Alaska through the seasons
Raw, wild, and wonderful, Alaska is nature at its finest. With majestic glaciers to view and trek upon, unforgettable landscapes to gaze at endlessly, and an incredible variety of wildlife, Alaska satiates your spirit of adventure and love for the outdoors. Find out the best times to visit Alaska, learn about its breathtaking national parks, and be part of unique land and sea experiences.
With warm day time temperatures, clear blue skies, and dry days, the best and busiest months to visit Alaska are from June to August. If you want to revel in the beauty of this state without the crowds, then the months of April, May, and September also present good weather conditions to travel to Alaska.
Best Time To Visit
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- Sled the valleys and peaks of Hatcher Pass, located 60 miles from Anchorage
- Hop aboard the Alaskan Railroad – a great way to see the state during the winter season
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- Watch international artists create the most exquisite ice sculptures at the world’s largest ice carving competition at Fairbanks
- February’s cold temperatures call for a dip at the Chena Hot Springs in Fairbanks
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- Watch the night sky put on a brilliant Northern Lights display from Fairbanks
- Browse through historical, cultural and scientific exhibits at the Anchorage Museum
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- Head out for a whale-watching expedition from Seward
- Alaska’s most spectacular scenery awaits as you take a cruise through the Inside Passage
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- Watch hungry grizzly bears hunt for their meal during the salmon spawning season at Tongass National Park
- Take a boat ride from Wrangell St Elias National Park to view the longest tidewater glacier in the world, the Hubbard Glacier.
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- Head to Juneau to trek the Mendenhall Glacier
- Sign up for an exciting and safe grizzly bear viewing experience at the Katmai National Park that takes you up close with these mighty creatures.
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- Walk along the mile-long Totem Trail in Sitka National Historical Park
- Hop aboard the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad that takes you past picturesque rivers, waterfalls and gorges
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- Kayak your way to the awe-inspiring Columbia Glacier, part of the Prince William Sound, from the town of Valdez.
- Spot a mind-boggling number of animals – bears, moose, sea lions, orca, puffins and more, at Glacier Bay National Park
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- Witness an incredible fall color show at Denali National Park
- For a meaningful insight into the lives of the local tribes, visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage
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- Visit the charming port city of Seward
- Set off for a half or full-day boat tour of Kenai Fjords National Park
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- Try your hand at ice fishing at Quartz Lake
- Watch the largest migration of bald eagles at Chilkat River near Haines
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- Get a bird’s eye view of the mountains covered in snow as you hop aboard a plane for a flight tour
- Ice skate on a frozen lake at Westchester Lagoon in Anchorage
Best time to visit Alaska by season
Contrary to its image of a snow-clad land, Alaska experiences all 4 seasons. The best time to visit Alaska is between mid-June and September.
The summer season coincides with the high tourist season and runs from late June to August. In the central and southern parts of the state, temperatures fall in the range of 60°F – 72°F. Long days with 18- 24 hours of sunshine give you plenty of time to explore the state. The state slips into the fall season by September with a glorious display of autumn colors happening towards the end of the month and the beginning of October. Temperatures drop into the 40s and 50s and rainfall levels increase.
Alaska’s winter sets in November and continues through mid-March. The season is characterized by gray skies, short days, snowstorms and abundant snowfall. It’s the best time to watch the dancing Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis. The wildlife that Alaska is famous for wakes up from its sleepy slumber by the end of March. By April the snow is melting, lakes and rivers fill up and the hillside is covered in wildflowers. Evenings are still cold but day time temperatures climb into the mid-40s and 50s.
What to pack for a trip to Alaska?
No matter what time of the year you are planning to visit, the key to packing for a trip to Alaska is ‘layers’. Since there are considerable differences between daytime and evening temperatures, wearing warm layers allows you to dress up or down depending on weather conditions. A warm, waterproof jacket and rain gear are a must as are good quality hiking shoes. With plenty of outdoor activities to participate in, we recommend packing long-sleeved quick-drying shirts, pants, and a foldable hiking pole. For half-day and full-day trips, we suggest you pack a day pack with water, snacks, sun protection, insect repellant, and binoculars. A down jacket and scarf are also necessary for times when there are strong winds.
Summers see plenty of sunshine hours that go well past midnight so pack an eye mask that will help you fall asleep. If you are traveling during winter, plan on getting your warmest layers – thermals, woolens, warm jackets, winter socks, boots, gloves, and caps.
Contact our travel experts to find out the best times to visit Alaska. Let us create your tailor-made itinerary so that you can experience the many unique wonders of this stunning state.
Popular Trips to Alaska
Embark on a scenic road trip to discover the stunning natural beauty of Alaska. Your enchanting journey begins in Anchorage, where you can learn about the region’s history as you browse the Anchorage Museum’s collection of 25,000 artifacts. Gaze at Denali, North America’s highest peak, on an enthralling flying tour over the mighty Alaskan range,…
Escape to the beauty of Borealis Basecamp, where nature’s greatest spectacle, the Northern Lights, dances across the Alaskan sky.
If you are looking for a shorter Alaskan getaway packed with memorable experiences, this is the one for you. Explore the fascinating history and landscapes around Anchorage before heading off to board the Aurora Winter Train that will take you through the lovely towns of Talkeetna and Fairbanks. Marvel at the rugged beauty of the…
This is the ideal option for those who want to experience the best of what Alaska and Yukon have to offer. Enjoy a flying tour to see iconic landmarks such as the mighty Mount Denali, the Pika Glacier, and the Great Gorge from up close. Keep an eye out for moose, caribou, bears and more…
This eight-day cruise aboard the Safari Endeavour promises some of the most magical experiences. Glide along the frigid waters past glacier carved fjords, remote islands and deep, dark woods. Spot puffins and sea lions at the expansive UNESCO-listed Glacier Bay National Park, go on guided hikes on Baranof Island and bask in the changing scenery…
Have you always wanted to explore the untamed wilderness of Alaska on a cruise? This eight-day cruise starting from Juneau lets you soak in the raw beauty of the region. Sail past the outback areas of Glacier National Park such as Dundas Bay and Fern Harbor, hike to glacial lakes near Thomas Bay and try…
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