Late summer · Weather & things to do
Anchorage in August
Anchorage edges cooler than July, with highs of 63°F (17°C), lows of 53°F (11°C) and about 4.3 in (110 mm) of rain.
At 73/100 for comfort (3rd of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 63°F (17°C)
- Avg low
- 53°F (11°C)
- Rain
- 4.3 in (110 mm)
- Humidity
- 82%
- Cloud cover
- 79%
- Daylight
- ~15 h 32 min
- Comfort score
- 73/100 · Good
What August feels like
Highs near 63°F (17°C) make for comfortable sightseeing weather.
Lows average 53°F (11°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 4.3 in (110 mm).
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 79%.
Long days help: there are roughly 15 h 32 min of daylight mid-month.
Plan around August
August is one of Anchorage's best months on the climate data.
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (August – October), which brings about 12.4 in (315 mm) in total.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by September, the score drops to 59/100.
- Comfort slips from 77/100 in July to 73/100.
- August sits inside the Jun – Aug window our Alaska Glacier Route recommends.
- Our Fairbanks, Talkeetna & Anchorage route recommends Dec – Mar, so August falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for August
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 53°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 4.3 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Anchorage in August
August is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Flattop Mountain Trail
Anchorage's most climbed peak, 3 miles round trip from Glen Alps with a scramble at the top.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best long summer evening.
Lake Hood Seaplane Base
One of the world's busiest seaplane bases; in winter the lake freezes and many planes switch to skis.
Why now August scores 73/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Rust's Flying Service
Floatplane flightseeing from Lake Hood, the world's busiest seaplane base, including Denali flights.
Why now Highs near 63°F and 4.3 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
49th State Brewing
Downtown brewpub with a rooftop deck facing Cook Inlet and Sleeping Lady.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Alaska Native Heritage Center
Dances, storytelling and village sites representing Alaska's major Native cultures.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best summer afternoon.
Kincaid Park
Large park at the end of the Coastal Trail with miles of groomed and lit cross-country ski trails and frequent moose.
Nearby in August
- Talkeetna in August~77 mi · highs 64°F, 6.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Seward in August~79 mi · highs 58°F, 8.5 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Homer in August~123 mi · highs 60°F, 5.6 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Fairbanks in August~260 mi · highs 64°F, 3.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~296 m to Anchorage's ~32 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Anchorage in August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Anchorage?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 73/100. Expect highs of 63°F (17°C) and 4.3 in (110 mm) of rain. August is inside the Jun – Aug window our Alaska Glacier Route recommends.
How cold is Anchorage in August?
Average highs are 63°F (17°C) and average lows 53°F (11°C), making it the 2nd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Anchorage in August?
Some: about 4.3 in (110 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 32.3 in (820 mm).
What should I pack for Anchorage in August?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 53°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 4.3 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Anchorage
Routes in season in August
- Alaska Glacier Route Jun – Aug
Planning Anchorage in August?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.