Best time to visit Alaska

+230
Alaska

Best time of year to visit Alaska

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.

34 THINGS TO DO IN ALASKA (AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 07)

Northern Lights

Northern Lights

late August–late April • nature

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

Ice Caves

Ice Caves

July–mid-September • activity

A new unknown world is hidden under the majestic Alaskan glaciers

Kayaking among the Kenai Fjords

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!

Polar Bear Watching

Polar Bear Watching

August–October • nature

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

Whale Watching in Alaska

Whale Watching in Alaska

April–August • activity

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

Bore Tide

Bore Tide

March | September • activity

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

Caribou Autumn Migration

Caribou Autumn 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!

Chilkoot Trail Hiking

Chilkoot Trail Hiking

July–August • activity

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

Walrus Watching

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

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

Summer Railroad Trip

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!

Packrafting

Packrafting

May–October • activity

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

Rainforest Ziplining

Rainforest Ziplining

May–September • activity

Fly above the tallest trees of Alaska and enjoy breathtaking views from a unique angle

Gold Panning

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?

Stampede Trail and Bus 142

Stampede Trail and Bus 142

August–September • activity

A challenge for even the toughest and most experienced hikers

Summer Dog Sledding

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

Akutaq

Akutaq

July–August • food

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

Cured Salmon Strips

Cured Salmon Strips

May–August • food

Smoked and dried​ salmon strips prepared according to old Alaskan recipes are the best snack here!

Glacier Hiking

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

Wild Berry Season

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!

Glacier Jet Skiing

Glacier Jet Skiing

May–September • activity

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

Top of the World Highway

Top of the World Highway

May–mid-September • activity

A scenic drive between the United States and Canada

Ethnic Villages

Ethnic Villages

mid-May–mid-September • activity

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

Tana Glacier at St. Ellias National Park

Tana Glacier at St. Ellias National Park

July–early September • activity

Perhaps the most difficult backpacking route in all of Alaska. Though as beautiful and rewarding as it is hard!

Fireweed and Shooting Stars Bloom

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!

Rafting

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 Fall Colors

Alaska Fall Colors

mid-August–late September • nature

Snap unparalleled fall color display against snow-capped mountains

Paddleboarding

Paddleboarding

May–mid-September • activity

Get as close as possible to the grand glaciers of Alaska

Alaska Cruises

Alaska Cruises

late April–October • activity

The 49th state is explored the best by water

Sandhill Crane Migration

Sandhill Crane Migration

April–October | mid-August–September • nature

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

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Rainbow Trout Fishing

June–September • activity

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

Salmon Fishing

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

Byron Glacier

Byron Glacier

mid-June–September • activity

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

Big Game Hunting

Big Game Hunting

August–October • activity

Hunting in Alaska is a challenging and sometimes even dangerous activity

35 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Bear Watching

Bear Watching

out of rangeJune–August • nature

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

King Crab

King Crab

out of rangeOctober–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

Wo​rld Ice Art Championships

out of rangemid-February–March • event

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

Active Glaciers Cruise

Active Glaciers Cruise

out of rangeJune–July • activity

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

Winter Railroad Trip

Winter Railroad Trip

out of rangeOctober–mid-April • activity

Ever dreamt of the Polar Express? Try it in Alaska

Fur Rondy

Fur Rondy

out of rangeFebruary 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

Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race

Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race

out of rangeMarch 2, 2024 • event

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

Nalukataq, Whaling Festival in Barrow

Nalukataq, Whaling Festival in Barrow

out of rangelate June • event

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

Midnight Sun

Midnight Sun

out of rangeMay 10–August 2 • nature

Witness a unique natural phenomenon—Polar Day

Caribou Spring Migration

Caribou Spring Migration

out of rangeMarch–late June • nature

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

Denali

Denali

out of rangeMay–July • activity

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

Bird Migration at Copper River Delta

Bird Migration at Copper River Delta

out of rangeearly May • nature

This spectacular mass bird migration attracts people from all around the world. It’s something that can’t be missed!

Snow Geese Spring Migration

Snow Geese Spring Migration

out of rangelate February–April • nature

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

Yukon Quest

Yukon Quest

out of rangeFebruary 3, 2024 • event

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

Dog Sledding

Dog Sledding

out of rangeDecember–April • activity

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

Lupine Fields in Bloom

Lupine Fields in Bloom

out of rangeJune • 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!

Kodiak Crab Festival

Kodiak Crab Festival

out of rangeMay 23-27, 2024 • event

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

Denali Winterfest

Denali Winterfest

out of rangeFebruary 25–26, 2023 • event

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

4th of July in Anchorage

4th of July in Anchorage

out of rangeJuly 3-7 • event

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

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

out of rangeMay–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!

Arctic Lightning Air Show

Arctic Lightning Air Show

out of rangeJuly 22–23, 2023 • event

Aerobatics and ground displays at a historic air base

Heliskiing

Heliskiing

out of rangeFebruary–April • activity

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

Methane Bubbles in the Lakes

Methane Bubbles in the Lakes

out of rangeOctober–November • nature

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

Alaska State Fair

Alaska State Fair

out of rangeAugust 18–September 4, 2023 • event

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

Skiing and Snowboarding in Alaska

Skiing and Snowboarding in Alaska

out of rangeFebruary–April • activity

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

Arctic Comic Con

Arctic Comic Con

out of rangeApril 27-28, 2024 • event

The largest comic book & pop culture event in Alaska

Auke Bay Winter Sunset

Auke Bay Winter Sunset

out of rangeNovember–March • nature

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

New Year's Eve in Anchorage

New Year's Eve in Anchorage

out of rangeDecember 31 • event

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

Alaska Folk Festival

Alaska Folk Festival

out of rangeApril 8-14, 2024 • event

One of the best folk festivals of the Northwest

Three Barons Renaissance Fair

Three Barons Renaissance Fair

out of rangeJune 1–2, 2024 | June 8–9, 2024 • event

Discover another realm at the Medieval festival in Anchorage

Golden Days Fairbanks

Golden Days Fairbanks

unconfirmedJuly 13-20, 2024 • event

The largest parade in the state and plenty of fun competitions

Arctic Ocean Ice Road

Arctic Ocean Ice Road

out of rangeDecember–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

Seward's Mount Marathon Race

Seward's Mount Marathon Race

out of rangeJuly 4 • event

One of the toughest 5K races on the planet

Alaskan Beer Week

Alaskan Beer Week

out of rangeJanuary 26–27, 2024 • event

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

Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds

out of rangemid-March–mid-June • nature

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

Last updated: