The climate of Soldotna
Soldotna,
Alaska, inhabits the subarctic climate, known as the Dfc in the Köppen climate classification. Geographically, this location is renowned for its severe winters, no presence of a dry season, and cool summers. Throughout the year, the weather exhibits a significant fluctuation in various climatological aspects.
A close look at the monthly average data reveals the rhythm of the climate throughout the year in Soldotna. Temperature varies considerably, ranging from a low of 15.8°F (-9°C) in
January to a peak at 65.1°F (18.4°C) in
July. The town experiences relatively high humidity, with the lowest being 65% in
May and the highest reaching 90% from January to
March. Rainfall varies too, from a low level in March of 1.1" (28mm) to a high in
September of 3.19" (81mm). The number of rainfall days also oscillates between 7.4 days in
February and 19.2 days in September.
Unique weather patterns include the extreme cold in winter and a marked absence of a dry season. The monthly average snowfall hits a peak of 9.45" (240mm) in
December, and the snowfall number of days is largest in December, with an average of 15.3 days. Furthermore, UV index is relatively low throughout the year, indicating less exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation.
The best time to visit Soldotna
Basing on climatic elements, the optimal time to visit
Soldotna spans from late
May to early
September. During these months, temperatures are more pleasant, ranging from 41.7°F (5.4°C) to 65.1°F (18.4°C). Visitors can also expect longer daylight hours, extending from 14.7 hours to 18.9 hours. A highlight of this period is
July, where both high temperature and long daylight hours combine, thus providing ample time for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Soldotna
Among the least favorable times to visit
Soldotna would be between
November and
March. These months witness arguably the most inhospitable conditions, with temperatures ranging from 15.8°F (-9°C) to 30.6°F (-0.8°C). Daylight duration is greatly reduced, only 5.9 hours in
December. Moreover, December offers the most snowfall, with an average of 9.45" (240mm), making travel and outdoor activities more challenging.
Spring weather in Soldotna
The arrival of spring in
Soldotna, typically from
March to
May, brings more moderate temperatures. March starts with an average of 30.6°F (-0.8°C), but by the end of May, it soars to 55°F (12.8°C). Rainfall remains relatively low, only from 1.1" (28mm) in March to 1.14" (29mm) in May. Additionally, the daylight hours increase as the season progresses, from 11.9 hours in March to 17.4 hours in May, providing ample room for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Soldotna
Summertime in
Soldotna, from
June to
August, offers the highest temperatures of the year, peaking at an average of 65.1°F (18.4°C) in
July. Rainfall also increases, averaging between 1.22" (31mm) on the lower end in June and 2.56" (65mm) on the higher end in August. This period features the longest daylight duration from 18.9 hours in June to 15.6 hours in August.
Autumn weather in Soldotna
Autumn, ranging from
September to
November in
Soldotna, witnesses a marked drop in temperature. From an average high of 54.5°F (12.5°C) in September, it drops to a low of 30.2°F (-1°C) by November. Rainfall is at its peak in September averaging 3.19" (81mm) but decreases to 1.73" (44mm) by November. Daylight hours also fall during autumn, starting with 12.8 hours in September and decreasing to 7.4 hours by November.
Winter weather in Soldotna
Soldotna's winter, from
December to
February, is characterized by severe cold conditions. Average temperatures fluctuate from a low of 15.8°F (-9°C) in
January to a slightly higher 26.4°F (-3.1°C) in February. Snowfall is highest during these months, with a peak of 9.45" (240mm) in December. The daylight hours are the shortest of the year, reaching a low of 5.9 hours in December. This season also sees the highest relative humidity, with January and February averaging 90%. Winter in Soldotna thus presents a distinct and unique climatic experience.
Weather in January
As the new year unfolds in
Soldotna,
Alaska, winter is in full force. The cold persists throughout the month with high and low temperatures averaging around 22.5°F (-5.3°C) and 15.8°F (-9°C) respectively, the second lowest for the year.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February in
Soldotna brings a slight improvement in temperatures from the icy conditions of
January. Despite this change, the month still belongs with the frigid winter season. The most snowfall is observed this month reaching up to 8.78" (223mm).
Weather in February » Weather in March
March signals the transition from the biting winter to a slightly warmer spring in
Soldotna. Characterized by climbing temperatures, this month sees the thawing of the often frozen landscape. A decrease in snowfall to around 5.08" (129mm) compared with
February is seen as well.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April ushers in a more recognisable spring in
Soldotna. The biting cold loosens its grip, paving the way for warmer days. A significant leap in temperatures sees the mercury rising to an average high of 41.7°F (5.4°C). This transition month witnesses rapid melting of snow, early blooms, and a drastic increase in daylight hours.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Soldotna is graced by the full bloom of spring. Pleasant temperatures replace the freezing winter chill and the warming trend is clearly evident. An increase in rainfall to approximately 1.14" (29mm) marks the start of the wet season in
Alaska.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June stands out as the commencement of summer in
Soldotna, with temperatures moving into the warm spectrum. With the maximum average UV index for the year peaking at around 4, residents must apply sunscreen when venturing outdoors.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is distinguished by the warmest conditions of the year in
Soldotna. The temperature peaks with highs averaging around 65.1°F (18.4°C) but July also brings the highest rainfall for the year at 1.89" (48mm). Thus, while the days are warm and long, residents can expect occasional showers.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The weather in
August brings a slight decrease in temperature from
July's peak. Moreover, rainfall further increases to a high of about 2.56" (65mm) for the month making it the wettest in the year. Despite the rain, it is a prime season for outdoor pursuits with lush, vibrant landscapes displaying
Alaska's natural beauty.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Soldotna marks the arrival of autumn, bringing with it a noticeable drop in temperatures. One key feature this month is the first sign of snowfall after the summer months with an approximately 0.24" (6mm) on record.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Soldotna sees further dipping in temperatures as the autumn chill firmly sets in. The staggered increase in snowfall to about 1.14" (29mm) makes this month a transition to the approaching winter. Typical fall activities like pumpkin picking and leaf peeping gain momentum during October.
Weather in October » Weather in November
With
November's arrival, winter starts to show its face in
Soldotna. Distinctive of this month is the drastic increase in snowfall, reaching an approximate 4.69" (119mm). Hard frosts set in as winter activities gain traction, and locals bundle up against the icy winds.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December rings in the freezing Alaskan winter in
Soldotna. This month experiences the coldest temperatures for the year, with the recorded averages dropping to a chilling 25.7°F (-3.5°C) high and 18.7°F (-7.4°C) low. With the highest snowfall observed at 9.45" (240mm), the city is blanketed in pure white.
Weather in December »