Anchorage: When to Go

Weather forecasts often don't mean much in Alaska, as unpredictability is the order of most days. That said, however, Anchorage air usually averages about 15°C-21°C (60°-70°F) from June to August. The best time to visit in terms of least amount of rain and the most sunshine is late July through mid-August. Winter enthusiasts should plan to arrive is late February to early March, sticking around for the start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. The average temperature in January is -10°C (13°F), but can dip to -13°C (8°F) or get as 'high' as -6°C (21°F). By mid-February temperatures are on the rise, the days are getting longer and there is still lots of snow for cross-country skiing or snowboarding.

Weather

Anchorage is blessed by high peaks. Shielded by the Kenai Mountains, the city has an annual rainfall of only 35cm (14in) and annual snowfall of over 178cm (70in). The Anchorage Bowl - the city and surrounding area - does have its fair share of overcast days, especially in early and late summer. The summer usually averages about 18°C (65°F) from June to August while the longest day is summer solstice (June 21), when the sun sets for a mere four hours. In late June and July the nightshade is replaced by dusk.

Temperature (average ° C)

Humidity (average %)

Rainfall (average mm)

Sunshine (average hrs per day)