What August feels like in Anchorage
In Anchorage, August brings late summer. Afternoons are cool, pleasant for walking as long as you keep a layer on. There is little difference between day and night: nights are cool, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Anchorage in August
Rain is part of normal life this month, falling on about every other day. Wet days average about 7.5 mm (0.3 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. That is close to Anchorage's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 6.1 mm). It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in August
Mid-month, Anchorage gets 15 h 57 min of daylight, from sunrise near 6:06 am to sunset near 10:03 pm. Compared with mid-July, the day has lost 2 h 35 min. The sun is out for roughly 55% of those daylight hours, so sun and cloud share the day.
How August compares to the rest of the year
August is the 2nd warmest month of the year in Anchorage. Against July, the average high is 1.3°C (2.3°F) lower, with 39 mm more rain. September is cooler again. By September, typical highs are 12.4°C (54.3°F).
Who August suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — rain interrupts outdoor plans.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
- Hiking: less ideal — trails are cool.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Anchorage in August
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Light Jacket
A light jacket or knit layer is enough for most of the day.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Anchorage in August?
Expect around 16.9°C (62.4°F) in the afternoon and 10.8°C (51.4°F) at night, which most visitors would call cool.
Does it rain a lot in Anchorage in August?
Quite a lot — 128 mm spread over about 17 days.
What should I wear in Anchorage in August?
Based on the averages: rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is August or September better for visiting Anchorage?
August, narrowly: it ranks #4 of 12 among Anchorage's months, against #5 for the other. September is cooler and has more rainy days.