Avg High
Anchorage in January
Verdict
In Anchorage, January has a distinct winter feel. As the season moves along, the air is cooling down. You can usually expect a cold month that feels variable day to day. Breezes can be part of the character, especially in exposed spots.
It suits travellers who want straightforward weather for sightseeing and day trips. Lookouts and coastal walks can feel sharper when the wind is up.
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight
7h
What to expect
- Daytime feel - Bitterly cold with little swing from morning to evening. It often feels a touch cooler in the shade.
- Wet weather - Showery bursts. You’ll get wet windows, then dry windows. You’ll want a proper rain setup rather than a ‘just in case’.
- Midday sun - Soft sunlight. Shade and sunscreen are optional rather than essential for most people. Shade breaks feel genuinely worthwhile.
- Light & shade - Frequently overcast. Shade feels more available than you’d expect. It can feel subdued, so plan viewpoints for any clearer windows.
January in context
How it compares to the rest of the year in Anchorage.
Hottest (avg)
#12 / 12
Wettest (avg)
#8 / 12
Daylight Hours
#11 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#2 / 12
Highest UV
#11 / 12
Most Humid
#2 / 12
Temperature
- Daytime high
-
- Nighttime low
-
- Feels like (avg)
-
Sunshine
- Daylight
- 6.5 hours
- UV index (max)
- 1
- Typical sun hours
- 09:52 – 16:24
Rain & Snow
- Total
-
- Rainy days
- 14
- Cloud cover
- 71%
- Snowfall
-
Humidity & Wind
- Humidity (avg)
- 82%
- Wind (avg)
-
- Wind (max gusts)
-
Frequently asked questions
Is January a good time to visit Anchorage?
Typical January days in Anchorage reach highs of -7°C (19°F) with nights around -11°C (12°F). It usually feels cold by day and very cold after dark. Overall, January sits in the middle of the Anchorage climate range.
What are temperatures like in January?
Daytime temperatures in January typically peak near -7°C (19°F), while nights drop to around -11°C (12°F). Expect cold afternoons and very cold evenings.
How much does it rain in January?
Rainfall in January averages 63 mm (2.5 in) across roughly 14 days. Overall it is a very wet time of year, so a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes are very handy.
How many hours of daylight are there in January?
You can expect about 7 hours of daylight in January. Sunrise is typically around 09:52 and sunset near 16:24. Daylight is quite limited, and it can feel like a short-day season.
How strong is the sun in January?
UV levels are usually low (around 1), so standard sun protection is enough.
Is it windy in January?
In January, average wind speeds are around 7 km/h (4 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 42 km/h (26 mph). On the ground, it is it often feels breezy, especially in more exposed spots or along the coast.