Last updated: February 24, 2025
March weather in Anchorage, United States is a dynamic transition from the grips of winter to the early hints of spring. With maximum temperatures reaching 8°C (46°F) and an average of -3°C (27°F), residents experience a varied climate where chilly mornings can drop to a brisk minimum of -17°C (2°F). The month features 44 mm (1.7 in) of precipitation over 9 days, contributing to a humidity level of 90%, often creating a damp atmosphere. This combination of cool temperatures and frequent precipitation encapsulates the essence of March in Anchorage, hinting at the warmer days ahead while still holding onto the remnants of winter.
In March, Anchorage begins to feel the first whispers of spring, with temperatures gradually rising from the depths of winter. The month starts off with a minimum of -17°C (2°F), an improvement compared to the colder months of January and February. The average temperature hovers around -3°C (27°F), providing a refreshing shift as the days lengthen and the sun shines a bit brighter. By the end of the month, highs can reach a pleasant 8°C (46°F), signaling the thaw that leads into milder April conditions. This upward trend in temperatures not only lifts spirits but also begins to melt the snow, making way for the vibrant life that Alaska is renowned for in the warmer months.
In March, Anchorage experiences a notable decline in precipitation, with 44 mm (1.7 inches) recorded over 9 days. This reduction follows a consistent trend from the preceding months, as January and February each saw 52 mm, while April continues the downward trajectory with only 35 mm expected. This shift hints at the gradual transition from winter to spring, as the weather begins to warm and the snowpack starts to melt. Despite the decrease, March still retains a healthy level of moisture, which plays a crucial role in nourishing the landscape as it prepares for the upcoming months of growth and renewal.
In March, Anchorage experiences a noticeable shift in humidity, with levels dropping to 90% after two months of consistent 95% in January and February. This decrease signals the transition into spring, giving a slight reprieve from the winter chill, yet the air remains quite moist. As the month progresses into April, humidity continues to decline further to 82%, indicating a trend towards drier conditions as the region shakes off the heavy frost of winter. The fluctuations in humidity throughout the year demonstrate a striking pattern, particularly with summer months like July and August soaring to near saturation levels of 100% and 99%, respectively. This cyclical behavior highlights the unique climate of Anchorage, where high humidity persists for much of the year, yet allows for some refreshing breaks as the seasons change.
As March arrives in Anchorage, the UV Index sees a notable increase, jumping to 3, indicating a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. This shift signals a transition from the winter months, where January and February maintained a low UV Index of 1. With the burn time shortening to 30 minutes, it's essential for residents and visitors alike to be more mindful of sun safety. The trend continues into April and May, with the UV Index reaching 4 and 5, respectively, underscoring the importance of adjusting sun protection habits as the sunny days increase. For more details on the UV Index throughout the year, visit Anchorage UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
As March arrives in Anchorage, the city's sunlight begins to blossom, experiencing a substantial increase of 85 hours compared to February, totaling 207 hours of sunshine. This uplifting trend marks a clear transition into spring as the days grow longer and brighter, paving the way for even more sunlight in April with 264 hours forecasted. The steady rise in daylight hours from the winter months, with January at a mere 56 hours, showcases nature's awakening and the promise of warmer days ahead. Residents can look forward to basking in the invigorating sunlight as it not only heralds the end of winter but also invites outdoor activities and a renewed sense of vitality.
As winter in Anchorage begins to fade, March unveils a promising leap in sunshine, with the likelihood of sunny days rising to 39%. This increase signals a transition toward brighter months, outperforming the earlier winter months of January and February, which see chances of sun at just 25% and 33%, respectively. April follows suit with an even more optimistic 50%, indicating a trend where spring rapidly brings more daylight and warmth. Despite this friendly uptick, the following months, particularly summer, see a dip in sunshine as cloudy skies take over, highlighting how unpredictable Anchorage weather can be. Thus, March stands out as a key month for those craving glimpses of sun after a long Alaskan winter.
As March unfolds in Anchorage, the return of longer days marks a delightful transition toward spring. Boasting 11 hours of daylight, this month signals a noticeable increase from the mere 6 hours in January. The gradual lengthening of daylight becomes evident as winter recedes, with February's 9 hours serving as a stepping stone. This progression paves the way for April's further increase to 14 hours, highlighting the captivating shift from the enduring darkness of winter to the vibrant energy of spring. As the days grow longer, residents and visitors alike can savor the newfound sunlight, igniting a sense of optimism and adventure as nature begins to awaken.
March in Anchorage heralds a subtle shift in the wind, with average speeds dipping slightly to 2.3 m/s (5 mph), making it one of the calmer months of the year. This gentle breeze contrasts with the brisk winds of January, which reach 3.0 m/s (7 mph), and February’s 2.7 m/s (6 mph), hinting at the slow retreat of winter's grasp. As spring approaches, the wind continues to soften before picking up again in April at 2.5 m/s (6 mph). This pattern underscores a trend of decreasing wind speeds through the early months of the year, followed by a gradual increase as the seasons change, reflecting the dynamic yet tranquil nature of Anchorage's climatic transitions.
The weather in Anchorage changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of March's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Anchorage and find detailed weather information for every month.
Comparing the weather in March to January, we can see some notable differences. March experiences milder temperatures, with an average of -3°C (27°F) compared to January's colder average of -7°C (19°F). The minimum temperature in March is also less severe at -17°C (2°F), while January can plummet to -25°C (-12°F). Precipitation is slightly lower in March, totaling 44 mm (1.7 in) over about 9 days, compared to January's 52 mm (2.1 in) over 10 days. Humidity levels remain high in both months, with January being marginally more humid at 95% versus March's 90%. For a more detailed look at January weather, visit Anchorage weather in January.
In comparing the weather of March and February, we see a slight warming trend as March experiences a minimum temperature of -17°C (2°F) and an average of -3°C (27°F), whereas February's temperatures dip slightly lower with a minimum of -18°C (0°F) and an average of -5°C (23°F). March also shows a maximum temperature of 8°C (46°F), which is an improvement over February's 5°C (42°F). However, February has slightly heavier precipitation at 52 mm (2.0 in) over 10 days compared to March's 44 mm (1.7 in) over 9 days. Humidity levels remain high in both months, with February at 95% and March at 90%. For more detailed insights on February's weather, you can visit Anchorage weather in February.
March tends to be colder than April, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -17°C (2°F) to a maximum of 8°C (46°F), while April sees milder conditions with temperatures varying from -14°C (7°F) to a maximum of 13°C (56°F). Precipitation is slightly lower in April, totaling 35 mm (1.4 in) over 8 days, compared to March's 44 mm (1.7 in) over 9 days. Additionally, the humidity levels in April drop to 82%, down from March's 90%, contributing to a more comfortable feel as spring approaches. For more specific details about April weather in Anchorage, visit Anchorage weather in April.
March and May in Anchorage present a stark contrast in weather conditions. In March, temperatures dip as low as -17°C (2°F), averaging around -3°C (27°F), and peaking at just 8°C (46°F). The month is characterized by relatively high humidity at 90% and 44 mm (1.7 in) of precipitation over 9 days. In contrast, May sees a significant warming trend, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -1°C (31°F) to an average of 8°C (48°F) and a maximum of 19°C (67°F). Despite slightly higher precipitation at 52 mm (2.1 in) spread over 11 days, humidity decreases to 85%. For more details, check Anchorage weather in May.
In March, temperatures in Anchorage can be quite frigid, with minimums dipping as low as -17°C (2°F) and an average around -3°C (27°F). The month experiences about 44 mm (1.7 in) of precipitation over nine days, accompanied by high humidity levels of around 90%. In contrast, June brings significantly warmer weather, with minimum temperatures around 6°C (43°F) and an average of 13°C (56°F), reaching a pleasant maximum of 25°C (78°F). Although June sees slightly higher precipitation at 48 mm (1.9 in) over twelve days, the humidity remains high at 95%. For a more detailed look at what to expect during this month, check out Anchorage weather in June.
March and July present striking contrasts in weather for Anchorage. In March, temperatures are quite frigid, with a minimum of -17°C (2°F) and an average around -3°C (27°F), while July enjoys milder conditions, with a comfortable average of 16°C (61°F) and a maximum reaching 27°C (81°F). Precipitation also differs, with March receiving 44 mm (1.7 in) over 9 days compared to July's higher total of 73 mm (2.9 in) across 12 days, reflecting the burgeoning summer weather. Moreover, humidity peaks at 90% in March, while July's humidity soars to a full 100%. For a more detailed look at July weather, check Anchorage weather in July.
March and August present contrasting weather patterns. In March, temperatures range from a frigid -17°C (2°F) at night to a maximum of 8°C (46°F) during the day, with an average temperature hovering around -3°C (27°F). The month experiences about 44 mm (1.7 in) of precipitation over 9 days, coupled with high humidity averaging 90%. In stark contrast, August sees much milder temperatures, with nightly lows of 7°C (44°F) and highs reaching 23°C (74°F), leading to an average of 15°C (59°F). Precipitation increases to 112 mm (4.4 in) over 15 days, and humidity rises even higher to a notable 99%. For more detailed information, you can check Anchorage weather in August.
March and September showcase contrasting weather patterns in Anchorage. March is characterized by colder temperatures, with a minimum of -17°C (2°F) and an average of -3°C (27°F), while September enjoys milder temperatures ranging from a minimum of -1°C (31°F) to an average of 11°C (52°F). Precipitation in March is lower at 44 mm (1.7 in) over approximately 9 days, compared to September, which receives significantly more rainfall at 109 mm (4.3 in) across 17 days. Additionally, September experiences higher humidity levels at 97%, compared to March's 90%. For a deeper dive into the specifics of September weather, visit Anchorage weather in September.
March and October in Anchorage both exhibit chilly temperatures, but they differ significantly in overall conditions. In March, the average temperature hovers around -3°C (27°F), with a minimum of -17°C (2°F) and a maximum of 8°C (46°F). Precipitation during this month totals 44 mm (1.7 in) over about 9 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 90%. Conversely, October presents a milder average temperature of 5°C (41°F), peaking at 14°C (57°F) and dipping to a minimum of -7°C (20°F). However, it also experiences much higher precipitation, totaling 129 mm (5.1 in) across 17 days, and slightly increased humidity at 93%. For a deeper dive into October's conditions, you can explore Anchorage weather in October.
In comparing March and November weather, both months exhibit similar average temperatures, hovering around -3°C (27°F), but November tends to be colder at night with minimum temperatures reaching -20°C (-4°F) compared to March's low of -17°C (2°F). Precipitation levels are notably higher in November, with 87 mm (3.4 in) falling over 12 days, while March sees only 44 mm (1.7 in) across 9 days. Additionally, November has a higher humidity level at 97%, making the air feel more damp and frigid than the 90% humidity of March. For more detailed insights on November weather, check this link: Anchorage weather in November.
In March, temperatures in Anchorage typically range from a minimum of -17°C (2°F) to a maximum of 8°C (46°F), with an average temperature of -3°C (27°F). The month experiences around 44 mm (1.7 in) of precipitation spread over 9 days, accompanied by a relatively high humidity of 90%. In contrast, December is colder, with temperatures dipping as low as -21°C (-6°F) and reaching a maximum of 7°C (44°F), averaging at -4°C (25°F). December is wetter, with total precipitation of 99 mm (3.9 in) falling over 16 days and humidity peaking at 98%. For more detailed information, you can check Anchorage weather in December.
As winter begins to wane, March in Anchorage presents a distinct transition in weather patterns. The chill lingers with average temperatures hovering around -3°C, but the days gradually lengthen and warmth returns, with peaks reaching up to 8°C. Unlike the deeper winter months, March also marks a more noticeable uptick in precipitation, occurring on about nine days throughout the month—resulting in a soggy ambiance combined with a high humidity of 90%. This month serves as a reminder that while winter's grasp is loosening, the allure of spring is just around the corner. For a deeper dive into Anchorage's climatic nuances, be sure to explore Anchorage Climate.