Twenty-four-hour darkness and sun at midnight. When is the best time to visit Canada and Alaska. 1. The summer solstice is on June 21, giving us about 20-24 hours of daylight to fill with fun. Snow is present in the mountains, driving hungry bears down to the coast for a meal. Im researching and Im a little confuse any help is appreciated. Take some time before or after the cruise. But the payoff is one of the most incredible spectacles of nature. When is the best time to see whales in Alaska? However, if you are hoping to visit Denali then wait until it opens in the second week in June. #14 in Best Places to Visit in Alaska. For more insights into seeing whales on your small ship cruise, including tips on where to spot whales, how to prepare and the advantages offered by small ships, read our primer on whale watching in Alaska. Temps typically average 60 degrees. #2 The best time to see the northern lights is during the winter months when the nights are the longest. Tourists are as rare as polar bears, but Alaskas local nightlife is buoyant in larger towns and cities driven by an all-in-this-together sense of community.Key events: Sitka WhaleFest, Alaska Bald Eagle Festival (Haines). Winter in Alaska is extraordinarily beautiful, but for most travelers summer is the best time to visit Alaska. Juneau Alaska Weather in June: an average temperature ranging from 40 degrees to 52 degrees. In a land of epic wilderness, rugged landscapes and a Serengetis worth of big fauna, Alaskas highways offer unlimited possibilities for road trips. The shoulder seasons which run from the end of April through early June and September are less crowded and cheaper, but the weather may be rainy and colder. See the above Alaska climate tables for rainfall by month. Snow begins to dust mountain peaks. With more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more lounge location options than any other credit card on the market as of 9/2021. This is the season when almost everything is open from national park visitor centers to ice cream vendors and the wildlife is at its most active. Other winter activities such as dogsledding and snowmobiling are also on the menu. August is a popular time to visit Alaska. The cooler weather turns trees and tundra into explosive fall colors of red, gold and purple. So I am trying to plan our first trip to Alaska next year Flying into Anchorage, renting a car and seeing Homer, Seward and Denali. Remember the lights need to be out and you need clear skies. All rights reserved. The Main Street is blocked off to traffic as the streets fill with a parade, entertainers and a series of brightly decorated floats. But with some creative planning and an ability to trade luxury for a grittier. The best time to visit Alaska depends on your interests. Thank you so much for your kind words; we are so glad we could be of assistance. A scenic flight was an absolutely gorgeous way to experience Denali. We want to travel summer 2022, fly into Anchorage and travel north and south from there. Most of our small ship Alaska cruises offer opportunities to see whales. Comment This is the hottest time of the year in Alaska, when the temperatures in June to July reach up to +30C. Alaska is also the only place in North America to see the Pacific Walrus, which can be found at some of the more remote beaches and islands in the western part of the state. September brings Alaskas fall shoulder season, with fewer visitors and often Alaska special offers. One of the best things about visiting Alaska is the opportunity to see the northern lights. This is because of the long days and warmer weather, and the temperatures range from 60 to 67 0 F. Additionally, during this period, visitors will be able to see Alaska . Winter activities such as dog sledding, snow shoeing and skiing are possible. We look forward to working with you to find your ideal Alaska trip and an Alaska expert will be in touch with you to help you plan your vacation. Best time for snow sports. Even if it is cold; bitter, freezing cold (-20C), this is the ideal time to see the Aurora Borealis or Northern . If you like this guide to the best time to visit Alaska, youll love our comprehensive travel planning services. While it's certainly not the card for the average consumer, a business owner with tons of expenses -- especially related to travel -- will find this card incredibly valuable. The Best Time to Visit Alaska's Cities By far, Alaska's largest city is Anchorage, with close to 300,000 people. Afterall, the surprise in what you experience while in Alaska is a big part of the fun.. For some, these cold temperatures mean one thing: dry snow, and a lot of it. Photo: Michael S. Nolan. Alaska is one of the best places on earth to see the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis - colorful bands of light that dance in the dark night sky. Whales can be seen from small ships to Alaska throughout the small ship cruise season of May through September. The most favorable time to go to Alaska is between June and September. You can see North America's tallest peak: Denali! The best time to visit Alaska is between May and September. There's live music and prized livestock from the surrounding area, as well as horse shows, a . August is a popular time to visit Alaska and marks the end of the high travel season. This period is ideal if you want to catch . Here is the section on Alaska in August. This is as warm as it gets here and most everyone agrees the peak . Contact us. Hi we are doing a cruise the end of august. Day tours are in full swing. You don't need to wait till your retirement to visit Alaska - cruises are a great way to visit Alaska now! Are there many things to see and do at that time or would you recommend another time? We are so sorry to hear you were hit by the hurricane, we hope for a speedy recovery to you and your community! Our experts have more information on when to visit Alaska, planning your Alaska trip or the best time of year to visit Alaska. For even more information and detailed climate tables, view our Alaska climate page. With over 424 million acres 57 million of which are federally-designated wilderness Alaska is the largest and least densely populated state in the US. It was the feeling it gave us. Most cruise passengers will head to Alaska between Memorial Day in late May and Labor Day in early September, when temperatures range from slightly chilly to warm . A distinct off-season atmosphere takes hold.Key events: Alaska Day Festival. Hi Tammy, Travel Tips for Alaska. If you'd like to have an Alaskan plan your Alaska trip, or just have a few starter questions, give us a call at 800-208-0200. Thanks in advance. 5. Being equipped for weather and conditions will make your Alaskan experience more enjoyable. The best time to cruise Alaska for whales is from mid-June through mid-August. The Alaska Highway is a road that begins in Canada and ends in the United States, the story is basically that it began to be built in 1942 and due to the large route that had to cross, it was a very complicated construction at that time. Read on for the best times to visit Alaska for the Northern Lights, wildlife viewing, snow sports, cruises and good deals on flights and hotels. Fall is the mating season for moose, goats, caribou and muskoxen, which often brings them to open areas where they can be seen easily. But as you can imagine, there are definitely better times of the year to visit Alaska. An Adventure Specialist will be in touch soon to discuss fall options and better hone in on your ideal trip. For many people, the answer to the question When is the best time to go to Alaska? is July. Alaska isnt the USs most economical destination. Longer nights again bring possible opportunities to view the aurora borealis. If youre aiming to combine a land tour with a cruise, however, consider that whales are in abundance during that time. The weather in June is also perfect for active outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking, and glacier walks. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. A popular attraction during Alaskas winter is viewing the northern lights (aurora borealis). Our guide to Whale Watching Aboard Small Ship Cruises in Alaska recommends mid-June through mid-August, although whale sightings are possible throughout the season. Fairbanks. The sun dips below the horizon in Anchorage for only about 4 hours on June 21, the longest day of the year, and the sky is light all night. An Alaska specialist will be in touch soon to discuss Denali-based Alaska tours, potential small ship Alaska cruises, or a custom travel arrangement to cover both. To avoid inland mosquitos, travel outside of July and the first half of August. Book Now with no risk, your deposit is fully refundable until 31 days prior to travel with the purchase of our Worry-Free Cancellation Waiver. We are traveling to Alaska the second week of October 2022. We also would like to check out some national parks as well and definitely wildlife sightseeing and finishing. Mid-month, the shops and attractions also return to life after a winter slumber. As you can see by the list of events above, many of them take place in Anchorage, located in the southern part of the state on the Gulf of Alaska. Our clients are prepared with an extensive packing lists and travel preparation. The Cheapest Time to Visit Alaska While lodging is generally cheapest during early winter, airfare costs vary widely based on your point of origin. 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases. But not everyone can schedule their trip during this time and as weve noted, each season has its benefits. Glacier calving is a majestic and sad sight. On Alaska small ship cruises there is no need to worry about mosquitos, but inland Alaska land tours do experience them, particularly in Denali National Park. Contact one of our Alaska specialists to help you pinpoint the optimal timing for your Alaska trip. During those months, the days are short enough for the northern lights to occur in dark places of Alaska. However, many excursions stop operating in early September, in anticipation of the winter weather. Cruise-ship dependent businesses close for winter. Animals are busy preparing for the oncoming wintermigrating, mating, marking territory, hunting and foraging for foodwhich increases your odds of viewing all manner of wildlife. Layers are essential for a comfortable Alaska vacation, using fast-drying wicking materials. Salmon return in droves. Best time for wildlife viewing. In August the rainiest month of the year the state receives an average of almost three inches. Weather. Alaska's wildlife, including bears, sea otters, seals and whales, is visible throughout this period, with June and July the . Wildlife remains in abundance and all Alaska small ship cruises and Alaska tours are operating on a regular basis. But as the summer progresses, the chance of rainfall increases. Hello, In a state where the journey is as absorbing as the destination, any trip is an adventure. Related read: 9 Best Places to Stay in Alaska for the Ultimate Getaway. Nights are still long enough to possibly catch the northern lights, while days are getting longer and animals are beginning to stir. Location: UK. June and July are Alaska's liveliest months. Elevations throughout the state range from sea level to 20,310 feet, meaning its not uncommon to encounter a wide range of weather conditions from 70 degrees and sunny to subfreezing and snowing occurring on the same day in different regions. We have gone in July and it was extremely hot, then we went the next year about the same time and it was extremely cold. Stay up late as the best viewing is from 10am-3am. You can visit St Elias National Park and Preserve, the largest National Park in the country. The Denali Park area is especially beautiful during this time. August in Alaska is a great time to see humpback whales, orcas, bears and other wildlife as they capitalize on salmon runs. If you want to enjoy some early or late season outdoor activities (including hiking, biking, and kayaking) before or after the cruise ships arrive, April and October are worth considering in this region. Get started finding your dream Alaska trip! Youre in for a real treat, Barbie! Glacier Bay cruises are in full swing. Life in Alaska is greatly affected by latitude variances, as slight latitude shifts can result in big seasonal and light changes. The Best Time to Visit Alaska (2:55) When is the best time to visit Alaska? Hello Wendy, Boat trips (June): The start of warmer weather brings opportunities for coastal boat trips and cruises that are ideal for spotting some of the region's incredible marine life. Will I enjoy cruising without a lot of side excursions. When to see humpback whales in Alaska? Despite this, November and December are still lively months with holiday season festivals and the re-opening of ice skating rinks. Find more detailed Alaska climate information with temperature, rainfall and daylight tables. Consider Exploring Alaskas Coastal Wilderness aboard the 100 guest National Geographic Quest or Venture. Contact our experts for a full consultation on your perfect Alaska trip and small ship. Does it rain constantly, or do you have brief showers like Hawaii? A crossover month where you can still partake in hiking but may also get a chance to glimpse the northern lights. Its summit is 6190 meters (20,310) feet and is in fact North America's tallest peak. Denali - Mt. In the monthly guide below we refer toCoastal, Interior and Arcticregions: What follows is detailed insights into each months weather and wildlife in Alaska. It takes approximately 2h 14m to drive . Animals are busy preparing for the oncoming wintermigrating, mating, marking territory, hunting and foraging for foodwhich increases your odds of viewing all manner of wildlife. Viking Orion. CLEAR is available at more than 50 U.S. airports and stadiums. At Alaska Tour & Travel, we specialize in building custom trips for every timeline, personality, and budget. During June and July, Alaska experiences its hottest weather, with temperatures reaching up to +30C. You will surely want to learn more about how to visit Denali National Park. Considering everything stated above, we advise travelers that June 15 through August 15 is the best time to go to Alaska. Ready to plan and book your Alaska with our experts? Have a great time. We looked at data based on annual price trends provided by the travel search engine Skyscanner to determine the cheapest times to travel to Anchorage from a few major US. Tours, lodges, shuttle buses, Visitor Centers, Ranger Stations and campgrounds are all closed. Contact us to discuss planning and booking an Alaska trip like this further if you wish! Small Alaska cruise ships begin plying Alaskan waters as early as mid-March, with most early spring departures running regularly starting in mid-April. Summer White Nights. The longer nights of winter makes for a prime viewing season, although anytime between late-August and mid-April can provide . Some areas, especially shady spots and higher elevations, will still have snow. Mosquitoes and other bugs are most prevalent in theboggyinteriorand Arctictundra regions duringmid-summer. As the state with by a long shot the wildest in the nation, it's nothing unexpected that Alaska is a beautiful spot for natural life viewing. The best time to visit Alaska is between the months of May and September. Nighttime returns, which makes August a better bet to see the northern lights. While were not experts on ice caves, and conditions can vary any time of the year, the ice is most likely more stable (but the temperatures still bearable for travel & flights less expensive) in the spring and fall. And fly into Anchorage to access Prince William Sound, Denali/Katmai/Kenai Fjords National Parks and Kodiak Island. Celebrity Eclipse. The states diminutive ski areas lack the international reputation of Aspen or Whistler. Checking the weather before your Alaska trip will only serve to frustrate your preparations and offers little insight into what conditions will be like when you arrive. Our comprehensive Alaska trip planning materials are written by our experts with decades of combined experience and provided to our clients at the time of booking. Cruising Alaska is incredible, just remember after it's finished you've seen just a slim portion of this extraordinary place. Many travelers incessantly check the daily weather in Alaska as their trip approaches. Warm days and short nights make this a really nice time of year to visit and much of the states iconic wildlife is very active. $189 CLEAR Credit: Use your Card and get up to $189 back per year on your CLEAR membership. Minor downsides include higher costs for accommodation and the sporadic invasion of day-trippers in small towns where cruise ships dock. However, during the month of March the days are longer (12 - 15 hrs), it warms up (20's and 30's), and there's great snow. Combine all this with Alaskas notoriously unpredictable weather and it can be a challenge to determine the best time to visit Alaska. No. This post was very helpful because Im planning a trip to Alaska in August. It's hard to find a card that competes with the mile-long list of benefits that come with the Amex Business Platinum. As the month winds down, so do the number of travelers to Alaska, with a shift in weather that signals fall has arrived. The winter months are best avoided, unless youre looking for winter sports or to see the northern lights in extreme conditions. If you plan your trip during the peak season, then plan ahead and book early as these are the dates that sell out first. Denali in March, April and May. Shoulder seasons, including May to June and August through September, are also ideal. If we had to choose one, the best month for an Alaska cruise is July. If you plan on spending 5-7 days in Alaska with a least 3 nights looking for the lights youll have a 90% of seeing them. This is a month-by-month guide that will make your planning much easier and your journey more enjoyable. Many travelers remain on board to enjoy scenic wilderness cruising from the ship. Communities across the state celebrate the summer and there are a number of cultural events and local festivals to enjoy. Even with these traces of the long winter, the landscape buzzes with blooming plants and energized wildlife. Check out these 12 unique things you can do in Alaska, Book business-class flights to Europe starting at $1,724, Marriott tosses on yet another fee to rooms at select Los Angeles hotels, Targeted holiday savings: Save up to $40 on Amazon purchases using just one Amex point. 6. Prices are lower and places are quieter, although the weather is unpredictable. The annual early spring Pacific herring migration makes for optimal wildlife viewing opportunities, as humpback whales and orca seek out the abundant fish. 9. Im glad our post helped you decide that fall is the best time to visit Alaska. As Alaska small ship cruise experts, we advise clients that the best time to cruise Alaska is May 15 through September 1. Before the land tour, you could also consider adding a cruise component for even more up-close wildlife opportunities. The Best Time to Visit Alaska's National Parks . A few esoteric festivals attract specialist travelers. You'll enjoy the 60s to low 70s temps and 16 to 24 hours of daylight. Read our Privacy Policy. The best time to travel to Alaska for fishing is in the summer months. The best way to see Alaska might be a cruise because there's something for every age. This post was originally published on March 9, 2019 and been updated with additional information. The best month to visit Alaska is July, when travelers will experience the best combination of weather and wildlife. If you dream of making an RV trip to Alaska then there is no bad time to go! Weather is extremely cold and storms are severe. Our only nailed down event is a wedding in Glacier View mid week. They have lived, worked and explored the region in depth as former guides, operations managers and naturalists, and can help you craft the perfect Alaska package. Once the leaves begin to change, wildlife can be spotted grazing among a sea of vibrant reds, oranges and yellows. If you are craving a hike in Alaska and aren't sure where to start, here are our fourteen favorites. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for checked baggage fees, lounge day passes, and more at one selected airline. I am trying to figure out how to pack. 7. Please advise. The famous Yukon Quest and Iditarod dog-sledding races draw spectators to Fairbanks and Nome in February and March respectively. Especially late July is the best period for many salmon species. Best time to visit Alaska by season. During our summer season between May 10 to September 15. Yes, the driving distance between Fairbanks to Denali (Station) is 123 miles. In summer, you can go hunting for wild berries and mushrooms, as well as admire the views from the shores of Anchorage, and enjoy the opportunity to . Just know that our expertise is in adventure travel packages built for you to see the best of Alaska vs. day trips. Specialty tours and fishing can attract hearty travelers and custom tours can be arranged. Hi YM, Families typically visit mid June through mid August. Regardless of the month, the key to your visit to Denali is getting organized ahead of time. Only the courageous visit Alaksa in January. Use this Alaska Lodging Finder to see what hotels are still open in September. Glacier-capped mountains are bisected by deep valleys and vast meadows, providing a seemingly infinite amount of outdoor recreational opportunity. How exciting! According to historical data collected in 2017 and 2018 by Priceline in the popular cities of Anchorage, Seward and Healy (near Denali National Park), the most expensive times to book lodging are the second week in June through the third week in August. Congratulations to the 2022 Alaska Travel Photo Contest winner: "Archangel Reflections" taken by Caitlin Pobliego. Temps typically average 60 degrees. The best time to go depends on what your priorities are. Plus, you get 24 hours of sunlight throughout June during the Midnight Sun period. The Denali National Park road opens (learn more about visiting Denali National Park); bear viewing in Katmai is optimal with various salmon runs underway; the Kenai peninsula (including Kenai Fjords National Park) is lush with greenery; and the weather is more reliable for flightseeing, floatplane rides, scenic Alaska railroad trips and other special modes of transit for reaching remote wilderness lodges. Canada has it all - from breathtaking scenery, to modern, vibrant cities, friendly locals and incredible wildlife. Most Alaska vacation tours are only offered during the summer months from mid-May through mid-September. MORE ALASKA RESOURCES:Alaska TripsAlaska Trip ReviewsAlaska Travel GuideAlaska Small Ship CruisesSmall Alaskan Cruise LinesGlacier Bay Cruises & ToursAlaska Inside Passage CruisesAlaska Whale Watching CruisesAlaska Yacht ChartersLuxury Alaska CruisesAlaska Family CruisesAlaska Cruise DealsAlaska ToursVisiting Denali National ParkAlaska National Park Tours. Enjoy the Museum of the North's story of Alaska's natural and cultural heritage, and admire . Denali (Also known as Mount McKinley) located within Denali National Park is the tallest peak in the United States. Alaska is well and truly in bloom in May, and luckily, this is still very much a shoulder season too, because the summer crowds have yet to arrive in port. Finally, the State of Alaska travel site can be a good resource for Alaska weather. The temperatures are surprisingly moderate during the summer months, ranging from the low 60s to the low 70s. Summer is also the peak season for Alaska businesses that cater to tourists, so your travel, lodging, sightseeing and adventure options are . According to historical data collected in 2017 and 2018 by Priceline in the popular cities of Anchorage, Seward and Healy (near Denali National Park), the most expensive times to book lodging are . Alaskas interior is colder than the coast so the land-based travel season can be shorter than the cruising season. The average length of the day is 18 hours. June. Due to the climate and most hours of sunshine, June, July and August are the best months to travel. It's prime time for aurora tours. March is also nice with dark nights but a bit more daylight. Hi, we are planning a trip to Alaska and have specific things we would like to experience.. Northern Lights, wildlife, beautiful color changes would be on the top of our list. On the flip side, some transportation run on limited schedules, tours into Denali National Park are shorter due to road conditions, and some tour operators may still be closed. Comments will be moderated and will appear after they have been approved. Here are the key things you need to know to stay safe in the Last Frontier state. A raincoat and rain pants are also must-haves, as is a warm hat and gloves. Juneau Alaska Weather in July: This is one of the best times to visit Juneau not only because of the warmer weather (average temperature ranging from 45 degrees to 56 degrees) but also because it's the salmon . The best time to visit Alaska is between mid-June and mid-September. Im concerned about it raining if we come in late July into August. Just cant decide what is the best month. In our opinion the best time to travel to Alaska is in June, July and August. You can explore the city's best museums, restaurants, cafes, and bars in Downtown, but save plenty of time to travel into the wilderness. AdventureSmith Explorations specializes in creating custom travel by land or sea and will suggest draft itineraries with Alaska lodging or small cruise ship that meet your needs and budget. Temperatures typically range in the 60s and low 70s, although it can occasionally get into the 80s in some areas. Long days and the driest months of the year make it truly magical. For optimal wildlife viewing waiting until later in the summer when salmon runs increase and the best bear sightings take place. Ideal for round trips by motorhome or rental car. Journey to the planet's most magnificent places with this thought-provoking portrait of our world. During this time you can see land-based mammals, thriving ocean life and hundreds of species of seabirds and shorebirds. By mid-June most humpbacks have arrived and they are gathering together in predictable feeding pods. 2022 Lonely Planet. Mosquito density in Alaska varies by month and location. Cant wait to travel to Alaska this coming August. Read more: Maximizing the Alaska Airlines Visa Companion Fare. The Alaska travel season is short and can vary greatly between spring, summer and fall. The Iditarod sled dog race starts on the first Saturday in March. Alaskas wildlife, including bears, sea otters, seals and whales, is visible throughout this period, with June and July the best months for sightings. We would to see snow covered mountains! A variety of whales begin to migrate along the west coast. A warm spring can make the second half of May a nice time of year, with wildlife coming out of hibernation and hungry for the first meal of the year.