Based on the Köppen climate classification, Scott Peak is located in a subarctic climate zone with long, cold, snowy winters, and mild summers. Temperatures can drop below −20 °C with wind chill factors below −30 °C. This climate supports glaciers on it slopes including the Sunrise Glacier and Sunset Glacier. Precipitation runoff from the north side of the mountain drains into tributaries of the McKinley River, which in turn is part of in the Tanana River drainage basin. The Chulitna River drains the south side of the peak. The months May through June offer the most favorable weather for climbing or viewing.