Anchorage in September

In September, Anchorage averages 13°C (55°F) during the day and 6°C (44°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 21 days of the month see precipitation (127 mm total).

Off-peak

Conditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

It's peak hurricane season in Anchorage during September. Travel is possible but expect storm risk, possible flight disruption, and generally lower travel insurance coverage.

13°C
Avg high
6°C
Avg low
21
Rain days
127 mm
Rainfall

How September compares to the rest of the year in Anchorage

5th
warmest month of the 12
2nd
wettest month of the 12
14%
of yearly rainfall falls in September
12 h 57 min
daylight on the 15th

September is in the middle of the year for warmth in Anchorage (5th of 12) and one of the wettest months (2nd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 6°C above the annual average (7°C). September runs 5°C cooler than August (18°C) and cools 7°C in October (6°C).

September sunrise & sunset in Anchorage

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
7:26 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
8:23 PM
Day length
12 h 57 min

Times shown for Anchorage local time (America/Anchorage), calculated for the 15th of September. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Anchorage — September

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of September, in Anchorage's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
6:26 AM – 7:06 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
7:06 AM – 8:06 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
7:43 PM – 8:43 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
8:43 PM – 9:23 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Poor
Core barely rises (or hasn't yet returned for the season). Consider a different month.
Aurora visibility
Good
Anchorage is auroral-friendly this month; check 3-day Kp forecasts and head somewhere dark when activity spikes.

📅 When to book — Anchorage in September

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on September's tier (Off-peak) and Anchorage's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
3-6 weeks
Cheapest flights of the year. Last-minute deals are real if you can be flexible. ⚠ Peak hazard season — book flexible-change tickets and travel insurance with weather-disruption coverage.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-4 weeks
Last-minute bookings work fine. Some seasonal properties close — call ahead if it's a small boutique or beach resort.

Crowds & pricing — September in Anchorage

Off-peak

This is off-peak for Anchorage — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.

Why this tier: peak hazard season (1 active)

Sun & mosquito risk — September in Anchorage

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
5.5
Moderate
Use SPF 15-30 for prolonged outdoor exposure; sunglasses recommended at peak hours.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●○○○
Low
Mosquitoes present but manageable. Pack repellent (DEET 10-20%) for evenings near water.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Anchorage in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January -5°C / 23°F -10°C / 14°F 58 mm 18
February -4°C / 25°F -9°C / 15°F 59 mm 17
March 1°C / 33°F -7°C / 19°F 41 mm 14
April 7°C / 45°F -2°C / 29°F 34 mm 15
May 14°C / 57°F 5°C / 41°F 46 mm 18
June 18°C / 65°F 10°C / 50°F 51 mm 18
July 20°C / 67°F 12°C / 54°F 96 mm 19
August 18°C / 64°F 11°C / 52°F 118 mm 21
September 13°C / 55°F 6°C / 44°F 127 mm 21
October 6°C / 42°F 0°C / 33°F 91 mm 18
November -2°C / 28°F -7°C / 20°F 78 mm 19
December -4°C / 24°F -9°C / 15°F 80 mm 19

Other cities with similar September weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Anchorage in September →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Anchorage in September?

In September, Anchorage averages a high of 13°C (55°F) and a low of 6°C (44°F) — generally cool.

Does it rain a lot in Anchorage in September?

September is quite rainy in Anchorage, with about 21 rainy days on average.

Is September a good time to visit Anchorage?

September is cool but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Anchorage in September?

Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full September packing list for Anchorage for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Anchorage on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.