Located in western Alaska, Bethel is a remote city located at the confluence of the Kuskokwim River and the Bering Sea. Geographically, it lies at approximately 60.7922° N latitude and 161.7558° W longitude. Bethel is affiliated with the United States as part of the state of Alaska. Despite its remote location, Bethel serves as a vital hub for the surrounding communities in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region. The city has a population of around 6,000 residents, predominantly consisting of Alaska Natives, primarily Yup’ik Eskimos. Bethel covers an area of 48.5 square miles (125.6 km²), making it one of the largest cities in Alaska by land area.
While Bethel is not known for major companies or universities, it serves as an administrative, transportation, and healthcare center for the region. The Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, a leading healthcare provider in rural Alaska, is headquartered in Bethel, providing essential medical services to the local community and surrounding villages. Major landmarks in Bethel include the Bethel Cultural Center, which showcases the rich heritage and traditions of the Yup’ik people, and the Kuskokwim University, a satellite campus of the University of Alaska system offering higher education opportunities to residents of the region.
Climate and Weather Overview
Bethel experiences a subarctic climate characterized by long, cold winters and short, mild summers. Located near the coast, the city is influenced by maritime weather patterns, resulting in relatively moderate temperature variations throughout the year. Bethel’s climate is also influenced by its high latitude, with significant seasonal changes in daylight hours, ranging from nearly 24 hours of daylight in summer to less than 6 hours in winter.
Monthly Climate Data
The following table provides average temperature, precipitation, and sunny days for each month in Bethel:
| Month | Average Temperature (°F) | Average Precipitation (inches) | Sunny Days |
| January | 5°F | 0.81 inches | 6 |
| February | 7°F | 0.70 inches | 8 |
| March | 14°F | 0.63 inches | 11 |
| April | 28°F | 0.53 inches | 15 |
| May | 41°F | 0.57 inches | 16 |
| June | 53°F | 0.84 inches | 17 |
| July | 57°F | 1.34 inches | 15 |
| August | 55°F | 1.95 inches | 13 |
| September | 47°F | 1.89 inches | 10 |
| October | 32°F | 1.35 inches | 8 |
| November | 18°F | 1.13 inches | 5 |
| December | 8°F | 0.88 inches | 4 |
Weather by Month
January
January in Bethel is characterized by frigid temperatures and short daylight hours. Average temperatures hover around 5°F (-15°C), with occasional dips below zero. Snow is common during this month, with an average precipitation of 0.81 inches (20.6 mm). Outdoor activities are limited due to the extreme cold, but residents can still enjoy ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. Inside, gatherings around the fireplace, movie nights, and indoor sports provide warmth and entertainment.
February
February continues the cold winter weather in Bethel, with average temperatures slightly higher than January. Average highs reach around 7°F (-14°C), while lows can drop well below zero. Snowfall persists, although precipitation decreases slightly compared to January. Outdoor activities such as ice skating, snowshoeing, and winter festivals offer opportunities for residents to embrace the snowy landscape. Indoors, community events, arts and crafts, and cooking classes provide socialization and recreation.
March
March marks the transition to spring in Bethel, with gradually warming temperatures and increasing daylight hours. Average temperatures rise to around 14°F (-10°C), signaling the end of the coldest part of winter. While snow is still common, March experiences less precipitation compared to the previous months. Outdoor activities such as sledding, ice fishing, and wildlife viewing become more enjoyable as temperatures become milder. Indoors, residents can participate in community clean-up events, cultural workshops, and indoor gardening projects.
April
April brings further warming to Bethel, with average temperatures climbing into the 20s and 30s°F (-6 to -1°C). Snow begins to melt, revealing the thawing landscape underneath. Average precipitation decreases to 0.53 inches (13.5 mm), primarily in the form of rain showers. Outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography become popular as the city transitions from winter to spring. Residents can also participate in community gardening projects, spring cleaning, and outdoor sports leagues.
May
May marks the beginning of spring in full swing in Bethel, with average temperatures rising to around 41°F (5°C) and increasing daylight hours. Snow becomes rare, giving way to greenery and blooming flowers. Average precipitation remains low, although occasional rain showers are possible. Outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking become popular as residents take advantage of the warmer weather. May also offers opportunities for cultural celebrations, outdoor concerts, and community picnics.
June
June brings mild temperatures and abundant sunshine to Bethel, with average highs reaching the low 50s°F (11-12°C). Days become significantly longer, with nearly 20 hours of daylight, providing ample time for outdoor recreation. Average precipitation increases slightly, with occasional rain showers. Outdoor activities such as camping, berry picking, and river rafting are popular choices for residents and visitors alike. Community events such as solstice celebrations, music festivals, and outdoor markets showcase the vibrancy of summer in Bethel.
July
July is the warmest month of the year in Bethel, with average highs reaching the upper 50s°F (14-15°C). Days are long and sunny, with nearly 18 hours of daylight, allowing for extended outdoor activities. Average precipitation increases further, with occasional thunderstorms bringing brief rain showers. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, fishing, and berry picking in the surrounding wilderness areas. July also offers cultural events, such as traditional dance performances, art exhibitions, and food festivals celebrating local cuisine.
August
August continues the summer warmth in Bethel, with average temperatures similar to those in July. Days begin to shorten slightly, but outdoor activities remain popular due to the mild weather. Average precipitation peaks during this month, with frequent rain showers contributing to lush vegetation and vibrant landscapes. Residents and visitors can enjoy outdoor recreation such as camping, kayaking, and wildlife watching. August also offers opportunities for community events, including harvest festivals, craft fairs, and cultural workshops.
September
September marks the transition to fall in Bethel, with cooler temperatures and changing foliage. Average highs drop to around 47°F (8°C), signaling the onset of autumn. Days continue to shorten, but outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing remain enjoyable in the crisp fall air. Average precipitation remains relatively high, with rain showers becoming more frequent. Residents can participate in seasonal activities such as apple picking, hunting, and fall foliage tours.
October
October brings cooler temperatures and the first signs of winter in Bethel. Average highs drop to around 32°F (0°C), with increasing likelihood of frost and occasional snow flurries. Days become shorter, and outdoor activities gradually transition to winter sports such as ice fishing, snowmobiling, and skiing. Average precipitation decreases compared to the previous months, but residents should still be prepared for occasional rain and snow showers. Indoor activities such as arts and crafts, cooking classes, and movie nights offer warmth and entertainment during the cooler months.
November
November signals the onset of winter weather in Bethel, with average temperatures falling below freezing. Average highs reach around 18°F (-8°C), while nighttime lows drop into the single digits. Snow becomes more frequent, covering the landscape in a blanket of white. Outdoor activities are limited due to the cold temperatures, but residents can still enjoy ice skating, sledding, and winter festivals. Indoors, community events, holiday markets, and cultural workshops provide opportunities for socialization and recreation.
December
December brings the peak of winter weather to Bethel, with frigid temperatures and snowy conditions. Average highs hover around 8°F (-13°C), while nighttime lows plummet well below zero. Snowfall is common, creating picturesque winter landscapes throughout the city. Residents and visitors can enjoy traditional winter activities such as ice fishing, snowshoeing, and building snowmen. Indoor attractions such as museums, libraries, and community centers offer warmth and entertainment during the chilly winter months.