Weather in Dutch Harbor

To ensure your journey is comfortable, it is important to know about nature's whims in advance. Here you will find the current weather forecast in Dutch Harbor, as well as useful charts and data for planning your trip.

The climate in Dutch Harbor can be characterised as maritime subarctic, with a strong influence from the ocean, which smooths out temperature fluctuations. There are no extreme frosts or exhausting heat here, making the weather relatively stable throughout the year. This region of the United States is characterised by high humidity, frequent fogs, and constant winds, creating an atmosphere of rugged northern romance.

There are no clearly defined seasons in the traditional sense here. Winter is mild for these latitudes, with average temperatures around 0°C, whilst summer is cool and fresh, with the air warming up to an average of +10°C. The difference between the coldest and warmest months is small, so warm, windproof clothing will be relevant for the tourist at any time of year.

The precipitation regime deserves special attention: rain or snow is a frequent occurrence here. The number of days with precipitation varies from 14 to 24 per month, with January, October, and December being the cloudiest. Even if the intensity of the rain is low, the sky is often overcast, so sunny days in Dutch Harbor are especially valued.

The climate in this region is distinguished by amazing stability, due to the strong influence of the ocean. Dutch Harbor is characterised by cool and humid weather year-round, without extreme heat or severe continental frosts. The annual temperature range is small: the warmest month is usually August with an average of about 10.2°C, and the coldest is January, when the thermometer drops on average to -1.1°C.

The summer period here can be described as restrained and fresh. Even at the height of the season, in July and August, daily maximums rarely exceed 11–12°C, so there is no question of the usual summer heat. Winter, on the contrary, turns out to be milder than one might expect from Alaska: thanks to the heat capacity of the ocean, the temperature in the cold months (from December to March) often fluctuates around zero, and average minimums rarely fall below -2.6°C.

An important feature of the local temperature regime is the minimal difference between day and night. The diurnal amplitude of fluctuations is only 1.5–3 degrees, which makes the weather quite predictable over 24 hours. When heading here, it is worth remembering that there is practically no perceptible difference between noon and twilight, so warm and windproof clothing will be needed at any time of day.

When planning a trip to Dutch Harbor, it is worth considering that this region of the USA is distinguished by high humidity and frequent precipitation all year round. There is no clearly defined dry season here, however, the frequency of rain and snowfall changes depending on the time of year. The wettest and cloudiest period lasts from October to February: in these months the number of days with precipitation reaches a maximum — in October and December there can be up to 24.

In winter, when the average air temperature hovers around zero or drops slightly lower (to -1.1°C in January), precipitation often falls in the form of snow or wet snow. In spring, the weather remains changeable, with regular precipitation (about 21 days a month), which gradually turns into rain as it gets warmer. Despite the fact that the total volume of precipitation in millimetres may seem small, its high frequency requires good equipment.

Summer is considered the most favourable time for a visit. July is the "driest" month of the year: the number of rainy days decreases to 14, and the volume of precipitation is minimal. Nevertheless, even in the summer months (June, July, August), the sky is often overcast, and light rain can start at any moment, so a waterproof jacket is mandatory at any time of year.

When preparing for Dutch Harbor, one should immediately prepare for a harsh maritime climate where the weather changes rapidly. The main rule when packing a suitcase should be layering: even in the "hottest" months, July and August, the temperature rarely exceeds +12°C. A base layer of thermal underwear, a warm fleece or wool sweater, and reliable outerwear will allow you to feel comfortable both in piercing winds and in rare moments of calm.

Pay special attention to protection from precipitation and wind. An umbrella is practically useless here due to powerful gusts, so be sure to take a high-quality windproof and waterproof jacket with a deep hood (a membrane storm jacket or raincoat). Given that the number of days with precipitation is high all year round, footwear must be not only comfortable for walking but also completely waterproof — trekking boots or even insulated rubber boots are ideal.

Do not forget about accessories: a warm hat, gloves, and a scarf will be relevant even in summer. It is also recommended to take sunglasses, as the sun, reflecting off the water or snow, can be very bright. In general, practical clothing in a sporty or hiking style, which does not restrict movement and reliably protects against the elements, is best suited for a trip to this region.