Anchorage has a subarctic climate (Koppen climate classification Dfc) due to its short, cool summers. Average daytime summer temperatures range from approximately 55 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 27 degrees Celsius); average daytime winter temperatures are about 5 to 30 degrees (-15 to -1 degrees Celsius), which is in fact warmer than many places in the continental United States.

Average January low and high temperatures at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (PANC) are 9°F/22°F (-13°C/-5°C) with an average winter snowfall of 70.60 inches (179.3 cm).

The weather on any given day and indeed for entire seasons can be very unpredictable. Some winters feature several feet of snow and cold temperatures, while others, just a foot or two of snow and frequent thaws, which puts dangerous ice on the streets.

On March 17, 2002, a record (St. Patrick’s Day) snow storm dumped 28.6 inches (72.6 cm) of snow on the Anchorage area in 24 hours, closing schools for the next two days. The storm broke the city record for a 24-hour snowfall and the most snowfall in a single day.

The storm, which started the evening of March 16, easily surpassed the old record of 15.6 inches (39.6 cm) recorded on 28 December and 29 December 1955. On March 17, 24.6 inches (62.5 cm) were measured by the National Weather Service; topping the old record of 15.6 inches (39.6 cm) set on 29 December 1955.The 1954-1955 winters had 132.8 inches (337.3 cm), which made it the snowiest winter on record. The coldest temperature ever recorded at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport was -38°F (-38.8°C) on February 3, 1948.

Summers are typically mild (although cool compared to the continental US and even interior Alaska), though it can rain frequently. There isn’t any beach-bathing in Anchorage, except at a few local lakes on the warmest summer days, when those lakeside beaches can be extremely popular. Average July low and high temperatures are 52°F/66°F (11°C/19°C) and the hottest reading ever recorded was 86°F (30°C) on June 25, 1953. The average annual precipitation at the airport is 16.07 inches (408 mm).

Aside from the winter cold, there are two primary nuisances associated with the seasons: in the summer, mosquitoes (which are much worse out in the Bush than in the city itself); in the winter, very long nights and extremely short days. Since Anchorage is at such high latitude, for months in mid-winter, residents go to work in the dark and return home in the dark. Those who don’t study or work next to a window can go all week long without seeing the sun. In addition, Anchorage averages only 27% of possible sunshine in December

Anchorage is Surprisingly Mild

Anchorage has long been plagued with many a misconception about its being cold and dark. The truth is, Anchorage is far south of the Arctic Circle. Protected by the Chugach Mountains and warmed by Japanese currents of the Pacific Ocean, the climate is actually quite mild year-round.

Spring through fall, Anchorage’s climate is similar to San Francisco’s spring weather, with temperatures that can reach into the 70’s. Summer highs average 65 degrees F/18 degrees C.

Winters bring on the snow with high temperatures dipping into the 20s, creating a climate very much like ski resorts in the Rocky Mountains, Canada or Europe. Low humidity also contributes to Anchorage’s comfortable climate.