Weather in Atqasuk

To ensure your journey is as comfortable as possible, familiarise yourself with the current weather situation in the city of Atqasuk. Below you will find detailed forecasts and charts to help you plan your time correctly.

The climate in which Atqasuk is located can be characterised as harsh and Arctic. This settlement in the United States is distinguished by a long, frosty winter and a very short, cool summer. Travellers should be prepared for sub-zero temperatures prevailing for most of the year, creating unique conditions for experiencing the nature of the Far North.

A distinct winter dominates the calendar: from October to May, the thermometer stays confidently below zero, and in January and February, frosts average -25°C. Summer arrives briefly and brings no exhausting heat. The warmest month is July, when the air warms up to an average of +10...+14°C, making this period the most comfortable for visiting, although a warm jacket will remain an essential wardrobe item.

An interesting feature of the weather is the precipitation pattern. Although the total volume is small, summer sees quite a few wet days — up to 13 days in July. This means instead of downpours, you are more likely to encounter light drizzle or fog. When planning a trip, it is important to remember the stable cool weather and winds, so multi-layered clothing will be relevant in any season.

The temperature regime demonstrated by Atqasuk is characterised by an extremely cold winter and a cool, short summer, which is typical for the northern territories of the United States. The coldest period is February, when averages drop to -25.5°C, and night frosts often reach -28.6°C. January is also severe with average values around -24.9°C. During the winter months, true cold reigns here, requiring serious preparation and special warm clothing from travellers.

The summer season brings significant warming, however, one should not expect classic heat. July is the warmest month of the year with an average temperature of +10.9°C and daily maximums reaching only +14.6°C. June and August are slightly cooler, keeping average figures around +7°C. Such weather feels invigorating and fresh, ideal for those who prefer coolness over summer heat.

Spring and autumn in this region arrive rapidly. In May, the average temperature still remains negative (-2.3°C), and by October, stable frosts return. The difference between day and night temperatures in summer is not too great but noticeable: even in July, the air cools down to +7.2°C at night. The annual temperature variation here is impressive, ranging from deep freezing in winter to moderate positive values in the middle of summer.

Precipitation in Atqasuk is a specific phenomenon due to the harsh northern climate. The total volume of moisture here is extremely small and ranges from 0 to 2 mm per month, which is comparable to Arctic desert figures. However, low numbers in weather reports do not mean a complete absence of overcast days.

In the cold period, which lasts from October to May, moisture falls exclusively as snow. The intensity of snowfall changes during the season: if at the beginning of winter (October and November) inclement weather is observed 7–8 days a month, then from January to May the frequency of precipitation decreases to 3–4 days. Thanks to low temperatures, fallen snow does not melt, forming a stable cover for many months.

Summer brings warming and a change in the nature of precipitation. July and August are the cloudiest months: at this time, up to 12–13 days with precipitation are recorded, although their total volume remains modest — about 2 mm. This period is characterised by drizzling rains or light mist, which are replaced by snow again by October.

A trip to Atqasuk requires a careful approach to wardrobe selection, as this settlement is located in harsh Arctic conditions. In winter, when the temperature often drops below -25°C, the foundation of your gear should be high-quality thermal underwear, wool socks, and fleece clothing. Be sure to take a windproof down jacket with a deep hood, insulated trousers, reliable mittens, and a hat that tightly covers your ears to protect against extreme cold.

Summer here is short and quite cool: even in July, the air warms up on average only to +11°C, and the number of rainy days increases noticeably. The best strategy for this time of year is the principle of layering. Combine t-shirts with warm sweaters and a light jacket that can be removed if the sun comes out. Since the tundra in this region of the United States can be wet and precipitation is likely, sturdy waterproof walking boots and a high-quality raincoat or windbreaker will be indispensable.

Do not forget about important accessories. In the summer period, insects can be active, so a powerful repellent will be extremely useful. Also, considering the presence of snow for most of the year and possible bright sun, be sure to put sunglasses with a high level of UV protection and a nourishing face cream in your suitcase to prevent skin windburn in the frost.