Weather in Nome

Planning a trip to Nome? Here you will find the latest information on weather conditions, including current data and detailed forecasts.

The climate of the city of Nome can be characterized as subarctic, with harsh, prolonged winters and short, cool summers. Located on the coast in the USA, this region is distinguished by quite severe weather conditions, where sub-zero temperatures prevail for most of the year. Travellers should be aware that the weather here requires serious preparation and warm equipment in any season.

Seasonality is clearly expressed, but summer here is nothing like the hot season many are accustomed to. Even in the warmest months — July and August — the average air temperature holds around +10...+11°C, rarely rising above +14°C. Winters are long and frosty: from November to April, the thermometer consistently stays below zero, and in January and February, frosts often reach -19°C.

A characteristic feature of the weather in Nome is the high frequency of precipitation despite its small total volume. The second half of summer and the beginning of autumn are considered a particularly humid period: in August and September, the number of "wet" days can reach 16–17 per month. This means that even during a summer visit, there is a high probability of overcast skies and drizzling rain, so waterproof clothing will be an essential element of your luggage.

The climate in this region is harsh and subarctic, so Nome requires travellers to carefully prepare their wardrobe. The annual temperature range here is quite impressive: from deep sub-zero temperatures in winter to moderately cool values in summer. The coldest month is traditionally January with an average of -16.8°C, while the peak of warmth falls on July, when the air warms up to an average of +11.5°C.

Summer in the city is short and not hot at all; it can be characterized as fresh and invigorating. Even on the warmest days of July and August, the maximum temperature rarely exceeds +14°C, and nights remain cool (around +9°C). Sweltering heat here is an exceptional phenomenon, so instead of beachwear, tourists will need windproof jackets and warm sweaters for comfortable walks in nature.

The winter season is long and frosty, with sustained freezing temperatures from November to April. In January, nightly readings can drop to -19°C and lower. Notably, the daily temperature fluctuations throughout the year are not very large: the difference between the daytime maximum and the nightly minimum is usually only 3–5 degrees, which makes the sensation of cold or coolness quite stable throughout the day.

When heading to Nome, it is worth considering that the nature of precipitation here is closely linked to seasonal temperature fluctuations. The total volume of precipitation in millimetres remains extremely low throughout the year (1–3 mm per month), yet the frequency of its occurrence varies noticeably. In winter, from November to April, when temperatures drop significantly below zero, snowfalls dominate.

The summer period and the beginning of autumn bring warming and a shift from snow to rain. The "wettest" time in terms of weather frequency is August, when about 17 days with precipitation are recorded, as well as September and July (16 and 15 days respectively). During these months, there is a high probability of encountering overcast weather and light rain or drizzle.

Precipitation falls least frequently in January, April, and May — on average about 8 days a month. In spring, especially in May, mixed precipitation is possible as the temperature fluctuates around zero. Despite the fact that heavy downpours are rare here, having waterproof clothing and footwear will make travelling around this region of the USA much more comfortable.

A journey to Nome requires a careful selection of your wardrobe, as the local climate is known for its severe nature. In winter, when temperatures drop to extreme values, your main rule should be the principle of layering. Be sure to take high-quality thermal underwear, wool sweaters, and a reliable windproof parka with a hood. Pay special attention to footwear: it should be insulated, waterproof, and have a non-slip sole for safe walking on snow and ice.

Summer in this region is cool and quite humid, so even in July and August, when the air warms up to an average of +10...+11°C, shorts will hardly be useful to you. In the warm season, it is best to rely on fleece jackets, dense trekking trousers, and a good membrane jacket that protects against wind and rain. Given the large number of days with precipitation in the second half of summer, possessing a raincoat and waterproof shoes becomes critically important for comfortable walks.

Regardless of the time of year, do not forget accessories that protect against the natural elements. Sunglasses are necessary both in summer and winter to protect your eyes from the bright light reflected off the snow. We also recommend packing a rich protective face cream and lip balm, as the cold wind can quickly dry out the skin. A comfortable backpack for spare items will allow you to quickly adapt to the changeable weather throughout the day.