Weather

Located in the interior portion of Alaska, Tetlin Refuge enjoys a continental climate with low annual precipitation (10-14 inches). Daytime temperatures during the summer may exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit with nightly lows in the 50 to 60 degree range. By mid-September, nightly lows drop into the upper teens and low 20's. Snow can occur at anytime, but usually not between mid-June and mid-August. During June and July there is continuous sunlight or twilight 24 hours a day. Complete snow cover occurs usually in early October and lasts through the end of April. Temperatures from November through February seldom get above zero and can drop to as low as -75 degrees. Fortunately, winds are uncommon during these very cold and dry periods. These conditions make the Upper Tanana Valley one of the coldest inhabited places in North America.

Last updated: July 23, 2008