What November feels like in Anchorage
November is late autumn in Anchorage. Afternoons stay around freezing — the sort of cold that makes long outdoor stretches hard work. Little changes after sunset — nights drop well below freezing, only slightly below the daytime level. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Anchorage in November
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 3. A rainy day brings about 6.2 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.
Daylight and sunshine in November
On 15 November the sun rises at about 9:04 am and sets around 4:25 pm local time, giving 7 h 22 min of daylight. Evenings are drawing in — 2 h 51 min less daylight than mid-October. About 45% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, sun and cloud share the day.
How November compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, November comes out as the 4th coolest month in Anchorage. Against October, the average high is 8.4°C (15.1°F) lower, with 28 mm less rain. December is cooler again. December averages a high of -5.3°C (22.5°F).
Who November 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 November
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Warm Layers
A warm jacket, a hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings.
Quick questions
How warm is Anchorage in November?
Expect around -3°C (26.6°F) in the afternoon and -7.6°C (18.3°F) at night, which most visitors would call freezing.
Does it rain a lot in Anchorage in November?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 74 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Anchorage in November?
The numbers point to rain protection and warm layers. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is November or December better for visiting Anchorage?
On our 12-month climate ranking, November comes out ahead (#10 of 12 vs #12). December is cooler and has more rainy days.