The Best Time Time To Visit Alaska
From jagged mountain ranges to dramatic glaciers, nature reigns supreme in Alaska, and man holds no dominion.
The best time to visit Alaska is during the summer between May 10 and September 15. You'll experience temperatures in the 60’s to low 70’s, 16–24 hrs of daylight, leaves and flowers in bloom, rushing rivers, and the best wildlife viewing. though those summer months are the warmest, the weather can still vary from month to month—temperatures are known to drop drastically even on a daily basis.
May to September is a big window. So when do we tell our friends to visit? June, July and August. It’s the absolute height of summer: warm, dry, and alive with energy. It’s a great time to visit Alaska but it’s also the time for cruises and so the city does gets really crowded especially the waterfront areas.
Firstly, the weather is better. This is a rainy part of the world, especially in the fall and winter, so going in the summer gives you a better chance of having a sunny day. On my June trip, we had some drizzle, but also some sun and it was still beautiful. The seas are also calmer in the summer.
Secondly, in the summer the ferry runs during the day instead of offering overnight sailings like they do in the winter. That means that you can spend the entire journey looking at the incredible scenery.
And lastly, there is more daylight in the summer to see the scenery. I went in mid-June close to the solstice and we had daylight for almost our entire trip.
n researching your trip, you may see other dates mentioned:
Peak season is June to August. By mid-June, it’s as warm as it’s going to get. All summer activities are available, including bus tours on the The Denali Park Road which begin around May 15.
Cruise Season is also May through September. Small ship cruises start as early as mid-April.
Shoulder Season is May (early season) and September (late season), with 10-25% discounts on some hotels, tours, and cruises. Take note that some tours don’t operate during this time and some parks are closed. Be sure to check first before you make your plans.
Aurora Season. The northern lights are visible from late August to early April. If seeing the northern lights is your main reason for visiting Alaska, you'll want to come at the tail-end of summer (August / September). Or, plan a winter vacation! The best time for a winter aurora vacation is February and March. It’s still plenty dark at night, but the days are longer and snow conditions are best for dog sledding, snowmobiling, skiing and other winter activities. The best area to view is near Fairbanks.
Enjoy a front row seat to Alaska’s spectacular landscapes when you book a cruise.
The best time to visit Alaska depends on what you want to do and see:
Summer (June–August): Warm weather, long days, and lots of activities:
Wildlife viewing: June and July are the best months to see bears, sea otters, seals, and whales
Hiking: July and August are ideal for hiking
Tours, activities, and accommodations: Most tours, activities, cruise options, and accommodations are available
Cultural events: Communities across the state celebrate the summer with cultural events and local festivals
Late August and September bring a wash of colors to the landscape in Alaska . It is a a brief but breathtaking season . These are the best road trips to experience in the fall.
Shoulder seasons (spring (April–May) and fall (September–October)): Better deals, fewer crowds, and the chance to see fall colors.
Winter: Northern lights, or aurora borealis, viewable from late August through April:
Winter sports: Alpine and Nordic skiing, snow machining, dog sled riding, and snowshoeing
Ice fishing: Ice fishing is a winter activity
Winter king salmon runs: Winter king salmon runs are a winter activity
Winter solstice celebrations: Winter solstice celebrations draw everyone together
Aurora Winter Train: You can take a ride on the Aurora Winter Train between Anchorage and Fairbanks
Visitors seeking out the elusive lights should visit during the early spring, or the late autumn.