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Nome Census Area Climate

Nome Census Area, Alaska

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec28.0°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

28.0°F

Annual Precip

17.2"

Annual Snowfall

80.8"

Extreme Heat Days

0

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.9"
1.0"
0.7"
0.7"
0.9"
1.0"
2.4"
3.2"
2.2"
1.8"
1.3"
1.1"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

Growing Degree Days

247

Limited to cold-tolerant varieties

Last spring frost (32°F): 06/05
First fall frost (32°F): 09/03

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring10°37°2.4"Summer48°52°6.6"Fall18°43°5.3"Winter6°9°3.0"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 0% of US counties
Wetter than 10% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 67% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Nome Census Area

Climate Verdict

Nome Census Area has a cold, with an average annual temperature of 28.0°F, semi-arid conditions with only 17.2 inches of annual precipitation, heavy winter snowfall averaging 80.8 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 5.6°F. summers are cool, with July averaging only 52.0°F. The 46°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

Nome Census Area is 7.7°F cooler than the Alaska statewide average of 35.7°F, it is also noticeably drier, receiving 36.3 inches less precipitation than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Nome Census Area Weather

Extreme subarctic cold far from national norms

Nome averages just 28.0°F annually, placing it among the coldest regions in the United States. This temperature sits roughly 25 degrees below the national median, defining a truly subarctic environment. Extreme heat is nonexistent here, with zero days ever reaching 90°F.

One of the colder regions in Alaska

The area's 28.0°F average is significantly lower than the Alaska state average of 35.9°F. It ranks among the colder third of the state's regions due to its exposed Bering Sea location. This makes it much colder than southern hubs like the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.

A middle ground between Arctic and Interior

Nome is significantly warmer than the North Slope’s 14.5°F average but colder than the Northwest Arctic Borough. Its 17.2 inches of annual precipitation is higher than the North Slope but lower than the state average. This balance creates a unique, wind-swept maritime-tundra climate.

Severe winters and nearly 81 inches of snow

Winters are harsh with a January average of only 5.6°F and 80.8 inches of annual snowfall. Summers offer little relief from the cold, with July temperatures averaging a cool 52.0°F. The region remains frozen for a large portion of the year, with zero extreme heat days recorded.

Focus on insulation and wind protection

Residents must invest in high-performance arctic clothing to survive winter averages of 7.9°F. Specialized home insulation and backup heating are vital for the long, snow-heavy winter months. Rain gear is also necessary, as 17.2 inches of precipitation falls across the seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Nome Census Area?
The average annual temperature in Nome Census Area, AK is 28.0°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Nome Census Area get?
Nome Census Area receives an average of 17.2 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
Does it snow in Nome Census Area?
Yes, Nome Census Area receives an average of 80.8 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Nome Census Area get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Nome Census Area is 50.2°F. The county experiences an average of 0 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Nome Census Area?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Nome Census Area is 7.9°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 5.6°F.

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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.

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
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