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Denali National Park Information
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Climate Impact
As the summit of Mount McKinley is 20,320 feet above sea level, it usually
blocks the severe northerly winds. This results in the south face having
low or no winds at all.
The timberline in Denali is at the 2500 - 3000 foot mark (compared to 10,000
feet on the Rockies). Since the climate in Denali is extremely harsh in the
higher elevations, plants and trees are forced to grow at lower altitudes.
Vegetation growth is also stunted because the permafrost doesn't easily
permit plant roots to grow vertically, so they usually grow horizontally. This
small size combined with a protective blanket of snow, keeps them from being
completely frozen in this hostile environment.
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Denali National Park -
Climate
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Denali National Park is a big park. The good news is that
you'll get a lot of daylight in which to explore it.
Denali's average temperatures reach into the 60s in the summer, but visitors
should expect much warmer and much cooler afternoons as well.
In the upper elevations, such as at Eielson Visitor Center,
be prepared for cool rain or even snow by mid-August.
The weather in Denali National Park can be highly unpredictable. Having adequate
outdoor clothing is essential.
Summers in Denali are typically cool and damp with temperatures in the 50’s and
60’s. Temperatures in the 70’s and higher, are not uncommon in the warmer
months. The first few weeks of June, the last two weeks of August, and the
entire month of September can be even more unpredictable with possible chances
of snow and some freezing temperatures.
To stay comfortable no matter what the weather is in Alaska, the layering
technique works best. As the weather changes - and it will - you can remove or
add more clothing for your comfort.
Visit Alaska Denali Tours for more
Alaska Vacation,
Alaska Travel
and Alaska Tour
options.
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