Anchorage, AK Weather Forecast & Climate Guide
Anchorage has a subarctic climate with cold winters and mild summers. Daylight varies dramatically by season.
Climate type: Subarctic (Köppen Dfc)
Anchorage Climate Overview
Cool summers with nearly 20 hours of daylight. Cold winters with short days. Moderate precipitation.
Chinook winds can rapidly warm winter temperatures. Summer stays cool due to ocean influence.
Anchorage Weather by Season
spring
Spring arrives late and slowly. March and April are still cold and snowy, but by May temperatures climb into the 50s°F and daylight expands rapidly toward 18 hours at the summer solstice.
summer
Summers are cool and pleasant with highs in the low 60s°F and nearly continuous daylight (over 19 hours on June 21). Rainfall is moderate and mountains stay snow-capped.
fall
Fall is short and spectacular — crisp mornings, yellow-gold birch foliage, and the start of aurora season. By late September daylight is noticeably shrinking.
winter
Winters are cold, dark, and snowy. Highs in the 20s°F, lows in the single digits°F, and only about 6 hours of daylight at the winter solstice. Anchorage averages 75 inches of snow per year.
Anchorage Average Monthly Temperatures
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 22° | 26° | 33° | 44° | 56° | 63° | 66° | 64° | 56° | 40° | 28° | 23° |
| Low °F | 10° | 13° | 19° | 30° | 40° | 48° | 52° | 50° | 42° | 28° | 16° | 10° |
Best Time to Visit Anchorage
June through August for warm (by Alaska standards) days, long sunlight, and accessible outdoor activities. September offers fall color and better aurora viewing odds.
Severe Weather Risks
- Blizzards
- Extreme cold
- Earthquakes
- Wind events
- Icing conditions
Weather Facts About Anchorage
- >Anchorage receives over 19 hours of daylight on June 21 and under 6 hours on December 21.
- >The city sits on the edge of the Chugach Mountains, which dramatically moderate what would otherwise be a harsher interior climate.
- >Chinook winds from the Talkeetna Mountains can raise winter temperatures 30°F in hours.
Anchorage Weather FAQ
When is the best time to visit Anchorage?
June through August for warm weather (by Alaska standards), long daylight hours, and full access to outdoor activities. September offers fall color and improving aurora viewing.
How cold does Anchorage get?
Average winter highs are in the 20s°F with lows in the single digits°F. Extended cold snaps can push temperatures below -20°F. The record low is -38°F, set in 1947.
Can you see the northern lights in Anchorage?
Yes, but the city lights make viewing harder than darker locations like Fairbanks. Best aurora season runs late August through April, with peak viewing around the fall and spring equinoxes.
How much snow does Anchorage get?
About 75 inches per year on average, though variability is extreme. Snow cover typically lasts from November through April, and cross-country skiing is a city-wide winter pastime.