This land of the midnight sun can make your heart race as you come eye-to-eye with a 30-ton humpback whale and still your senses as you savor the freshest salmon you’ve ever tasted before unwinding in the comforts of a rustic resort.
The 650,000-acre Kenai Fjords National Park is ready to amaze. Are you ready to accept?
Alaska by the Seasons
Many Alaskans joke that there are two seasons in the “Great White North” – Summer and Winter!
While each of the four distinct seasons offer their own special surprises (even the short “shoulder” seasons of spring and fall), we recommend Alaska adventure travel between the months of May and September to take advantage of the longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures, although winter can be a treat to the lover of winter sports!
While Alaska does indeed have four distinct seasons, it may seem that a snowy, cold winter melts straight into a balmy summer, and then morphs straight back to a winter wonderland, all in the blink of an eye! While the winter may be a bit too chilly (and dark for that matter) for the normal explorer, late spring and early fall can be lovely times of year – assuming the weather cooperates (you just never know in Alaska!) Read on for a breakdown of the seasons and what time of year best fits your Alaska adventure travel.
Spring (March – May)
While the beginning of spring (March and April) may be a bit too cold to travel, mid-May onward is a great time to visit Alaska as winter merges into spring. In May, you’ll come across temperatures in the 50s and lower 60s (°F), as well as some spring showers (and maybe even a late spring snowfall!) The daylight hours are also beginning to lengthen, giving you a chance to explore late into the day.
Summer (June – August)
We consider this time of year the peak season to travel in the “Land of the Midnight Sun.” You’ll find summer temperatures to be surprisingly pleasant – anywhere from highs in the 60°F to 80°F range. Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean it won’t rain though. Be sure to pack quality rain gear at any time of year, but especially in the summer time! June 21st is the longest day of the year, averaging 20 hours of daylight. You’ll never want to stop adventuring when the sun barely dips below the horizon!
Autumn (September – November)
Early fall (September) tends to average about 5 to 10°F cooler than summer temperatures, so this makes it a perfect time to travel with fewer crowds. You’ll still get nice long days with a chance of rain early in the season, but as autumn progresses you’ll want to prepare yourself for the inevitable snowfall (which could prove to be another adventure entirely!)
Winter (December – February)
While Alaskan winters, cold and dark, may not be your cup of tea, there is actually quite a lot still happening for the adventurous traveler looking for a unique vacation. If you enjoy winter activities; downhill, cross-country and backcountry skiing are prevalent, as is snowshoeing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and ice skating. You also have the greatest chance of viewing the aurora borealis.