Is Spring The Best Time Of Year To Go To Alaska?

Before you plan a trip to Alaska, you will need to figure out what is the best time of year to visit Alaska! Many people think spring is a good time to visit Alaska, and that booking Alaska tours in April will help them beat the rush of crowds during peak tourist season. However, they might be surprised to find out that April in Alaska can still be quite cold, with some areas still covered in snow and ice.

Springtime in Alaska is a transition month. Most of the snow has melted, leaving winter sports enthusiasts out of luck, but summer attractions are not yet up and running. The landscape begins to transform as patches of green peek through the thawing ground, signaling the gradual shift towards warmer days in the Last Frontier. The sunlight dances on the shimmering surface of the melting ice, casting a golden hue over the awakening wilderness of Alaska.

Here are four key things to keep in mind if you plan your Alaskan adventure for April:

• Springtime means that daylight returns to Alaska, with each day bringing an additional six minutes of direct sunlight every day. The long, dark winter is finally over!
• Daytime temperatures for the more southerly areas of the state often reach the high 40s, but it can still fall below freezing in the early morning hours. Make sure you pack accordingly and plan to layer, layer, layer!
• Keep in mind that not many visitor activities or services are open yet. Although many of the national parks are not yet open to visitors, Denali National Park is ready for adventure. Just be aware that lodging in the area may not be available, and plan accordingly.
• If you are traveling solo (and have not booked a spot with a tour operator that offers Alaska tours in April, be ready to drive yourself! Most rail, shuttle, and motorcoach services don’t get going until mid-May.

With all that being said, where should you visit if you think April is the best time of year to go to Alaska? Read on for the three cities we recommend visiting in the springtime.

Springtime In Anchorage

Anchorage is a great city to use as a base camp no matter when you visit! However, it is also a great city to visit in the early spring because it offers travelers plenty of things to do and places to see between the winter and summer seasons! Indeed, the early spring in Anchorage brings a unique charm as the city transitions from snowy landscapes to vibrant blooms, making it an ideal time to explore the diverse outdoor activities and cultural attractions it has to offer.

Here are our top picks for fun things to do in Anchorage in April:

• Hit the nearby trails for skiing, hiking, and biking.
• Rent a fat bike and ride over the remaining snow!
• Visit one of Anchorage’s many museums or cultural sites.
• Take a trip to the Alaska Zoo.
• Book a dogsledding tour – yes, you can still go dogsledding in April!
• Attend the Alaska Native Youth Olympics, one of the highlights of the spring season.
• Explore the local craft beer renaissance with a local beer tour.

Enjoy Coastal Seward In April

Seward is 120 miles south of Anchorage, along Alaska’s coastline. Since it is a coastal town, spring can often be rainy. Daytime temperatures range between 25 and 35 degrees in April, so it’s a good idea to pack lots of layers and rain gear if you plan to visit this town. Seaward's picturesque waterfront provides a stunning backdrop for visitors to enjoy the rugged beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.

Here are some of the most popular things to do in Seward in spring:

• Visit Kenai Fjords, National Park! Seward offers visitors easy access by waterway to the park and to all the glaciers within its confines.
• If you want to see whales, April is the best time of year to go to Alaska and Seward is one of the best places to see their migration. Gray whales can arrive in Alaska waters as early as March and can be spotted in the water with Orcas. The best place to see whales is in Resurrection Bay!
• If you want to see glaciers, April is a great month to do so! Glacial activity and calving increases in the springtime, as temperatures increase. You can charter a boat to take a glacier tour or even rent a sea kayak to view the majestic structures from the water.

Pan For Gold In Historic Girdwood

Girdwood is a small mountain town that is surrounded by the peaks of the Chugach Mountain Range. It’s only 36 miles south of Anchorage and follows the scenic Turnagain Arm. The town of Girdwood is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities such as skiing, hiking, and mountain biking amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Chugach Mountains. If you’re looking to add to your stay in Anchorage, Girdwood is a great getaway and a good jumping-off point for some creative Alaska tours in April!

• Girdwood is home to the Alyeska Resort, the only major ski resort in the state. April is your last chance to ski in Alaska, and you can enjoy pampering at the resort’s world-class Nordic Spa after a day on the slopes.
• If scenery is your thing, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the area by riding the Alyeska Resort Arial Tramway. Along the way, you’ll be able to take in the mountain peaks and hanging glaciers that make this area of Alaska simply stunning.
• Take a glacier cruise! Day cruises from the resort to see glaciers are easy to book, or you can ride the train to Spencer Glacier and stay overnight in the public-use cabin that is located nearby.
• Feeling lucky? Then pan for gold in the Crow Creek Mine and tour the historic buildings that are still standing. And, if you find gold – you get to keep it!
• Get outside to hike or bike. Girdwood has a network of well-developed and well-maintained trails that are perfect for newbies or even the more adventurous.

Can I see wildlife in Alaska in April?

If you want to see Alaska’s amazing wildlife, the best time of year to go to Alaska is NOT April. A better time to spot Alaska's incredible wildlife is during the summer months when the animals are more active and abundant. However, you can still see some native species during April.

Moose are active throughout the state all year long. Ravens and other birds like chickadees and redpolls continue to forage in noisy flocks. Bears begin to emerge from their winter dens, although it is often too early to see them. The gray whale migration begins in April and bald eagles, ducks, and geese begin to make appearances in ice-free spots. If you truly have your heart on a wildlife excursion, wait until the summer months to visit this great state.

What Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Alaska?

So, what is the best time of year to visit Alaska? The early spring month of April is not a bad choice if you want to avoid the crowds and are willing to spend a fair amount of time organizing the logistics of getting around. Additionally, April offers a unique opportunity to witness the stunning transition from winter to spring in Alaska, with fewer tourists around to fully enjoy the peaceful wilderness. Just remember to pack your winter layers and be ready for anything April can throw at you!