Categories: Adventure & Sports; Travel & Events

In Summer or In Winter: Visiting Anchorage In Any Season

By leigh
updated about 1 month ago

We think of Alaska as a land of ice and snow, and that is very true - for some of the year. As a child, I had grandparents who lived in Anchorage, so I've gotten the pleasure of seeing it both in the middle of winter and during the summer, which is not as cold as you'd think.

Weather Conditions

During the winter, it does tend to be very cold, and snow tends to accumulate over time as a result. In January, the average temperature is just 35.9 degrees Fahrenheit and there are 10.7 inches of snowfall in the month.
The strangest thing about Anchorage in winter is, however, the short days. During the deepest part of winter, the sun is only visible for a few hours, and even then it drifts close to the horizon.

Chugach State Park

Chugach State Park, Anchorage, AK 99516

Covering nearly 500,000 acres of Alaska's untouched wilderness, Chugach State Park is filled with outdoor recreationa...

Covering nearly 500,000 acres of Alaska's untouched wilderness, Chugach State Park is filled with outdoor recreational possibilities. From wildlife viewing year-round to summertime hiking or winter cross-country skiing, visitors can participate in virtually any outdoor activity they can think of. Three campgrounds, Eklutna Lake, Eagle River and Bird Creek offer overnight camping possibilities and the Eagle River Nature Center provides in-depth information about the park and its native inhabitants. Located just east of Anchorage, the massive park can be accessed from many points.

Alaska Heritage Museum at Wells Fargo

301 W Northern Lights, Anchorage, AK 99503

A private collection funded by the bank, the Alaska Heritage Museum at Wells Fargo contains over 1,000 artifacts, tex...

A private collection funded by the bank, the Alaska Heritage Museum at Wells Fargo contains over 1,000 artifacts, textiles and carved ivory pieces created by indigenous tribes. The collection also takes a look at more recent life in Alaska, displaying the paintings of various Alaskan artists and different items used in lieu of paper money over past decades. Set just a few miles outside of downtown, the museum is near the popular Alaska Museum of Natural History and the Mall at Sears.

Imaginarium

737 W 5th Ave, #G, Anchorage, AK 99501

Alaska’s only interactive science center, the Imaginarium resembles a living laboratory, filled with living creatures...

Alaska’s only interactive science center, the Imaginarium resembles a living laboratory, filled with living creatures, reproduced dinosaur fossils and hands-on scientific experiments. Geared toward the younger crowd, visitors can stand inside a bubble, examine ocean life, see exotic reptiles and learn physics with toys. The discovery center is located in downtown Anchorage across from the Westmark Hotel.

Day Trip: Seward

Take a trip down to Seward and experience the natural beauty of the southern Alaskan coast.

Resurrection Bay Tour
On the 3-hour Resurrection Bay Tour by Kenai Fjords Tour, I got the chance to see all kinds of marine life, including a baby whale leaping and splashing around with its mother (at 12 years old that was the coolest thing ever). The company offers many other tours, including a 6-hour tour of Kenai Fjords National Park.

Exit Glacier
If boats aren’t your thing, check out the Exit
Glacier at Kenai Fjords National Park. The stunning glacier is highly accessible and has great gentle hiking paths where visitors can see miles of untouched Alaskan landscape.

Alaska Native Heritage Center

8800 Heritage Center Dr, Anchorage, AK 99504

The histories, cultures and traditions of the 11 major native Alaskan groups are explored at the Alaska Native Herita...

The histories, cultures and traditions of the 11 major native Alaskan groups are explored at the Alaska Native Heritage Center, using both antique items and recreated settings. Inside the center, the fantastic Hall of Cultures offers an in-depth look into disinct aspects of five distinct cultures such as the usage of moose by the Athabascan peoples or the connection between dancing and healing for the Yup'ik and Cup'ik tribes. Outdoors, six distinct Native American dwellings display the different building styles and functions of different groups, with recreated artifacts and tools as well as informative guides. The museum is just past Centennial Park on the far northeastern reaches of the city.

Alaska Zoo

4731 O Malley Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507

The Alaska Zoo cares for more than 100 animals on its 25 acres, including both native and exotic animals. Despite its...

The Alaska Zoo cares for more than 100 animals on its 25 acres, including both native and exotic animals. Despite its northerly latitude, the zoo displays traditionally tropical-climate animals including tigers and leopards as well as Arctic creatures like harbor seals and bears. Located on 25 acres about 20 minutes by car south of downtown Anchorage, the zoo is beside the Anchorage Golf Course.

Alaska Botanical Garden

4601 Campbell Airstrip Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507

Featuring more than 150 indigenous plant species and nearly ten times as many plants that can survive in southern Ala...

Featuring more than 150 indigenous plant species and nearly ten times as many plants that can survive in southern Alaska's climate, the Alaska Botanical Garden is an excellent place for exploring the state's unique natural beauty. In addition to cultivated garden areas, The Lowenfels Family Nature Trail makes a 1.1-mile loop through untouched Alaskan forest land, passing a creek and habitats where many wild animals make their homes. Housed within a 110-acre spruce and birch woodland, the garden borders the Far North Bicentennial Park, which is set just southeast of Anchrage.

Flattop Mountain Trail

13229 Glen Alps Rd, Anchorage, AK 99516

Set at the very edge of Chugach State Park, the Flattop Mountain Trail is one of the most popular day hike trails in ...

Set at the very edge of Chugach State Park, the Flattop Mountain Trail is one of the most popular day hike trails in the region, though its difficulty does not make it friendly towards small children. Running three miles round trip, the trail leads to the top of Blueberry Hill, reaching over 3,500 feet above sea level; the view from the top is incredibly scenic, and on clear days it is possible to see Mount McKinley. Located about 14 miles by car southeast of downtown, the trail connects to further pathways to other nearby peaks.