Weather in Selawik

Planning a trip to Selawik? Here you will find the most up-to-date information on weather conditions, including current data and detailed forecasts for the near future.

The climate in the city of Selawik is harsh and classified as subarctic. This remote corner of the United States is characterised by very cold, long winters and short, cool summers. The weather here demands serious preparation from travellers: even during the warmest months, temperatures rarely rise to high values, so warm and layered clothing will be necessary at practically any time of the year.

Seasonality is very pronounced, with a sharp contrast between winter and summer. The cold period lasts from October to April, when the thermometer consistently stays below freezing, dropping to an average of -21°C in January. Summer arrives in June and brings long-awaited but restrained warmth with average temperatures around +13...+15°C, creating comfortable conditions for those who prefer freshness over sweltering heat.

An interesting feature of the local climate is the distribution of humidity. Although the total volume of precipitation in millimetres is small, the number of days with precipitation remains consistently noticeable throughout the year (from 6 to 14 days per month). This means that instead of heavy downpours, one is more likely to encounter drizzle or light snow here. The most favourable time for a visit is considered to be mid-summer, when the risk of extreme frost is minimal.

The climate in the city of Selawik is distinguished by distinct seasonality, typical of the northern regions of the USA. Winter takes hold early here and lasts a long time: stable frosts set in as early as November and persist until April. The harshest month is January, when the average temperature drops to -21.0°C, and night-time readings often reach -23.6°C. This is a time of true tests by cold, when even during daylight hours the air rarely warms up above -18°C.

The summer period brings significant relief, yet there is never any exhausting heat here. The warmest month of the year is traditionally July, with an average temperature of about +15.0°C. During this time, the weather is mild and comfortable: during the day, the air warms up to +18.6°C, which is ideal for active outdoor recreation without the risk of overheating. June and August also please with positive temperatures, but by September, the approach of autumn is felt as the thermometer sharply goes down.

Daily temperature fluctuations throughout the year are relatively small, averaging 5–7 degrees. Even at the height of summer, nights remain quite fresh, with temperatures around +11.4°C, so tourists are recommended to keep warm clothing with them regardless of the season. The annual temperature range is very wide: from deep winter freezes to pleasant summer coolness, making the climatic picture of the region contrasting and dynamic.

When planning a trip to Selawik, it is important to consider that the nature of precipitation here depends directly on seasonal temperatures. Since the thermometer consistently stays below zero from October to April, moisture during this period falls primarily as snow. Winter and early spring are characterised by a stable snow cover, with March standing out for its high frequency of precipitation — snow can fall for up to 12 days a month.

In May, positive average temperatures are established (around +5.3°C), and precipitation shifts to the rain phase. The period from July to September is the wettest in terms of frequency. The peak occurs in August, when about 14 rainy days are recorded — this is practically half the month. However, judging by the modest total volume of precipitation (only 2–3 mm), rains here most often present themselves as light drizzle or short-term phenomena rather than powerful downpours.

The least cloudy months can be called January and April, when the number of days with precipitation decreases to 6 per month. In general, the region is characterised by low intensity of precipitation, but travellers should be prepared for frequent overcast weather and dampness in the second half of summer.

Setting off for Selawik, it is important to remember the severe northern climate of this region, where coolness persists even in summer. The main principle when packing your suitcase is layering. For a trip in the winter period (from October to April), when the temperature drops to extremely low values, be sure to take high-quality thermal underwear, woollen sweaters, and a reliable down parka with a hood. You cannot do without insulated waterproof boots, a warm hat, and mittens to protect yourself from severe frosts.

Summer months here are mild but not hot: the thermometer rarely rises above 18°C. Therefore, even in July, you will need jeans, a fleece jacket, and a dense windbreaker. Considering that the number of days with precipitation is quite high, especially in August and September, it is worth bringing a raincoat or a membrane jacket that will protect against dampness and wind. For walks, choose comfortable closed shoes with non-slip soles.

Regarding accessories, we recommend taking sunglasses: they will be useful both in winter for protection against blinding snow and during the long summer days. Also, do not forget a nourishing face cream and lip balm, as the cold air can dry the skin significantly. If you are travelling in summer, a useful addition will be insect repellent, as insects can be active during this season.