Katmai National Park Climate

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Katmai National Park in Alaska experiences a subarctic climate (Dfc) characterized by cool summers and year-round precipitation. The park’s climate is heavily influenced by its location in the northern latitudes, proximity to the Gulf of Alaska, and the presence of the Aleutian mountain range.

What are the Monthly Temperature Averages in Katmai National Park?

katmai national park climate
Image Credit: Wikimedia

The monthly temperature averages in Katmai National Park vary significantly throughout the year:

Month High (°F) Low (°F) Mean (°F)
January 36 26 31
February 37 27 32
March 38 27 33
April 44 33 39
May 50 39 45
June 56 45 50
July 61 50 55
August 62 50 56
September 56 44 50
October 48 36 42
November 40 29 35
December 37 26 32

The warmest months are July and August, with average high temperatures reaching around 60°F (16°C). The coldest months are January and December, with average low temperatures around 26°F (-3°C).

How Much Cloud Cover Does Katmai National Park Experience?

katmai national park climate

The cloud cover in Katmai National Park varies throughout the year:

  • Cloudiest Month: August, with an average cloud cover of 84%
  • Clearest Month: May, with an average cloud cover of 64%

The park experiences significant cloud cover, with the majority of the year having more than 70% cloud cover on average.

What are the Precipitation and Snowfall Patterns in Katmai National Park?

Katmai National Park receives substantial precipitation throughout the year, with some seasonal variations:

  • Precipitation:
  • Highest: October, with an average of 8.84 inches (224 mm)
  • Lowest: April, with an average of 4.75 inches (121 mm)
  • Snowfall:
  • Highest: December, with an average of 8.65 inches (220 mm)
  • Lowest: July, with an average of 0 inches (0 mm)

The park experiences significant snowfall, especially during the winter months, with the highest average snowfall in December. The summer months, particularly July, have minimal snowfall.

What is the Overall Climate Characterization of Katmai National Park?

Katmai National Park experiences a subarctic climate (Dfc) characterized by the following key features:

  • Cool Summers: The warmest months, July and August, have average high temperatures around 60°F (16°C).
  • Cold Winters: The coldest months, January and December, have average low temperatures around 26°F (-3°C).
  • Year-Round Precipitation: The park receives substantial precipitation throughout the year, with the highest amounts in October and the lowest in April.
  • Significant Snowfall: Katmai National Park experiences significant snowfall, especially during the winter months, with the highest average snowfall in December.
  • Cloudy Conditions: The park is characterized by significant cloud cover, with the cloudiest month being August and the clearest month being May.

The subarctic climate of Katmai National Park is a result of its northern latitude, proximity to the Gulf of Alaska, and the presence of the Aleutian mountain range, which all contribute to the cool, cloudy, and wet conditions experienced in the park.

References:

  1. Katmai National Park and Preserve – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katmai_National_Park_and_Preserve
  2. Katmai National Park Climate, Weather By Month, Average: https://weatherspark.com/y/150332/Average-Weather-in-Katmai-National-Park-Alaska-United-States-Year-Round
  3. Climate & Weather Averages in Katmai National Park, Alaska, USA: https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/%405865940/climate

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