Month guide · Anchorage · United States
Anchorage in March
What March is really like in Anchorage: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: James Brooks, CC BY 2.0
Quick answer
March is a good-value shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 1°C (34°F), lows of -8°C (18°F), about 7 rainy days and roughly 11.5 hours of daylight. Bright, snowy and lively, with the Iditarod's ceremonial start downtown; a good month for aurora and skiing.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 1°C (34°F) / -8°C (18°F)
- Rainy days
- About 7
- Daylight
- About 11.5 hours
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Low
Weather in March
March is the 8th-warmest month in Anchorage: days average 1°C (34°F) against a yearly average high of 7°C (45°F), and nights fall to about -8°C (18°F). Rain falls on roughly 7 of its 31 days. Compared with February (-3°C (27°F)), March is warmer; by April highs climb to around 7°C (45°F).
- Sunrise (15 March)
- About 08:17
- Sunset (15 March)
- About 20:01
- Daylight
- About 11.5 hours
Summer (June–August). Long daylight, the full range of tours, trains and cruises, salmon runs and the highest prices.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, March rates 3 for crowds (the peak is June at 5) and 2 for hotel prices (highest in June). That makes March one of the better-value months to book.
Events in March
- Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race ceremonial start on 4th Avenue (usually first Saturday in March)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in March
With cold days, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
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
Nature · Eagle River
Eagle River Nature Center
At the end of Eagle River Road in Chugach State Park, the nature centre is the start of easy loop trails along the river, with beaver ponds and salmon-viewing decks, and the start of the long Crow Pass route.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Nature
- Outdoors
- Kids
Experience · Chugach State Park
Northern lights viewing
Check the aurora and cloud forecasts, wait until late evening, and dress for temperatures well below freezing.
- Time needed
- 2–4 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- After dark
- Nature
- Couples
Street · Downtown
4th Avenue and the Log Cabin Visitor Center
Downtown's main street has the sod-roofed Log Cabin Visitor Information Center, Alaska Native art galleries, outfitters and gift shops.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Shopping
- History
What to pack
For highs near 1°C, lows near -8°C and 7 wet days: a warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; shoes with good grip for icy pavements; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is March a good time to visit Anchorage?
A good-value shoulder-season month, with a notable event on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, June–August are better overall. Compare every month.
Anchorage in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is March a good time to visit Anchorage?
It is a good-value shoulder-season month. Bright, snowy and lively, with the Iditarod's ceremonial start downtown; a good month for aurora and skiing.
+How warm is Anchorage in March?
Average highs are around 1°C (34°F) and lows around -8°C (18°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Anchorage in March?
Expect rain on about 7 days of the month.