Many aspects come together to make a vacation in Alaska memorable, but one of the most important is the weather. After all, when you’re spending time in the great outdoors, you want to enjoy yourself! Of course, there’s no universal “best” time to visit Alaska — it’s a subjective decision. However, by looking at the seasons throughout the year, we can help you plan the kind of Alaskan vacation you’ve always dreamed of.
At Alaskan Sights & Bites, we provide a unique range of guided Anchorage tours that showcase our city’s fascinating history, captivating culture, and thriving food scene. And with our tailor-made private tours in Anchorage and custom corporate experiences in Anchorage, we provide unforgettable Alaskan outings for travelers of every kind!
As born and raised Alaskans, we know this incredible state inside out. Let us help you decide which time of year is the best to visit Alaska. If you have any questions about our tours in the meantime, please feel free to get in touch.
What is the Best Time to Travel to Alaska?
Let’s make it clear right off the bat — Alaska is a year-round destination! This means the best time for you to visit will depend on what you want to see and do here. Many people find their perfect Alaskan experience in the summer, between mid-May and mid-September, while others embrace the magic that winter brings.
Spring is a relatively short month here. As the hours of daylight rapidly increase, the temperature warms up quickly. By June, it’s more or less as hot as it’s going to get. This sets the stage for the peak travel season between July and August. During this time, the weather is warm and dry with refreshingly cool nights. Average daytime highs vary between 60°F and 80°F, with 40°F to 50°F at night. In May and September, you can expect temperatures to be around 5°F to 10°F cooler than this.
By June, you will have a full range of summer activities to choose from. This includes the Denali National Park road, which opens in the second week of June. If you want to hit the hiking trails, those near Anchorage at lower elevations are typically clear of snow by May. Up in the mountains, push that back to early June. Don’t miss our blog What are Some of the Best Places to Hike in Alaska? for hiking recommendations from locals!
Is the Alaska you want to visit a snowy wonderland? Winter is the longest season this far north, but there’s still plenty to see and do here! From dog sledding and snowmobiling to seeing the mesmerizing northern lights (more on this below!), if it’s thrilling winter activities you’re looking for, consider a trip between early November and late March.
Our blog Is It a Good Choice to Visit Alaska in Winter? takes a closer look at this popular season, so be sure to check it out when you have finished here.
Summer in Alaska: Land of the Midnight Sun
Alaska receives an incredible amount of daylight in the summer. These long days are ideal for making the most of your time in our home state. And you should experience the Midnight Sun at least once in your life! The summer solstice, June 21st, is the longest day of the year. In Anchorage, we see 19 hours of daylight on this day, while Fairbanks gets 22.
From late May to late July, darkness never truly sets in. It’s light outside all night. For another month either side of this window, it’s light after 10 pm. Those endless summer days, so full of opportunity and adventure, are just another reason why so many people love visiting Alaska at this time of year.
The incredible amount of summer sunshine is just one of the entries on our list of little-known facts about Anchorage, AK. Read the full blog to find out even more before you arrive!
Summer in Alaska: Enjoy Peak Wildlife Spotting Opportunities!
A trip to Alaska isn’t complete without seeing our state’s iconic wildlife. Generally speaking, the same May-to-September window is great for spotting the famous animals that call our state home. However, the Alaskan wildlife is particularly active between July and August.
Bear viewings start around mid-June and are at their best in July. They then start to feast on migrating fish in August before hibernating through the long winter. As for moose, you can encounter these majestic animals year-round.
Gray whales migrate up to our waters in March and/or April, while humpbacks are here between May and September. Orcas are another year-round presence. Do you want to fit in some fishing, too? Good news — the fishing’s great all summer long!
Our own Half-Day Anchorage Wildlife Tour with Lunch is the ideal way to encounter Alaskan wildlife in a safe, informative, and tasty way! Led by one of our storytelling guides, it even includes a drive on the iconic Seward Highway, some delicious local cuisine, and a beer sampling experience in Girdwood.
Winter in Alaska: Can You View the Northern Lights?
Yes, you absolutely can! In fact, this is one reason why so many people prefer winter vacations in Anchorage over summer breaks. To see the dazzling light show of the Aurora Borealis, you need dark winter nights! If hunting for the Northern Lights is a top priority on your trip, we think you’ll love our blog The Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Alaska.
Just as spring rapidly warms up with increased daylight, it doesn’t take long for the dark nights to set in again. Because of this, fall starts early in Alaska. It’s typical to see the shimmering green lights in the sky as early as late August. As such, it is possible to view the aurora while still being able to enjoy summer vacation activities. But you’ll need to plan a visit around mid-August to mid-September… and hope that your luck is in!
But because the northern lights are visible all through the winter and into April, you can make them part of an unforgettable winter escape. Typically, the best time for an Aurora winter vacation is in February or March.
Winter in Alaska: A Whole World of Amazing Experiences!
There is so much more to Anchorage and Alaska in the winter than the Northern Lights. Just some of the fun-filled activities you can enjoy here between fall and spring include:
- Snowmobiling
- Dog sledding
- Snowboarding
- Skiing
- Cross-country skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Ice fishing
- Winter biking
- Ice skating
- Ice hockey
- Ice climbing
- The Fur Rondy
- The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
The Fur Rondy and Iditarod are two heavyweights of the Alaskan cultural calendar! If you’re planning a winter vacation in Anchorage, attending one or both of these events is a fantastic way to connect with Alaskan life. Check out our Guide to Fur Rondy and the Iditarod in Anchorage, Alaska for more information!
But no matter what time of the season you visit, the snowy, icy landscapes in and around Anchorage are a spectacular sight and a unique backdrop for a vacation with family or friends, or a solo adventure.
Fall in Alaska: When Can I See Colorful Foliage?
Alaska’s fall foliage peaks between mid-August and mid-September, and it’s most striking in the tundra above the treeline. Visiting in September has the added benefit of it being shoulder season. This means you’re more likely to find discounts on hotels. There are also no bugs around and you have a chance of seeing the Northern Lights, if you’re lucky. But the weather isn’t reliable. September is usually rainy and cooler — but there’s also the likelihood of a wonderful Indian summer.
Fall is also a great time to enjoy the best Anchorage scenic day drives, although you’ll need a rental car for most of them. If you’re wondering how feasible it is to explore here without your own wheels, don’t miss our blog How to Tour Alaska Without a Car?
Book Your Guided Anchorage Tours with Us!
So, what is the best season to visit Alaska? That’s for you to decide now! But whenever you decide to come, our guided Anchorage tours are your gateway to discovering the best that our city and state have to offer.
Do you have any pre-booking questions for us? Please just get in touch for the answers you need.
