During summer, you will not be able to enjoy the stars in Alaska because the sun just doesn’t set. It means there’s no night at all during summertime. At first, it may be a bit unusual and confusing for those who aren't familiar with Polar Day, but it’s something very special that everyone should witness at least once. Late evenings during Polar Day are considered very beautiful because they appear as an endless sunset.
One of the best places to experience Midnight Sun is Fairbanks, the northermost city in the United States, located in just 196 mi (315 km) from the Arctic Circle. Fairbanks is often called “the Land of the Midnight Sun” because it experiences 70 straight days from late April through late July. Local people use this extra time to go fishing, running, hiking and cycyling. Days can be extended endlessly in Fairbanks during the summer with plenty of fun activities.
Fairbanks Midnight Sun Festival (June 18, 2022)
Every June, around the summer solstice, downtown Fairbanks hosts a fun 12-hour street fair called Midnight Sun Festival. It's packed with live music, various entertainment, food trucks and stalls, as well as Alaskan crafts and souvenirs. A large BBQ cook-off and plenty of fun activities will keep you awake through Polar Day.
Practical info
What is the location to observe continuous daylight in Alaska?
Fairbanks is the northernmost city in the United States and is the ideal location to experience Polar Day. During summer, Fairbanks has 70 straight days of sunlight from late April through late July. Visitors can view the Midnight Sun by doing outdoor activities such as fishing, running, hiking, and cycling. Show more
What is the time frame when there is continuous daylight in Alaska called?
The 'Midnight Sun' is the time frame when there is continuous daylight in Alaska, and it occurs during summertime, particularly from late April to late July. During this period, the sun doesn't set, so you can enjoy 24 hours of sunlight. It's a unique and remarkable occurrence that tourists should experience while visiting Alaska and the city of Fairbanks. Show more
What are the common outdoor activities during Polar Day in Fairbanks?
While experiencing Polar Day in Fairbanks, visitors can participate in multiple outdoor activities such as fishing, running, hiking, and cycling, to name a few. The extended daylight periods provide locals and tourists the opportunity to take advantage of recreational activities and enjoy the magnificent views of the Midnight Sun phenomenon. Downtown offers a street fair called the Midnight Sun Festival to enjoy live entertainment, food stalls, and Alaskan crafts. Show more
What are the recommended things to do in Fairbanks during the summer solstice's Midnight Sun Festival?
The Midnight Sun Festival, held on the summer solstice in June, is an event that provides a unique experience to visitors in Fairbanks. The 12-hour long street fair has different stalls providing food and Alaskan crafts and features live music and entertainment. Many other activities, such as a BBQ cook-off, enhance the festival's atmosphere, making it the perfect place to observe and celebrate the Polar Day phenomenon. Show more
Is stargazing possible during Polar Day?
Stargazing during Polar Day in Alaska is not feasible because the midnight sun phenomenon provides 24 hours of continuous daylight. Even if someone stays up all night, they cannot witness stars during the summertime as they are invisible due to the sunlight. However, visitors can enjoy the unique and incredible experience of the Midnight Sun, a phenomenon that does not occur for most people worldwide. Show more
