snow turns Alaska into a winter wonderland! ALASKA'S SUNSHINE -- LAND OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN: The number of hours the sun is above the horizon also helps create the Alaska climate. June 21st is the longest day and Dec 21st is the shortest day of the year. Around Anchorage, there's about 20 hours of sunlight with the last 4 hours being dusky on the longest day. The hours it is above the horizon are from about 2:00 A.M. to about 10:00 P.M! Interestingly, the sun goes up into the sky but sort of goes around the horizon, not straight overhead. It sets close to the spot it started from in the morning. Hope you're an early riser! If not, sleep with a blindfold on or in a dark room. This is why Matanuska Valley farms, just 40 miles (64.5 km) north of Anchorage, are known for growing some VERY LARGE vegetables. That sun just keeps shining!
TIP: If you want to see more sunshine on your summer vacation, get up early. The sun is usually shining brightly with few clouds, if any, in the "middle of the night". By the time 8:00 A.M. rolls around, the sun has had a chance to warm the land and water enough to start creating clouds.
On the shortest day, the sun rises around 10:00 A.M. and goes down around 2:00 P.M. The sun comes up just enough to say "Hi", then goes back down. The saving grace is when there is a lot of snow on the ground, it seems light outside anyway because of the stars, moon and city lights reflecting off the snow. Even so, it makes you want to go to sleep all the time when it is so dark.As you go north from Anchorage, the sun remains closer to the horizon in the summer, and when you get all the way to the North Slope, the summer sun looks like a continuous sunrise or sunset, 24 hours a day, and in the winter, you don't see it at all for a very long time. Comfortable Amongst the Icicles Getting used to the Alaska climate only takes a short while. You'll get comfortable with it as long as you bring the proper clothing for the proper season. To help you with that, check out the Alaska temperatures... Return to Top of Alaska Climate Page Return to Alaska Vacation Planning Page Return to Tips for Backwoods Alaska Vacations Home Page
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