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Before you start making your list of must-see attractions in Alaska, it’s best to know the temperatures and weather during your visit. These dancing waves of colorful lights occur all year long, but it’s from late September to late April that is considered Alaska's Northern Lights or aurora borealis season. The Alaskan cruise season is from May to mid-September, when the weather is warmer, the days are longer, and there are plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities. Alaska’s whale-watching season spans from March to September, but there are certain months you’ll see more specific species than others. Fall comes and goes in Alaska relatively quickly, with the season running only through September. Alaska’s winter months run from October through March.
Best Time to Go to Alaska to See Northern Lights
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Photo by Markus Trienke on Flickr[/caption]
Do the Northern Lights happen every night? It’s during these months that the sky is clear and dark enough for you to spot them easily.
Within this time frame, the best time to go to Alaska to see the Northern Lights at its peak is during the spring equinox in March. For those unfamiliar, an equinox is when the sun is positioned exactly over the equator. When this happens, geomagnetic fields and solar winds cause the Northern Lights to be brighter and stronger. A trip to Alaska during the days surrounding the equinox means higher chances of catching the spectacular light display of the aurora borealis.
Best Time to Go to on an Alaska Cruise
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Photo by Allen.G on Adobe Stock[/caption]
A number of destinations in Alaska can only be reached by boat or plane. As such, it’s no surprise the state is a popular cruise destination. So, when is the best time to cruise Alaska?
Among these months, July and August are generally the most popular. But if you want to avoid crowds and price surges, the best time to hop aboard cruise lines is either in early June before summer starts for many, or in late August when vacationers are returning home. Don’t forget to include bug spray and mosquito repellent in your cruise packing list since bugs, similar to most wildlife, are typically active during this time.
Best Time to Visit Alaska for Wildlife Spotting
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Photo by Arthur T. LaBar on Flickr[/caption]
Alaska, America’s Last Frontier, is home to a myriad of wildlife. The best time to visit for wildlife viewing depends on what you want to see. Generally, most wildlife is active from May through September. This includes flocks of birds, black bears, caribou, Dall sheep, and mountain goats. For bird watchers, April brings hawks, eagles, and falcons overhead rivers, valleys, and open areas.
Deer, musk oxen, seals, whales, waterfowl, and water birds are seen between late June through August, a great time to visit Katmai National Park for its brown bears. September to October are excellent for sea lions, dunlin, bull moose, otters, and wolf pups. Late fall is best for spotting bald eagles at the Chilkat River. In early winter, Dall sheep, mountain goats, deer, and caribou begin their rut, with large herds along alpine areas. Foxes, wolves, wolverines, lynxes, martens, and minks are easier to spot against the snow. The Alaskan cruise season is from May to mid-September, when weather is warmer and days are longer. Alaska’s whale-watching season spans from March to September. Fall runs only through September, and winter runs from October through March.
Best Time to Visit Alaska for Whale Watching
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Photo by Jordan Confino on Flickr[/caption]
When is the best time to go to Alaska to go whale-watching? For instance, gray whales are typically seen migrating through the coast during March and April. Meanwhile, beluga whales are often spotted throughout mid-July to August. It’s around summer and early fall that you’ll have higher chances of catching sight of humpback whales. The Alaskan cruise season runs from May to mid-September, making summer the peak time for combining whale-watching with a cruise.
Best Time to Visit Alaska for Winter Sports
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Photo by KBDESIGNPHOTO on Adobe Stock[/caption]
Planning on hitting the slopes of the best ski resorts in Alaska? If that’s the case, December, January, and February are the best months to visit the state. These months bring thick blankets of snow all across Alaska, making the landscape ideal for winter sports. Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating, snowmobiling, and dog sledding are all popular winter activities during the snowy season. For northern lights viewing, the aurora season runs from late September to late April. The Alaskan cruise season is from May to mid-September, while fall runs only through September.
Seasons in Alaska
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Photo by Brandon Brown on Unsplash[/caption]
Alaska experiences all four seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. However, weather conditions and temperatures in Alaska vary per region. Generally, though, you can expect average temperatures around 70 °F in summer, with the Alaska weather in July and early August being the warmest. And in the winter months of October through March, you can expect temperatures to range from 32 °F to -30 °F.
Alaska in Spring
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Photo by JLS Photography - Alaska on Flickr[/caption]
Alaska in spring means warm days and cold nights. In early spring, around late March to early April, expect to still see snow, but the days are getting longer and daytime temperatures are rising, often going beyond 40 °F. By the second week of April to early May, springtime is in full swing.
This season is when flatlands and the shoreline come alive, as wildlife start emerging from their winter slumbers. Gray whales can also be spotted migrating through the Gulf of Alaska in March and April. And while moose can be seen year-round, it’s around springtime that calves are born.
The northern lights also appear during this season, with the aurora borealis season running from late September to late April.
Alaska in the Summer
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Photo by DCrane Photography on Adobe Stock[/caption]
When is the best time to go to Alaska? Summer is undoubtedly the best season to visit the state. Thanks to pleasant daytime temperatures ranging from 60 °F to 80 °F, Alaska in summer is the ideal time for outdoor activities.
Planning on exploring Kenai Fjords, Denali National Park, and the rest of the state’s national parks? Or maybe you want to experience the Alaska State Fair and other local celebrations? The summer months are the perfect time to do so! Additionally, it’s also the best time to visit Anchorage, Alaska if you plan on fishing and sightseeing. The streams are full of spawning king, coho, and pink salmon around this time. Flightseeing tours that offer bird’s-eye-views of Anchorage and its surrounding wilderness are also available. Alaska’s whale-watching season spans from March to September, with certain months showing more specific species.
Alaska in Fall
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Photo by Jacob Vizek on Unsplash[/caption]
Nevertheless, it’s among the most beautiful seasons in the state with fall colors – hues of orange, red, yellow, and brown spanning through the forests and tundra. Fall also means fewer crowds, no bugs, and the start of the viewing season of the Northern Lights. Temperatures in the first half of the season can still feel like the warm Alaska temperature in summer, but by September, it drops to around 51 °F to 62 °F. Moreover, days are shorter with about 12 hours of daylight.
Both residents and wildlife start preparing for the winter months by this time. Bears and other animals can be spotted collecting food to store before the cold sets in, while smaller properties close up shop. Although, for bigger cities and areas, such as Anchorage, Girdwood, and Fairbanks, it’s business as usual. You still have plenty of things to do in Alaska during the season.
Alaska in Winter
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Photo Mike's Alaska Travels on Flickr[/caption]
Alaska’s winter months run from October through March. The weather can be cold, rainy, and snowy as early as October. It isn’t until mid-November that there will be enough snow for winter activities. Temperatures continue to drop, and by December, you’ll experience single-digit nighttime readings. Areas closer to the Arctic Circle are colder while some coastal areas see temperatures not dropping below 20 °F.
Winter’s extreme conditions are the best time to view the aurora borealis thanks to the cold and dark nights. There are ways to warm up, like soaking at Chena Hot Springs, which is one of the best hot springs in the US.
Alaska Weather by Month
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Photo by Barbara Jackson from Pixabay[/caption]
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect during each month in Alaska to help you better plan your trip to Alaska.
January and February
A chilly climate greets you in Alaska during January and February as winter continues to blow in these months. These are prime months for viewing the northern lights, as the aurora borealis season runs from late September to late April. Alaska’s winter months run from October through March, so January and February offer deep winter conditions.
- Average Daylight Hours: 8 to 10 hours
- Average Temperatures: Inland and southern regions have average lows of 0 °F and average highs of 20 °F, while Northern and Arctic regions experience lows of -10 °F and highs of -20 °F.
- Where to Go and Things to Do: Snowmobile touring and backcountry skiing in Anchorage and Juneau. For travelers planning ahead, note that the Alaskan cruise season is from May to mid-September, so these winter months are well outside that window.
March
Dubbed the “springtime winter,” Alaska in March has more moderate daytime temperatures and still chilly nighttime temperatures. Days are longer, but nights are still dark enough to catch sight of the Northern Lights.
- Average Daylight Hours: 12 to 15 hours
- Average Temperatures: Daytime temperatures are between 20 °F and 30 °F, while nighttime temperatures drop to around 15 °F.
- Where to Go and Things to Do: Outdoor winter activities, Northern Lights viewing, and the start of the annual Iditarod dog sledding race.
April
By April, most snow has melted. Daylight reaches up to 18 hours, offering ample light for outdoor activities. The spring gray whale migrations begin, drawing tourists to coastal cities. Nights are still dark enough for stargazing and seeing the Northern Lights.
- Average Daylight Hours: 12 to 18 hours
- Average Temperatures: Warmer areas experience temperatures between 30 °F and 45 °F, while temperatures in colder regions can still dip below negative degrees.
- Where to Go and Things to Do: Crust skiing and gray whale spotting.
May
The weather in Alaska in May is rather lovely. While the early days of the month are still considered late spring, the second week officially kicks off the start of summer in Alaska. By this time, snow in lower elevation areas has cleared. Average temperatures continue to rise. Alaska in May is also the driest, with the least chances of rain on any given day.
- Average Daylight Hours: 18 to 22 hours
- Average Temperatures: Coastal and interior regions reach highs of around 55 °F while Arctic conditions are still chilly with lows of 15 °F and highs of 25 °F.
- Where to Go and Things to Do: Whale watching at Prince William Sound
June
The Alaska weather in June is pleasantly warm. Summer is in full swing by this time and the warmer temperature in Alaska in June also means snow at higher altitude areas has melted off. The month also sees the most daylight, with the longest day in Alaska happening on the 21st. In Southeast Alaska, the sun shines for up to 18 hours, 19 hours in Anchorage, and in Fairbanks, you’ll get up to 22 hours. With all that sunshine and delightful temperatures, Alaska in June is certainly a great time to explore the Land of the Midnight Sun.
- Average Temperatures: Lows of 25 °F and highs reaching 60 °F.
- Where to Go and Things to Do: Bear viewing, taking cruise and land tours, and visiting Denali National Park. If you’re wondering how far is the cruise port from Fort, June is a peak month for departures.
July
Similar to the weather in Alaska in June, July sees warm days with an abundance of daylight. The weather in Alaska in July is as warm as it gets, with daytime temperatures in inland regions peaking at 70 °F. But despite being the warmest month, there are higher chances of rain as the month progresses. Nevertheless, many consider Alaska to be one of the best places to visit in July since the majority of the business and attractions are open. The state’s diverse wildlife is fully active around this time too. The Alaskan cruise season runs from May to mid-September, with peak activity in summer, making July a prime month for sailing. Alaska’s whale-watching season spans from March to September, offering sightings of gray whales and other species.
- Average Daylight Hours: 19 to 22 hours
- Average Temperatures: Lows of 35 °F and highs of 70 °F
- Where to Go and Things to Do: Longer days are ideal for wildlife viewing, plus most hiking trails are open.
August
This month is the tail end of the summer season and by the second half of it, we start welcoming the fall colors. Alaska in August is still relatively warm, though temperatures begin to dip by the second or third week. Alaska weather in August is also the wettest, with up to 50% chances of rain. Days also begin getting shorter during the month.
- Average Daylight Hours: 16 to 20 hours
- Average Temperatures: Lows of 30 °F to highs of 60 °F in coastal regions and higher elevation areas, while inland regions see lows of 45 °F and highs of 65 °F.
- Where to Go and Things to Do: Alaska State Fair, hiking along high elevation trails, and water sports.
September
Visiting Alaska in September can be a coin flip. Typically, days are shorter and the weather can be chilly and rainy. However, it’s not unusual for the state to experience an Indian Summer with warm and dry days. Particularly, the first half of the month can still feel warm, but by the end of the month, expect cooler temperatures. What’s more, daylight hours continue to dwindle.
- Average Daylight Hours: 14 to 16 hours
- Average Temperatures: Lows of 25 °F in arctic regions while average temperatures in other regions range between 35 °F and 40 °F.
- Where to Go and Things to Do: Going on a glacier cruise and wildlife viewing, including humpback whales.
October
October marks the beginning of winter. A light layer of snow covers high-altitude areas as early as the first week of the month. That being said, expect wet and increasingly cold weather in Alaska in October. Depending on the region, temperatures vary. Daylight stretches from seven in the morning to around seven or eight in the evening.
- Average Daylight Hours: 12 to 13 hours.
- Average Temperatures: Lows of 15 °F and highs of 45 °F
- Where to Go and Things to Do: Hiking, Northern Lights watching, fishing, and visiting indoor attractions.
The northern lights season runs from late September to late April, making October a prime month for aurora viewing. The cruise season has ended (May to September), so travelers here now rely on flights or ferries. Fall is defined only as September, so by October, winter conditions have fully arrived.
November
Alaska in November sees shorter days, with the Interior and Inside Passage regions getting just about eight hours of sunshine, while the Arctic experiences six hours. Freezing temperatures accompany the waning daylight, falling below 0 °F in some regions. Despite this, the first half of the month doesn’t see enough snow for winter sports just yet. It’s only towards mid- or late-November that snow is deep enough for dog sledding and snowshoeing.
- Average Daylight Hours: 6 to 8 hours
- Average Temperatures: Lows of -5 °F in Arctic areas with highs of 40 °F within the Inside Passage region.
- Where to Go and Things to Do: Dog sledding, snowshoeing, and other winter sports.
December
Expect short days and long nights when you visit Alaska in December. The sun shines for only around four to six hours, often hidden behind an overcast of clouds. Winter conditions can be extreme, with thick snow, icy roads, and single-digit or below-freezing temperatures. The abundance of snow makes it a great time for winter sports. Just don’t forget to wear extra layers. This is also prime time for the aurora borealis, as the northern lights season runs from late September through April. The Alaskan cruise season is from May to mid-September, so December is not a cruise month.
- Average Daylight Hours: 4 to 6 hours
- Average Temperatures: Lows of -25 °F in Arctic regions and highs of 30 °F within inland areas.
- Where to Go and Things to Do: Ice-skating, cross-country, and downhill skiing, experience the local holiday spirit, and celebrate Winterfest in Talkeetna.
Tourist Seasons in Alaska
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Photo by Alexis Mette on Unsplash[/caption]
Besides the weather and climate, knowing the different tourist seasons is another great way of figuring out the best time to go to Alaska. Similar to most destinations, Alaska has its high, low, and shoulder tourist seasons. Here’s a breakdown of their pros and cons.
Peak Season
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Photo by David Mark from Pixabay[/caption]
Alaska’s peak season runs from June to August. Things to do in Alaska during this time are endless, with most establishments and attractions open for business. Pleasantly warm weather and long days greet you during these months. You also have plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities, since the majority of Alaska’s iconic wildlife is active. Of course, with that said, expect sizable crowds and price surges for lodging, accommodations, and transportation. Make sure to plan ahead by checking out the best hotel booking sites in advance.
Shoulder Season
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Photo by Chris Stenger from Pixabay[/caption]
Looking for discounted deals on accommodation and excursions? Plan your visit in May or September. Both months are shoulder season. While the weather is warm and dry in May, September can be unpredictable, with higher chances of rain or snow at high elevations. Pack your best raincoats and other rain gear.
Outdoor activities include whale-watching tours and hiking. Alaska’s whale-watching season spans from March to September, but certain months show more specific species. Gray whales pass through in March and April. Lower-elevation hiking trails are accessible during shoulder season. Fall runs only through September.
Low Season
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Photo by David Mark from Pixabay[/caption]
If you’re looking for cheaper rates and fewer crowds then you should definitely visit Alaska around November to March. Most tourists avoid the winter months due to freezing temperatures and long nights. While this is a great time for Northern Lights viewing and winter sports, other outdoor tourism opportunities are limited. The lack of crowds also means most businesses, including some of the best Seward restaurants, cease operations for the season. However, this is when you’ll find the cheapest deals for transportation, lodging, and excursions.
If you want the full-on winter experience, February and March are the best time to go to Alaska. The nights are still dark, but the days are a bit longer. Temperatures start warming up too, but it’s still best to pack your favorite heated jackets to keep you nice and toasty just in case.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When Is the Cheapest Time to Visit Alaska?
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Photo by Rod Long on Unsplash[/caption]
If you’re traveling on a budget, the winter months from October to January are typically the cheapest to visit. Alaska’s winter months run from October through March, and October to January offers cheaper rates for most accommodations, except hot spring resorts and Northern Lights lodges since the aurora season runs late September through April. Car rentals and transportation fares are also more budget-friendly during these months. Don’t forget to look up the best time to book flights for discounted prices. If you are planning a cruise, note the Alaskan cruise season is from May to mid-September, so winter offers no cruise deals but lower land costs.
How Many Days Do You Need in Alaska?
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Photo by Robson Machado from Pixabay[/caption]
As discussed above, Alaska is huge. The longer your stay, the more time you have to discover all the best places to visit in Alaska. A long weekend should be enough days to explore a city and its nearby attractions. But if you want to visit the major cities and popular spots, a seven to ten-day stay is ideal. Land tours or cruises are great ways to take in more of Alaska’s remarkable beauty.
How Long Is It Dark in Alaska?
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Photo by Arthur T. LaBar on Flickr[/caption]
Daylight hours in Alaska vary from region to region, as well as the month. For cities located on the Arctic Circle, daylight can be truly scarce during the winter months. In fact, 24 hours of prolonged darkness in these areas are common. For example, Utqiaġvik, the United States northernmost city, experiences a phenomenon called polar night, wherein after the sun sets around November, it won’t see daylight until January of the next year.
What Should You Avoid in Alaska?
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Photo by david lindahl on Unsplash[/caption]
There is no place or tourist activity that you should actually avoid in Alaska. Rather, avoid squeezing in too many activities within a short period of time. Alaska is a breathtaking state with huge landmasses and scenic waters. Thus, there is a lot to see. Depending on how long your stay is, it’s best to stick to just one or two regions in order to make the most of your visit.
Don’t overlook the land tours. While there’s no denying that cruises and ship tours are a great way to marvel at glaciers and reach remote inlets and locations, don’t limit your Alaskan vacation to just the waters. Land tours are a great way to explore small towns, dive into the local culture, and enjoy the great outdoors overall.
When Is the Worst Time to Visit Alaska?
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Photo by PTMurphus on Flickr[/caption]
There is truly no worst time to visit Alaska. However, some seasons are definitely a lot less popular with tourists. Avoid traveling around late December and January if you want to steer clear of Alaska’s harsh winter conditions. Refrain from visiting during the off-season if you want the full holiday experience. Meanwhile, if saving money and avoiding crowds are your top goals, visiting Alaska from June to August are the worst months to do so.
Discover the Best of Alaska No Matter the Season
While summer is a popular time to visit Alaska, the best time to go truly depends on what you want to see and do, as well as your budget. Each season and month has its pros and cons. That’s why it’s crucial to know the Alaska temperature by month, weather to expect during your visit, and travel seasons. By doing so, you can plan accordingly and make the most of your Alaskan getaway.
