Weather in Kaltag

Stay up to date with the latest meteorological conditions in the city of Kaltag. Below you will find current data, detailed charts, and the forecast for the upcoming period.

The climate in which Kaltag is located can be described as severe subarctic with distinct seasonal contrasts. This corner of the United States is characterised by a long, frosty winter and a short, moderately warm summer. Travellers should take into account that the weather dictates its own rules here, requiring warm and windproof clothing for most of the year.

The winter period here is a true challenge: temperatures in January and February average around -16°C to -18°C, creating conditions for a classic snowy winter. Summer brings a long-awaited softening of the weather, but there is no exhausting heat here: in July, the warmest month, the air warms up to an average of +14°C, creating comfortable conditions for outdoor activities without the risk of overheating.

A distinctive feature of the local climate is the interesting distribution of humidity. Although the total volume of precipitation in millimetres is extremely small throughout the year, the number of days with precipitation is quite high, especially at the end of summer. This means that instead of heavy downpours or snowstorms, one is more likely to encounter light drizzle, fog, or light snow, which gives the landscapes a special atmosphere.

Climatic conditions in this region are distinguished by pronounced seasonality and significant contrasts. Kaltag is characterised by a severe, prolonged winter and a short, relatively cool summer. The annual temperature amplitude is quite large: while in the coldest month, January, the average indicator is -18.3°C, at the height of summer, in July, the air warms up to an average of 14.3°C. Such fluctuations require travellers to be attentive when selecting their equipment.

The winter period here is a time of true trials by cold. From November to March, the thermometer consistently stays below zero. The lowest temperatures are recorded in January, when night-time minimums can drop to -20.6°C. February and December are also distinguished by frosty weather with average values around -15°C. This time of year is suitable only for those tourists who are well-prepared for low temperatures.

Summer brings a long-awaited softening of the weather, but there is practically no heat here. June and July are the most comfortable months, when daytime maximums reach a pleasant 17–18°C. However, it is worth considering diurnal fluctuations: even on the warmest days, the difference between day and night temperatures is about 8–9 degrees. Nights remain fresh (around 10°C), so warm clothing will be necessary even in the middle of summer.

The nature of precipitation in Kaltag is closely linked to the severe northern climate of the region. For a significant part of the year, from late October to April, freezing temperatures prevail here, so precipitation falls mainly in the form of snow. Although the snow cover lasts a long time, the intensity of snowfall is usually low, as the total volume of moisture in the winter months is minimal.

The summer period brings warming, and from May to September, precipitation falls in the form of rain. August is considered the "wettest" and gloomiest month: at this time, about 18 rainy days are recorded, and the maximum annual amount of precipitation falls. July and September are also distinguished by an increased frequency of rain — up to 15–16 days a month, however, most often this is light drizzle rather than torrential downpours.

The driest period falls on spring and the middle of winter. For example, in April and January, the number of days with precipitation drops to a minimum — about 8 per month. In general, moisture is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year with a noticeable increase in the frequency of precipitation during the warm season.

When planning a trip to Kaltag, it is important to consider the severe nature of the local climate. Winters here are long and frosty, so in the period from November to March, the basis of your wardrobe should be high-quality thermal underwear, woollen items, and reliable outerwear designed for temperatures down to -20°C and below. Be sure to put a warm windproof parka, insulated trousers, a hat, a scarf, and mittens, which preserve hand warmth better than gloves, in your suitcase.

Summer in this corner of the USA is cool and humid, with average temperatures around +14°C, so even in July, you should not count on heat. The best solution will be the layering principle: wear a t-shirt, a fleece jacket, and a windbreaker or light jacket on top, which can be removed if it gets warmer. Given the large number of rainy days (up to 18 days in August), be sure to take a waterproof raincoat and comfortable waterproof trekking shoes for comfortable walks.