The best time to visit Alaska is during the summer between May 10 and September 15. You'll experience temperatures in the 60s to low 70s, 16-18 hours of daylight, and the best wildlife viewing.
When planning your trip, you might want to consider other times depending on how you want to experience Alaska.
Alaska Cruise Season (April–September)
- The best way to visit Alaska for the first time, a cruise will ensure you get the most out of your itinerary—exploring fjords, glaciers, rainforest and multiple cruise ports.
Peak Tourist Season (June–August)
- By mid-June, summer is in full swing with the warmest temperatures and longest days of the year. With kids out of school, this is also a popular time for family travel.
Wildlife Viewing (April–September)
- Alaska’s wildlife is most active during summer. In Denali, it’s prime time to search for bears, moose, Dall sheep and wolves, while the Inside Passage is alive with bears, eagles, otters, whales and sea lions.
Northern Lights (September–April)
- The aurora borealis is rarely visible in summer since it doesn’t get dark enough at night. For the best chance to see the aurora, travel when activity peaks around the fall and spring equinoxes.
Key Things to Know About Visiting Alaska in the Summer
Alaska’s majesty is on full display in the summer months, with rushing rivers, cascading waterfalls and wildflowers in bloom. The misty, old-growth rainforests are bursting with green, even on cloudy days.
Summer weather in Alaska is much milder than in the Lower 48, so packing lightweight layers will help to keep you comfortable when conditions change. Here are some must-knows before you book your Alaska adventure.
Temperature
From mid-June to mid-September, the Alaskan coast has an average high of 60° F and low of 42° F. July is the warmest month, when highs can reach the 70s in the Interior. Keep in mind that it’s always chillier out on the water than on land, especially near glaciers.
Daylight
From late May to late July, Southeast Alaska sees up to 18 hours of daylight. “When we find whales after dinner, we can stay out on the bow watching them until after 10 p.m., enjoying the long lingering sunset,” said Sue Perin, an expedition leader with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.
Wildlife Viewing
Many migratory species begin arriving in May—ranging from tiny rufous hummingbirds to huge humpback whales. Glacier Bay National Park hosts more than 280 different bird species, including puffins with their vibrant orange beaks. May also marks the start of salmon runs, which lure bald eagles and bears streamside to hunt.
Fishing
If you’re keen on your own catch of Alaska's renowned salmon, visit during May to mid-July for king salmon season or late July to early September for silver salmon. Halibut and trout are also plentiful from mid-May through mid-September, and arctic char and grayling are in season June to August.
Hiking
Trails at lower elevations tend to be clear of snow by May, but those in the mountains will take until June. From late June to August, be prepared for mosquitoes, especially on trails in the peat bog and tundra regions. They’re not as prevalent on the coast.
What Each Month Is Like in Alaska
The 49th state is massive—more than twice the size of Texas—so this month-by-month guide will focus on the most popular Alaska cruise destinations: Southeast Alaska and the National Parks.
In general, summer is the ideal travel season. April, May and June are typically the driest months of the year, while September and October see the most rainfall. Winter travel will be cold and dark, but it’s worth it to witness the magic of the northern lights. Read on for more details to help you determine when to visit Alaska.
Summer Travel in Alaska: May to September
Summer is the ideal time to embark on an expedition cruise that will get you up close to the region’s abundant wildlife and spectacular landscapes, all at their peak activity. With the longer days, there are myriad opportunities to explore on hikes, bikes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and Zodiac rides.
May in Alaska
Average Temperatures: 42-56° F
Average Daylight: 16.5 hours
Early in May, the fjords are still full of ice, making for stunning photography. Lingering snow on mountain peaks drives hungry bears closer to the shoreline to feed, sometimes with adorable newborns in tow.
June in Alaska
Average Temperatures: 48-62° F
Average Daylight: 18 hours
The sun barely sets in June. Popular towns such as Juneau, Sitka and Anchorage, Alaska are lively while National Parks in the Interior like Denali are fully open for the summer. Each day bursts forth with life as wildflowers bloom and harbor seal pups can be spotted on ice floes.
July in Alaska
Average Temperatures: 51-63° F
Average Daylight: 17.5 hours
Alaska’s natural bounties are nearly everywhere you look in July—from wild berries lining the hiking trails to waters so productive they’ve inspired unique hunting behaviors in humpback whales.
August in Alaska
Average Temperatures: 50-63° F
Average Daylight: 15.5 hours
August is the best time to “predictably see large numbers of whales,” according to Andy Szabo, Director of the Alaska Whale Foundation. Fall colors also begin to paint the tundra russet red and vibrant orange.
September in Alaska
Average Temperatures: 45-57° F
Average Daylight: 13 hours
The shoulder season is still an excellent time to visit, with fewer crowds, still-active wildlife and no more mosquitoes. By mid-month, the night skies begin to fully darken, allowing for better views of the northern lights.
Fall Travel in Alaska: October to November
With the summer crowds cleared out, visiting in autumn allows you to experience Alaska’s grandeur in peace and quiet. The temperatures are starting to drop but it’s still comfortable enough to explore the outdoors if you’re dressed accordingly.
October in Alaska
Average Temperatures: 39-49° F
Average Daylight: 10.5 hours
As the leaves fall and the main tourism season comes to an end, a golden peace descends. The skies begin to fully darken at night, allowing you to witness the northern lights dancing amongst the stars.
Bears are still out and about to hunt before winter sets in, and the skies welcome thousands of sandhill cranes and other shorebirds as they begin to migrate.
November in Alaska
Average Temperatures: 31-40° F
Average Daylight: 8 hours
November is a time of increasing darkness. Higher elevations will see some snow, but it typically takes until the end of the month for a sufficient accumulation for winter sports. There is, however, enough to spot the tracks of wolves, lynx, mink and other more elusive forest fauna.
November is also when the largest bald eagle concentration in the world congregates near Haines along the Chilkat River.
Winter Travel in Alaska: December to February
Cold weather activities, from dog sledding to skiing, are in full swing come winter. If you’re looking for a more adventurous way to spend the holiday season or hoping to get the best views of the northern lights, you may want to consider exploring Alaska this time of year.
December in Alaska
Average Temperatures: 27-36° F
Average Daylight: 6.5 hours
Though December is the darkest time of the year, the towns are quite charming dressed up in their twinkling lights for the holiday season. Head to Christmas markets for Alaskan handcrafts such as gold-nugget jewelry, mukluks and birchwood bowls. Ski venues usually open by early December as well.
January in Alaska
Average Temperatures: 26-35° F
Average Daylight: 7 hours
January is the perfect time to experience Alaska like a local. Many communities put together “cabin fever reliever” festivals, and there’s an abundance of snow cover for dog mushing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling (“snowmachining,” as it’s called here).
February in Alaska
Average Temperatures: 27-37° F
Average Daylight: 9.5 hours
During February, the days continue to get lighter, but cold, clear conditions at night still leave plenty of opportunity for aurora viewing.
Spring Travel in Alaska: March to April
Daylight begins to return in spring as the snow begins to melt and the wildlife and landscapes start to awaken from their long slumber. There’s a renewed energy this time of year as the promise of summer beckons but some winter delights, like the aurora borealis, are still on display.
March in Alaska
Average Temperatures: 30-40° F
Average Daylight: 11.5 hours
March makes for a lovely winter trip. Days are getting longer, but skies still darken enough to catch the northern lights, which peak in activity mid-March around the Spring Equinox. Bears begin to emerge from their dens and migratory gray whales can be spotted heading north through the waters of the Inside Passage.
The famed Iditarod sled dog race also takes place the first Saturday in March.
April in Alaska
Average Temperatures: 35-48° F
Average Daylight: 14.5 hours
Most of the snow has melted in the lowlands as the land yawns back to life. Bright yellow skunk cabbage and carnivorous pitcher plants are starting to peek up along trails in the muskeg.
Spring also offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities while vegetation is still sparse. Hungry bears head to the intertidal zone to forage and millions of shorebirds make their yearly return.
Alaska’s “Last Frontier” is one of the wildest places American travelers can explore without a passport. Whenever you decide to visit its sublime mountain vistas, towering tidewater glaciers and extraordinary spirit, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure.
Featured Itineraries
Related articles
May 2024
Watch
