Climate Overview
The climate in Kotzebue is cold. The average annual temperature is -3°C and approximately 452mm of precipitation falls per year. July is the wettest month, receiving around 65mm of rainfall. Kotzebue is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: August, July, September. The coldest months are January, February, December, when temperatures can drop to -18°C. Snowfall occurs from January to December, with around 195cm accumulating over the season.
Temperature
Temperatures in Kotzebue vary considerably across the year, with a 31°C difference between the coldest and warmest months. August is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 13°C with a mean of 12°C. January brings the harshest conditions, with lows dropping to -18°C and an average temperature of -16°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 3°C between highs and lows. The sharpest temperature change occurs between October and November, with a 8°C shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Kotzebue is a relatively dry area, receiving approximately 452mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 38mm per month. The wettest month is July, averaging 65mm of rainfall. August and September also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is May, with just 19mm. That's 46mm less than July, the wettest month. Precipitation varies noticeably between seasons, with the second half (July to December) of the year generally seeing more rainfall. Snowfall is a regular feature from January to December, with around 195cm accumulating over the season. February typically sees the most snow at around 39cm.
Wind
Kotzebue is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 6km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is November, averaging 7km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in July, with average winds dropping to 4km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 3km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months.
Seasons
93 days until Autumn
It is currently summer in Kotzebue, which began on June 21, 2026. Kotzebue is in the Northern Hemisphere, where spring begins in March, summer in June, autumn in September, and winter in December. The warmest period peaks in August at around 13°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in January near -18°C. Autumn is next, beginning on September 23, 2026 — 93 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from -15 to 3°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 71mm over the season and a monthly average of 24mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 5km/h. Light layers work well as temperatures warm through the season — a great time to be outdoors.
Summer
Temperatures range from 4 to 13°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 147mm over the season and a monthly average of 49mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 5km/h. Comfortable clothing with a light layer for cooler evenings is all you need.
Autumn
Temperatures range from -9 to 8°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 145mm over the season and a monthly average of 48mm. Expect around 59cm of snow accumulation during this period. Winds are generally light, averaging 6km/h. Layered clothing works best as temperatures gradually cool — enjoy the crisp air and changing scenery.
Winter
Temperatures range from -18 to -12°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 89mm over the season and a monthly average of 30mm. Expect around 88cm of snow accumulation during this period. Winds are generally light, averaging 6km/h. Heavy layering and insulated outerwear are essential — exposed skin should be minimised outdoors.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Kotzebue based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Snow is measured in centimetres (cm) and reflects average monthly snowfall accumulation. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.
