Denali Weather: Forecasts, Climate, and Current Conditions
In a nutshell: Denali has a continental subarctic climate, among the most extreme of America's national parks. Summer (June through August) stays cool and often rainy, with highs around 55 to 61°F and snow possible at any time, even in July. By mid-September, winter settles in for good, and temperatures can plunge to -40°F during January cold snaps. You don't count on the weather here. You prepare for it.
Current readings are unavailable. See the seasonal averages farther down this page.
Open-Meteo readings · updating… · park time zone
Current Conditions at Denali
Conditions change quickly at Denali. A clear morning can turn into a shower before lunch, and the night stays cool even after a sunny day.
Denali Forecast (7 to 14 Days)
In the mountains, forecasts become less reliable beyond five days. Use this window to choose your layers, not to bet on a perfect day.
Denali Climate Month by Month
The averages below apply to the park entrance, at an elevation of about 1,740 feet. For perspective, Denali's summit reaches 20,310 feet and has year-round temperatures between -4 and -40°F.
| Month | Low (°F) | High (°F) | Precip. (mm) | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -15 | 10 | 18 | ✓✓✓ |
| February | -11 | 18 | 15 | ✓✓✓ |
| March | 3 | 30 | 12 | ✓✓✓ |
| April | 19 | 43 | 12 | ✓✓ |
| May | 34 | 55 | 18 | ✓ |
| June | 45 | 61 | 45 | possible |
| July | 46 | 59 | 55 | possible |
| August | 43 | 55 | 50 | possible |
| September | 32 | 45 | 30 | ✓ |
| October | 14 | 30 | 22 | ✓✓✓ |
| November | -2 | 18 | 18 | ✓✓✓ |
| December | -13 | 9 | 18 | ✓✓✓ |
July is the wettest month, with an average of 55 mm of precipitation, and the busiest. Humidity makes the cold feel sharper as soon as the wind picks up, so a waterproof jacket is essential even in good weather.
Is Denali Cold? Records and Extremes
Denali is one of the coldest parks in the United States. January temperatures of -40°F aren't an isolated record. They are typical during cold snaps in a continental climate with extreme temperature swings.
Summer can bring brief warm spells. When foehn winds descend from the Alaska Range, the thermometer can rise above 79°F at the park entrance. These episodes are rare and seldom last more than one or two days.
The takeaway is simple: snow is possible at any elevation and in any month of the year. Even in July, a hike above 2,950 feet can end in snow.
What to Wear at Denali in Every Season
Summer (June–August): a layering system is non-negotiable. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add a midweight fleece, and top it with a breathable waterproof jacket. Bring an extra layer for the buses on the park road. A hat, light gloves, and SPF 50 sunscreen are essential. The midnight sun can burn you even at 54°F. Wear waterproof shoes, even for a short outing.
Spring and fall: use the same layers, but beef them up. Add liner gloves, a warm hat, and waterproof hiking shoes. The ground can be snow-covered in the morning and muddy in the afternoon, so gaiters save time.
Winter: cold-weather gear is mandatory. Bring a parka rated to at least -22°F, mittens instead of gloves, a balaclava, and ski goggles in high winds. Never set out without leaving your itinerary with park staff.
Alerts and Conditions to Watch
Three risks deserve your attention before every outing.
Fog and zero visibility. Fog forms quickly in the valleys and can hide Denali's summit for several days in a row. Many visitors leave without ever seeing it. Bus tickets aren't refunded because of clouds, so check park conditions before reserving your seat.
Summer thunderstorms. Thunderstorms usually break out in the middle of the afternoon from June through August. On open tundra or while hiking off-trail, avoid ridges and isolated trees as soon as the sky darkens on the horizon.
Road closures. Denali Park Road (92 miles) is restricted to official tour buses beyond the Savage River Checkpoint, 15 miles from the entrance. If late snow falls, the full opening can be pushed back until early June. Check conditions on the NPS website before planning your day inside the park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the weather like at Denali right now?
The current weather at Denali appears in the weather block at the top of the page. In summer, expect a cool day, with daytime temperatures of 55 to 61°F and a high chance of clouds or rain.
What is the temperature at Denali in summer?
Summer temperatures at Denali range from 45 to 46°F at night and 55 to 61°F during the day in July, the warmest month. A day above 68°F remains the exception.
Is Denali cold?
Yes. Denali is one of the coldest national parks in the United States. In winter, cold snaps commonly reach -40°F. Even in summer, nights are cool, close to 32°F at higher elevations, and snow can fall at any time.
What is the warmest month in Alaska and at Denali?
July is the warmest month at Denali, with highs around 57 to 59°F. Interior Alaska can reach 79 to 81°F during foehn events, but these warm days are rare and brief.
Where is Denali?
Denali National Park is in Alaska, about five hours north of Anchorage and two hours south of Fairbanks via Highway 3 (George Parks Highway). Practical details for getting there from Anchorage and Fairbanks are in the guide to getting to Denali.
What is the warmest city in Alaska?
Fairbanks, in interior Alaska, is generally the warmest city in Alaska during the summer and can rise above 86°F during summer heat waves. Denali is two hours south of Fairbanks, in a similar climate corridor tempered by the Alaska Range.