What September feels like in Anchorage
September is early autumn in Anchorage. Afternoons feel chilly — fine for exploring on foot if you are dressed for it. Little changes after sunset — nights are cold, only slightly below the daytime level. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Anchorage in September
September is persistently wet here: some rain falls on most days. A rainy day brings about 7.9 mm (0.3 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. That is heavier than Anchorage's usual 6.1 mm per rainy day across the year. September is Anchorage's wettest month of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in September
On 15 September the sun rises at about 7:24 am and sets around 8:26 pm local time, giving 13 h 3 min of daylight. Evenings are drawing in — 2 h 55 min less daylight than mid-August. The sun is out for roughly 52% of those daylight hours, so sun and cloud share the day.
How September compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, September comes out as the 4th warmest month in Anchorage. Against August, the average high is 4.5°C (8.1°F) lower, with 15 mm more rain. The cooling trend carries on into October. October averages a high of 5.4°C (41.7°F).
Who September suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- 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 — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Anchorage in September
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Light Jacket
Cool days — a light jacket or sweater for walking around.
Quick questions
How warm is Anchorage in September?
Afternoons average 12.4°C (54.3°F) and nights about 6.7°C (44.1°F) — chilly by most people's standards. It is the 4th warmest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Anchorage in September?
Quite a lot — 142 mm spread over about 18 days.
What should I wear in Anchorage in September?
Pack rain protection and a light jacket. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is September or October better for visiting Anchorage?
September, narrowly: it ranks #5 of 12 among Anchorage's months, against #7 for the other. October is cooler and has fewer rainy days.