The climate of Cordova
Nestled in the balmy heart of
Alaska, USA,
Cordova is structured under the Köppen climate classification as Dfc, demonstrating a predominant Subarctic climate with severe winters, no dry season, and cool summers. This geographical placard typifies the city's rugged resilience against imposing weather conditions volatile and diverse throughout the calendar year.
A closer inspection of the climate data reveals conspicuous disparities in the weather conditions. The highest temperatures, reserved for the summer months from
June to
August, peak at 58.6°F (14.8°C) while the chilliest months, engulfing
December through
February, observe low-lying temperatures stooping to 24.8°F (-4°C). Marking an upward trajectory, humidity relative levels manifest a ratcheting pattern reaching zeniths in the rainy season covering the months of August, registering an imposing 84% humidity.
A striking feature characteristic to Cordova is the fluctuation in precipitation. Rainfall is most abundant in the autumn months with
September being the wettest, notching up to an impressive 8.98" (228mm). On the other end of the spectrum, June witnesses the lowest rainfall at a meager 2.72" (69mm). The city, home to a snowbound landscape, encounters the heaviest snowfall, recorded as 17.76" (451mm) in December, while June,
July, and August present a snowless scenery.
The best time to visit Cordova
Given
Cordova's Subarctic climate, the ideal time to visit largely hinges on individual weather preferences. However, for those seeking milder temperatures and comparatively reduced rainfall, the period spanning from
June to
August emerges as a compelling choice. During this summer period, temperature peaks to a daily high of 58.6°F (14.8°C) in
July, forming a comfortable and enjoyable climate for outdoor enthusiasts. Adding to the allure, daylight hours extend to approximately 19 hours in June, providing plenty of time to explore the natural beauty of this Alaskan gem.
The worst time to visit Cordova
The climate data makes a compelling case for avoiding visits to
Cordova between
November and
February. These months are characterized by freezing temperatures, with the mercury plummeting to distressing lows of 24.8°F (-4°C). This time of year also sees an escalation in snowfall, with
December witnessing a staggering 17.76" (451mm) of snow. The short daylight hours, particularly low in December at about 5.9 hours, further cast a gloomy shadow over these winter months, making them less appealing to travelers.
Spring weather in Cordova
The spring months from
March to
May in
Cordova see a transition from severe winter conditions to a more temperate climate. During this period, the city experiences temperatures ranging from 30.2°F (-1°C) in March to a more inviting 48.6°F (9.2°C) in May. Simultaneously, there is a decrease in snowfall, going from 13.03" (331mm) in March to practically none by May. This period also ushers in longer daylight hours, blossoming to approximately 14.7 hours by the end of May, creating a more comfortable environment for visitors.
Summer weather in Cordova
The season of summer brings along warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours to
Cordova. From
June through
August, the city experiences its highest temperatures, with daily highs hitting 58.6°F (14.8°C) in
July. This season is notably drier, with rainfall settling to the year's lowest of 2.72" (69mm) in June. Summer also offers the longest daylight hours, allowing visitors to soak up the Alaskan scenery under approximately 19 hours of daylight in June.
Autumn weather in Cordova
Autumn in
Cordova, spanning
September to
November, is characterized by steadily decreasing temperatures and escalating precipitation levels. As summer fades, temperatures tumble from a daily high of 52.5°F (11.4°C) in September to 34.5°F (1.4°C) by November. This season is partly identified by heavy rainfall, peaking at a substantial 9.09" (231mm) in
October. It's during this period that the picturesque town starts witnessing the initial specks of snow, hinting at the oncoming winter.
Winter weather in Cordova
The winter months from
December to
February in
Cordova tend to be particularly harsh. During this season, the city experiences its lowest temperatures, with the thermometer recording 24.8°F (-4°C) in December. The city also becomes a snowy wonderland, receiving the greatest abundance of snowfall, rising to a significant 17.76" (451mm) in December. The daylight hours in this season shrink, introducing a maximum of only 6.8 hours in December, further amplifying the cold, gloomy weather that engulfs the town.
Weather in January
From a meteorological perspective,
January in
Cordova,
Alaska continues the grip of winter. Relative humidity rises to 80%, whereas wind speed slightly drops from
December values. Following the trend of the winter season, January remains the coldest month, with the recorded monthly high and low temperatures being 30.2°F (-1°C) and 24.8°F (-4°C) respectively.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February in
Cordova experiences a noticeable surge in temperature compared to
January, albeit still retaining its winter character. Both the amount of daylight and temperature show a slight uptick. In a peculiar deviation, February is Cordova's snowiest month, with an average snowfall reaching the peak at 17.72" (450mm).
Weather in February » Weather in March
The weather in
March holds a promise of the impending spring, with a slight rise in temperature from
February. There's an observable uptick in the amount of daylight, signaling longer, brighter days ahead. For snow enthusiasts, March also beckons with a considerable snowfall of 13.03" (331mm).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Cordova bears witness to an evident increase in the average temperature, signifying the arrival of the spring season. Following the trend of previous months, it registers an increase in daylight hours, further enhancing the charm of spring.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May establishes itself as a transitional period in
Cordova weather from Spring to Summer. The increase in temperature and daylight hours continues in May, bringing a warmth to the air that the previous months lacked. From a climatological standpoint, May sees a near-total cessation of snowfall, with almost nominal total snowfall of only 0.31" (8mm).
Weather in May » Weather in June
Warm conditions take hold in
June, one of the warmest months in
Cordova,
Alaska. Notably, June initiates the period of maximum daylight hours, a facet characteristic of Alaskan summers. Interestingly, the plummet in snowfall continues, warranting precisely no occurrence of snowfall in June.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July persists with the trend set in
June, being another notably warm month in
Cordova. Coupled with the longer days, the weather is generally sunny, indicating summer in full swing. It flaunts the highest sea temperature of the year at 57.3°F (14.1°C) in Cordova.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the trend of
July, offering warm temperatures and an ample amount of daylight. It still experiences summer weather, though there is a slight dip in overall temperature. Plus, August sees the year’s highest level of relative humidity at 84%.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September begins with a gradual fall in temperature, indicating the onset of the autumn season in
Cordova. Along with an observable decrease in daylight duration, it signifies that the days have started becoming shorter. Importantly, the highest average rainfall of 8.98" (228mm) is seen this month, marking it as the rainiest month of the year.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October,
Cordova welcomes the fall season in full swing, with temperatures steadily declining from
September levels. An evident reduction in daylight hours further intensifies the onset of the fall. October remains the tail-end of the wet season with an only averaged rainfall of 9.09" (231mm), trailing slightly behind September.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November ushers in the cold weather in
Cordova, with temperatures sliding down further. The trend of decreased daylight hours continues, indicating the approach of winter. Snowfall, a notable feature of Cordova’s November, makes a comeback with an average of 5.83" (148mm).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Cordova marks the height of winter with low temperatures and high snowfall. The decrease in the average temperature and sunlight duration continues, reaching their yearly minimums. Snowfall, a regular feature of December, surges to an average of 17.76" (451mm), second only to
February.
Weather in December »