Things to Do in Alaska in Summer, Spring, Winter and Fall

Things to Do in Alaska in Summer, Spring, Winter and Fall

Alaska-Glacier-in-Mountians-e1647897933329.jpg

 

One of the biggest aspects of your next Alaskan trip to consider as you plan your itinerary is the season.

Alaska offers something new and unique each month of the year, so coordinate your visit around what’s available (and comfortable in terms of weather!) during your stay. Alaska's dramatic, rugged landscape offers a wealth of adventure for intrepid travelers in the summer.

With so much to explore, uncover and soak in, how can you pick the very best things to do in Alaska to make your bucket-list trip truly bucket-list worthy? To start, do your research. Read on for a few of our top things to do in Alaska in the summer (and spring, fall and winter too!).

 

Top Things to Do in Alaska in Summer:

The balmy Alaska summer weather makes the season a favorite for many frequent visitors. Summer temperatures can get up as high as 80°F, though you’ll find exceedingly hot temperatures to be rare.

Instead, more often, expect comfortable, cool temperatures in the 60s and 70s, perfect for outdoor exploration. Take advantage of that extra daylight, too. June 21st is the longest day of the year, averaging 20 hours of sun, and there are plenty of things to do in Alaska in July as well as June.

Hike through part of America’s northernmost temperate rainforest, in Chugach State Park, when you take the Winner Creek Trail. The trailhead is an easy drive from Anchorage, making a trip out to the trail one of the top fun things to do in Anchorage, Alaska, in the summer.

Additionally, the hike is easy and suitable for hikers of most skill levels, including children. The well-developed, wide trail (or, at least the lower portion of it) takes you along boisterous creeks and through thick, vibrantly green flora, over three miles. The hand tram is a favorite point of interest along this trail, as you step into a metal cage and pull yourself by hand over Glacier Creek, as the water flows more than a hundred feet below you.

For other fun things to do in Alaska in June and July, take a bike ride through Johnson Pass, whizzing past wildflowers, waterfalls and alpine valleys as you go. If you take the bike trail, also a short drive from Anchorage, far enough (up to 25 miles, though we promise it’ll fly by), you’ll reach Hope, a former Gold Rush town. Hope isn’t the only bit of history you’ll find on this popular trail, though. There are remnants of the previous 110-year-old pioneer route, 1910 gold rush tent cities and more.

If you’re not comfortable with being off the grid or dealing with the bugs and potential bears on your own, consider this as one of the fun things to do in Alaska that’s better left to a group or guided outing. Add another hike to your Alaska summer itinerary and visit Harding Ice Field.

The 300-square-mile ice field is seven miles wide, making it the largest in North America. The ice field is accessible via the 8.2-mile round trip Harding Ice Field Trail that starts on a valley floor and winds its way up above the tree line. Once you make it to the top, you’ll be awestruck by the endless stretches of ice and snow. But be careful — the upper portion of the trail is usually covered with snow well into July. Visiting Harding Ice Field is definitely one of the things to do in Alaska in August, versus earlier in the summer.

 

Top Things to Do in Alaska in Spring:

Compared to winter and summer, spring in Alaska is relatively short. It’s only around May that the number of daylight hours begin to increase and the temperatures rise enough to accommodate a lot of outdoor adventure travel. Temperatures climb up into the 50s and lower 60s (°F) and weather often includes spring showers and possibly even a late spring snowfall.

If the weather is still a bit chilly for you, though, no worries. There are plenty of things to do in Alaska in May that don’t require too much bundling up. One, for example, is the four-hour scenic train ride available on the famous Alaska Railroad.

A trip from Anchorage to Seward serves up marvelous vistas, as the train winds through the Kenai Peninsula and along Turnagain Arm, for views of wilderness, back country, glaciers and water features. The ride is a good day trip, as travelers receive a long layover in Seward before the train returns to Anchorage. Or, you can choose to stay in Seward, as the location positions you perfectly for further explorations of Kenai Fjords National Park. It’s also a lovely destination to stay overnight or for a few days, with a range of accommodation options, from rustic lodges to cozy bed and breakfasts.

For more indoor fun, visit the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, Alaska, the only facility of its kind in the region, combining an aquarium with marine research and a wildlife response team. The center is the only permanent marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation facility in the state.

Get up close and personal with some of Alaska’s most notable sea life, from seals and sea lions, to puffins and otters. Purchase tickets ahead of time for hands-on encounters with the placid puffins and curious octopuses. Remember to bring your camera along!

A photography tour is a perfect way to capture your spring visit and one of the best things to do in Alaska. Whether you enjoy photographing landscapes, wildlife or even just your loved ones, you’ll walk away from your Alaskan trip with a tangible reminder of a plethora of memories. Qualified photography tour providers can be found across the state, with a range of specialties to fit your interests.

 

Top Things to Do in Alaska in Fall:

Like spring, fall is “shoulder season” in Alaska and rather brief. If you plan on spending plenty of time outdoors, we recommend visiting Alaska before the end of September, when the daylight starts to become scarce and temperatures drop. September visits also treat travelers willing to brave chillier weather with fewer crowds. Just remember — if you’re looking for things to do in Alaska in September, prepare for some rain. The month is often the wettest of the year.

One of the top things to do in Alaska no matter the season is visit Glacier Bay National Park, and so it’s one of the best Alaska things to do in September as well. Visiting in the fall allows you to take advantage of comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.

The park is absolutely brimming with beautiful wildlife, from the courageous mountain goats perched on their ledges to the clamoring sea lions on the shores. Foraging bears are no strangers, either. You’ll want to spend at least a full day in this UNESCO World Heritage site — there’s certainly plenty enough to see. Of course, you can’t just observe Alaska from land. Any proper explorer will tell you that there’s just as much to see from the water. Take a kayak, paddle board or skiff and make your way through some of Alaska’s gorgeous waterways. From the sea lions you saw in Glacier Bay National Park to whales, to porpoises and dolphins, the friendly sea life is abundant.

You’ll also enjoy a unique view of the shoreline, too, as you spot bear on the beaches and plenteous sea birds swooping overhead. Some of the most popular spots for taking to the water include Krestof and Nakwasina Sounds and the waters off Chichagof Island.

If you’d rather focus on the sea and wildlife while someone else steers the boat, then hop aboard a Kenai Fjords National Park glacier and wildlife cruise. One of the top things to do in Alaska, a glacier and wildlife cruise puts you as close as possible to the area’s best nature and glacial wonders, without requiring any effort on your part.

You can even find Alaskan cruise providers that offer on-board lunch and naturalist guides to further explain the intricate details of the ecosystems you’re witnessing, all from aboard your small ship.

 

Top Things to Do in Alaska in the Winter:

Temperatures across Alaska can dip down into the single digits starting in November, remaining there until April. Depending on where you’re looking for things to do in Alaska, you’ll also find that it will be dark for most of the winter months, in some places completely dark from November until January. That’s why we recommend finding fun things to do in Alaska in the summer, spring, and fall, even though it is possible to find things to do in Alaska in the winter.

Of course, despite the darkness, visiting Alaska in winter, especially Anchorage, Fairbanks or Juneau, Alaska, does provide you with plenty of fun in terms of winter sporting activities, including skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice skating and dog sledding.

Alaska is a winter wonderland through the last few months of the year and into the first few months of the next. If you’re lucky during your stay, the night skies might just treat you to a viewing of the aurora borealis!  

 

Let's Plan Your Adventure!

Explore top-rated Alaskan adventure tours for families or adults! 

 

Explore Adventures in this Destination

Related Posts

Top Reasons to Visit Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

Just over two hours south of Anchorage is one of…

Podcast: Kit Parks Talks to Michele Murray About Her Banff & Jasper Adventure

Kit Parks, from Active Travel Adventures, chats with Michele Murray…

Where to Watch the 2023 Solar Eclipse

 

On October 14th, 2023, North, Central and South America will…

Top Things to Do in Anchorage

The city of Anchorage and the nature surrounding it are…

The Best Winter Family Vacations for Sun, Snow and the Holidays

 

How to Plan Your Winter Family Vacation for 2022 

Adventurous families…

Best Time to Visit Alaska

While we believe the best time of year to visit…

The Best Time to Visit Maine

So you’re considering a visit to Maine—the popular U.S. coastal…

Best Time to Visit Death Valley

 

Visit During Other National Parks' Off-SeasonUnlike most National Parks, the…

Best Time To Visit Glacier National Park

Anyone who's been to Montana will tell you straight: Big…

Best Time To Visit Banff National Park

 

With unmatched panoramic views and magical vistas of jagged, winter…

Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon

 

The Grand Canyon is one of those must-see geological wonders…

Your Guide to Teen Trips

 Your Guide to Teen TripsTraveling with your children during their…

10 Best Places to Visit in Montana

 

Many of the best places to visit in Montana are…

7 Reasons Why You Should Take the Family to Costa Rica this Christmas

 

If you're looking for something fresh to do this holiday…

The Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef

Capitol Reef is one of Utah’s lesser-known natural wonders.

However,…

10 Fun Facts About National Parks

It's no secret that we, at Austin Adventures, love national…

The Best Time To Visit Arches National Park

 
Thinking about when to visit Arches National Park?
Utah holds a…

The Best Times to Visit Zion National Park and What to Do There

So, when is the best time to visit Zion National…

Top 10 Reasons to Get a Guide on Your Trip to Costa Rica

The Resplendent Quetzal is an elusive, near-threatened bird that often…

Go Climbing in Yosemite!

First off let me start by saying rock climbing is…

9 Best Places for Your Yellowstone Photography

 

Yellowstone Photography GuideOur world’s first national park—perhaps best known for…

The 15 Best National Parks to Visit in the U.S.

The Best National Parks to Visit
Out of the 63 national…

10 Tips for Choosing the Right Tour Operator

When it comes to your precious vacation time and dollars,…

9 Fun Facts About Alaska

 

Alaska. The Great Land. The Last Frontier. The Land of…

Fun Facts About 3 Classic American National Parks

 1) Yellowstone National Park

There are fewer than 1,000 geysers in…

10 Fun Facts About Yellowstone National Park

 

Here at Austin Adventures, Yellowstone National Park is a place…

When is the Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park?

Hey adventurers! It’s Kasey Austin – the President of Operations…

The Differences Between Our Yellowstone, Wyoming, & Montana Vacations

One of the best parts about traveling with Austin Adventures,…

How to Explore the Canadian Rockies | Your Adventure Vacation to Canada

Mountains can take on different meanings for everyone—inspirations, challenges, something…

Bryce and Zion National Park Hikes - Trails

This Austin Adventures blog post was written by one of…

Cycling Yellowstone to the Tetons

To help you get inspired to bike it up this…

Top Three Favorite Adventure Activities When Visiting Yellowstone Park

Yellowstone National Park is one of those destinations that every…

Alaskan Salmon Marsala

Raving for an adventure??

Enjoy an Alaska Vacation in your…

National Parks - 4 Hidden Gems Worth Exploring

In the United States there are 58 national parks--millions of…

Five Types of Geothermal Features You'll Find Visiting Yellowstone National Park

There are rare Geothermal Features and pools in the Yellowstone…

10 Ridiculously Cool Things You Didn't Know About Death Valley

It's always been a hot destination, so we couldn't be…

Top Five Experiences in Yellowstone National Park

By Austin Guide: Bryan Codi

I have been fortunate enough to guide for…

Driving the Alaska Highway & Driving to Alaska

 

Driving the Alaska Highway…The Ultimate Road Trip to begin your…

7 Last-Minute Travel Ideas and Tips

 

So you've got some unexpected time off on the horizon?Or…

Why Alaska is one of our Favorite Adventures

Why Alaska is one of our Favorite AdventuresAlaska, the name…

San Juan Islands: The Best Kept Secret in Washington

 

The Space Needle is great, not to mention the dripping…

Spinning Wheels in Grand Teton National Park

Spinning Wheels in Grand Teton National Parkby Rob Hartsig

Of all…

8 Of The Best National Park Vacations

Did You Know?You can visit a different national site each…

8 May-cations You Don't Want to Miss

When most people think of traveling during May, they think…

The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica

Perhaps you already know the popular things to do of…

Tips for Photographing the Southwest United States

Before I get started, I want to introduce myself -…

Six Things You Might Not Know About South Dakota

South Dakota doesn't quite have the pole position on most…

An Austin Adventures Extension By Sheri Saari

At the end of the Austin Adventures guiding season, people…

Top Ten Awesome Things About Alberta

1. Alberta, known for its majestic Canadian Rockies, contains five national…

From Guest to Guide by Zach Kellman

As a stubborn teenager, being with my family on vacation…

Give Me 5 Minutes -- And I'll Show You An Unbelievable Arizona Bike Tour

Immersed in sun and sceneryAs we roll in the New…

Can You Tell the Difference Between a Black Bear and a Grizzly Bear?

As a guide in Yellowstone National Park, it's very important…

Angel's Landing

If you're looking for a thrilling hike with amazing views…

Things to do in Bozeman, Montana

 

On all the Austin trips that I have led, I…

Things to do in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Today, I want to talk about one of my favorite…

3 Places to Visit in Southwest Utah

Considering a Southwest Adventure?Seek out nature's playground of red rock…

Need an End of Summer Trip? Explore the Secrets of South Dakota!

As the end of summer is quickly approaching, what better…

South Dakota - History of the Old West

Who doesn't just love a good story of pioneer grit…

Arches National Park

 

There is just something about the desert for me.

It's harsh,…

Top 5 Reasons to Visit South Dakota

Visit South Dakota!Kasey here, Field Operations Liaison/Guide for Austin Adventures.

As…

Go Big Sky with Our Montana Vacations

Four World-Famous Parks in One Trip!Austin Adventures offers the most exciting…

Adventure Vacations for Couples at Havasupai Falls

Nothing can make you feel more alive than the rush…

Secret Paradise in the Grand Canyon, Havasupai Falls

The Grand Canyon is easily one of the most iconic…