Whittier Weather

A more in-depth look at Whittier's maritime climate.

Whittier's climate is famous for being wet and wild. In fact, the location was selected by the U.S. military because the cloud and fog cover would protect the port from Japanese bombing during World War II. Wind, rain, and heavy snowfall are common. The average annual precipitation is 196 inches (16 ft). Average annual snowfall is 241 inches (20 ft). The waters of Passage Canal, however, remain ice-free year-round.

Climate Summary Whittier, Alaska
Period of Record: 3/01/1942 to 6/30/2011

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Annual
Average Max. Temperature (F)	31.2	32.6	35.4	43.2	51.5	59.7	62.4	60.9	53.4	42.8	35.3	32.7	45.1
Average Min. Temperature (F)	22.9	24.2	25.8	32.6	39.5	46.6	50.8	49.7	44.0	34.5	27.0	24.5	35.2
Average Total Precipitation (in.)	18.3	15.5	13.7	15.4	14.8	19.8	10.9	14.7	20.7	19.9	18.9	23.4	196.1
Average Total Snowfall (in.)	49.2	47.8	46.3	21.6	1.4	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.1	6.5	27.3	56.8	257.0
Average Snow Depth (in.)	32	42	47	36	8	0	0	0	0	0	5	18	16

Source: Western Regional Climate Center (www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?ak9829)

Winds in Passage Canal are strong and variable. Mean hourly wind speed is 10—15 mph, but winds are commonly 40—60 mph in the area. The strongest winds blow east and west along the axis of Passage Canal and may generate waves of between 4 and 6 feet in the center of Passage Canal.

Regardless of the weather, a visit to this wilderness area is always an experience, but if you make sure to bring some extra clothes and a raincoat, the experience will be warmer and drier!

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