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Anchorage, United States

Anchorage experiences a cold climate, where average temperatures vary from a low of -7°C / 20°F in January to a high of 18°C / 64°F in July.

Precipitation is distributed throughout the year, averaging 78 mm / 3.1 inches monthly, peaking in September (137 mm / 5.4 inches) and reaching its lowest in April (40 mm / 1.6 inches).

The UV index ranges from 0 in December to 6 in June, so regular sun protection is advisable in warmer months.

The longest days occur in June with around 19.2 hours of daylight, while December has the shortest days at about 5.6 hours.

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Trip planning

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Climate overview

Climate at a glance

The big-picture stats that matter for planning your visit to Anchorage.

Temperature range

Typical highs and lows

High17.7°C
Low-11.2°C

The broad yearly range between warm daytime highs and the coolest overnight lows.

Rain pattern

Wettest point of the year

137 mm

September carries the highest typical rainfall load.

Sun exposure

Typical peak UV band

Moderate (3.5)

A fast read on how strong midday sun typically gets across the year.

Daylight window

Seasonal daylight range

6 hrsto19 hrs

Useful for gauging how much sightseeing time you get in shorter versus longer seasons.

Wind profile

Typical breeze strength

6 km/h

December is typically the breeziest month.

Humidity

Typical moisture range

73 %to83 %

A quick signal for how dry, comfortable, or heavy the air tends to feel.

When should I go?

Our top-rated months for visiting Anchorage, based on long-term weather comfort and conditions

Next steps

Dive deeper into rankings, month details, or packing guidance.

How Anchorage compares

See how it ranks against the rest of United States for key metrics.

HOTTEST (AVG)
in United States
#20 / 20
COOLEST (AVG)
in United States
#1 / 20
WETTEST (TOTAL)
in United States
#13 / 20
WINDIEST (AVG)
in United States
#20 / 20
HIGHEST UV
in United States
#20 / 20
MOST HUMID
in United States
#1 / 20

Short term outlook

Visiting soon? Here's the next 7 days of weather for Anchorage, or see an hourly breakdown for the next 14 days.

Travel planning FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to the weather questions you ask the most.

How does the weather in Anchorage feel over the year?

Across the year, daytime highs average about 5°C (41°F), with nights near -1°C (30°F). Overall it feels chilly by day and very cold after dark. Daylight is fairly typical, with enough time for sightseeing. It tends to be on the cloudier side, with fewer blue-sky days.

When is the best time to visit Anchorage for dry weather?

The driest month is usually April, with around 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain. In contrast, September is the wettest month, so that’s when you’re most likely to need a raincoat or umbrella.

When is sun exposure strongest in Anchorage?

UV tends to peak in June, when UV levels are often high (around 6). Regular sunscreen and a hat are recommended.

Does it snow in Anchorage?

Yes. Snowfall is possible, and it peaks in December, when averages reach around 1.8 cm. Winters are when you're most likely to see snow on the ground.

Is Anchorage a windy place?

Across the year, average winds sit around 6 km/h (4 mph), with gusts on windier days up to about 45 km/h (28 mph). Overall it is it often feels breezy, especially in more exposed spots or along the coast.

How much daylight does Anchorage get?

On average, days offer about 12 hours of daylight. Daylight is fairly typical, with enough time for sightseeing.

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