When Is The Best Time To Visit Alaska In Summer?

The best time to visit Alaska in summer is from mid-May to mid-September. During these months, you can enjoy the long daylight hours, wildlife sightings, and various outdoor activities that Alaska has to offer. Each month, however, offers visitors unique opportunities to see and do different things on their travel bucket list:

• For the best rates on lodging and other accommodations, plan your trip during the shoulder season – in May or September. During these months, you can enjoy milder weather and fewer crowds, making your vacation even more relaxing and enjoyable.
• For the best weather and the widest array of activities, plan your trip during June and July. Summer in Alaska means you can enjoy long sunny days perfect for outdoor adventures and exploring the local attractions.
• For a chance to see fall colors and the Northern Lights, plan your trip during the latter half of August and the beginning of September. Make sure to check the peak dates of fall foliage in your desired destination and monitor the aurora forecast for optimal Northern Lights viewing conditions.

Summer in Alaska offers visitors warm weather, long days, and almost endless opportunities to see a variety of wildlife. This peak tourist season also means that more activities and transportation options are available to those who visit this great state. The peak tourist season runs from June 15 to July 15 and is considered the height of the summer season – as well as the best time to visit Alaska in summer.

Eight Key Facts To Know About Visiting Alaska In Summer

Midsummer is considered the peak tourist season in Alaska. During this time, visitors will experience temperatures in the 60s to low 70s and see 16-24 hours of daylight, depending on what part of the state they are visiting. They will also be able to see leaves and flowers in full bloom, rivers teeming with salmon, and the best wildlife viewing the state has to offer.

Here are a few more fun facts to know about Alaska before you plan your summer adventure:

• Daytime temperatures can range anywhere from 60°F - 80°F. Nighttime lows, however, can drop down into the 40’s and 50’s. May is the driest month of the year, with only a 25 percent chance of rain on any given day. It does get rainier as the summer progresses, though.
• In Alaska, June 21 is the longest day of the year. Depending on your location, you will experience 19 to 22 hours of daylight on that day. Longer days mean that you can pack in a lot of activities under the Midnight Sun.
• The summer season is the best time to see wildlife in Alaska. Moose, gray and humpback whales, and bears are very active during this time. Summer provides ample opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats.
• If fishing is your sport, you’re in luck – in Alaska, the fishing is great all summer long. With abundant species like salmon, halibut, and trout, anglers in Alaska can enjoy a variety of fishing experiences throughout the season.
• The summer season is a great time to explore Alaska’s parks and trails by hiking. Lower elevations are clear of snow by May, but even the mountains lose their snowpack by early June and remain clear until mid-October.
• Beware the mosquito – if you time your trip to the earlier part of the summer, you will not have to worry about this ferocious pest. But if you visit during June and July, remember to pack your mosquito repellant and lots of it!
• The Northern Lights are visible in Alaska beginning August 15. If seeing the Aurora is on your bucket list, plan your visit for the late summer or early fall.
• Yes, Alaska is the perfect place for a fall foliage tour. Book your reservations for September and be prepared to be wowed by the colors!

Where Are The Best Places To Visit In Alaska In Summer?

Alaska is bigger than most people realize – it’s as wide as the lower states and larger than Texas, California, and Montana combined. With eight National Parks to visit, a myriad of towns to explore, diverse wildlife, and a rich cultural heritage, there is so much to do and see that it can feel overwhelming for a first-time visitor. Here is a list of the three best places to visit in Alaska in the summer to help you start planning.

• Sitka – located on the Inside Passage, Sitka is the place to visit for fishing, hiking, and taking in the wildlife. This small community fronts the Pacific Ocean and is known for its Tlingit culture as well as its Russian heritage. Sitka is accessible only by air or water because it is not part of Alaska’s road system. This unique town is surrounded by the Tongass National Forest and is a mecca for hiking and camping. Anglers come from all over the world to try their luck in local lakes and rivers, while other boat charters offer tourists the opportunity to go whale watching in the waters surrounding Sitka. Other attractions include the Fortress of the Bear, a nonprofit education and rescue center for orphaned black and brown bear cubs, or the Alaska Raptor Center, which rehabilitates injured birds like eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons for release back into the wild.
• Juneau – Alaska’s capital is located in the panhandle of the state, on the Gastineau Channel. It’s the perfect place to visit during the summer months because many of the best things to do are in the downtown area or located just outside of the city. These activities include: exploring the Mendenhall Glacier and its visitor center; visiting Glacier Bay National Park; riding the Mount Roberts Tramway to the city’s nature center at the top of Mount Roberts; booking a whale-watching tour; taking a cruise to the Tracy Arm Fjord; and enjoying a trip to sled dog summer camp, where you can ride behind a champion Iditarod team in a cart.
• Kenai – located on the mouth of the Kenai River, this incredible city offers visitors fantastic views of Cook Inlet as well as miles of sandy beaches, two mountain ranges, and four active volcanoes. This town is accessible by road and is 160 miles from Anchorage, just off the Sterling Highway. Visitors descend on Kenai each year for the world-class salmon fishing in the lower Kenai River, or to visit Old Town Kenai’s collection of historical buildings like the Kenai Visitor and Cultural Center. For those who prefer outdoor activities, Kenai is one of the best places to visit in Alaska in summer. Captain Cook State Recreation Area and the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge offer visitors plenty of opportunities for hiking, canoeing, biking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and camping.

An Adventure Under The Midnight Sun

If you’re planning a trip to Alaska, just remember that the best time to visit Alaska in summer is from June to July! That's when you can experience the long daylight hours and witness the stunning beauty of the midnight sun. Not only is the state absolutely beautiful during the summer season, but all amenities for tourists are fully operational. Take advantage of all that Alaska has to offer during the summer months and plan your trip now.