Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Anchorage, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Anchorage
- Important essentials for Anchorage
- Activities for Anchorage
- Anchorage in January: weather and what to pack
- Anchorage in February: weather and what to pack
- Anchorage in March: weather and what to pack
- Anchorage in April: weather and what to pack
- Anchorage in May: weather and what to pack
- Anchorage in June: weather and what to pack
- Anchorage in July: weather and what to pack
- Anchorage in August: weather and what to pack
- Anchorage in September: weather and what to pack
- Anchorage in October: weather and what to pack
- Anchorage in November: weather and what to pack
- Anchorage in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Anchorage, the best time to go is June. See below for details.
Important essentials for Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Anchorage, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly product.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection possible.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may become worn. An unreadable card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should work in most areas, but you should check with your hotel.
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
For families with young children
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Anchorage. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
What to wear/what to pack for Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you go to Anchorage in January, you will notice that it is beyond freezing. Expect it to rain regularly and snow 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Pajamas
-
Lip balm
The best is: this
-
Thermal undergarments
Our favorites:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of our favorites:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Anchorage, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is an excellent choice.
-
Ski accessories
Anchorage has some good ski slopes If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you see the Anchorage Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
February
February in Anchorage can be bitter cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 10s F (10+ below zero C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C). It tends to rain 5-10 days this month. It also snows about a third of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Thermal undergarments
We like:
-
Lip balm
The best choice: here
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Pajamas
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Anchorage, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is important here. This one is a great choice.
-
Ski accessories
Anchorage has some famous ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you see the Anchorage Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
March
March for Anchorage is very cold. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time and snows regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Lip balm
The best choice: this one
-
Thermal undergarments
Our picks:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Pajamas
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Anchorage, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is vital here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Anchorage has some good ski slopes If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you see the Anchorage Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
April
April in Anchorage is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain occasionally. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Sweaters
-
Gloves
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Anchorage, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Anchorage has some famous ski slopes If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you see the Anchorage Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
May
If you visit Anchorage during May, you might find that it is relatively cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally around 50 during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
If you see the Anchorage Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
June
If you vacation in Anchorage during June, you are likely to notice that it is cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
If you see the Anchorage Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
July
In July, Anchorage is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 60s F (high 10s C) and occasionally jump into the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Anchorage, with several of the days of the month having rain. In July, humidity reaches as high as 70%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
If you see the Anchorage Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
August
August in Anchorage is cool and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 50s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
If you see the Anchorage Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
September
If you visit Anchorage during September, you will probably find that it is chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
If you see the Anchorage Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
October
October in Anchorage can be brisk and somewhat rainy. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) to low 40s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Gloves
-
Lip balm
Our choice: here
-
Heavy jacket
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Sweaters
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Anchorage, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
Anchorage has some famous ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you see the Anchorage Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
November
If you go to Anchorage in November, you will notice that it is biting cold and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month and snow 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Thermal undergarments
We suggest:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Lip balm
The best is: this one
-
Pajamas
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Anchorage, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Anchorage has some famous ski areas If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you see the Anchorage Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
December
December in Anchorage can be bitter cold, somewhat snowy and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C). It tends to rain about a third of the time. It also snows regularly. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 80% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of our favorites:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Lip balm
The best is: here
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Pajamas
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Thermal undergarments
Our favorites:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Anchorage, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is important here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Anchorage has some great skiing If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you see the Anchorage Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
Activities for Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Anchorage.
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