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Anchorage Municipality Climate

Anchorage Municipality, Alaska

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec36.7°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

36.7°F

Annual Precip

31.1"

Annual Snowfall

102.9"

Extreme Heat Days

0

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
2.3"
2.1"
1.8"
1.7"
1.7"
1.6"
2.3"
3.5"
4.7"
3.4"
2.8"
3.1"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

Growing Degree Days

670

Limited to cold-tolerant varieties

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/09
First fall frost (32°F): 09/26

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring25°47°5.2"Summer55°58°7.5"Fall23°48°11.0"Winter17°21°7.5"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 1% of US counties
Wetter than 28% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 44% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Anchorage Municipality

Climate Verdict

Anchorage Municipality has a cold, with an average annual temperature of 36.7°F, moderate rainfall of 31.1 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 0.05333333333333334 days above 90°F annually, heavy winter snowfall averaging 102.9 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 16.7°F. summers are cool, with July averaging only 58.3°F. The 42°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.

Regional Context

Anchorage Municipality closely matches the Alaska statewide average temperature of 35.7°F, it is also noticeably drier, receiving 22.4 inches less precipitation than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Anchorage Municipality Weather

Alaska's Urban Subarctic Climate

Anchorage maintains an annual average of 36.7°F, which is roughly 15 to 20 degrees cooler than the median U.S. county. Its climate is classified as subarctic, featuring long, cold winters and short, cool summers.

Typical of the Alaska Experience

At 36.7°F, Anchorage sits very close to the Alaska state average of 35.9°F. It represents the middle ground of the state's climate, avoiding the extreme arctic cold of the north and the heavy rains of the southeast.

Drier and Calmer Than Chugach

Anchorage is significantly drier than the neighboring Chugach Census Area, receiving only 31.1 inches of precipitation compared to Chugach's staggering 139.1 inches. However, Anchorage still sees substantial snow, averaging 102.9 inches annually.

Deep Winters and Pleasant Summers

January temperatures average a cold 16.7°F, while July peaks at a comfortable 58.3°F. The municipality receives over 100 inches of snow per year, yet extreme heat is non-existent with zero days above 90°F.

Prioritize Insulation and Snow Removal

Homeowners should focus on high-efficiency heating and robust insulation to manage the 19.0°F winter average. Professional snow removal services or heavy-duty blowers are essential to manage the 102.9 inches of annual snowfall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Anchorage Municipality?
The average annual temperature in Anchorage Municipality, AK is 36.7°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Anchorage Municipality get?
Anchorage Municipality receives an average of 31.1 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
Does it snow in Anchorage Municipality?
Yes, Anchorage Municipality receives an average of 102.9 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Anchorage Municipality get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Anchorage Municipality is 56.3°F. The county experiences an average of 0 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Anchorage Municipality?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Anchorage Municipality is 19.0°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 16.7°F.

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Data sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. Forecast and alert data from National Weather Service API. Air quality data from Open-Meteo.

Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables. Station data is aggregated to county level. Forecasts and alerts are fetched live and may change frequently. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
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