Utqiaġvik, Alaska (also known as Barrow, Alaska) is the northernmost city in North America, the United States, and obviously Alaska. It is the ninth northernmost city in the world, located 320 miles above the Arctic Circle.
The population of Barrow, Alaska is just over 4000 people and, if you can believe it, the sale of alcohol is illegal. No wonder you want to visit such an intriguing place. Even the original name Inupiat is a bit of a mystery. (By the way, the pronunciation of Utqiaġvik is oot-kee-arg-vick).
Yes, Utqiaġvik should be on the bucket list of any intrepid traveler, as it takes some determination and know-how to even get to this place. And when you’re there, get ready to immerse yourself in this tiny remote community to truly understand its charm.
Brutally long and cold winters and very cold summers characterize Barrow, Alaska. It’s no less than you’d expect from a city hundreds of miles inside the Arctic Circle.
Throughout the year, temperatures in Barrow, Alaska typically range from -18°F (28°C) to 48.2°F (9°C). The lowest temperature Utqiagvik falls to is -36.5°F (-38°C) and the highest temperature in the tropics is 59°F (15°C). When I visited in April, the temperature was in the single digits.
The coldest weather in Barrow, Alaska, lasts for about four and a half months from November to April. Around the winter solstice, the sun will not rise on Utqiagvik for about 65 days. During these months there is a lot of snow, wind, and fog.
The warmest weather in Utqiagvik lasts for about three and a half months from June to September. This is when temperatures are finally above freezing.
As with other places above the Arctic Circle, Utqiagvik will not see the sunset for a few weeks around the summer solstice. It will shine 24/7, compensating for the gloomy winter days.