Weather

Yukon-Charley Rivers covers 2.5 million acres in eastern Interior Alaska. It is flanked to the north and northwest by the Yukon Flats and to the southwest by the Charley River headwaters. The climate of the interior area between these two mountain ranges is generally classified as sub-arctic, with exceptionally cold winters, relatively warm summers, low annual precipitation, and generally high winds.

The elevational range of the preserve (600 to 6,000+ feet) produces local variations in weather and climate, typical of an interior climate. Higher elevations experience warmer winters (due to cold air inversions), cooler summers, heavier precipitation, and higher winds compared to the sub-arctic landscape below timberline.

In summer (mid-June to mid-August), expect hot days and cool nights. Watch out for thunderstorms that bring lightning, downpours, and high winds. During dry years, wildland fires may be burning. Rivers begin freezing in October and winter brings snow and extreme cold. Ice on the Yukon River breaks up in mid-May, making travel impossible until the ice floes and flooding have dissipated (which can take a couple weeks).

 
Longer days of spring on the Yukon River
Spring: The month of March, with its 12 hour long days, abundant sunshine, and sparse precipitation is thought by many local residents to be the finest month of the year. April brings thawing and mud and breakup of the Yukon River ice usually occurs in early May.
 
Orchids in the forest in summer
Summer: The Yukon-Charley Rivers area is one of the warmest sections of Alaska in the summer. Although daily highs average in the 60's to low 70's, a high of 97 has been recorded. Thundershower activity is common and, in some years, causes considerable forest fire activity. While daily lows average in the 40's, subfreezing temperatures can occur in any month, especially at higher elevations. The period of continuous daylight or twilight ends in late July and by the end of August, nights will have six or seven hours of darkness, allowing for a glimpse at the majestic northern lights.
 
Kayaks on the Yukon River in fall

Autumn: The transition from summer to winter is rapid. Peak fall colors occur in the high country in late August and by mid September, most aspens and birches have turned golden. Ice begins flowing in the Yukon River in late October, with freeze-up usually by mid-November.

 
Aurora over the Yukon River
Winter: Lasting from October to March, winter is arguably the dominant season. Temperatures of -50F or lower are normal during cold spells. Fortunately, winter winds are usually light, but when high pressure centers occur, winds may be from 15 to 40 miles per hour for days at a time. The desert-like Interior Alaska is not known for heavy snowfall as snow depths over two feet are uncommon. The short days of late December will have only about 6 hours of daylight and twilight combined.
 

National Weather Service Forecasts

Click on a map area for a Zone Area Forecast from the National Weather Service
 
Yukon-Charley Rivers map showing weather forecast areas. Click an area to view the weather forecast.
Yukon-Charley Rivers map showing National Weather Service forecast areas. Click an area to view the Alaska National Weather Service weather forecast for that area.

Other Forecasts

National Weather Service River Flow Forecasts for Yukon-Charley Rivers.

Yukon River current flow at Eagle

Alaska Aviation Weather Forecasts by the National Weather Service.

Alaska weather webcams, including Eagle & Circle.

Alaska Aurora Forecast by the University of Alaska - Fairbanks Geophysical Institute.

 

Loading weather forecast...

 

Loading weather forecast...

Last updated: November 15, 2022

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

101 Dunkel St
Suite 110
Fairbanks, AK 99701

Phone:

907-459-3730

Contact Us

Tools

Stay Connected