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© Galyna Andrushko / Dollar Photo Club

Best time to visit

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Due to wildlife visibility and comfortable weather conditions for sightings, mid-May to mid-September is the best time to visit Alaska. Days are longer and warmer during the summer. The weather during this period is mostly pleasant but it can change quickly any time of the year, so pack a warm coat anyway. Crowded summer and early autumn are perfect for glacier cruises or for conquering Denali, Alaska's highest peak. In view of the frosty weather, tours usually stop in late September. October opens a season colder and darker days, and Alaska enters hibernation until April. However, November and December are perfect for ice skating or railroad trips. January to April can be a good idea if you are desperately longing for winter sports or Northern Lights watching. The period between May and June sees rising temperatures, awakening wildlife, and shoulder-season prices.

69 things to do in Alaska

Winter

November–March Weather

Lots of snow and frost are guaranteed during this season

Summer

June, July, August Weather

Warm mild season is the greatest time to visit Alaska

Lupine Fields in Bloom

June Nature

Wildflowers in Alaska bloom during a very short season. It may not be easy to find a perfect place in time, but you can try your luck!

Ethnic Villages

mid-May–mid-September Activity

The real spirit of Native American culture lives in small northern villages

Summer Dog Sledding

mid-May–August Activity

Don’t think that dog sledding is available only in winter! In Alaska, ​you can try this kind of sport even during summertime

King Crab

October–January Food

Monstrous crabs with tender meat are abundant in a sea around Alaska. And local restaurants know best how to cook them

Wo​rld Ice Art Championships

mid-February–March Event

Once a year Fairbanks turns into an ice city the Ice Queen would envy!

Kodiak Crab Festival

May 23-27, 2024 Event

Every May, the city of Kodiak plunges into the celebration of the sea and its glory!

Rainbow Trout Fishing

June–September Activity

Alaska is rich not only in salmon. Catch a trophy-sized trout in the rapid rivers!

Packrafting

May–October Activity

A combination of hiking and rafting is one of Alaska's best secrets

Active Glaciers Cruise

June–July Activity

Witness one of the scariest and most beautiful phenomena of Alaska—glacier calving

Skiing and Snowboarding

February–April Activity

Wonderful nature, steep trails, and great service will make your holidays an unforgettable adventure

Heliskiing

February–April Activity

You can try skiing in plenty of countries. But what about something really special, like heliskiing?

Glacier Hiking

May–September Activity

Are you brave enough to feel the power of ice? If so, come to Alaska and discover the breathtaking beauty of glaciers

Northern Lights in Alaska

late August–late April Nature

Spanning under the "Auroral Oval," Alaskan Arctic belongs to the world's top locations to observe polar lights

Whale Watching in Alaska

April–August Activity

Whales are the largest mammals in the world. Seeing them is a truly unforgettable experience!

Methane Bubbles in the Lakes

October–November Nature

If you want to see the effects of global warming, visit Alaskan ‘boiling’ lakes

Stampede Trail and Bus 142

August–September Activity

A challenge for even the toughest and most experienced hikers

Wild Berry Season

late July–August Food

Blueberries, cranberries, lingonberries, huckleberries, raspberries​, crowberries… This list is endless, so come to Alaska and pick some fresh berries yourself!

Arctic Ocean Ice Road

December–March Activity

In Alaska winter also means more mobility. An Ocean Ice Road in Prudhoe Bay is one of those unique highways which operate only during the cold season

Bore Tide

March | September Activity

A unique natural phenomenon that offers great opportunities to surfers and kayakers

Akutaq

July–August Food

Berries mixed with dried fish, walrus tallow, and reindeer fat—sounds strange? Alaskans don’t think so

Dog Sledding

December–April Activity

Considered to be probably the most famous Alaskan activity, winter dog sledding is definitely worth trying!

Ice Caves

July–mid-September Activity

A new unknown world is hidden under the majestic Alaskan glaciers

Walrus Watching

June–August Nature

Have you ever seen a walrus in your life? In Alaska, you can see hundreds of them at one​ spot

Makushin Volcano

June–August Activity

From land, it looks like a snowy mountain, but actually, it is an active volcano—one of the most interesting places within th​e Aleutian Islands

Fur Rondy

February 22-March 3, 2024 Event

Run, Rudolph, run! The reindeer race seems to be the most interesting event of the Rondy Festival in Anchorage. Check all the events, and find the most fun one

Birdwatching

May–June Nature

Check out thousands of rare bird species, some of which can be seen only in Alaska. Visit the Pribilof Islands and meet them all!

Caribou Fall Migration

late August–mid-October Nature

Caribou d​eer are an integral part of Alaskan wildlife. Every fall, these animals migrate across Kobuk River. Watch them in their natural habitat!

Snow Geese Spring Migration

late February–April Nature

Millions of wild cries hover above the land as endless birds fly overhead—just to notify they're coming home

Denali

May–July Activity

The highest mountain peak in​ North America is located in Alaska. Are you ready to conquer it?

Gold Panning

May–September Activity

Alaskan lands remember the times of the great Gold Rush. Moreover, there is still a chance to get some gold! Are you ready to face this challenge?

Glacier Jet Skiing

May–September Activity

Glacier jet skiing – does it even exist? Yes! And it can be an amazing adventure

Winter Railroad Trip

October–mid-April Activity

Ever dreamt of the Polar Express? Try it in Alaska

Bear Watching

June–August Nature

It’s impossible to imagine Alaska without wild bears. Come and see these strong animals in their natural habitat!

Kayaking among the Kenai Fjords

late May–mid-September Activity

The Kenai Fjords National Park is considered one of the most beautiful places in Alaska. There is no need to say that kayaking there is something unbelievable!

Chilkoot Trail Hiking

July–August Activity

Follow the path of prospectors and enjoy picturesque views of Alaskan nature

Midnight Sun

May 10–August 2 Nature

Witness a unique natural phenomenon—Polar Day

Denali Winterfest

February 25–26, 2023 Event

One the most beautiful places in Alaska turns into a winter fairy tale

Auke Bay Winter Sunset

November–March Nature

If you are looking for unforgettable views, visit Auke Bay. Its famous sunset will definitely inspire you

Salmon Fishing

May–August Activity

If you’ve never fished before, Alaska is a good place to start! Accept the challenge and try to catch some big salmon

Big Game Hunting

August–October Activity

Hunting in Alaska is a challenging and sometimes even dangerous activity

Polar Bear Watching

August–October Nature

Alaska is one of the few regions in the world where it is possible to spot polar bears

Caribou Spring Migration

March–late June Nature

Caribou herds migrate across Alaska twice a year. And both times are equally impressive

Anchorage 4th of July Fireworks, Parade & Events

July 3–7, 2024 Event

Plunge into the exciting atmosphere of Independence Day celebrations with the Alaskans!

Alaskan Beer Week

January 26–27, 2024 Event

Beer is the favourite drink of Alaska. Try it for yourself!

Summer Railroad Trip

mid-May–mid-September Activity

The Alaska railroad will help you to make your journey an unforgettable adventure. Just buy a ticket!

Nalukataq, Whaling Festival in Barrow

late June Event

It is perhaps the most authentic Native American event in Alaska. People there still preserve their old traditions

Fireweed and Shooting Stars Bloom

June–August Nature

Don't think that Alaska is only a land with snowy mountains and glaciers. It has beautiful and flamboyant flora too!

Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race

March 2, 2024 Event

Join an old Alaskan tradition—a long dog race across the state!

Rafting

May–September Activity

Enjoy the noise of rushing water, amazing nature, and fresh pine air. Rafting in Alaska is better than anywhere else!

Alaska State Fair

August 16–September 2, 2024 Event

See a giant cabbage and snack on Alaskan seafood at a major annual event

Byron Glacier

mid-June–September Activity

Take a short hike to a beautiful glacier and explore its caves

Seward's Mount Marathon Race

July 4 Event

One of the toughest 5K races on the planet

Top of the World Highway

May–mid-September Activity

A scenic drive between the United States and Canada

Alaska Folk Festival

April 7-13, 2025 Event

One of the best folk festivals of the Northwest

Paddleboarding

May–mid-September Activity

Get as close as possible to the grand glaciers of Alaska

Yukon Quest

February 3, 2024 Event

Watch an exciting 1000-mi sled dog race between Fairbanks and Whitehorse

New Year's Eve in Anchorage

December 31 Event

Fireworks and northern lights illuminate the skies on the main night of the year

Sandhill Crane Migration

April–October | mid-August–September Nature

Alaska is among the most spectacular places to watch the sandhill crane migration

Alaska Fall Colors

mid-August–late September Nature

Marvel at unparalleled fall color displays against snow-capped mountains

Hummingbirds

mid-March–mid-June Nature

When it comes to hummingbirds, Alaska has a little something to surprise you with

Arctic Comic Con

April 26-27, 2025 Event

The largest comic book & pop culture event in Alaska

Golden Days Fairbanks

July 13-20, 2024 Event

The largest parade in the state and plenty of fun competitions

Alaska Cruises

late April–October Activity

The 49th state is explored the best by water

Arctic Lightning Air Show

Next show will take place in 2025 Event

Aerobatics and ground displays at a historic air base

Three Barons Renaissance Fair

June 1–2, 2024 | June 8–9, 2024 Event

Discover another realm at the Medieval festival in Anchorage

Arctic Thunder Open House Air Show

July 20–21, 2024 Event

One of the biggest air shows in Alaska showcases jaw-dropping examples of aerobatic finesse

Skagway White Pass Railroad Summit Train Tour

June-October, 2024 (selected dates) Activity

A scenic three-hour route allows passengers to enjoy beautiful panoramas along the White Pass Railroad

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