Weather by Month in Anchorage
Monthly Climate Comparison
The biggest temperature swing occurs between October and November, with a change of 7.6°C / 45.7°F.
Jan
COLD
Feb
COLD
Mar
COLD
Apr
COLD
May
COOL
Jun
MILD
Jul
MILD
Aug
MILD
Sep
COOL
Oct
COLD
Nov
COLD
Dec
COLD
| Month | Low Temperature | High Temperature | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | -11.2°C | -6.8°C | COLD |
| February | -8.9°C | -4°C | COLD |
| March | -7.6°C | -1.1°C | COLD |
| April | -2.3°C | 5.1°C | COLD |
| May | 3.1°C | 10.9°C | COOL |
| June | 9°C | 16.1°C | MILD |
| July | 11.7°C | 17.7°C | MILD |
| August | 10.8°C | 16.6°C | MILD |
| September | 6.5°C | 12.1°C | COOL |
| October | -0.3°C | 4.5°C | COLD |
| November | -7.5°C | -3.1°C | COLD |
| December | -10.1°C | -5.5°C | COLD |
September is wettest at 136.6 mm / 5.38 inches, while April is driest at 39.8 mm / 1.57 inches.
Jan
MODERATE
Feb
MODERATE
Mar
LIGHT
Apr
LIGHT
May
LIGHT
Jun
LIGHT
Jul
MODERATE
Aug
WET
Sep
WET
Oct
MODERATE
Nov
MODERATE
Dec
MODERATE
| Month | Baseline | Rainfall | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0 mm | 62.7 mm | MODERATE |
| February | 0 mm | 65.3 mm | MODERATE |
| March | 0 mm | 47.8 mm | LIGHT |
| April | 0 mm | 39.8 mm | LIGHT |
| May | 0 mm | 43.3 mm | LIGHT |
| June | 0 mm | 54.4 mm | LIGHT |
| July | 0 mm | 94.5 mm | MODERATE |
| August | 0 mm | 124.5 mm | WET |
| September | 0 mm | 136.6 mm | WET |
| October | 0 mm | 102.8 mm | MODERATE |
| November | 0 mm | 77.9 mm | MODERATE |
| December | 0 mm | 88.1 mm | MODERATE |
June has the strongest UV (about index 6.1), rated high.
Jan
LOW
Feb
LOW-MOD
Mar
MODERATE
Apr
MODERATE
May
MODERATE
Jun
HIGH
Jul
HIGH
Aug
MODERATE
Sep
MODERATE
Oct
LOW-MOD
Nov
LOW-MOD
Dec
LOW
| Month | Baseline | UV Index | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0.8 | LOW |
| February | 0 | 2 | LOW-MOD |
| March | 0 | 3.6 | MODERATE |
| April | 0 | 4.8 | MODERATE |
| May | 0 | 5.8 | MODERATE |
| June | 0 | 6.1 | HIGH |
| July | 0 | 6 | HIGH |
| August | 0 | 5.3 | MODERATE |
| September | 0 | 3.9 | MODERATE |
| October | 0 | 2.3 | LOW-MOD |
| November | 0 | 1 | LOW-MOD |
| December | 0 | 0.4 | LOW |
Daylight ranges from 5.6h in December to 19.2h in June, a 13.6h difference.
Jan
SHORT
Feb
SHORT
Mar
BALANCED
Apr
LONG
May
LONG
Jun
LONG
Jul
LONG
Aug
LONG
Sep
BALANCED
Oct
SHORT
Nov
SHORT
Dec
SHORT
| Month | Baseline | Daylight Hours | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0h | 6.5h | SHORT |
| February | 0h | 9h | SHORT |
| March | 0h | 11.9h | BALANCED |
| April | 0h | 14.8h | LONG |
| May | 0h | 17.6h | LONG |
| June | 0h | 19.2h | LONG |
| July | 0h | 18.3h | LONG |
| August | 0h | 15.7h | LONG |
| September | 0h | 12.9h | BALANCED |
| October | 0h | 10h | SHORT |
| November | 0h | 7.2h | SHORT |
| December | 0h | 5.6h | SHORT |
Rain & Sunshine Patterns
Driest Months
#1 April
Best for: outdoor activities & sightseeing
#2 May
Best for: outdoor activities & sightseeing
#3 March
Best for: outdoor activities & sightseeing
Wettest Months
#1 September
Expect: possible showers, pack waterproofs
#2 August
Expect: possible showers, pack waterproofs
#3 October
Expect: possible showers, pack waterproofs
UV & Sun Protection Calendar
High UV Alert:
June, July require serious sun protection.
Jan
1
LOW
Feb
2
LOW-MOD
Mar
4
MODERATE
Apr
5
MODERATE
May
6
MODERATE
Jun
6
HIGH
Jul
6
HIGH
Aug
5
MODERATE
Sep
4
MODERATE
Oct
2
LOW-MOD
Nov
1
LOW-MOD
Dec
0
LOW
Extreme (11+)
Avoid sun during midday, use SPF 50+
Very High (8-10)
Essential sun protection required
High (6-7)
Use SPF 30+, wear hat & sunglasses
Moderate (3-5)
Sun protection recommended
Low-Moderate (1-2)
Minimal protection needed
Low (0)
No protection required
Daylight Hours
Daylight varies from 5.6 hours in December (winter) to 19.2 hours in June (summer), which is a difference of 13.6 hours.
Shortest Days
December
5.6h
Average Sunrise:10:06
Average Sunset:15:43
Plan daytime activities for midday when light is best. Early sunsets mean evening plans should account for darkness.
Longest Days
June
19.2h
Average Sunrise:03:23
Average Sunset:22:36
Extended daylight perfect for evening activities and late dining. You can fit more sightseeing into each day.
Wind & Humidity Overview
Wind Conditions
Average wind speed
Windiest months:
December (7 km/h)
January (7 km/h)
February (7 km/h)
Packing tip: Conditions are generally calm, but a light layer is always handy.
Humidity Levels
Average humidity
79%
Most humid:
December (83%)
Least humid:
June (73%)
Packing tip: Choose breathable, natural fabrics like cotton or linen for comfort in humid conditions.
Seasonal Overview
Northern Hemisphere seasons shape the weather patterns throughout the year. Here's what to expect in each season:
Winter
January, February, December
Avg High -5°C
Avg Low -10°C
Avg Rain 72 mm
Cold conditions; pack warm layers and waterproofs
Spring
March, April, May
Avg High 5°C
Avg Low -2°C
Avg Rain 44 mm
Variable conditions; layer your clothing
Summer
June, July, August
Avg High 17°C
Avg Low 10°C
Avg Rain 91 mm
Comfortable temperatures; enjoy outdoor activities
Autumn
September, October, November
Avg High 4°C
Avg Low 0°C
Avg Rain 106 mm
Wet season begins; bring rain gear
Monthly Details
Click any month for detailed weather information and packing advice.
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View Best Time to VisitFrequently Asked Questions
When is Anchorage warmest?
July is typically the warmest month in Anchorage, with average high temperatures reaching around 18°C (64°F). This is peak summer weather, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
When is Anchorage coldest?
January is usually the coldest month, with average low temperatures dropping to around -11°C (12°F). Pack warm layers if visiting during this time, especially for evening activities.
When does Anchorage get the most rain?
September typically sees the most rainfall in Anchorage, averaging around 137mm (5.4 inches). It's wise to pack waterproof layers and have some indoor backup plans if you're visiting during this month.
What is the driest month in Anchorage?
April is typically the driest month, with average rainfall of just 40mm (1.6 inches). This makes it an excellent time for outdoor exploration and activities with minimal risk of rain disruption.
How much does the temperature vary in Anchorage throughout the year?
Temperatures in Anchorage range from average lows of -1°C (31°F) to highs of 5°C (41°F). This variation means you'll want to pack differently depending on when you visit, as layers are key for adapting to the seasonal changes.
Do I need sun protection when visiting Anchorage?
Yes, sun protection is important in Anchorage. UV levels can reach 6 during peak months, which is considered high. Pack sunscreen (SPF 30+), sunglasses, and a hat, especially if you'll be outdoors for extended periods.