Weather in Anchorage, Alaska
The salmon run thickens. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Snow99%41°39°
- SundayMay 17Heavy Snow100%41°37°
- MondayMay 18Light Snow96%40°36°
- TuesdayMay 19Snow100%41°37°
- WednesdayMay 20Light Snow65%43°38°
- ThursdayMay 21Snow94%42°33°
- FridayMay 22Light Snow90%40°36°
- PM 2.5
- 0.4 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 0.6 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 1.0 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 78.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 12:06 PM
- Moonset
- 8:31 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
The salmon run thickens
Anchorage at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 11°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: August 21 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Cool-season window is open
As of May 17, the cool-season window is open or about to open. Direct-sow peas, lettuce, spinach, radishes, and brassicas now. Hold off on warm-season crops until 1–2 weeks after the last spring frost (around May).
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | — | — |
| April | — | — |
| May | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | — | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | — | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July brings Anchorage's peak warmth with mean temperatures around 58°F, while January delivers the year's coldest conditions at roughly 14°F. Precipitation follows its own schedule, with September receiving the most rainfall at 3.6 inches and April seeing the least at 0.8 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14° | 2.3″ | 8 |
| February | 20° | 1.6″ | 5 |
| March | 25° | 1.6″ | 5 |
| April | 37° | 0.8″ | 3 |
| May | 47° | 0.9″ | 3 |
| June | 55° | 1.3″ | 4 |
| July | 58° | 1.7″ | 6 |
| August | 55° | 2.6″ | 9 |
| September | 47° | 3.6″ | 12 |
| October | 34° | 2.5″ | 8 |
| November | 20° | 1.7″ | 6 |
| December | 16° | 2.0″ | 7 |
Regional context
Anchorage belongs to a climate region characterized by similar temperature ranges, seasonal rhythms, and growing conditions shared with other nearby cities.
Similar climates: Fairbanks, AK, Juneau, AK, Knik-Fairview, AK, Badger, AK, College, AK.
Naturalist notes
Sandhill cranes begin their northward migration through Anchorage in late April, their distinctive calls echoing across the landscape as winter loosens its grip.
Fireweed shoots emerge from thawed ground in mid-May, marking the transition from spring's tentative arrival to the growing season's true beginning.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Anchorage?
- Spring's final frost in Anchorage typically occurs around mid-May, while the season's first frost returns around mid-October.
- What is the rainy season in Anchorage?
- September stands as the wettest month, delivering approximately 3.6 inches of rain on average, while the city's annual total reaches roughly 23 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Anchorage?
- July typically brings the year's warmest temperatures, averaging about 58°F.
- What is the coldest month in Anchorage?
- January typically delivers the coldest conditions, averaging about 14°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Anchorage?
- Cool-season vegetables like peas and lettuce can be planted around the time of the last spring frost in mid-May, while warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Anchorage get?
- Anchorage experiences approximately 76 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Anchorage?
- Anchorage's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperatures; the USDA's online lookup tool using the city ZIP code provides the current zone designation.
Climate
Anchorage, Alaska experiences a climate marked by significant seasonal contrasts. Winter temperatures in January hover near 14°F, while July brings averages around 58°F — creating a 44°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals about 23 inches, distributed across roughly 76 rainy days throughout the year.
Several factors determine the local weather patterns: latitude at 61.2°N, proximity to large water bodies, and elevation. These elements combine to influence plant growth cycles, frost timing, and daily weather conditions.