Best Time to Visit Anchorage, Alaska
United States · weather by month, temperature and rainfall
If you want the most pleasant weather in Anchorage, plan your trip for June and July. July is the hottest month, with average highs of 17°C (63°F), while January is the coldest, with lows around -9°C (15°F). Rain is heaviest in August, at about 122 mm (4.8 in), and lightest in April, at 35 mm (1.4 in). December is the least comfortable month, mainly because of the cold.
When to go to Anchorage: a seasonal guide
Summer: long days, mild weather
June and July are your best bet. Highs sit around 15 to 17°C, which feels cool but comfortable for walking. The sun barely sets, so you can hike or paddle at 10 pm. June is the better pick of the two. July is warmer, but it's noticeably wetter, with rain on about half the days.
This is high season, and it's busy. Cruise passengers pass through on their way to Denali and the Kenai Peninsula. Flights and hotels fill up. If you want a quiet trip, aim for late May or early June. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is lovely then, and you can often see Cook Inlet without the crowds. Fur Rendezvous, the big winter festival, is long over by then, but the Anchorage Market and Festival downtown runs on summer weekends. Fourth of July brings fireworks and a party feel.
August and September: wetter, quieter
August is the wettest month here, with rain on 18 days. September ties it for rainy days. Don't write them off, though. Salmon runs peak in August, and you can watch fish at Ship Creek downtown. Fall colour on Flattop Mountain and in Chugach State Park comes in early September. The Alaska State Fair in Palmer, about an hour north, runs from late August into early September. It's famous for giant vegetables. Crowds thin out fast after Labour Day, and prices usually drop with them.
Winter and spring: for a different kind of trip
From November to March, highs stay below freezing and daylight is short. December gets under two hours of sun a day on average. It's cold and dark, but it's also your best shot at the northern lights. Clear nights are the key, so be ready to drive out of town. Fur Rendezvous, known as Fur Rondy, takes over downtown in late February. The Iditarod sled dog race starts in early March with a ceremonial run through the city. Skiing at Alyeska Resort, about 45 minutes south, is a good reason to come.
April and October are the muddy in-between months. Trails are soft, some tours aren't running, and the weather isn't great. May is better. It's still Fair, with highs near 11°C and fewer visitors. If you like having a place to yourself, that's the month to try.
Anchorage weather by month
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rainy days | Humidity | Sun hrs/day | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -5°C 22°F | -9°C 15°F | 54 mm | 13 | 92% | 2.3 | Poor 0.1 |
| February | -3°C 26°F | -9°C 16°F | 51 mm | 12 | 91% | 3.1 | Poor 0.9 |
| March | -1°C 29°F | -7°C 19°F | 40 mm | 11 | 88% | 4.5 | Poor 1.9 |
| April | 4°C 39°F | -2°C 29°F | 35 mm | 9 | 83% | 4.7 | Poor 3.9 |
| May | 11°C 51°F | 4°C 39°F | 49 mm | 12 | 78% | 4.1 | Fair 5.2 |
| June | 15°C 59°F | 9°C 47°F | 59 mm | 13 | 79% | 4.2 | Good 6.6 |
| July | 17°C 63°F | 11°C 52°F | 89 mm | 16 | 81% | 3.4 | Fair 5.8 |
| August | 16°C 61°F | 10°C 51°F | 122 mm | 18 | 82% | 3.2 | Poor 4.4 |
| September | 12°C 53°F | 7°C 44°F | 119 mm | 18 | 84% | 2.7 | Poor 2.9 |
| October | 5°C 41°F | 1°C 34°F | 80 mm | 15 | 88% | 2.6 | Poor 2.3 |
| November | -3°C 27°F | -7°C 20°F | 70 mm | 14 | 92% | 2.5 | Poor 0.4 |
| December | -4°C 25°F | -8°C 18°F | 66 mm | 16 | 93% | 1.7 | Poor 0 |
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Anchorage?
The best time to visit Anchorage is June and July, based on comfortable temperatures, low rainfall and plenty of sunshine.
What is the hottest month in Anchorage?
July is the hottest month in Anchorage, with an average high of 17°C (63°F).
What is the coldest month in Anchorage?
January is the coldest month in Anchorage, with an average low of -9°C (15°F).
What is the rainiest month in Anchorage?
August is the wettest month, with about 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain. April is the driest, with 35 mm (1.4 in).
Does it snow in Anchorage?
Snow is possible in November to March, when daytime highs stay close to or below freezing.
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