Bethel Census Area Climate
Bethel Census Area, Alaska
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
31.4°F
Annual Precip
19.7"
Annual Snowfall
64.0"
Extreme Heat Days
0
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
501
Limited to cold-tolerant varieties
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Bethel Census Area
Climate Verdict
Bethel Census Area has a cold, with an average annual temperature of 31.4°F, semi-arid conditions with only 19.7 inches of annual precipitation, heavy winter snowfall averaging 64.0 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are severe, with January averaging a frigid 6.9°F. summers are cool, with July averaging only 56.3°F. The 49°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.
Regional Context
Bethel Census Area is 4.3°F cooler than the Alaska statewide average of 35.7°F, it is also noticeably drier, receiving 33.8 inches less precipitation than the state average.
Climate Profile
About Bethel Census Area Weather
A True Subarctic Interior
Bethel averages just 31.4°F annually, placing it among the coldest regions in the United States. This temperature is far below the national median and reflects a landscape dominated by permafrost and long winters.
Colder Than the State Baseline
The census area's 31.4°F annual average is significantly lower than the 35.9°F state average for Alaska. It experiences much harsher winter conditions than the coastal southern boroughs.
Harsher Winters Than Bristol Bay
Bethel is much colder than its neighbor, Bristol Bay Borough, which averages 36.5°F annually. Bethel's January average of 6.9°F is nearly 10 degrees colder than Bristol Bay's 16.6°F.
Extreme Cold and Low Humidity
Winters are brutal with a December-February average of 10.1°F and 64 inches of snow. Summers are brief and cool, with July averaging 56.3°F and no recorded days of extreme heat over 90°F.
Invest in Extreme Cold Gear
Living here requires specialized cold-weather gear rated for sub-zero temperatures. Because the area only receives 19.7 inches of annual precipitation, wind protection is often more critical than waterproof layering.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Data sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. Forecast and alert data from National Weather Service API. Air quality data from Open-Meteo.
Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables. Station data is aggregated to county level. Forecasts and alerts are fetched live and may change frequently. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.