Chugach Census Area Climate
Chugach Census Area, Alaska
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
40.3°F
Annual Precip
139.1"
Annual Snowfall
221.2"
Extreme Heat Days
0
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
498
Limited to cold-tolerant varieties
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Chugach Census Area
Climate Verdict
Chugach Census Area has a cool, averaging 40.3°F annually, very wet conditions receiving 139.1 inches of precipitation annually, heavy winter snowfall averaging 221.2 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are cold, with January averaging 27.1°F. summers are cool, with July averaging only 56.1°F. The climate is remarkably stable year-round, with only a 29°F difference between January and July.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.
Regional Context
Chugach Census Area is 4.6°F warmer than the Alaska statewide average of 35.7°F, it is also noticeably wetter, receiving 85.6 inches more precipitation than the state average.
Climate Profile
About Chugach Census Area Weather
The Wettest Corner of Alaska
Chugach averages 40.3°F annually, which is warm for Alaska but accompanied by an incredible 139.1 inches of precipitation. This creates a unique rainforest-like environment that is far wetter than almost any county in the lower 48.
Alaska's High-Precipitation Leader
At 40.3°F, Chugach is significantly warmer than the 35.9°F state average. However, its 139.1 inches of annual precipitation dwarfs the state average of 54.8 inches, making it a true outlier.
Vastly Different From Anchorage
While neighboring Anchorage receives 31.1 inches of precipitation, Chugach is pelted with 139.1 inches. This moisture translates to a massive 221.2 inches of annual snowfall, more than double Anchorage's 102.9 inches.
Mild Winters and Massive Snow
Winter temperatures average a relatively mild 28.4°F, but the extreme moisture leads to 221.2 inches of snow. Summers are cool and wet, with July temperatures averaging 56.1°F and no days over 90°F.
Mastering Snow and Rain Prep
Residents must be prepared for extreme snow loads, as 221.2 inches can overwhelm standard roofs. Industrial-grade waterproof gear and high-capacity drainage systems are essential for managing the constant 139.1 inches of annual precipitation.
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.