Anchorage (AK) Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America. These values are calculated using 30 years of data (1990–2020) to ensure accuracy. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.

Generally, Anchorage receives mid-range precipitation levels, with 900 mm (35 in) annually.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))

The seasons in Anchorage, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, September, receives high rainfall, with an average of 131 mm (5.2 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 14 rainy days.

In contrast, the driest month, May, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 39 mm (1.5 in) over 8 rainy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year.

September, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 13°C (55°F). The city receives 160 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month May you can expect a temperature of 12°C (54°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Anchorage Temperature page.

Anchorage's average annual precipitation is 900 mm (35 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

In Toronto, Canada, annual precipitation averages 964 mm (38 in), with snowy winters and rainy summers.

Osaka, Japan, experiences 1507 mm (59 in) of rainfall annually, spread across the year with wetter summers.

In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual precipitation is 1528 mm (60 in), with significant summer rains due to typhoon season.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, receives 2529 mm (100 in) of annual rainfall, characteristic of its equatorial tropical rainforest climate, with consistent rainfall throughout the year and peak months during March and November.

Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.

Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.

Rainy Seasons: Many parts of the world have well-defined wet seasons where precipitation is distinctly higher. These are normally accompanied by lush vegetation and temperature patterns.

Dry Seasons: In areas where the climate is either desert or Mediterranean, the amount of precipitation is drastically reduced, leading to a shortage of water and arid conditions.

• Mawsynram in India is noted as being the wettest place on earth, with over 11 meters (36 feet) of rain falling every year.
• In contrast, Antofagasta in Chile is among the driest places on the planet, getting less than 0.1mm (0.004 inches) per year, with some years recording virtually no rainfall.
• Nearly 1,650 thunderstorm cells are estimated over the planet at any given time.

For more detailed information about Anchorage (AK)'s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Anchorage (AK) Climate page.