North Pole (AK) Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in North Pole, Alaska, United States of America. The numbers reflect climate data gathered over a 30-year period, from 1990 to 2020. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.
North Pole typically sees modest rain/snowfall throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of 390 mm (15 in). The city experiences a distinct dry season during certain months, as illustrated in the graph below.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
The climate in North Pole shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect 68 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation during the wettest month July, distributed over 13 rainy days.
In contrast, March offers drier and sunnier days, with around 13 mm (0.5 in) of snowfall over 5 snowy days.
July, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 23°C (73°F). The city receives 274 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month March you can expect a temperature of -3°C (27°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our North Pole Temperature page.
Annual Rainfall in the United States of America: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across the United States of America. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
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North Pole vs World: Rainfall Compared
North Pole's average annual precipitation is 390 mm (15 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
In Barcelona, Spain, the average annual precipitation is 644 mm (25 in), evenly distributed across the year with no extreme wet or dry seasons.
In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm (53 in), with a humid subtropical climate.
In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm (39 in), making it wetter than Sydney.
Mumbai, India, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1860 mm (73 in) of annual rainfall, with the majority of precipitation happening during the monsoon season from June to September.
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 North Pole (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.
- Mawsynram in India is noted as being the wettest place on earth, with over 11 meters (36 feet) of rain falling every year.
- In contrast, Antofagasta in Chile is among the driest places on the planet, getting less than 0.1mm (0.004 inches) per year, with some years recording virtually no rainfall.
- Nearly 1,650 thunderstorm cells are estimated over the planet at any given time.
For more detailed information about North Pole (AK)'s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our North Pole (AK) Climate page.
