Skagway (AK) Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Skagway, Alaska, United States of America. Long-term data from 1990 to 2020 was used to calculate these averages. Now, let's explore all the details to give you a full picture.

Skagway has a notably wet climate with abundant precipitation, recording 2152 mm (85 in) of rain/snowfall per year. It does, however, have a distinct rainy season during certain months. Have a look at our detailed charts below to see how precipitation varies throughout the year.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. During the wettest month, October receives substantial snow/rainfall, averaging 264 mm (10 in) of precipitation, recorded across 15 snowy/rainy days.

In contrast, the driest month, May brings less rainfall, with 100 mm (3.9 in) over 8 rainy days.

October, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 3°C (37°F). During the driest month May you can expect a temperature of 8°C (46°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Skagway Temperature page.

Skagway's average annual precipitation is 2152 mm (85 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.

Beijing, China, receives 560 mm (22 in) of annual precipitation, concentrated in the summer months.

Adelaide, Australia, enjoys 511 mm (20 in) of annual precipitation, with dry summers and wet winters.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, receives 2529 mm (100 in) of annual rainfall, characteristic of its equatorial tropical rainforest climate, with consistent rainfall throughout the year and peak months during March and November.

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.

Precipitation has a very strong role in determining the local climate and ecosystem:

• 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 Skagway (AK)'s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Skagway (AK) Climate page.