Welcome to springtime in Anchorage
From snow to sun and April showers, the spring season is full of surprises.
Poet and storyteller Mark Twain once said "In the spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours,” and boy, was he right, especially if one applies his words to Alaska.
Spring in the Great Land is different from the rest of the United States thanks to our far northern location. While the calendar may say it’s March or even April, Alaska’s weather systems continue to put forth a variety of conditions (in fact, Anchorage had four inches of snow last week!). Here in the Southcentral region, Anchorage and other cities have the advantage of warmer marine air keeping temperatures warmer than the Interior or Arctic areas, but that warm air also brings funky storm systems that change with hardly any notice.
Alaskans call the spring months “Break Up” due to the undeniably messy conditions that result from melting snow and increasing daylight, but it’s good-natured, because by the time Solstice rolls around on June 21, summer is in full swing and activities for outdoor enthusiasts are plentiful.
If you are visiting Anchorage between April and June, here’s what you can expect:
A variety of weather conditions. Plan for rain, snow, and bright sunshine at any time of the day. Pack clothing that can be easily layered as the day progresses. Make sure to bring along a warm waterproof jacket as well, since some form of precipitation is likely to fall during your visit. Waterproof boots are also a good item to include, and don’t forget warm, non-cotton socks to keep feet toasty warm no matter the conditions outside.
In addition to shifts in weather, Anchorage is also experiencing dramatic increases in daylight hours as well. Between the months of April and June, expect shifts in sunrise and sunset hours by as much as six minutes per day, which can be an exhilarating experience for those used to more consistent hours of daylight and darkness. Guests at the Copper Whale are provided with blackout curtains and eyeshades, just in case all that daylight keeps you awake at night. Learn more about the famous ‘Midnight Sun’ here.
Not-quite-green foliage. While Southeast Alaska (Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway areas of the Panhandle region) do start showing the green of spring a bit earlier, Southcentral Alaska’s grass, trees, and shrubs take a bit longer to ‘green up.’ Mountain slopes take a bit longer to burst into spring foliage, but in general, Anchorage’s yards and flower beds, as well as the willows along our many creeks will begin budding in early May. It’s an exciting time and one filled with the promise of warmer times ahead.
What are some of the most common plants you’ll see in Anchorage? Species like black and Sitka spruce make up the bulk of evergreens in Southcentral Alaska, and provide some greenery during the non-summer months. In lower elevations and along waterways, look for willows, currant, blueberry and alder shrubbery, while up high, dwarf blueberry, crowberry, and wildflowers or grasses take a bit longer to appear. At the Copper Whale Inn, our flowering shrubs and bulbs begin to bud in late May or early June, depending on the year, and by July are an explosion of color. The Alaska Botanical Garden in East Anchorage is a wonderful place to visit and become familiar with native plants.
Wildlife are active. Alaska’s animals also appreciate the warmer, lighter days of spring, often with young ones in tow. The lack of foliage on trees and shrubs can make viewing iconic critters like bears, moose and Dall sheep much easier, so keep an eye out as you drive through town and along the highways. Be aware, however, that our wild animals are indeed very wild, even if they appear to be munching on a crabapple tree in the middle of downtown Anchorage, and they should never be approached. Ever. Before arriving, take a careful look at the city’s parks and recreation website for tips on wildlife safety. If you plan on embarking on a whale watching and glacier day cruise, scan the water, shorelines and cliffsides for a plethora of wildlife that may include whales, sea otters, seals, bears, mountain goats, and a multitude of bird species.
Activities are plentiful. One of the best reasons to visit Alaska in the spring is the wide variety of adventures available, many of which cross winter and summer types. Dogsledding is often accessible into mid-April (after trails dry out tours resume in mid-May) and hikes along stunning Matanuska Glacier gear up to begin in mid-May with incredible views and a bit of an adrenaline rush. We partner with sister company Salmon Berry Tours to ensure Copper Whale guests are provided with a wide range of activities that check off bucket lists of any age or ability.
As mentioned above, gray and humpback whales begin their journey north from warmer waters of Hawaii or Mexico, stopping in areas around Whittier and Seward to rest and feed. Day cruises out of both communities offer wonderful chances to see these gentle giants, along with their more dramatic cousins, the orca.
From the Copper Whale Inn, guests are also able to walk along the scenic Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, an 11-mile out and back route that hugs the shoreline of Cook Inlet with stunning views of the Alaska Range in the distance.