Things To Do In Alaska In The Summer

Summertime in Alaska is full of possibilities – the days are warm (and long), the wildflowers are in bloom, native wildlife can be spotted almost everywhere, and the state comes alive with adventure-seeking visitors. This is peak tourist season, when outdoor activities in Alaska in the summer are at their height and the state’s National Parks see an endless stream of visitors almost daily. And with 20-plus hours of daylight each day, you’ll have plenty of time in the “Land of the Midnight Sun” to enjoy everything Alaska has to offer!

During Alaska's summer season, you can embark on thrilling wildlife tours, go hiking on stunning trails, or even try your hand at fishing in the state's pristine waters, Summer is the perfect time to truly immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the state. Here are four fun facts about Alaska’s summer months:

• Parts of Alaska experience 24 hours of daylight during the summer solstice.
• Anchorage has incredibly long summer days, with the sun setting as late as 11:30 p.m.
• Fort Yukon holds the record for the highest temperature in the state. The city reached 100°F (38°C) in 1915.
• Some mountainous regions of Alaska still see snow during the summer months!

Planning Your Summer Visit To Alaska

If you are planning outdoor activities in Alaska in the summer, you probably want to know what kind of weather to expect! Alaska is such a vast state and the temperatures can vary, depending on what area you are visiting. In the northern regions, such as Barrow, temperatures can plummet to well below freezing, while in the coastal areas like Juneau, you can experience milder weather due to the ocean's influence.

In coastal and high-elevation areas, temperatures remain cool, but the Interior Region of the state gets much warmer. During June, you can expect to see temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees in Southcentral Alaska. In July, those temperatures climb to 70 degrees or hotter. In rare instances, Alaska has recorded a handful of 90-degree days! With temperatures so often in flux, it’s a good idea to pack a little bit of everything for your trip to Alaska. Just don’t forget your sunglasses – Alaska during the summer months is bright!

Super Summer Activities For Alaskan Visitors

Alaska is bursting at the seams with summer adventures – from museum hopping in Anchorage to camping at one of the state’s many National Parks, or kayaking with marine life to watching brown bears fish for salmon during the annual runs. The diverse range of activities in Alaska guarantees an unforgettable experience for every type of traveler, whether you are seeking adrenaline-pumping thrills or peaceful moments in nature.

With so many things to do in Alaska in the summer, planning your getaway can be overwhelming. Here are five of the top quintessentially Alaskan activities to consider as you plan your itinerary.

• Fishing – if fishing is on your bucket list of Alaskan adventures, summer is a great time to visit Alaska. The peak season for salmon fishing occurs from May through September, with the five major salmon species spread across the season! If you want to avoid the crowds, though, consider the state’s many interior lakes and streams, which are full of Arctic Grayling. In the Southcentral region of the state, lakes and streams yield Dolly Varden and Rainbow Trout, with trophy-sized fish available for the avid angler from the Kenai River to the Susitna River. For those who want to fish for a saltwater catch, fishing charters offer prime halibut and lingcod fishing and opportunities to cast your line for rockfish and shark.
• Hiking – one of the most popular activities in Alaska in the summer is hiking. The state has a wide variety of trails for trekkers to explore, such as the scenic Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park or the iconic Crow Pass Trail near Anchorage. Birdwatchers can wander the trails at Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge near Fairbanks in search of waterfowl, or follow Juneau’s Mendenhall River Trail through the flowers for a view of the famous Mendenhall Glacier in the distance!
• White Water Rafting – for those who gravitate toward heart-stopping, adventure-filled Alaska summer vacation ideas, white water rafting down the state’s many rivers won’t disappoint! Shoot the rapids at Six Mile Creek in the Chugach National Forest or navigate the Talkeetna River’s challenging gorge section. Visit Denali National Park for Canyon Run, or go remote for a challenging ride on the Copper River in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Launch into an adrenaline-fueled adventure as you conquer the powerful whitewater rapids of these Alaskan rivers, immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the untamed wilderness that surrounds you.
• Glacier Tours – discover the breathtaking beauty and power of Alaska’s glacial landscapes by trekking across the face of one of the many glaciers in the state, or explore the icy crevasses of the Mendenhall Glacier on a glacier tour. For a truly spectacular experience, kayak through the waters of Glacier Bay National Park and get a unique view of the icy behemoths from below.
• Wildlife viewing – Summer brings the superstars of Alaska’s wildlife out to play. Grizzly bears emerge from hibernation, moose can be spotted within Anchorage’s city limits, birds are migrating from far-flung regions, and the opportunity to watch sea life cavort in the ocean waters is phenomenal. From Brooks Falls at Katmai National Park and Preserve, where visitors can watch bears fish during the salmon runs, to an ocean cruise that reveals whales, sea lions, and seals in their native waters, wildlife viewing is one of the best activities in Alaska in the summer for tourists.

A Summer Adventure To Remember

From the peaks of Alaska’s highest mountains to the inland shores of the state’s many lakes, Alaska’s short summer offers visitors the opportunity to pack a lifetime of adventure into their visit. Hiking trails wind through lush forests, wildlife viewing opportunities appear at every turn, and the midnight sun casts a golden glow over the rugged landscapes. Planning a trip to this great state may seem overwhelming, but once you get the ball rolling you’ll be glad you did. There are so many things to do in Alaska in the summer, that you will be ready to plan your second trip before your plane touches down on home soil!