Sitka City and Borough Climate
Sitka City and Borough, Alaska
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
43.9°F
Annual Precip
152.8"
Annual Snowfall
101.8"
Extreme Heat Days
0
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
564
Limited to cold-tolerant varieties
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Sitka City and Borough
Climate Verdict
Sitka City and Borough has a cool, averaging 43.9°F annually, very wet conditions receiving 152.8 inches of precipitation annually, heavy winter snowfall averaging 101.8 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are cold, with January averaging 34.1°F. summers are cool, with July averaging only 55.8°F. The climate is remarkably stable year-round, with only a 22°F difference between January and July. January is typically the coldest month and August the warmest.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.
Regional Context
Sitka City and Borough is 8.2°F warmer than the Alaska statewide average of 35.7°F, it is also noticeably wetter, receiving 99.2 inches more precipitation than the state average.
Climate Profile
About Sitka City and Borough Weather
Extreme precipitation defines this coastal hub
Sitka averages 43.9°F annually, which is mild for Alaska but cool compared to the national average. The standout data is the 152.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is roughly five times the national average. This creates a unique temperate rainforest environment with no extreme heat.
A maritime warm spot with record rain
Sitka is much warmer than the state average of 35.9°F and is among the wettest places in Alaska. Its 152.8 inches of precipitation dwarfs the state average of 54.8 inches. This oceanic climate ensures that temperatures rarely drop to the extremes seen in the interior.
The wettest of its coastal neighbors
Sitka receives 152.8 inches of rain, far exceeding Petersburg (110.2") and Prince of Wales-Hyder (104.9"). It also sees more snow than its southern neighbors, averaging 101.8 inches per year. It shares a similar 43-44°F temperature range with other Southeast Alaska counties.
Wet winters and cool, misty summers
Winters are mild at 34.7°F but very snowy, with an annual total of 101.8 inches. July is cool and often cloudy, averaging 55.8°F with no extreme heat days over 90°F. The year is characterized by consistent moisture rather than temperature swings.
Plan for water in every form
Commercial-grade rain gear is a necessity for the nearly 153 inches of annual precipitation. Homeowners must prioritize drainage and roof maintenance to handle the heavy combination of rain and 101.8 inches of snow. Cooling is not a concern, as summer temperatures remain very mild.
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.