What April feels like in Anchorage
Mid-spring arrives in Anchorage with April. Daytime temperatures stay cold, and a warm coat is needed even in the middle of the day. There is little difference between day and night: nights hover around freezing, so frost is common, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Anchorage in April
Expect a mix of dry and wet days, with rain about one day in 3. A rainy day brings about 4.4 mm (0.2 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. That is lighter than the city's yearly norm of about 6.1 mm per rainy day. April is Anchorage's driest month of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in April
Mid-month, Anchorage gets 14 h 36 min of daylight, from sunrise near 6:42 am to sunset near 9:18 pm. Days are getting longer: 2 h 58 min more daylight than in mid-March. The sun is out for roughly 69% of those daylight hours, so there are plenty of bright spells.
How April compares to the rest of the year
In Anchorage's temperature order, April sits as the 6th warmest month. Against March, the average high is 6.3°C (11.3°F) higher, with 6 mm less rain. The warm-up continues into May. By May, typical highs are 12°C (53.6°F).
Who April suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
- Hiking: less ideal — trails are cool.
Tips for visiting Anchorage in April
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Warm Layers
A warm jacket, a hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings.
Sunglasses
Plenty of sun, so bring sunglasses and a cap.
Quick questions
How warm is Anchorage in April?
Afternoons average 5.6°C (42.1°F) and nights about -2.3°C (27.9°F) — cold by most people's standards. It is the 6th warmest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Anchorage in April?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 39 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Anchorage in April?
Pack rain protection, warm layers and sunglasses. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is April or May better for visiting Anchorage?
May scores better on our climate ranking (#1 of 12 vs #6), rated Good against Fair. May is warmer and has more rainy days.