Anchorage, AK Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Anchorage
Anchorage has a subarctic climate, marked by short, mild summers and long, severely cold winters. Average daytime highs range from about 21°F (-6°C) in January to around 67°F (20°C) in July, and the city records roughly 148 days of measurable precipitation a year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: July - highs near 67°F (20°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 21°F (-6°C)
- Record high: 90°F (32°C) · Record low: -20°F (-29°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: September (17 rainy days) · Sunniest: June (12.6 h sun/day)
- Climate type: subarctic - short, mild summers and long, severely cold winters
- Snow: about 50 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on July. Highs average 67°F (20°C) and overnight lows stay near 54°F (12°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 21°F (-6°C) and lows around 12°F (-11°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 90°F (32°C) and dropped as low as -20°F (-29°C).
Rain, sun and snow
September is usually the wettest month. It brings about 5.0 inches (128 mm) of rain over 17 days, while April is the driest. June brings the most sunshine, averaging 12.6 hours of sun a day. Snow falls on about 50 days in a typical year, mostly from September through April.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21° | 12° | 11 | 2.1 in | 2.8 h/day | 83% |
| February | 25° | 15° | 12 | 2.4 in | 4.5 h/day | 81% |
| March | 33° | 19° | 9 | 1.6 in | 7.5 h/day | 75% |
| April | 45° | 28° | 8 | 1.3 in | 10.0 h/day | 72% |
| May | 56° | 40° | 12 | 1.8 in | 11.3 h/day | 69% |
| June | 65° | 50° | 10 | 1.8 in | 12.6 h/day | 67% |
| July | 67° | 54° | 12 | 3.8 in | 10.8 h/day | 74% |
| August | 64° | 52° | 16 | 4.7 in | 8.8 h/day | 78% |
| September | 55° | 44° | 17 | 5.0 in | 6.8 h/day | 82% |
| October | 43° | 33° | 14 | 3.7 in | 5.0 h/day | 81% |
| November | 28° | 19° | 12 | 3.0 in | 3.3 h/day | 81% |
| December | 24° | 14° | 14 | 2.9 in | 1.5 h/day | 84% |
Anchorage month by month
Anchorage weather in January
January brings highs around 21°F (-6°C), lows near 12°F (-11°C), about 11 wet days and roughly 8 snowy days - typically the coldest month of the year in Anchorage.
Anchorage weather in February
February brings highs around 25°F (-4°C), lows near 15°F (-9°C), about 12 wet days and roughly 10 snowy days.
Anchorage weather in March
March brings highs around 33°F (0°C), lows near 19°F (-7°C), about 9 wet days and roughly 6 snowy days.
Anchorage weather in April
April brings highs around 45°F (7°C), lows near 28°F (-2°C), about 8 wet days and roughly 4 snowy days - typically the driest month of the year in Anchorage.
Anchorage weather in May
May brings highs around 56°F (14°C), lows near 40°F (5°C), about 12 wet days.
Anchorage weather in June
June brings highs around 65°F (18°C), lows near 50°F (10°C), about 10 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in Anchorage.
Anchorage weather in July
July brings highs around 67°F (20°C), lows near 54°F (12°C), about 12 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Anchorage.
Anchorage weather in August
August brings highs around 64°F (18°C), lows near 52°F (11°C), about 16 wet days.
Anchorage weather in September
September brings highs around 55°F (13°C), lows near 44°F (7°C), about 17 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Anchorage.
Anchorage weather in October
October brings highs around 43°F (6°C), lows near 33°F (0°C), about 14 wet days and roughly 3 snowy days.
Anchorage weather in November
November brings highs around 28°F (-2°C), lows near 19°F (-7°C), about 12 wet days and roughly 8 snowy days.
Anchorage weather in December
December brings highs around 24°F (-5°C), lows near 14°F (-10°C), about 14 wet days and roughly 10 snowy days.
Seasons in Anchorage
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Anchorage is brisk and cold, with daytime highs averaging 45°F (7°C) and nights around 29°F (-2°C); expect showers on roughly 30 days across the season, plus around 10 snowy days.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Anchorage is crisp but comfortable, with daytime highs averaging 66°F (19°C) and nights around 52°F (11°C); expect showers on roughly 38 days across the season.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Anchorage runs cold, with daytime highs averaging 42°F (6°C) and nights around 32°F (0°C); expect showers on roughly 43 days across the season, plus around 11 snowy days.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Anchorage is bitterly cold, with daytime highs averaging 23°F (-5°C) and nights around 14°F (-10°C); expect showers on roughly 37 days across the season, plus around 28 snowy days. Wind makes those temperatures feel harsher than they sound - pair the forecast winds with the wind speed converter to judge conditions on exposed skin.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Anchorage?
Is Anchorage hot in summer?
Is Anchorage cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Anchorage get in a year?
Best time to visit Anchorage
The best time to visit Anchorage is generally May to August, when this window offers the warmest, brightest days of the year. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 63°F (17°C).
Pack for Anchorage with a heavy insulated coat, hat and gloves for winter; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - July nights average 54°F (12°C).
Anchorage temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.