For most travelers the worst time to visit Alaska is in the winter from November to March. With frigid temperatures, long nights, and treacherous road conditions, Alaska’s winter season presents numerous challenges for travelers — for example Utqiagvik (formerly known as Barrow) can hit -20°F.
Most people avoid visiting Alaska during the winter because of the cold weather and limited daylight. Temperatures plummet, daylight dwindles, and many outdoor activities and attractions become inaccessible.
But if you prefer fewer crowds and lower costs, avoid peak summer (June to August). As this is the most popular time to visit, so expect a surge in tourism and corresponding price hikes.
Alaska Winter Weather Precautions
If you are inclined to visit Alaska in the winter, you will need to be well-prepared. A little forethought will ensure your comfort as well as your safety.
- Dress for the weather. Layering your clothing and donning insulated, waterproof gear is essential to combat the extreme cold. Don’t forget, the coldest recorded temperature in Alaska was -80 degrees Fahrenheit (-62 °C)!
- Stay informed about the conditions. Don’t let sudden snowstorms and plummeting temperatures catch you off guard.
- Prepare for emergencies. Pack a first aid kit, extra food, water, and other basic supplies — even if you don’t plan to be outside much. It’s essential to be self-reliant in remote areas.
- Don’t be a mystery. Let someone know your travel plans and expected return time, especially when venturing into isolated regions. This way, others can alert authorities if you don’t return as planned.
- Stay safe on the roads. Driving can be perilous during the winter months due to snow and ice on the roads. Consider renting a four-wheel drive vehicle or hiring a professional driver if you’re not comfortable navigating these challenging conditions.
Making the Most of a Winter Visit
For those intrepid travelers willing to embrace the challenges of an Alaskan winter, there are still unique experiences to be had. Here are a few things you can only do on a winter visit:
- Watch the Iditarod: Witness the world-famous Iditarod, a 1,000-mile sled dog race that showcases human and animal endurance. Head to Alaska in March to join the send-off ceremony in Anchorage.
- View the Northern Lights: Alaska is one of the prime locations on Earth to witness the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis. The season starts in late August, so you could catch a glimpse on a summer trip, but it peaks in March giving you better odds in the winter.
- Experience Days of Complete Darkness: Barrow, Alaska, located in the Arctic Circle, experiences a polar night during the winter, where the sun doesn’t rise for several months. It sets on November 19 and doesn’t rise again until January 23!
- View Wildlife: While summer is usually considered the time for wildlife watchers, some wildlife is more likely to be seen in the winter months. If you would like to catch a glimpse of polar bears, arctic hares, ir snowy owls, winter is the time for you.
- Soak in a hot spring: Soaking in Alaska’s hot springs is a unique experience as the mineral-rich waters are a welcome contrast to the Alaskan chill. The state has 20 known geothermal hot springs, but some of them are pretty remote. Chena Hot Springs in Fairbanks, Pilgrim Hot Springs in Nome, and White Sulphur Springs on Chichagof Island are some of the most accessible and are steamy all winter long.
- Ski or Enjoy Other Snow Sports: Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports in Alaska’s breathtaking mountainous terrain. Resorts like Alyeska offer fantastic winter recreation opportunities, and February is usually the month with the best snow conditions.
When to Visit Alaska Instead?
If your travel schedule allows, a visit to The Last Frontier should be taken during the summer months. From late May to mid-September are the best times to visit Alaska.
If You Want Better Weather
Summer brings milder temperatures, longer days, and more sunlight. These milder months make exploring the stunning landscapes and enjoying the outdoor activities so much easier.
Remember, Alaska is a HUGE state — roughly 663,268 square miles — and the weather will vary by region. Check temperatures and weather conditions in the area of the state you are visiting when planning your packing list.
Southcentral Region: Anchorage and Kenai Peninsula
Summers in this region are relatively warm with daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-40s, on the low end, to the low-70s, on the high end. You can expect long daylight hours. In fact, some areas experience nearly 20 hours of daylight in June.
Winter in this region comes with less than six hours of daylight, and the Kenai Peninsula can get hit with 50 inches of snow in an average season.
Interior Region: Fairbanks and Denali National Park
Summers in the interior are also pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from the high 40s to around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The interior experiences warm temperatures during the day, but it can still cool down significantly at night.
If you want to experience the famous Midnight Sun, this is a good spot for it. Fairbanks gets almost 24 hours of daylight in June. It will get dusky in the wee morning hours, but not truly dark.
Southeast Coastal Region: Juneau and the Inside Passage
Summers in the southeast are typically milder and wetter. Daytime temperatures range from the low 50s to the mid-60s. Since it’s a rainforest region, you can expect more drizzling days than in other parts of Alaska. Juneau can get up to 90 inches of rain annually. However, the summer months see the dryest days of the year.
Arctic Region: Utqiagvik and Nome
The Arctic region of Alaska experiences much milder temperatures during the summer months, with daytime highs ranging from the low 30s to a scorching 50 degrees Fahrenheit on some occasions. This region truly has the Midnight Sun, with around 80 days of complete daylight starting in May.
Southwest Coastal Region: Kodiak Island and King Salmon
Coastal areas in the southwest have relatively mild summers with temperatures ranging from the high 40s to about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. You should also expect a fair amount of rain and fog (especially on Kodiak) — but the beauty of the sunny days will absolutely take your breath away.
If You Want More Activities
The summer months offer a wide range of activities, and the extended daylight hours allow you to make the most of your Alaskan adventure.
Hiking and Backpacking: Alaska boasts an extensive network of hiking trails that lead you through diverse landscapes, from towering forests to Arctic coastal plains to sparkling lakes. Some popular hiking destinations include Chugach State Park, Tongass National Forest, and Harding Icefield. You can choose from short day hikes or guided multi-day backpacking trips — just don’t forget to pack your bear spray!
Wildlife Viewing: Alaska is renowned for its diverse and abundant wildlife — moose, caribou, bears, and more. In July and August, the bear viewing is good, especially on Kodiak or in Denali Park. Bald eagles will be flying around overhead all summer, and the humpback whales should make an appearance in June. Guided wildlife tours are also available in basically every region of the state during the summer months.
Fishing: Alaska is a world-class destination for fishing enthusiasts. Whether you’re into salmon, halibut, or other species, there are numerous opportunities for fishing in Alaska’s rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. The Kenai River will be teeming with trout, salmon, and pike. Kvichak River has salmon, grayling, and trout. Plus, you can hop on a fishing charter for a deep-sea adventure and reel in a halibut or two.
Glacier Tours: Alaska is home to 664 named glaciers, and summer is the perfect time to explore them. You can take glacier tours by boat, kayak, or even on foot. From Anchorage, you can experience the Matanuska Glacier, and from Valdez, you can easily take a tour of the Worthington Glacier. Juneau offers glacier viewing as well.
Water Sports: Alaska’s pristine rivers and waterways offer fantastic opportunities for rafting, kayaking, and even snorkeling. With 3 million lakes and over 10,000 rivers, there are options for all levels of experience. Book a snorkeling trip off the waters of Mountain Point, kayak Prince William Sound to spy on wildlife and glaciers, or spike your adrenaline with a whitewater rafting trip near Denali National Park.
These activities provide just a glimpse of the many adventures you can have in Alaska during the summer. Whether you’re a wildlife lover or someone seeking to experience the grandeur of nature, Alaska’s summer months are sure to provide you with unforgettable memories.
Winter or Summer, Alaska is Delivers
While the worst time to visit Alaska is undoubtedly the harsh winter season, a winter trip can still be a memorable experience and worth the trek.
However, for most travelers, the summer months are going to be where it’s at.
You’ll find more activities to enjoy and more eateries are open for business. Plus, the alaskan wildlife is freely roaming, and you have plenty of daylight hours to explore.
But no matter when you decide to visit the Last Frontier, make sure you explore some of the state’s most famous landmarks and make it an unforgettable trip.
