Barrow, also known as Utqiaġvik, is the northernmost city in the United States and serves as the economic and cultural hub of the North Slope Borough in Alaska. Located above the Arctic Circle on the shores of the Chukchi Sea, Barrow is surrounded by vast tundra landscapes and is home to a diverse community of indigenous Inupiat people, as well as residents of other cultural backgrounds. Despite its remote location, Barrow offers unique opportunities for exploring Arctic ecosystems, experiencing traditional Inupiat culture, and witnessing the stunning natural phenomena of the polar region.
Climate and Weather Overview
Barrow experiences a polar climate, characterized by long, frigid winters and short, cool summers. The city is subject to extreme variations in daylight throughout the year, with periods of continuous darkness in winter and constant daylight in summer. Understanding the climate and weather patterns of Barrow is crucial for residents and visitors to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the Arctic environment.
Monthly Weather Statistics
To provide a comprehensive overview of the weather in Barrow, let’s examine the average temperature, precipitation, and number of sunny days for each month of the year.
| Month | Average Temperature (°F) | Precipitation (inches) | Sunny Days |
| January | -11°F | 0.34 inches | 0 days |
| February | -10°F | 0.25 inches | 0 days |
| March | -7°F | 0.27 inches | 0 days |
| April | 2°F | 0.24 inches | 0 days |
| May | 15°F | 0.21 inches | 20 days |
| June | 33°F | 0.39 inches | 30 days |
| July | 39°F | 0.59 inches | 31 days |
| August | 37°F | 0.87 inches | 31 days |
| September | 29°F | 0.82 inches | 30 days |
| October | 15°F | 0.58 inches | 20 days |
| November | 1°F | 0.37 inches | 0 days |
| December | -7°F | 0.32 inches | 0 days |
Weather by Month
January
January is the coldest and darkest month in Barrow, with average temperatures plummeting to -11°F and no daylight hours due to the polar night. Precipitation levels are relatively low, with an average of 0.34 inches of snowfall. January is a time for indoor activities such as community gatherings, cultural events, and traditional storytelling sessions that celebrate Inupiat culture and heritage. Residents may also engage in winter sports such as ice fishing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding during this period.
February
February continues the bitterly cold conditions of winter in Barrow, with average temperatures around -10°F and no daylight hours. Precipitation remains low, with an average of 0.25 inches of snowfall. February offers opportunities for residents to engage in cultural activities such as drumming circles, mask making, and traditional dances that celebrate the resilience and ingenuity of the Inupiat people. Outdoor excursions may include wildlife viewing, aurora borealis (Northern Lights) watching, and photography of the winter landscape.
March
March marks the gradual transition from winter to spring in Barrow, with average temperatures rising slightly to -7°F and the return of daylight hours after months of darkness. Precipitation levels remain low, with an average of 0.27 inches of snowfall. March is a time for residents to prepare for the arrival of spring by engaging in traditional activities such as ice fishing, seal hunting, and gathering subsistence resources from the land and sea. Outdoor enthusiasts may also explore nearby ice caves, coastal cliffs, and historical sites dating back to ancient Inupiat settlements.
April
April brings further warming to Barrow, with average temperatures reaching 2°F as daylight hours continue to increase. Precipitation levels remain low, with an average of 0.24 inches of snowfall. April marks the beginning of the spring hunting and gathering season for the Inupiat community, with residents harvesting migratory birds, marine mammals, and other wildlife to supplement their diet. Outdoor activities may include birdwatching, beachcombing, and hiking along coastal trails as the Arctic landscape undergoes its annual transformation.
May
May brings milder temperatures and longer daylight hours to Barrow, with average temperatures rising to 15°F and 20 days of sunshine. Precipitation levels remain low, with an average of 0.21 inches of snowfall. May is a time of renewal and rejuvenation in Barrow, with residents celebrating the arrival of spring by participating in community clean-up events, traditional ceremonies, and cultural festivals that showcase Inupiat art, music, and dance. Outdoor activities may include berry picking, fishing for salmon and trout, and exploring coastal lagoons teeming with migratory birds and marine life.
June
June marks the onset of summer in Barrow, with average temperatures climbing to 33°F and 30 days of continuous daylight. Precipitation levels increase slightly, with an average of 0.39 inches of rainfall. June is a time of abundance and vitality in Barrow, with residents engaging in subsistence activities such as hunting caribou, gathering wild greens, and fishing for Arctic char in nearby rivers and streams. Outdoor enthusiasts may also enjoy camping, hiking, and wildlife photography in the vast wilderness surrounding the city.
July
July is the warmest month in Barrow, with average temperatures reaching 39°F and 31 days of continuous daylight. Precipitation levels rise further, with an average of 0.59 inches of rainfall. July offers residents and visitors alike the opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty of the Arctic landscape, with outdoor activities such as kayaking, whale watching, and beachcombing along the rugged coastline. Cultural events and festivals celebrating Inupiat traditions, including storytelling, dancing, and games, are also held throughout the month.
August
August brings continued warmth and daylight to Barrow, with average temperatures remaining around 37°F and 31 days of continuous sunshine. Precipitation levels peak during this month, with an average of 0.87 inches of rainfall. August is a time for residents to gather and preserve the bounty of summer, with activities such as berry picking, fish smoking, and meat drying for winter storage. Outdoor enthusiasts may also enjoy hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, home to diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife.
September
September marks the transition to autumn in Barrow, with average temperatures dropping to 29°F and 30 days of daylight. Precipitation levels remain high, with an average of 0.82 inches of rainfall. September is a time of change and reflection for residents, with cultural events such as drum dances, blanket tosses, and traditional feasts honoring the harvest season and giving thanks for the gifts of the land and sea. Outdoor activities may include hunting for migratory birds, gathering medicinal plants, and exploring the changing colors of the tundra landscape.
October
October brings cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours to Barrow, with average temperatures falling to 15°F and 20 days of sunshine. Precipitation levels decrease, with an average of 0.58 inches of rainfall. October is a time for residents to prepare for the onset of winter by gathering supplies, repairing equipment, and reinforcing shelters against the harsh Arctic conditions. Outdoor activities may include hunting for ptarmigan and grouse, ice fishing for Arctic char, and gathering firewood for heating and cooking.
November
November signals the arrival of winter in Barrow, with average temperatures dropping to 1°F and no daylight hours. Precipitation levels remain relatively low, with an average of 0.37 inches of snowfall. November is a time for residents to embrace the quiet beauty of the Arctic landscape, with activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating on frozen lakes and rivers. Indoor gatherings, including storytelling sessions, craft workshops, and potluck dinners, provide opportunities for community members to come together and share stories, traditions, and laughter.
December
December marks the height of winter in Barrow, with average temperatures plummeting to -7°F and no daylight hours. Precipitation levels remain low, with an average of 0.32 inches of snowfall. December is a time for residents to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends, with activities such as caroling, gift exchanges, and traditional feasts featuring Inupiat delicacies such as muktuk (whale blubber) and akutuq (Eskimo ice cream). Despite the cold and darkness, December offers opportunities for outdoor recreation such as ice fishing, snowmobiling, and aurora borealis viewing, as the Northern Lights dance across the Arctic sky in mesmerizing displays of color and light.
Natural Disasters
While Barrow experiences relatively stable weather patterns compared to other regions, it is not immune to natural disasters such as storms, blizzards, and coastal erosion, particularly during the winter months when harsh Arctic conditions prevail. Residents and visitors should exercise caution and preparedness when traveling in remote areas and be aware of potential hazards such as extreme cold, icy roads, and limited visibility.
Recommended Activities
Barrow offers a wealth of outdoor and cultural activities for residents and visitors to enjoy throughout the year. From exploring the Arctic wilderness and witnessing the stunning beauty of the Northern Lights to participating in traditional Inupiat ceremonies and festivals, there’s no shortage of memorable experiences to be had in this unique and vibrant community. Whether you’re seeking adventure in the great outdoors or seeking to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the North Slope, Barrow offers something for everyone to discover and appreciate.
