Weather in Valdez

Planning a visit to Valdez? Here you will find up-to-date information on the current weather, as well as detailed forecasts and charts to help you better plan your trip.

The climate of the city of Valdez can be characterised as harsh and cool, typical of northern coastal regions. The influence of cold air is clearly felt here: winters are long and frosty with average temperatures around -10°C, while summers are very short and fresh. Even in the warmest months, July and August, the air warms up to an average of only +9°C, so one should not count on classic summer heat.

A characteristic feature of the weather in Valdez is high humidity and frequent precipitation throughout the year. There are practically no dry periods here: the number of "wet" days varies from 14 to 22 per month, which indicates constant cloudiness, snowfalls in winter, or drizzling rains in summer. When planning your trip, be sure to stock up on warm waterproof clothing, as the weather here requires reliable protection from dampness and cold.

The climate in Valdez is distinguished by its harsh and cool character, typical of northern latitudes with strong maritime influence. The annual temperature progression here is quite smooth, without extreme continental heat or excessive frosts, although the general background remains cold. The coldest month of the year is traditionally January with an average temperature of around -10.4°C, while nighttime figures can drop to -12.7°C. The peak of warmth occurs in July, yet even at this time, the average temperature is only 9.2°C.

The winter period in Valdez is long and frosty. From November to March, the thermometer consistently stays below zero, varying on average from -3°C to -13°C. Summer here is short and very cool, which may surprise unprepared tourists. In the warmest months — July and August — the air warms up only to 10-12°C during the day, and nights remain brisk with temperatures around 6-7°C. There is no sweltering heat here; the weather is more reminiscent of fresh early spring or deep autumn in temperate latitudes.

A characteristic feature of the local temperature regime is the very small amplitude of fluctuations between day and night readings. The difference between the daily maximum and minimum is often just 2-4 degrees. This suggests that the weather changes insignificantly throughout the day, and if you dress for the weather in the morning, you are unlikely to feel a sharp cooling or warming by the evening.

Precipitation in Valdez is a frequent and constant phenomenon throughout the year. Judging by statistics, there are practically no completely dry months here, so an umbrella or waterproof clothing will be useful for travellers in any season. The number of days with precipitation varies from 14 to 22 per month, which indicates high cloudiness and regular humidity.

Given the low temperatures that persist from November to March (averaging from -7°C to -10°C), precipitation during this period falls mainly in the form of snow. December stands out as the month with the highest frequency of precipitation — snow can fall for up to 22 days. The winter period requires serious preparation: warm clothes and footwear are mandatory for a comfortable stay outdoors.

With the arrival of warmth, starting from May and ending in September, snow gives way to rain. Summer and early autumn (especially September and October) bring the highest volume of precipitation — up to 10 mm, while rainy weather can persist for up to 21 days a month. April can be conditionally called the driest period: minimum precipitation (about 4 mm) and the fewest number of inclement days in the year are recorded in this month.

A trip to Valdez requires a careful approach to choosing a wardrobe, as the weather here can be harsh and changeable at any time of the year. The main principle to follow when packing is layering. Even in the warmest summer months, such as July, the average temperature rarely exceeds +12°C, so light T-shirts are better replaced with quality thermal underwear, warm fleece sweaters, and reliable windbreakers. Be sure to bring comfortable, waterproof trekking shoes with non-slip soles, which will ensure comfort and warmth during walks, given the high humidity and frequent precipitation.

In winter, when the thermometer consistently stays below zero, you will need a warm down jacket, insulated windproof trousers, a hat, a scarf, and mittens. Considering that the number of days with precipitation is high all year round (from 14 to 22 days per month), it is critically important to have outerwear with a good water-repellent membrane. In summer, instead of shorts, it is better to take light trousers made of quick-drying fabric and a raincoat. An umbrella in Valdez is often useless due to possible gusts of wind from the bay, so a high-quality raincoat or a windbreaker with a hood will be a much more practical solution.

Do not forget about important accessories that will make your stay more comfortable. Sunglasses and cream with SPF factor will come in handy even in cool weather: in winter, the sun actively reflects off the snow, and in summer — off the water surface. If you plan active recreation in nature, grab a small backpack so you can put away extra clothes if it gets hot, or, conversely, warm up during a sudden cold snap. Readiness for dampness and coolness will allow you to enjoy the harsh beauty of Alaska without being distracted by the vagaries of the weather.