You’ve probably heard stories about Whittier. It’s that weird Alaska town where almost everyone lives in one 14-story building called Begich Towers. But honestly, the living situation isn't even the craziest thing about this place. It’s the weather for Whittier Alaska that truly defines life here. We’re talking about a spot that gets more rain than almost anywhere else in North America.
Basically, if you aren't wearing waterproof gear, you're doing it wrong.
Whittier sits at the head of Passage Canal. It’s tucked between massive, jagged mountains and the deep waters of Prince William Sound. This geography creates a literal weather machine. Moist air from the Gulf of Alaska slams into those peaks and just dumps. On average, this tiny port sees about 197 inches of liquid precipitation a year.
That is over 16 feet of water falling from the sky.
The Reality of 250 Inches of Snow
Winter here is a different beast entirely. While the current conditions as of January 15, 2026, show a relatively mild 32°F with cloudy skies, the forecast is already calling for snow and heavy snow showers tonight. Highs today are hitting 39°F, but that East wind at 11 mph makes it feel more like 23°F. This is a classic Whittier January day. It's damp. It's grey. And the snow is likely coming.
Snow isn't just a "dusting" in this part of the world.
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The town averages about 250 to 260 inches of snowfall annually. Some years, it’s even more extreme. Back in the winter of 2012, Whittier was buried under a staggering 380 inches of snow. Imagine trying to find your car in that. Most locals don't even bother; they just use the indoor tunnels and walkways that connect the town's main buildings.
Why the Military Picked This Foggy Mess
You might wonder why anyone would build a town in a place that’s basically a permanent rain cloud. Well, the U.S. military actually chose this spot during World War II specifically because the weather was so bad.
The near-constant fog and low cloud cover provided a natural "smoke screen" against potential Japanese aerial bombings. They needed a secret, ice-free port to move troops and supplies to Anchorage. Since the waters of Passage Canal stay ice-free year-round, Whittier was perfect. It was a strategic stronghold hidden by the worst weather imaginable.
Understanding the Microclimates
The weather for Whittier Alaska is famously localized. You can drive through the 2.5-mile Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel—the longest highway-rail tunnel in North America—and leave a sunny, clear day in Bear Valley only to emerge into a horizontal rainstorm in Whittier.
It's a total "portal" effect.
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- Summer (June - August): These are the "dry" months, but that’s a relative term. You might see highs in the low 60s. July is technically the warmest month, peaking around 63°F.
- Fall (September - October): This is the wettest season. September alone can dump 20+ inches of rain.
- Winter (November - March): The snow starts piling up. Winds can scream through the canal at 60 mph, though the tunnel is designed to withstand gusts up to 150 mph.
- Spring (April - May): May is often the driest month. If you want a chance at seeing the sun, this is your best bet.
Living Under One Roof
Because the weather for Whittier Alaska is so relentless, the town’s architecture had to adapt. Begich Towers contains the post office, grocery store, and even a small clinic. There’s a reason for that. When you’re dealing with 18 mph winds and heavy snow like we're seeing today, walking three blocks to get milk isn't just an inconvenience—it's a chore.
Even the school is connected to the towers via an underground tunnel. Kids can go from their bedrooms to their classrooms without ever putting on a parka.
The wind is the other factor people forget. Today’s wind is coming from the East at 11 mph, which is actually quite calm for Whittier. In the winter, the pressure differences between the interior of Alaska and the coast create "gap winds" that roar through the mountains. These can easily reach hurricane force.
Essential Gear for a Visit
If you’re planning to check out the glaciers or go fishing, you need to be prepared.
- High-End Rain Shell: Not a "water-resistant" jacket. You need GORE-TEX or industrial-grade PVC.
- XTRATUF Boots: These are the unofficial "Alaskan Sneaker." They are neoprene boots that keep your feet dry when you're wading through the slush.
- Layers: The temperature can swing 10 degrees just based on whether the wind is blowing off the glacier or the ocean.
Actionable Next Steps for Travelers
If you are heading to Whittier soon, keep a close eye on the tunnel schedule. It's the only way in or out by land. In the winter, the tunnel opens on a specific hourly rotation, and if the weather gets too extreme—specifically if temperatures in Bear Valley drop below -40°F—operations can be affected.
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Check the Whittier Tunnel Website before you leave Anchorage. Also, make sure your vehicle has adequate tires. Even if the roads in Anchorage are dry, the Portage Glacier Road leading to the tunnel often has black ice and heavy drifts.
Pack a "tunnel bag" with snacks and water. If there’s a delay or an accident inside the mountain, you might be sitting in line for a while. Respect the power of the Sound, dress for 100% humidity, and enjoy the moody, misty beauty that only Whittier can provide.
Whittier is a place where nature is always in charge. Respect the forecast, embrace the rain, and you'll find it's one of the most stunningly raw places on the planet.
Current Weather Summary for Whittier (Jan 15, 2026): It is currently 32°F and cloudy with 11 mph winds from the east. Today's forecast calls for snow with a high of 39°F and an 86% chance of precipitation. Nighttime will bring heavy snow showers and a low of 31°F. Refer to the weather card for the full 10-day outlook.