Point Barrow (AK) Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Point Barrow, Alaska, United States of America. The numbers reflect climate data gathered over a 30-year period, from 1990 to 2020. Let's now guide you through the details for a complete overview.

Point Barrow maintains relatively dry conditions year-round, with an average annual precipitation of 263 mm (10 in). However, it does have a distinct dry season during certain months, creating distinct seasonal patterns visible in our monthly breakdown below.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))

The seasons in Point Barrow, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, August, receives moderate rainfall, with an average of 39 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 7 rainy days.

In contrast, the driest month, March, experiences much less snowfall, totaling 12 mm (0.5 in) over a single snowy day. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year.

August, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 7°C (45°F). During the driest month March you can expect a temperature of -18°C (0°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Point Barrow Temperature page.

Point Barrow's average annual precipitation is 263 mm (10 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

New York City, USA, receives 1276 mm (50 in) of rainfall annually, with precipitation evenly distributed throughout the year.

Osaka, Japan, experiences 1507 mm (59 in) of rainfall annually, spread across the year with wetter summers.

In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm (39 in), making it wetter than Sydney.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, receives 1955 mm (77 in) of annual rainfall, with a pronounced wet season from May to November, typical of its tropical monsoon climate.

Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.

Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.

Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Point Barrow (AK):

• Changing Rainfall Patterns: Global warming causes drastic changes in the patterns of rainfall. Some areas have been experiencing increased frequency and intensity of rainfall, while other areas experience longer dry spells or even droughts.
• Local Impacts: Many regions are experiencing heavier rainfall in the winter months and drier, hotter summers. This affects agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.

• "Ginger" was the longest-lasting Atlantic tropical storm, which spun around the open ocean for 28 days in 1971.
• The world's largest snowflake was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, at 38 cm (15 inches) wide and 20 cm (7.9 inches) thick. The snowflake fell at Fort Keogh, Montana, USA, on 28 January 1887.
• The greatest snowfall recorded was on Mt. Rainier, Washington State, USA, over 31.5 meters (103 feet) fell during the winter of 1972.

For more detailed information about Point Barrow (AK)'s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Point Barrow (AK) Climate page.