When Is The Best Time To Travel To Alaska?

Alaska’s weather can best be described as temperate so when planning for a vacation, you need to consider what you want to do and where you intend to go. Alaska is a very large state and the climates vary, therefore the best times to travel could be quite distinct depending on the area. Here's a breakdown of the best times to visit different parts of Alaska.

Southcentral Alaska includes Anchorage, Kenai Peninsula, and Denali.

June-August – Summer is one of the most popular travel seasons in southcentral Alaska for several reasons. You will experience the warmest conditions and have the longest period of daylight to enjoy. High temperatures average 60-70°F. Hunting is possible and scenic roads are available. The only issue is that there are more people and the prices of accommodation also increase.

Late May/Early September – Depending on the year, the latter part of May right up to early September can offer fairly warm temperatures, with fewer crowds and cheaper prices. The more adventurous activities such as whale watching, flightseeing, hiking, and cruising are still good during these months. So basically the only thing you need to know is that the climate will be a little cooler and wetter than you might be used to.

Southeastern alaska (Inside Passage, glacier bay, Juneau)

May-September – The summer season is the best time to travel Inside Passage because of more daylight and less chance of cloudy weather. The maximum number of wild animals is present in the area in June. The weather is still fairly good in the early of the fall season.

March/April – Accommodation costs are lowest during the spring break though the tourist traffic is still low. You may experience some rain, but the greenery is beautiful and animal life, especially the wildebeest preparing for calving, is fascinating.

Interior Alaska (Fairbanks, Denali National Park)

March/April – With cold but clear nights these are ideal months for watching the Northern lights. Days rise slightly above freezing for winter activities including dog sled riding, snowmobile riding, and skiing.

Late May-Early September - Relatively warm summer with an average temperature of 60-70 F that is ideal for hiking, rafting, flightseeing tours, Fairbanks, and Denali National Park. Prime wildlife viewing as well.

Western Alaska (Bering Sea, Nome)

January-March – the most beautiful part of the 1,000-mile-long Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race from Anchorage to Nome can be seen in early March. You will also get an opportunity to see musk ox, reindeer, and others on the Seward Peninsula.

Summer is June-August – this is a warmer season to take a trip to western Alaska to explore the rugged terrains and increase your chances of viewing whales, walrus, seals, polar bears, and various birds.

The Best of Both Worlds

If you want to get the best of both worlds in Alaska’s seasons, then go there in May and September to get the best of summer. It is also less crowded with tourists and you have better chances of encountering sunny days rather than rainy or snowy ones. Wildlife is still on the move with migrations while other animals are calving and hatching, those that do so. So you can get lodges and activities at better prices before the high season starts. Climate: Average temperatures range between 50-60 Fahrenheit, making it a rather pleasant weather.

However, it has to be remembered that the advantages of traveling during the shoulder season do have their disadvantages too. This might still be the case with some of the secondary roads due to the accumulation of snow during the winter period. Only a few attractions such as cruises may have a relatively small number of performances. However, for the more adventurous travelers, May or September are the months when the costs of traveling to Alaska are low, and the crowds are almost negligible despite the compromise made on the weather.

Pack Accordingly

Regardless of the season, it is always advisable to pack lightly and in layers when going to Alaska. Daytime is relatively warm but early morning and early evening can be cold even in summer while walking on glaciers or whale watching trips on cold water. This way having base layers, insulating mid-layers, waterproof jackets, hats, and gloves are important to keep warm outside. Do not forget the appropriate footwear such as good quality waterproof hiking shoes for slippery terrain.

It is worth noting that Alaska is a trip of a lifetime irrespective of the season. However, the weather, crowding, and cost may vary significantly between the months. Whether you are seeking to find the perfect months to witness the Northern Lights, watch baby animals, catch a festival, or whales, or avoid crowds and expensive prices, this guide will help in selecting the preferred Alaska travel months. With some good planning, your trip to Alaska is destined to be a memorable one!

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