Best Time to Visit Alaska: A Personal Guide to Seasons, Wildlife & Adventures
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Alaska was always near the top of my bucket list of destinations to visit. Once I made it to Alaska, I was completely captivated by the scenery and its majestic mountain ranges. From seeing the peak of Denali Mountain clear as day, to moose walking in the city of Anchorage, to taking a ride on the Alaskan Railway, everything about this incredible state is magical. In this guide, I will be sharing all of my experiences and tips on the best time to visit Alaska. With that in mind, let’s dive in!
Introduction: Best Time to Visit Alaska
The Alaskan landscapes and very diverse climates meaning that there is something to see and do in every season. Whether you are looking to hike in Denali National Park under the Midnight Sun in the summer, visit the Northern Lights in the winter, or are wanting to visit in the shoulder season because there are less tourists, there is something for everyone! Now, grab your pin and paper and let’s walk through the best time to visit Alaska.
Alaska in Spring (April – May): Awakening Wilderness
One of more recent trips to Alaska was in late May, which is still considered Spring. Being an Arizona native, I was still pretty cold visiting, but the temperatures were technically mild. You could see the plants and flowers starting to come to life. The grass was soft and green and seeing all of the snow on the mountains as we walked around Anchorage was picture perfect.
If your goal is to see as much wildlife as possible, then spring is the time of year for you! The bears start coming out of hibernation, and you can take these amazing long drives or railway rides to explore even more amazing wildlife.
Another great springtime activity is a boat tour through the Kenai Fjords National Park. Like most, they are closed during the winter months but are fully operational starting around late April or early May. You can close views of glaciers, whales, and incredible scenery on this excursion. If you enjoy hiking, you could also take a hike to Exit Glacier. It can be adventurous and steep, but the amazing views 100% make it all worth it!
Pro Tip: Books your excursions in advance to secure your spot and dress in layers. The mornings and evenings are still chilly this time of year, but the sun in the afternoon can be warm.
Summer in Alaska (June – August): Peak Adventure Season
If you are looking for the most optimal time of year (and also the costliest)? Then the best time to visit Alaska would be the summer. While this is the most ideal season for outdoor activities, seeing the Midnight Sun, and enjoying the amazing weather. Summer in Alaska is also the busiest season, which means the costliest season. So, if you are wanting to experience Alaska on a budget, then the summer would not be ideal for you.
The summer season in Alaska is amazing for outdoor adventures. My first trip to Alaska in July of 2018 was incredible. Having daylight for days made me really lose track of time, and I honestly felt like I saw and did some much. I do have to say, “thank goodness for blackout curtains in hotels“.
I got to experience some amazing adventures on this summer trip to Alaska. Once of the excursions that sticks out in my head the most was experiencing Whale watching in Juneau (you can do this in late spring too). Looking for bubbles in water, or waving fins, was such a fun experience. Another great excursion was a boat ride through Prince William Sound, which you can also do in late spring. Seeing the glaciers, floating ice burgs in the water, and all of the wildlife, was completely spectacular. The last activity that I would add to your agenda is taking the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Denali. It’s about a 6-hour ride if I remember correctly and the views are out of this world. Even though we didn’t see any wildlife on the train, it’s not uncommon to see moose and bears wondering near the tracks.
With 24 hours of daylight and an endless number of things to do, if you want to stay busy, and enjoy the outdoors at the most perfect time of year, then visiting Alaska in the summer would be the best season for you!
Fall in Alaska (September – October): Vibrant Colors and Northern Lights
If you are looking for amazing fall colors, cool crisp air, and possibly seeing the Northern Lights, then fall is for you! The amazing fall colors are literally everywhere. The reds, oranges, golds, in Denali National Park, all feel like you are in a literal painting.
What’s even better than fall landscape colors, are the colors in the sky. Yes, you can see the Northern Lights in the fall. Seeing the ribbons of purple, green, and pink, dance across the sky is a once in a lifetime expere.
Other fall activities that I highly recommend are taking a road trip from Valdez to Fairbanks. This drive has amazing fall color landscape views and glacier views. Picking berries is also a fun outdoor activity, as this is the time of year that they are ripe, and they are super tasty!
Pro Tip: Temperatures do start to get cold, so pack a heavy jacket for mornings and evenings, and maybe a lighter jacket for the daytime.
Winter in Alaska (November – March): A Snowy Wonderland
If you are looking for dark, cold, and a winter wonderland experience, then visiting Alaska in the winter will be the season for you! This time of year, reminds me of a Christmas village. It’s cold, snowy, magical, and really puts you into a holiday spirit.
As far as things to do this time of year, there are actually lots of activities that are fun and cold to do! First, this time of year, is your best opportunity to see the Northern Lights. The state is darkest during these months, and the darker it is, the less light there is, the better the changes of see the lights. Also, this is the best time of year to go dog sledding in the super cute town of Talkeetna or go snowmobiling on the frozen rivers in Anchorage. If you like fishing, then ice fishing is also an option for you.
Pro Tip: Wear as many layers as possible and make sure you have a very heavy coat in order to stay warm.
Conclusion: The Best Time to Visit Alaska
Regardless of the time of year that you go, you will undoubtfully have an amazing journey throughout Alaska. They best way to decide on a season is think about what you want to do while you are there, why you are going, and of course your budget. Alaska has numerous outdoor activities for all seasons, and there is an adventure to be had year-round. I hope this guide has given you some ideas on things to do in Alaska and that you are able to pick the best time to visit Alaska for you!