Weather in Sitka

Planning your day or a trip to Sitka? Here you will find the most up-to-date weather information, including detailed forecasts and charts.

The climate of Sitka can be characterised as temperate maritime, heavily influenced by the ocean. There are no extreme frosts here typical of the continental part of Alaska, but one shouldn't expect real heat either. The weather is distinguished by high stability: temperature fluctuations throughout the year are quite smooth, creating a cool and humid atmosphere.

Summer in the city is mild and fresh, with average temperatures around +13°C, which is ideal for outdoor activities without exhausting heat. Winters here are comparatively warm for this region; the thermometer often hovers around the 0°C mark or drops only slightly.

An important feature of the weather in Sitka is the high probability of precipitation at any time of the year. Data indicates a significant number of rainy days (from 16 to 23 per month), with the likelihood of precipitation increasing in autumn, especially in October. Travellers should be prepared for frequent rains and always have high-quality waterproof clothing on hand to comfortably enjoy the beauty of the local nature.

The temperature regime in Sitka is distinguished by surprising mildness and stability, which is characteristic of the coastal regions of Alaska. Here you will not encounter extreme frosts or sweltering heat: the annual temperature range is quite narrow. The winter period passes quite mildly, with temperatures fluctuating around the freezing point. The coldest month, according to statistics, is February, when average values drop to -1.2°C, and nightly minimums reach -3.3°C. January and December are also cool but rarely demonstrate severe cold.

Summer in Sitka can be characterised as cool and very fresh. This is the ideal time for travellers who prefer a moderate climate to the scorching sun. The peak of warmth occurs in August, when the average temperature is 13.3°C, and during the day the air warms up to a comfortable 15.7°C. July is practically on par with August, offering pleasant conditions for active recreation. Even at the height of summer, it is not stifling here, and a light jacket may come in handy even on the warmest days.

An interesting feature of the local climate is the insignificant difference between day and night temperatures throughout the year. The amplitude of fluctuations is usually only 3–5 degrees, which makes the weather predictable throughout the day. Spring and autumn serve as smooth transitional periods: already in May, a stable positive temperature of around 7–10°C is established, and in October the city gradually cools down, maintaining average figures at the level of 6.4°C before the onset of winter.

The climate in Sitka is characterised by high humidity and frequent precipitation throughout the year, so tourists are recommended to always have a reliable raincoat or umbrella with them. It is difficult to single out a pronounced "dry season" here, as even in the calmest months the number of days with precipitation remains significant. Nevertheless, a certain seasonality can be noticed: the most intense precipitation falls in the autumn-winter period, while the end of spring and the beginning of summer bring a relative lull.

The wettest month, according to statistics, is October, when the highest volume of precipitation and a high frequency of rainy days are recorded — about 23 days per month. Winter months, such as December and January, are also distinguished by overcast weather. Given that average temperatures during this period fluctuate from slightly positive to negative values (for example, in January the minimum reaches -2.1°C), rains are often replaced by snowfalls, covering the city and surrounding forests with a white blanket.

The period from May to July can be called the "driest" time of the year, although this concept is relative for Sitka. In these months, the volume of precipitation decreases to minimum annual values. July, for example, delights travellers with the fewest number of inclement days (on average 16 days), which makes the middle of summer the most favourable time for walks and excursions, despite the continuing probability of light rains.

Considering that Sitka is located in a temperate rainforest zone, the main criterion when choosing clothes should be protection from moisture. It rains here all year round, so a high-quality waterproof jacket with a hood (or a good raincoat) and waterproof trousers are an absolute must-have, regardless of the season. An umbrella may not always be convenient due to winds from the ocean, so it is better to rely on membrane clothing. Comfortable, worn-in shoes with non-slip soles are also critically important, preferably trekking boots with water-repellent impregnation, as trails and city streets are often wet.

The weather in the region is changeable and rarely hot: even at the height of summer (July-August), the temperature stays around +13...+15°C, and in winter it fluctuates around zero. Therefore, the most reasonable decision would be to dress according to the principle of layering. Take thermal underwear, fleece jumpers, and woollen sweaters with you, which can be easily combined or removed depending on how you feel. A light down vest worn under a windbreaker will warm you up perfectly during sea trips or windy evenings.

If you are planning a trip in the winter period (from November to March), be sure to add a warm hat, scarf, and gloves to your luggage, as high humidity intensifies the sensation of cold. In summer, despite the coolness, sunglasses and sunscreen will come in handy, especially if you intend to spend time on the water. And do not forget waterproof cases for your photography equipment and phone to capture the beauty of Alaska's nature in any weather.