Month guide · Anchorage · United States
Anchorage in August
What August is really like in Anchorage: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Craig Talbert, CC BY 2.0
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Quick answer
August is one of the best months to visit Anchorage. Expect average highs of 18°C (64°F), lows of 10°C (50°F), about 14 rainy days and roughly 15.8 hours of daylight. Wetter, with berries ripening and silver salmon running; nights begin to darken.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 18°C (64°F) / 10°C (50°F)
- Rainy days
- About 14
- Daylight
- About 15.8 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in August
August is the 2nd-warmest month in Anchorage: days average 18°C (64°F) against a yearly average high of 7°C (45°F), and nights fall to about 10°C (50°F). Rain falls on roughly 14 of its 31 days. Compared with July (19°C (66°F)), August is about as warm; by September highs drop to around 13°C (55°F).
- Sunrise (15 August)
- About 06:08
- Sunset (15 August)
- About 22:00
- Daylight
- About 15.8 hours
Autumn (September–October). Golden birch and early snow on the peaks in September; by October most seasonal tours have closed.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, August rates 4 for crowds (the peak is June at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in June). Book accommodation early: August is one of the pricier months.
Events in August
- Alaska State Fair in Palmer (usually late August to early September)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in August
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Waterfront · Downtown
Ship Creek salmon run
Ship Creek flows through the industrial edge of downtown below the railroad depot, and in summer king and then silver salmon run upstream.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes–1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Nature
- Kids
- Off the beaten path
Zoo · Hillside and South Anchorage
Alaska Zoo
It is a reliable way for children to see moose and bears up close if wildlife does not appear on the road.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Nature
- Outdoors
Park · Airport and Lake Hood
Kincaid Park
A large forested park at the end of the Coastal Trail with dunes above Cook Inlet, mountain-bike trails and, in winter, one of the country's major cross-country ski trail networks.
- Time needed
- 1–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Active
- Nature
Nature · Hillside and South Anchorage
Potter Marsh
Stop here on the way to Turnagain Arm, ideally in the morning or evening when birds are most active.
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Nature
- Kids
- Photo spot
What to pack
For highs near 18°C, lows near 10°C and 14 wet days: layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is August a good time to visit Anchorage?
One of the best months to visit Anchorage, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are June–July. Compare every month.
Anchorage in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is August a good time to visit Anchorage?
It is one of the best months to visit Anchorage. Wetter, with berries ripening and silver salmon running; nights begin to darken.
+How warm is Anchorage in August?
Average highs are around 18°C (64°F) and lows around 10°C (50°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Anchorage in August?
Expect rain on about 14 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.