Weather in Utqiagvik

Stay informed about the current weather conditions when planning your trip to Utqiagvik. Below you will find the most up-to-date reports, detailed forecasts, and useful charts to ensure a comfortable journey.

The climate in the city of Utqiagvik is a classic example of harsh Arctic conditions. As the northernmost settlement in the United States, this city is characterised by extremely low temperatures in winter and very cool, short summers. Travellers should be prepared for the fact that permafrost reigns here, and even during the "warm" season, the weather remains truly northern.

The winter period lasts for most of the year, although the temperature regime changes during this time. The most severe frosts, when average indicators drop below -20°C, are typical for January and February. At the beginning of the season (November) and closer to its end (April), the weather is slightly milder: in these months, the thermometer usually hovers around -10...-13°C.

Summer arrives briefly, mainly in July and August, but do not expect heat: the air warms up only to +3...+7°C. This is a time when snow may be replaced by drizzle, but the genuine warm weather familiar to more southern latitudes does not occur here.

An interesting feature of the local climate is the extremely low amount of precipitation, which effectively makes the region a polar desert. Despite the fact that quite a few wet days are recorded in summer, the volume of precipitation is minimal (1–2 mm). The weather here is distinguished by its stability in severity, requiring serious preparation and warm equipment from tourists in any month of the year.

The climate of the city of Utqiagvik is dictated by its extreme northern location, so harsh conditions prevail here almost all year round. The winter season is very long and frosty: from December to March, average temperatures confidently stay in the range of -18°C to -23°C. The coldest month is February, when average figures drop to -23.4°C, and night frosts can reach -25.7°C. Even in May and October, negative temperatures persist, making the warm period extremely short.

Summer in this region of the USA is cool and does not resemble a traditional hot season at all. The warmest month is July, but even at its peak, the air warms up on average only to +5.5°C, and maximum values rarely exceed +7.7°C. June and August are also characterised by low positive temperatures (from +3°C to +5°C). Travellers should be prepared for the fact that even in summer, warm equipment will be needed here, as there is no real heat in these parts.

An interesting feature of the local temperature regime is the insignificant difference between day and night indicators. Throughout the year, the amplitude of fluctuations between the daily minimum and maximum is only 3–5 degrees. This creates a sensation of stable cold in winter and steady coolness in summer without sharp thermal jumps during the day.

The climate of such a northern city as Utqiagvik is often compared to a polar desert: extremely little precipitation falls here throughout the year. Even during periods that can be called relatively humid, the volume of moisture barely reaches 1–2 mm. However, despite the small volume, overcast weather and light precipitation are not uncommon, especially in the second half of the year.

The driest period is the first half of the year, from January to May. In these months, the precipitation level is practically zero, and the number of days when something falls from the sky varies from 2 to 4. Given the severe frosts (down to -24°C), any moisture at this time is present exclusively in the form of snow or ice fog, which is often carried by the wind.

The situation changes with the arrival of the polar summer. July and August, as well as the autumn months of September and October, are distinguished by the highest frequency of precipitation — up to 10–12 days a month. Since temperatures rise above zero in July and August, drizzling rains and fog are likely at this time. However, already in October, with the return of sub-zero temperatures, precipitation turns into snow once again.

A trip to Utqiagvik is a true Arctic adventure that requires a serious approach to packing your suitcase. The main principle of equipment here is layering, as the weather can change rapidly. For the winter period, when the temperature consistently stays below -20°C, the foundation of your wardrobe should be high-quality thermal underwear made of merino wool or synthetic materials. Wear fleece jackets and thick sweaters over it, and the final layer should be a windproof down parka with a hood and insulated trousers. Choose footwear designed for extreme cold: high boots with thick soles and good insulation are simply essential.

In summer, despite the sun shining around the clock, do not expect heat: the average temperature rarely exceeds +5°C, and it is often damp in July and August. Therefore, even in the warm season, leave your t-shirts at home and take a waterproof windbreaker or a membrane jacket capable of protecting against rain and cold wind from the ocean. Comfortable trekking boots with water protection will ensure comfort during walks, as the number of days with precipitation increases in summer.

Pay special attention to accessories. The Arctic wind and dry air require protection for exposed areas of the body: be sure to take a rich face cream and lip balm. Due to the snow and the polar day, the sun can be very active, so sunglasses and SPF cream are mandatory items on your list. Also, do not forget warm mittens (they warm better than gloves), a hat, and a snood scarf, which will be useful for you in the United States at this latitude almost all year round.