What's the weather like on the Kenai Peninsula?

Kenai Peninsula weather

The Kenai Peninsula is known to have a relatively mild climate with cool temperatures and plenty of rainfall throughout the year. These temperatures can vary significantly though, sitting at a mild 17°C during summer (average high) and a freezing -12°C during winter (average low). While the Kenai Peninsula is unlikely to ever feel truly warm (even in summer), it does enjoy a decent amount of sunshine (for a destination that rains and snows most of the year), with an average of 135 sunny days recorded annually.

Kenai Peninsula weather in May

The weather in May on the Kenai Peninsula is extremely temperate with an average of 14°C-16°C, making it one of the best times to visit. While it should be mostly sunny in May (being the last month of spring), a few rainy days are expected, however, rainfall should be light and brief.

What's winter like on the Kenai Peninsula?

Winter on the Kenai Peninsula can get extremely cold thanks to its geographical location and both snowfall and rainfall are quite common but it's actually a really special time to visit with plenty of things to do from cross-country skiing to watching the northern lights dance across the night sky.

The Kenai Peninsula receives around 2,223mm of snow on average annually, usually starting in September and lasting until March/April, but tends to be the heaviest during the winter months when temperatures can reach -12°C. Snow is likely to stick around for a couple of days at a time, giving you the opportunity to go hiking, snowshoeing or ice fishing during your stay.

Rainfall is at its most frequent in September (83mm inches) heading into winter but it can be expected at all times throughout the year with an annual average of 463mm inches. This means that roughly 121 days per year will be affected by rain, whether that's a light shower or heavier, sustained rainfall.

When is the best time to visit the Kenai Peninsula?

The best time of year to visit the Kenai Peninsula really depends on what kind of holiday you want to have with winter preferable for snowy landscapes and other snow-based activities but if you're chasing warmer weather and infrequent rainfall then summer is the way to go. However, with nicer weather comes larger crowds so if you're travelling in the months of June, July, and August, expect low availability and increased accommodation prices. We recommend booking well in advance to avoid potentially disrupting your preferred itinerary and travel plans.

If you want to escape the crowds but don't want to wear hundreds of layers every time you step outside (slight exaggeration? Travel to the Kenai Peninsula during the peak of winter and decide for yourself), try visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring (March, April, and May) and autumn (September, October, and November). Chances are the weather will still be relatively mild and you'll be able to embark on plenty of outdoor adventures without too much hassle or interruption.