Ralph Wien Memorial Airport

Airport Airport

IATA Code
OTZ
ICAO Code
PAOT
Airport Type
Medium Airport
Class
Unknown

Ralph Wien Memorial Airport is the regional airport serving Kotzebue, Alaska and the surrounding Northwest Arctic Borough. It is a key hub for scheduled regional air service that links remote communities; traffic is primarily small‑aircraft and commuter operations rather than large jets.

Ralph Wien Memorial Airport
Elevation: 4 m
66.8847, -162.5990

Terminal Guide for Ralph Wien Memorial Airport #

There is a single small terminal serving arrivals and departures for regional carriers and general aviation. Facilities are modest and designed for short‑haul passenger flows; boarding is typically from the apron and ground handling is adapted to remote‑area operations.

Getting to and From Ralph Wien Memorial Airport #

The airport is close to Kotzebue town; travel between town and the terminal is a short drive or walk depending on where you’re staying. Taxis or pre-arranged pickups from local lodgings are the usual options. There is no rail service; roads are local and short.

Facilities, Shopping, and Dining at Ralph Wien Memorial Airport #

Facilities are basic: a waiting area, restrooms and limited concession options. There are no major lounges or extensive retail; local carrier desks and freight/airmail handling are prominent. Accessibility is available but limited - contact the carrier or airport ahead for assistance.

Tips for Ralph Wien Memorial Airport #

  • Weather and light conditions heavily affect schedules in Arctic regions - check flights closely and expect possible delays or cancellations.
  • Ground transport options are minimal; arrange a pickup with your accommodation or local taxi ahead of arrival.
  • Dress warmly when leaving the terminal - outside areas can be exposed and cold even when walking short distances.

Weather & Climate near Ralph Wien Memorial Airport #

Climate

Ralph Wien Memorial Airport's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -23°C to 16°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.

Air Quality: AQI 13 Good
Best Time to Visit
JulyJuneAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
24°
Warmest Month
-43°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -15°C and lows of -23°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

47 Poor

Comfort

-19°
Feels Like Freezing
-19°C
Temperature
-23° -15°
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

14 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
3.8h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of -14°C and lows of -23°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

43 Poor

Comfort

-19°
Feels Like Freezing
-19°C
Temperature
-23° -15°
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

11 mm
Rainfall
5.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.8h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of -12°C and lows of -22°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

47 Poor

Comfort

-17°
Feels Like Freezing
-17°C
Temperature
-22° -12°
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

10 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
11.5h daylight

April

April is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -16°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

43 Poor

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-16° -5°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

11 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Low
15.2h daylight

May

May is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -5°C. The driest month with just 9 mm and partly cloudy skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-5°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

9 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
High
19.1h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

66 Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

13 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
22.6h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

68 Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

36 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
20.6h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 51 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
14°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

51 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
16.6h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

42 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
12.9h daylight

October

October is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-6°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

23 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
9.2h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -15°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

-12°
Feels Like Freezing
-12°C
Temperature
-15° -8°
96%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

17 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
5.2h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -13°C and lows of -21°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

-17°
Feels Like Freezing
-17°C
Temperature
-21° -13°
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

15 mm
Rainfall
5.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
1.5h daylight