North Slope Borough Climate
North Slope Borough, Alaska
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
14.5°F
Annual Precip
5.4"
Annual Snowfall
46.3"
Extreme Heat Days
0
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
104
Limited to cold-tolerant varieties
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: North Slope Borough
Climate Verdict
North Slope Borough has a cold, with an average annual temperature of 14.5°F, arid conditions receiving just 5.4 inches of precipitation annually, moderate snowfall of 46.3 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are severe, with January averaging a frigid -12.6°F. summers are cool, with July averaging only 47.0°F. Residents experience a substantial 60°F difference between winter and summer.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.
Regional Context
North Slope Borough is 21.2°F cooler than the Alaska statewide average of 35.7°F, it is also noticeably drier, receiving 48.1 inches less precipitation than the state average.
Climate Profile
About North Slope Borough Weather
The coldest inhabited region in the nation
The North Slope averages a frigid 14.5°F, making it one of the coldest counties in the entire United States. This is nearly 40 degrees below the national median, representing an extreme polar climate. There is no concept of summer heat here, with zero days reaching 90°F.
Alaska's extreme northern temperature floor
With an average of 14.5°F, this borough is more than 20 degrees colder than the state average of 35.9°F. It consistently ranks as the coldest region in the state, far surpassing the chill of even Nome or Northwest Arctic. The environment is dominated by permafrost and arctic conditions.
Significantly colder and drier than neighbors
The North Slope is nearly 9 degrees colder than the Northwest Arctic Borough and much drier with only 5.4 inches of precipitation. While neighboring regions see more snow, the North Slope’s 46.3 inches remains frozen for much longer. It is a true arctic desert compared to the rest of the state.
Brutal winters and barely-thawing summers
January temperatures average a staggering -12.6°F, and even the July "peak" is only 47.0°F. The region receives 46.3 inches of snow, which often drifts in the constant wind despite low total precipitation. It is the only region in this group where the winter average is below zero.
Survival requires specialized arctic infrastructure
Heating systems must be rated for sustained temperatures below -10°F to ensure safety. High-quality expedition-grade gear is the only way to navigate the outdoors for much of the year. Minimal annual precipitation means dust control is often more of a summer concern than heavy rain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average temperature in North Slope Borough?
How much rain does North Slope Borough get?
Does it snow in North Slope Borough?
How hot does North Slope Borough get in summer?
How cold are winters in North Slope Borough?
Track your own weather in North Slope Borough
Ambient Weather personal weather stations give you hyperlocal climate data.
Sponsored
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.