What March feels like in Anchorage
For Anchorage, March is early spring on the calendar. Even the warmest hour of the day stays near freezing. There is little difference between day and night: nights drop well below freezing, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Anchorage in March
Expect a mix of dry and wet days, with rain about one day in 3. A rainy day brings about 5.1 mm (0.2 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. The yearly figure is similar, around 6.1 mm per wet day. It is among the three driest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in March
In mid-March, sunrise is at about 8:20 am and sunset at about 7:58 pm (local time) — 11 h 38 min of daylight. The days are stretching out — 2 h 41 min more daylight than mid-February. The sun is out for roughly 68% of those daylight hours, so there are plenty of bright spells.
How March compares to the rest of the year
March is the 5th coolest month of the year in Anchorage. Compared with February, afternoons are 3.4°C (6.1°F) warmer, with 16 mm less rain. April continues the upward trend. By April, typical highs are 5.6°C (42.1°F).
Who March 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.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — warm places to spend the coldest part of the day.
Tips for visiting Anchorage in March
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
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 March?
Afternoons average -0.7°C (30.7°F) and nights about -7.6°C (18.3°F) — freezing by most people's standards. It is the 5th coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Anchorage in March?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 46 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Anchorage in March?
The numbers point to rain protection, warm layers and sunglasses. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is March or April better for visiting Anchorage?
April, narrowly: it ranks #6 of 12 among Anchorage's months, against #8 for the other. April is warmer.