Weather in Kotzebue

To ensure your journey is comfortable, please familiarise yourself with the current weather situation in the city of Kotzebue. Below are up-to-date reports, detailed forecasts, and charts that will help you be prepared for any conditions.

The climate of Kotzebue can be described as harsh subarctic, with a distinct influence from the northern latitudes. Typical for this region of the United States are long, frosty winters and very short, cool summers. The weather here demands thorough preparation and warm equipment from travellers, regardless of the time of your planned visit.

Seasonal temperature fluctuations are quite significant. In winter, especially in January and February, average readings drop to -17...-18°C, creating conditions of true polar cold. Summer brings a long-awaited warming, but do not expect heat: in July and August, the air warms up on average to only +11°C. This makes the summer months the most comfortable period for exploring the region if you wish to avoid extreme frost.

A feature of the local climate is the low amount of precipitation throughout the year, indicating rather dry air. However, despite the low volume of precipitation, the number of days with damp weather or snowfall can be noticeable, especially in late summer and early autumn. Stable coolness and freshness are the main companions of the tourist in this corner of Alaska.

The winter period in Kotzebue requires serious equipment for travellers. In January, when frosts reach their peak, night temperatures drop to -20°C. Daytime "warming" here is purely symbolic: even during daylight hours, the air rarely warms above -15°C...-16°C, so the sensation of cold remains around the clock.

In summer, one should not expect the heat characteristic of more southern regions. In the warmest months, July and August, daytime maximums reach only a modest +12°C...+13°C. Nights in this season are quite mild for subpolar latitudes, but still cool: the thermometer usually stays around the +9°C...+10°C mark.

A characteristic feature of the local climate is the surprisingly small daily temperature range. The difference between day and night readings throughout the year is minimal and rarely exceeds 3–4 degrees. This creates a sense of stability: there are no sharp jumps from morning cold to midday heat, and the temperature remains even throughout the day.

Precipitation in Kotzebue is distributed rather uniquely throughout the year: although the total volume in millimetres is extremely small, overcast and "damp" days occur regularly. Due to the harsh arctic climate, for a significant part of the year, from October to April, precipitation falls exclusively as snow. In winter, snowfalls, while not abundant in terms of moisture volume, are frequent: for example, in March, it may snow for about 11 days.

The summer period, especially July and August, is considered the "wettest" time of the year. As it gets warmer, snow gives way to rain and drizzle. August leads in the frequency of precipitation: on average, about 13 rainy days are recorded. However, do not expect heavy downpours — the intensity of rain is usually low, often limited to light drizzle or fog, as the monthly rainfall norm even at the peak of the season is only about 3 mm.

The driest month of the year is May, when the average precipitation level tends towards zero, and the number of days with bad weather drops to a minimum (about 5 days). When planning a trip, it is worth remembering that even with a small volume of precipitation, high humidity and low temperatures require high-quality waterproof clothing in any season.

A trip to Kotzebue requires careful wardrobe preparation, as this city is located in the harsh climatic conditions of Alaska. The main principle of clothing here is layering. In winter, when the thermometer drops below -20°C, you cannot do without quality thermal underwear, a warm fleece jacket, and a windproof down jacket or parka. Be sure to bring insulated waterproof boots with non-slip soles, as well as a warm hat, scarf, and mittens for protection against frost and wind.

Summer here is quite cool, with an average temperature of about +11°C, so do not rush to pack shorts and t-shirts. Even in July and August, you will need a light jacket, a windbreaker, or a raincoat, as rainy days are not uncommon. It is better to choose trousers made of dense, quick-drying fabric. For walks, comfortable trekking shoes or trainers that can withstand moisture and provide comfort during long walks are suitable.

Do not forget about important small items. Sunglasses and cream with SPF will be useful both in winter (due to the bright sun reflecting off the snow) and in summer. In the warm season, especially if you plan trips to nature, insect repellent will prove very useful. Given the changeability of the weather, it is always better to have a spare layer of clothing in your backpack to feel confident in any situation.