Best time to visit · Anchorage · United States
The best time to visit Anchorage
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Burntorange72, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Mid-May to mid-September is the best time for most visitors: trails, glacier cruises, the Alaska Railroad's summer trains and wildlife tours all operate, and days are very long. June and July are the warmest and busiest; late August and September bring autumn colours and fewer people but more rain. Winter (December to March) suits skiing, dog-sledding, the Iditarod and northern lights, while April and October are muddy shoulder months when much is closed.
Key facts
- Best months
- June–August
- Shoulder season
- March, May and September
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 19°C (66°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high -5°C (23°F))
- Rainiest month
- August (~14 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- January, April and October–November
Seasons
Anchorage has a subarctic climate moderated by the sea: cool summers with very long days, and cold, snowy winters with short days that are milder than interior Alaska. August and September are the wettest months.
June–August
Summer
Long daylight, the full range of tours, trains and cruises, salmon runs and the highest prices.
September–October
Autumn
Golden birch and early snow on the peaks in September; by October most seasonal tours have closed.
November–March
Winter
Snow, short days, skiing, dog-sledding, Fur Rondy, the Iditarod start and chances of northern lights.
April–May
Spring
Breakup mud in April gives way to fresh green and bright, dry days in May as summer services resume.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -5°C | -12°C | 9 | 6.3 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| February | -3°C | -11°C | 8 | 8.9 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| March | 1°C | -8°C | 7 | 11.5 h | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| April | 7°C | -1°C | 6 | 14.6 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| May | 13°C | 4°C | 6 | 17.4 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| June | 17°C | 9°C | 8 | 19.3 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| July | 19°C | 11°C | 11 | 18.5 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| August | 18°C | 10°C | 14 | 15.8 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| September | 13°C | 5°C | 14 | 12.8 h | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| October | 5°C | -2°C | 11 | 9.9 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| November | -2°C | -8°C | 10 | 7.1 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| December | -4°C | -11°C | 11 | 5.5 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| February | Fur Rendezvous winter festival (usually late February to early March) |
| March | Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race ceremonial start on 4th Avenue (usually first Saturday in March) |
| June | Summer solstice celebrations (around 21 June) |
| July | Fourth of July parade and events downtown (4 July) |
| August | Alaska State Fair in Palmer (usually late August to early September) |
| December | Anchorage International Film Festival (usually early December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in January, April and October–November, and the sights are quietest in January, April and October–November. Many visitors avoid April and October.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Summer | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Spring | A warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Anchorage?
Mid-May to mid-September is the best time for most visitors: trails, glacier cruises, the Alaska Railroad's summer trains and wildlife tours all operate, and days are very long. June and July are the warmest and busiest; late August and September bring autumn colours and fewer people but more rain. Winter (December to March) suits skiing, dog-sledding, the Iditarod and northern lights, while April and October are muddy shoulder months when much is closed.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Anchorage?
Usually in January, April and October–November. Cold and dark, with about six hours of daylight; snow sports, northern lights and the lowest hotel rates.
+What is the rainiest month in Anchorage?
August, with about 14 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Anchorage get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 19°C (66°F) and lows of 11°C (52°F).