March in Anchorage belongs to the Iditarod. The ceremonial start of the 1,000-mile sled dog race sends over 50 mushers and their teams down 4th Avenue on the first Saturday of the month, and that single weekend draws more out-of-state visitors than the rest of March combined. Daytime highs average around 1°C (34°F), so this is still unambiguously winter, with snowbanks lining every curb and the crunch of packed ice underfoot.
The other story of March is the light. Anchorage gains about 5 minutes of daylight per day, moving from roughly 11 hours at the start to nearly 13 by month's end. After December's 5.5-hour days, that acceleration hits you the moment you step outside. By mid-month, the evening sun catches the Chugach Mountains for close to 2 hours, and locals seem to linger outdoors a little longer each week.
To be fair, outside of Iditarod weekend the city is quiet. Restaurants in Spenard and Downtown tend to keep reduced winter hours. Hotel rates sit well below their June and July peaks. If you're drawn to dog mushing, cross-country skiing, and the possibility of northern lights on clear nights, March has real merit. Most summer tour operators don't begin booking until May.
Why visit in March
- The Iditarod ceremonial start turns Downtown Anchorage into Alaska's biggest spectator event outside summer, with free viewing along the entire route.
- Hotel rates are well below summer peaks, making March one of the most affordable months to visit.
- Daylight increases rapidly through the month, producing noticeably longer and brighter days than the deep winter months of January and February.
- Cross-country skiing conditions at Kincaid Park and in Chugach State Park tend to be at their firmest and fastest of the season.
- Northern lights remain visible on clear early-to-mid March nights before the lengthening twilight narrows the viewing window.
Worth knowing
- Temperatures remain below freezing for the entire month, with overnight lows that demand serious cold-weather gear including insulated boots and wind-blocking layers.
- Most summer tour operators, glacier cruises, and fishing charters don't open until May, leaving fewer guided activity options than peak season.
- Icy sidewalks and roads make walking and driving more hazardous than summer, especially for visitors unfamiliar with Alaskan winter conditions.
- Dining options run on reduced winter hours, with some restaurants in Spenard and Downtown closing by 8pm on weeknights.
Best for
Think twice if
March in Anchorage averages a high of 1.0°C (34°F) and a low of -6.8°C (20°F), with 48mm of precipitation falling mostly as snow across about 9 days. Humidity sits around 75%, though the cold air feels dry on your skin since it holds less absolute moisture. The sun strengthens noticeably through the month. Wind chill regularly drops the felt temperature 5-10°C below the thermometer reading, especially on exposed ridgelines and along the Cook Inlet coastline. Snow covers the ground all month, typically at depths of 30-60 cm (12-24 inches) in the city and significantly more at elevation in the Chugach Mountains.
Seasonal caution
- Nighttime temperatures drop well below freezing throughout March. Exposed skin risks frostbite within 30 minutes at the average overnight low, and wind chill can shorten that window significantly along the Cook Inlet coast.
- Icy roads and sidewalks persist all month. Black ice forms on pavement during the occasional freeze-thaw cycle, especially on sun-exposed surfaces that soften during the day and refreeze at dusk.
- Avalanche risk exists in backcountry areas of the Chugach Mountains. Check the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center forecast before any backcountry skiing or snowshoeing above treeline.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -4 | -10 | 70 |
| Feb | -4 | -9 | 49 |
| Mar | 1 | -7 | 48 |
| Apr | 7 | -3 | 37 |
| May | 14 | 4 | 57 |
| Jun | 18 | 10 | 43 |
| Jul | 19 | 12 | 98 |
| Aug | 18 | 11 | 150 |
| Sep | 12 | 6 | 148 |
| Oct | 5 | 0 | 96 |
| Nov | -3 | -9 | 68 |
| Dec | -6 | -11 | 61 |
Holidays and festivals in March
Public holidays
- Good Friday(Good Friday)26 March 2027
Headline events
Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Ceremonial Start
First Saturday of March
The ceremonial start of the world's most famous long-distance sled dog race sends over 50 mushers and their teams down 4th Avenue in Downtown Anchorage. The atmosphere is festive in a distinctly Alaskan way. You'll hear hundreds of sled dogs howling from their staging areas, smell reindeer sausage grilling at street-side carts, and watch fur-clad mushers calming their teams before the starting chute. The competitive restart takes place in Willow the following day.
Best things to do in March
Watch the Iditarod Ceremonial Start
culturalThousands of spectators line 4th Avenue in Downtown Anchorage to watch 50+ mushers and their dog teams parade through the streets. The 18 km (11 mile) route winds through the city before teams are trucked to the competitive restart. The energy along the route feels closer to a neighborhood block party than a polished sporting event.
The ceremonial start happens once a year, and this weekend is the single biggest event of Anchorage's winter calendar.Booking tipPosition yourself near the starting chute at 4th and D Street by 9am for close views of the teams. No ticket needed.
Cross-country skiing at Kincaid Park
outdoor_sportKincaid Park on Anchorage's western edge has groomed trails maintained by the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage through roughly 600 hectares (1,500 acres) of boreal forest and along coastal bluffs. Both classic and skate skiing lanes are set after each snowfall.
March snow tends to be firmer and faster than midwinter powder, and the longer daylight extends afternoon ski sessions past 5pm.Booking tipRental equipment is available from several outdoor shops in Midtown. No trail pass is required at Kincaid.
Downhill skiing at Alyeska Resort
outdoor_sportAlyeska Resort in Girdwood sits about 60 km (37 miles) south of Downtown and offers over 650 hectares (1,610 acres) of skiable terrain across 76 named runs. The resort's base elevation sits at about 80 meters (250 feet), with lifts reaching 930 meters (3,040 feet).
The snowpack typically peaks in March, and the extra daylight means longer ski days than the midwinter months.Booking tipWeekday lift tickets tend to run cheaper than weekends. The drive from Anchorage takes about 45 minutes on the Seward Highway.
Northern lights viewing
natureThe aurora borealis remains visible from the Anchorage area in early-to-mid March. Drive 30-45 minutes north of the city center, or head to the Glen Alps trailhead in Chugach State Park, to escape the city's light pollution. On a strong display, the green and purple curtains ripple directly overhead.
The spring equinox around March 20 tends to correlate with heightened geomagnetic activity, and early March still has enough post-10pm darkness for strong displays.Booking tipCheck the University of Alaska Fairbanks aurora forecast before heading out. Clear skies are essential, and patience is non-negotiable.
Snowshoeing on Flattop Mountain
hikingFlattop Mountain is the most-climbed peak in Alaska, sitting at 1,070 meters (3,510 feet) within Chugach State Park. The March ascent requires snowshoes and offers panoramic views of Anchorage, Cook Inlet, and the Alaska Range on clear days. The trail gains about 430 meters (1,400 feet) over roughly 2.5 km (1.5 miles).
March snow sits consolidated and firm, making the ascent more stable than soft December powder or the slushy conditions of April breakup.Booking tipArrive at the Glen Alps parking lot before 10am on weekends to guarantee a spot. Snowshoe rentals available in Midtown.
Fat tire biking on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
outdoor_sportThe Tony Knowles Coastal Trail runs along Cook Inlet from Downtown to Kincaid Park. In winter, sections are groomed for fat tire bikes with oversized tires designed for packed snow. The trail passes Westchester Lagoon, Earthquake Park, and Point Woronzof.
The firming March snowpack and longer afternoon light make this the best month for fat tire riding before spring breakup turns the surface to slush in April.Booking tipSeveral shops in Midtown and Downtown rent fat tire bikes by the half-day. Weekday mornings have the emptiest trails.
Dog mushing tour
adventureSeveral operators near Anchorage offer guided sled dog experiences through the Chugach Mountains or the Mat-Su Valley north of the city. Tours typically last 1-2 hours and let you ride in the sled or handle your own small team. The dogs' excitement is infectious. They scream to run before the brake releases, and the silence of the trail afterward is striking.
Mushers and their dogs are at peak fitness around the Iditarod, and the longer daylight allows afternoon departure times that midwinter does not.Booking tipBook at least 1 week ahead, and 2-3 weeks out if visiting during the first weekend. Tours typically run 2-4 times daily.
Visit the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center
culturalThree floors of Alaska Native art, Arctic science exhibits, and Alaska history. The Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center on the ground floor houses over 600 Alaska Native artifacts. You could spend a full afternoon here without seeing everything.
March cold makes indoor cultural days more practical, and winter crowds are thin enough that you can take your time with the exhibits without the summer rush.Booking tipCheck the museum's website for current winter hours before visiting. Reduced schedules are common through March.
What to eat in March
On menus now
Moose stew
Moose hunting season closes in November, but frozen game feeds Alaskan families through winter. By March, thick moose stew with root vegetables and dark gravy appears on restaurant menus across Spenard and Downtown.
Smoked salmon chowder
Smoked fillets from the previous summer's salmon runs make a rich, warming chowder. The smoky flavor cuts through the cream base. Look for versions made with king or sockeye salmon at restaurants around Midtown.
Sourdough pancakes
Sourdough culture arrived in Alaska with gold rush prospectors in the 1890s. Thick, tangy sourdough pancakes are a breakfast staple at Anchorage diners, especially prominent around Iditarod and Fur Rondy season.
Street food peaks
Reindeer sausage
Street vendors along 4th Avenue grill reindeer links during Iditarod weekend and through the winter festival season. The meat is leaner than beef with a mild, slightly gamey flavor. Locals eat them in a bun with grilled onions, standing in the cold.
In markets
Wild berry preserves
Alaskan blueberries, salmonberries, and crowberries preserved from the summer harvest appear as jams, syrups, and sauces on breakfast menus. The flavors tend to be more tart and complex than Lower 48 commercial varieties.
Regular events in March
Fur Rendezvous (Fur Rondy)
Alaska's largest winter festival, running since 1935. Events include the Running of the Reindeer on 4th Avenue, snow sculpture competitions, the Miners and Trappers Ball, and sprint sled dog races through the city. The festival typically overlaps late February and early March, with the tail end of events falling in the first week of March.
Late February through first weekend of MarchTour of Anchorage
A cross-country ski race through Anchorage's groomed trail system, with 25 km and 50 km distances. The course winds through Kincaid Park, along the Coastal Trail, and through city greenbelts. Hundreds of skiers participate, and the event is free to spectate.
Typically first or second Sunday of MarchSeward's DayFree
Alaska state holiday commemorating the signing of the Alaska Purchase treaty on March 30, 1867. State offices and some businesses close. Private businesses and restaurants generally stay open, though some may adjust hours.
Last Monday of MarchBest places this March
4th Avenue, Downtown
landmarkThe Iditarod ceremonial start route and the center of Fur Rondy festivities. In early March, the street transforms into a spectator corridor with vendors and viewing areas. The rest of the month, the block between C and E Streets has a handful of shops and restaurants within walking distance of the Anchorage Museum.
DowntownChugach State Park
parkFounded in 1970, this 200,000-hectare (495,000-acre) park borders Anchorage's eastern edge. Popular March destinations within the park include Flattop Mountain for snowshoeing and the backcountry ridgelines for ski touring. Accessible from several trailheads along the Hillside neighborhoods.
HillsideAnchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center
museumThe largest museum in Alaska, covering indigenous cultures, Arctic science, and territorial history. The Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center on the ground floor is the standout. Winter crowds are sparse enough that the galleries feel almost private.
DowntownAlaska Native Heritage Center
cultural_centerFounded in 1999, this cultural center presents Alaska Native heritage through traditional village site reconstructions, dance performances, and rotating exhibits. The indoor galleries remain open on reduced winter hours. Worth visiting for the craft demonstrations alone.
MuldoonWestchester Lagoon
parkThis shallow lagoon near the Coastal Trail freezes solid by March and serves as a popular ice skating spot for families. The surrounding park offers short cross-country ski loops with clear views of the Chugach range to the east. Mind you, the ice surface can get rough by late March as thaw-freeze cycles create uneven patches.
TurnagainTony Knowles Coastal Trail
trailAn 18 km (11 mile) path along Cook Inlet connecting Downtown to Kincaid Park. In March, portions are groomed for fat tire biking and winter walking. The trail passes Earthquake Park and Point Woronzof, where moose sightings are common even in winter.
Your packing checklist
Tick items off as you pack. Your progress saves in this browser.
Insider tips
The Iditarod ceremonial start is free to watch from anywhere along the 4th Avenue route. Get there by 9am to claim a spot near the starting chute at 4th and D Street, where you can see the dog teams up close. Bring a thermos and something to sit on.
Spenard Road between Northern Lights Boulevard and International Airport Road has the best concentration of locally owned restaurants and bars in the city. Downtown options tend to be more tourist-oriented and keep shorter winter hours.
For northern lights, skip the guided van tours and drive to the Glen Alps parking lot in Chugach State Park. At about 700 meters (2,300 feet) above the city, you're above most of the light pollution, and the lot has clear northern exposure. Mind you, the lot fills early on clear-sky nights when the forecast is active.
The Alaska Zoo (opened in 1969) on O'Malley Road in the Hillside neighborhood draws thinner crowds in March than summer. Many of the cold-climate animals, including the muskox, tend to be more active in winter temperatures than during warm months.
When locals say 'breakup,' they mean the messy transition when snow collapses into brown slush and refreezes overnight into black ice. If you visit late March, you might catch the start of breakup at lower elevations in Midtown and Downtown while higher trails in Chugach stay frozen and skiable.
Avoid these mistakes
- Dressing for the thermometer instead of the wind chill. The reading might say -5°C (23°F), but a 20 km/h wind off Cook Inlet can make it feel like -15°C (5°F). Pack wind-blocking layers, not more fleece.
- Booking a guided glacier cruise or whale-watching tour for March. Those operations run from mid-May through September only. If you see March availability on a third-party booking site, confirm directly with the operator before paying.
- Planning all outdoor activities for the same time of day. March in Anchorage has hard morning ice, softer midday conditions on sun-exposed trails, and rapid temperature drops after 5pm. Spread activities across the day and save exposed routes for the warmest hours.
Practical tips for March
March rental cars in Alaska come with studded or winter tires at major agencies, but confirm when booking through smaller companies. Most glacier cruises, bear-viewing flights, and fishing charters don't begin operating until mid-May, so avoid building an itinerary around them. Book downtown hotels for the first weekend at least 6 weeks in advance, since the limited inventory fills quickly, though the rest of March has wide availability. Some Chugach State Park trailheads require a daily parking permit, so check the current fee at the trailhead kiosk or the park's website before heading out. Sunrise in early March is around 8:15am Alaska Standard Time, reaching roughly 7:30am by month's end, so plan active outdoor time between 10am and 5pm for the best light. The People Mover bus system runs reduced winter schedules with less frequent evening service after 7pm.
FAQ
Is March a good time to visit Anchorage?
March is a fair time to visit, best suited for travelers who appreciate winter activities and don't mind cold temperatures. The Iditarod weekend draws the biggest crowds you'll see outside of summer. Beyond that weekend, the city is quiet, prices are low, and the rapidly increasing daylight makes each day feel noticeably different from the last. It's likely not the month for most first-time visitors to Alaska, who tend to be better served by June or July.
What is the weather like in Anchorage in March?
Expect winter. Temperatures stay below freezing during the day and drop further at night. Snow covers every surface all month. The sun strengthens noticeably, though, and by month's end you'll have nearly 13 hours of daylight. The cold tends to feel dry rather than damp, which makes it more tolerable than the numbers suggest if you're dressed properly.
Is Anchorage crowded in March?
Not at all, except during the first weekend when the Iditarod ceremonial start fills downtown hotels and packs 4th Avenue with spectators. The rest of the month, you'll likely have trails, museums, and restaurants largely to yourself. Many locals consider this one of the quieter stretches in the city's calendar.
Can you see the northern lights in Anchorage in March?
In early-to-mid March, yes. Anchorage sits at 61°N latitude, well within the auroral zone. The spring equinox tends to bring heightened geomagnetic activity. The limiting factor is darkness. By late March, twilight persists past 10pm, shrinking the viewing window. Drive outside the city center and check the University of Alaska Fairbanks aurora forecast before heading out.
Is it worth visiting Anchorage specifically for the Iditarod?
If sled dog racing interests you, the ceremonial start is a genuinely memorable event. The atmosphere downtown feels festive in a distinctly Alaskan way. You'll see dog teams staged along side streets, hear hundreds of huskies howling, and smell grilled reindeer sausage from the vendor carts. That said, the ceremonial start is a parade, not the competitive race. The actual restart happens in Willow, about 113 km (70 miles) north, the following day, and the race then continues for 8-14 days through remote wilderness.
Things to Do in Anchorage in March
Free cancellation PRISTINE - Wilderness, Wildlife, Glacier Experience in Anchorage
Outdoor experience: 6 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Anchorage Trolley's 1-Hour City Tour
City tour: 1 hour, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Anchorage Trolley's Deluxe City Tour
City tour: 1.5 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Matanuska Glacier Hike Day Tour
Day trip: 10 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Grand Knik Helicopter Tour - 2 hours 3 landings - ANCHORAGE AREA
Outdoor experience: 2 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Glacier View & Wildlife Anchorage Adventure Tour
Day trip: 7 hours, free cancellation.
via ViatorFind a flight to Anchorage
Live fares to Anchorage appear here once cookies are accepted.
Last verified by automated review (v1.7.2) on . What is automated review?