Wrangell–St. Elias Weather: Forecasts, Climate, and Current Conditions

By Erika Müller · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Wrangell - St Elias

Wrangell–St. Elias covers more than 20,500 square miles between Alaska's mountain ranges and the Gulf of Alaska. Across an area larger than Switzerland, the climate can't be summed up in a single sentence. In short, the interior valleys have a continental subarctic climate, with winter temperatures below 0°F and summer temperatures around 68–73°F. The southern coastal side is wetter and less extreme. The easiest window for a visit runs from June through early September.

Wrangell–St. Elias Climate Month by Month

The averages below apply to the Copper Center area, at an elevation of about 985 feet, the park's main gateway. The farther you go toward McCarthy or higher elevations, the lower temperatures get, especially in winter.

These are general averages for the Copper Center area. Temperatures are significantly lower at high elevations and in glaciated areas.

The Climate Season by Season

Winter (November to March)

Wrangell–St. Elias in winter is Alaska at its harshest. Temperatures regularly drop below 0°F in the valleys. During Siberian cold snaps that sweep across the state's interior, the thermometer can hit -40°F or lower. Snow covers the entire park from November through April, turning roads and tracks into snowmobile routes. Visitor centers close in mid-September and don't reopen until spring. The park's gravel roads officially remain accessible, but they require a suitable vehicle and careful preparation.

Daylight lasts just five to six hours in December, leaving little time for outdoor activities. The trade-off is frequent northern lights from December through March. If you're coming specifically for this spectacle, dress accordingly and plan on staying somewhere heated, either inside the park or in Glennallen.

Spring (April to May)

April is a fickle transitional month. Daytime temperatures rise, but nights stay below freezing into May. Spring thaw weakens the gravel roads, and McCarthy Road can turn into a maze of deep ruts for a few weeks. It's best to call the Copper Center visitor center at 907-822-7250 before you set out.

Conditions improve markedly in May. Black bears and grizzlies emerge from hibernation on sunny slopes, vegetation starts growing again, and daylight is already abundant. It's a good window for photographers who want to avoid the summer crowds.

Summer (June to August)

The busy season. Daylight stretches to as much as 20 hours around the June solstice. Valley temperatures range from 68°F to 73°F in the afternoon, with cool nights around 45–50°F. Glaciers gleam beneath often-clear skies, trails are in good shape, and visitor centers are operating at full capacity.

July and August are the wettest months, with about 2.2 inches of precipitation each month. Showers move in quickly, often without warning. Mosquitoes and biting flies are also especially numerous from June through mid-August, particularly near waterways. This is a serious issue in Wrangell–St. Elias, so don't hit the trail without effective repellent and long sleeves.

Fall (September to October)

September is Wrangell–St. Elias's big surprise. Tundra and birch forests turn red and gold, the insects are gone, and visitor numbers drop sharply. Temperatures stay pleasant early in the month, with daytime highs around 50–55°F, before falling quickly. Visitor centers close in mid-September, so if you arrive after that date, plan to visit entirely on your own. In October, winter returns and snow reappears at lower elevations.

Is Wrangell–St. Elias Cold? Records and Extremes

Yes, genuinely cold. The interior of Alaska around Glennallen is one of the coldest areas in the American continent outside the true Arctic. Regional records fall below -58°F during exceptional cold spells. Summer brings the opposite extreme: the valleys can approach 86°F during brief heat waves, creating a striking contrast. You can sweat in the Chitina Valley and watch thousand-year-old glaciers just 9.3 miles away.

At higher elevations, the rule is simple: it's always cold. Mount Saint Elias rises to 18,009 feet, making it the second-highest summit in the United States after Denali. At that elevation, temperatures don't rise above freezing, even in the middle of July. Any trip into glaciated areas means Arctic conditions in every season.

What to Wear by Season

Summer (June to August): The key is layering. Bring a T-shirt or lightweight shirt, a midlayer such as fleece or a soft shell for cool mornings and evenings, and a compact rain jacket that stays within easy reach. Waterproof hiking shoes are essential because trails regularly cross wet areas and streams. Long sleeves and insect repellent are a must from June through mid-August.

Spring and fall (May, September): Add an insulated jacket, such as a lightweight puffy or heavy fleece, plus light gloves and a beanie. Nights can freeze at any point during this period.

Winter (October to April): Bring serious cold-weather gear. You'll need an insulated parka rated for -22°F or colder, a technical thermal base layer, a down midlayer, mittens rather than ordinary gloves, a hat that covers your ears, and insulated footwear rated for extreme cold. Fingers and toes can freeze within minutes below -22°F in windy conditions.

In every season, bring a headlamp and a small emergency kit with an emergency blanket and waterproof matches. Cell service is nearly nonexistent inside the park, so don't count on your phone to call for help.

Alerts and Conditions to Watch

Gravel roads: McCarthy Road, about 60 miles long, and Nabesna Road, about 46 miles long, may close temporarily after heavy rain or during the spring thaw. Before heading toward McCarthy or Kennecott, check road conditions with the Copper Center visitor center at 907-822-7250. Potholes and frost cracks can damage the tires on an ordinary vehicle.

Glacial outburst floods: Proglacial lakes sometimes drain suddenly within a few hours, washing out trails and temporary bridges. Never ford a glacial stream without assessing its flow. Start early in the morning, when overnight melt is lower.

Summer thunderstorms: These are common in July and August, often in the late afternoon. On ridges and in exposed areas, descend as soon as you hear thunder. Don't wait to see lightning.

Infrastructure closures: Visitor centers close from mid-September through late April. Outside that window, it can take rescuers several hours to reach your location. Always leave a detailed itinerary with someone you trust before entering the park.

Frequently Asked Questions