Vitamin D

Anchorage

Vitamin D from the sun in Anchorage

4 months of sun

In Anchorage you can synthesize vitamin D from May to August.

From September to April synthesis isn't possible — this is when a supplement can help.

Exact window
April 20 – September 1

Anchorage: we'll tell you the days you can make vitamin D.

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Today's sun in Anchorage

Today's sunrise, sunset, golden hour and day length.

Year-round profile in Anchorage

Daily hours with enough sun to synthesize vitamin D across the year.

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0 h10 h+
Daily hours with enough sun to synthesize vitamin D across the year.

Seasonal windows

  • March: synthesis isn't possible.
  • June: between 10:00 and 17:00, about 11 min for 1000 IU.
  • September: synthesis isn't possible.
  • December: synthesis isn't possible.

Estimated for Fitzpatrick type III skin, arms and face exposed, clear sky.

When to supplement in Anchorage

During the months without solar synthesis, vitamin D comes only from food or a supplement. It is usually taken as D3, often with magnesium — which the body needs to activate it — and vitamin K (as K2), which contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.

More about supplements

Sunrise and sunset by month in Anchorage

How sunrise, sunset and day length change over the year.

MonthSunriseSunset
09:5916:19
08:4817:40
08:2319:56
06:4221:17
05:1322:38
04:2123:39
04:5123:19
06:1021:58
07:3120:17
08:4918:40
09:1216:17
10:1115:40

Approximate values for mid-month (the 15th).

Frequently asked questions about vitamin D in Anchorage

Can I get vitamin D from the sun in winter in Anchorage?
In Anchorage you can synthesize vitamin D from May to August.
How many minutes of sun do I need in Anchorage?
In summer, about 11 minutes with arms and face exposed is enough for 1000 IU (Fitzpatrick type III skin, clear sky).
What time does the sun rise and set in Anchorage?
It shifts with the seasons: in June the sun rises around 04:21 and sets around 23:39; in December it rises around 10:11 and sets around 15:40.
What is the longest day of the year in Anchorage?
Longest day: June, with about 19 h of daylight. Shortest day: December, with about 5 h.

More about the sun, light and health in the guide