Visiting Alaska in winter might sound like a chilly endeavor, but those who make the trip soon realize what we locals have always known — Alaska is truly special during the colder months. A thick blanket of snow covers the rugged landscape, glittering in low sunlight. At times, the Northern Lights dance overhead, there are countless outdoor activities to enjoy, and roaring fires and hot drinks are ready to welcome you back inside again.
If you haven’t considered visiting Alaska during the winter, think of this blog as your invitation! And if a winter vacation in Alaska has been on your bucket list for a while now, well, this is your invitation too! At Alaskan Sights & Bites, we specialize in showcasing the best of Anchorage and its surroundings year-round. As the leading provider of guided Anchorage day tours, we’re perfectly placed to provide local tips and insights to help you make the most of your winter journey to Alaska.
Scroll down to get started! And please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.
When is Winter in Alaska?
Alaska’s winter season is far from uniform and, of course, in a state so large, there are regional differences to account for. However, understanding the phases of our winters can help you plan the perfect trip.
Broadly speaking, winters here break down into the following stages:
- Early Winter (October to early November): Anchorage transitions from our famously short falls, with their vibrant colors, to a blanket of white. This is when temperatures start dropping, and snow makes its first appearance. Wet ground stiffens in the freezing temperatures, making outdoor activities like hiking easier.
- Solstice Season (First big snowfall to the New Year): By late November or early December, we usually have the first big snow dump of the year, turning the landscape into a winter wonderland. Anchorage celebrates the holiday season with festive lights and events. The days become shorter, the low sun feels weaker, and people start to hunker down.
- High Winter (January to February): These are the coldest months, with temperatures often dipping below freezing. This is prime time for clear bright skies in the day and Northern Lights viewing at night. But the days eventually grow longer and anticipation for spring starts to grow as iconic events take place — but more on them later!
- Springtime Winter (March to April): Days become noticeably longer and temperatures gradually rise. In Anchorage, you can still enjoy winter activities like skiing and snowshoeing before the snow begins to melt, but this is very much the last hurrah of the colder season before spring truly begins.
No matter when you visit during these months, you’ll find unique seasonal charm. Our blog What is the Best Season to Visit Alaska? takes a more detailed look at finding the ideal time of year for your vacation. It’s filled with more local insights to help in your vacation planning.
What is Alaska Like in Winter?
Alaska’s immense size means its winter conditions vary dramatically depending on where you are. In Anchorage, you’ll experience a more temperate winter compared to interior regions like Fairbanks. Snow is abundant, transforming the city into a postcard-perfect scene. Anchorage benefits from proximity to the ocean, which moderates its climate compared to inland areas.
While interior Alaska sees extreme cold and dry conditions, Anchorage enjoys a milder version of the season, making it a comfortable base for exploration. Expect snow-covered peaks, frosty trees, and magical sunrises and sunsets that paint the sky in pastel hues.
As a starting point, here are some essential numbers for Southcentral Alaska, the region that Anchorage is in:
Temperature Averages
- November: Average highs around 27°F (-3°C); lows near 15°F (-9°C)
- December: Highs average 22°F (-6°C); lows about 11°F (-12°C)
- January: Highs around 23°F (-5°C); lows near 11°F (-12°C)
- February: Highs average 27°F (-3°C); lows about 13°F (-11°C)
- March: Highs around 34°F (1°C); lows near 19°F (-7°C)
- April: Highs average 45°F (7°C); lows about 30°F (-1°C)
Daylight Hours
- November: Starts with about 8 hours of daylight, decreasing to approximately 5.5 hours by month’s end
- December: Daylight reduces to around 5 hours in early December, reaching its minimum around the winter solstice
- January: Daylight begins to increase, starting at approximately 5.5 hours and reaching about 7.5 hours by month’s end
- February: Daylight continues to grow, from around 8 hours to nearly 10 hours
- March: Experiences a significant increase, starting at about 11 hours and reaching approximately 13 hours by month’s end
- April: Daylight extends from around 14 hours to nearly 16 hours as the month progresses
Precipitation Days
- November: Approximately 11 days with precipitation
- December: Around 11 days
- January: About 10 days
- February: Roughly 9 days
- March: Approximately 9 days
- April: Around 8 days
Clear Days
- November: Approximately 4 clear days
- December: Around 3 clear days
- January: About 3 clear days
- February: Roughly 4 clear days
- March: Approximately 5 clear days
- April: Around 6 clear days
Best Things to Do in Anchorage in Winter
Anchorage shines in the winter months with activities that cater to all kinds of adventurers. Whether you’re looking for outdoor thrills or cultural highlights, there’s no shortage of options.
Fur Rendezvous (Fur Rondy)
Anchorage’s Fur Rondy festival, held in late February, is a 12-day celebration of all things Alaskan. From outhouse races to the Running of the Reindeer, this quirky event is a highlight of the winter season and has been since its humble beginnings in 1935.
The concept behind the establishment of Fur Rondy was and still is simple: it’s designed to lift the spirits of locals in the back end of a long, hard winter. That’s why the original three-day festival coincided with the arrival of trappers and miners in Anchorage, all of whom were loaded with the fruits of their hard labor and ready for a party.
Things have changed over the years, and today Fur Rondy is a much longer extravaganza of madcap, fun-filled events! Read our Guide to Fur Rondy and the Iditarod in Anchorage, Alaska to discover more about this iconic event — and the one below!
Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
The first Saturday of March marks the start of the iconic Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Anchorage hosts the ceremonial start of this epic odyssey, where you can cheer on mushers and their incredible dog teams as they begin their epic journey to Nome. Like the Fur Rondy, the Iditarod is a fun and fascinating festival that offers a true slice of Anchorage tradition.
This legendary 1,000-mile westward journey from Anchorage commemorates the serum run to Nome, also known as the Great Race of Mercy, which took place in 1925. During this grueling journey over challenging terrain, dog teams ran lifesaving diphtheria antitoxin to the remote town of Nome in western Alaska.
Today, the Iditarod remains more than a race. It’s a testament to the unbreakable bond between mushers and their dogs, as well as a celebration of Alaska’s spirit and wilderness.
Northern Lights Viewing
Winter in Anchorage offers excellent opportunities to witness the Aurora Borealis. Clear, cold nights provide optimal conditions. Popular viewing spots near Anchorage include Eklutna Lake and Flattop Mountain Trailhead. For a guided experience, consider a Northern Lights tour that combines expert knowledge with access to prime locations.
If viewing this celestial show is an absolute priority on your trip, we think you’ll love our blog The Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Alaska.
Fat Tire Biking
Anchorage’s expansive trail system transforms into a haven for fat tire biking enthusiasts. Kincaid Park and Far North Bicentennial Park are top spots to try this uniquely Alaskan activity. In fact, fat tire bikes were invented in Alaska by an Alaskan, so there’s no better place to try this thrilling activity! Rent a bike from a local shop and explore snowy landscapes in a fun and exhilarating way.
Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing
For a slower-paced adventure, snowshoeing and cross-country are fantastic ways to immerse yourself in Alaska’s pristine wilderness. Just some of the best locations for both of these adventures within a few minutes of downtown include:
- Chugach State Park
- Campbell Tract
- Kincaid Park
- Hillside Trail System
- Far North Bicentennial Park
- Powerline Pass at Glen Alps
Ice Skating
Embrace the winter spirit by gliding across an ice rink. The Westchester Lagoon in Anchorage is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. When the lagoon freezes over, it becomes a picturesque setting for outdoor skating. At the most popular times, you can expect hundreds of people to gather here for an afternoon of outdoor fun on the smooth winding paths. And when you start to feel the chill, there are burn barrels to warm up by!
The most popular skating event at the lagoon is the family skate. It takes place between 1 pm and 3 pm on Saturdays in January and February, although the final schedule is dependent on ice conditions. There’s free hot chocolate and you don’t have to pay to attend!
The Anchorage Parks Department consistently monitors the thickness of the ice at skating locations and authorizes hop mopping and maintenance in skating zones. The department also provides ice maintenance updates to keep locals and visitors informed.
Anchorage City Tour
Anchorage’s charm isn’t just in its natural beauty. Join our Anchorage City Tour to learn about our city’s rich history, vibrant food scene, diverse cultural influences, and more. Running year-round, there’s no better way to acquaint yourself with Anchorage when you’re new in town!
Matanuska Glacier Tour from Anchorage
Just two hours from Anchorage, the Matanuska Glacier is a must-visit during the winter. Our guided Matanuska Glacier Tour allows you to explore this massive ice giant safely while learning about its fascinating geology. Our excursion also includes a hearty lunch and hot drinks at a lodge near the glacier, offering stunning views of the imposing ice.
Snowmobile Tours
For adrenaline seekers, snowmobiling (or snowmachining, as the locals call it) is a thrilling way to explore the winter landscape. Guided tours near Anchorage offer access to stunning backcountry terrain.
Alaska Winter Vacation Packing List
Packing for Alaska in winter requires some planning, but with the right gear, you’ll stay warm and comfortable. There’s no one-size-fits-all list to suit everyone, but the basics below are the perfect starting point.
Clothing Layers
- Base layers made of moisture-wicking material
- Insulating layers like fleece or down
- Waterproof and windproof outer layers
Footwear
- Insulated, waterproof boots with good traction
- Warm socks (wool or synthetic)
Accessories
- Warm gloves or mittens
- A hat that covers your ears
- Scarf or neck gaiter
- Hand and toe warmers for extra comfort
Specialized Gear
- Sunglasses or goggles (to protect against glare from the snow)
- Ice cleats or traction devices for walking on icy surfaces
Essentials
- Daypack for carrying snacks, water, and extra layers
- Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
- Camera to capture the breathtaking scenery
Remember, Anchorage’s winter climate can be unpredictable, so dressing in layers allows you to adapt to changing conditions. As we near the end of this blog, let us point you in the direction of another! Check out 10 Alaska Travel Tips to Enhance Your Adventure for even more local recommendations and advice.
Why Visit Alaska in Winter?
Winter in Alaska is more than just a season; it’s an experience that combines natural beauty, cultural richness, and thrilling activities. Anchorage, with its balance of urban amenities and easy access to outdoor adventures, is the perfect place to start. Whether you’re marveling at the Northern Lights, exploring snow-covered trails, or celebrating local traditions like Fur Rondy, a winter visit to Alaska promises memories you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
At Alaskan Sights & Bites, we’re here to help you plan your perfect winter getaway. Browse our range of guided Anchorage tours to find experiences for the vacation you have in mind; or learn more about our tailor-made private tours in Anchorage for an exclusive excursion designed around you.
Do you have any questions for our team? Please just get in touch for the answers you need. We’re here to help however we can!
