When is the best time to travel to Alaska? Ahhh..the biggest question for those interested in traveling to Alaska! Many folks believe Alaska to be a frigid cold ice box year round, but that is not the case! In the summertime, temperatures in Anchorage reach all the way up into the mid 80s and evening temperatures stay brisk in the 60s, perfect bonfire weather! 

For most, the best time to travel to Alaska is May to September, with peak season in Alaska being from June 15 to September 15. These months offer some of the best weather, incredible wildlife sightings, and the tour options are endless! 

Below are some pros and cons of visiting during the summer months, May to September. 

May:
By the time mid-May rolls around, the mountains are growing greener by the day and the temperatures are rising. In Anchorage, the trees generally start becoming full again around May 10th, but the further north you go, the more likely it is to still see ice and snow through Memorial Day. Summer comes slowly to the interior, but it is always well worth the wait. 

Pros: 

May is considered to be one of the driest months, making for sightseeing that will take your breath away!

Also, most travelers have yet to come, making for short wait times and no crowds!

The days are starting to grow longer as well, meaning more daylight for evening activities!

Cons: 

It can still be a bit chilly and some tour operators are unable to begin operation due to snow or ice covered roads and trails.

For those looking to travel to Alaska and see the beauty of spring, May is our recommendation for visiting. 

June: 

When speaking with a local, they will argue that June is the best month to visit. The days are longer, the temperatures are substantially rising, and the land begins to really burst with life. Wild flowers will begin to cover the landscape, bringing vibrant colors to the mountain sides. June is one of the best months for wildlife as well! Moose begin to birth their calves, the migrating birds return, and best of all, the Alaskan salmon begin to run. 

Pros: 

Warmer temperatures, often wildlife sightings, wildflowers are blooming, and longer days! The summer solstice is June 21st, where in most places you will get to experience 24/7 daylight! That’s why Alaska is called the Land of the Midnight Sun. 

Cons: 

Mosquitoes! With everything fully melted, mosquitoes begin to come out in troves. Pack repellent that contains Deet to ensure you will not bring Alaska’s state bird bites home with you. 

July: 

Ah, the busiest month of the year in Alaska. July is the peak month for travel in Alaska, all types of travelers can be found in Alaska during this time, from multi-day tour passengers like yourself, to cruise passengers, independent travelers, and all the outdoor enthusiasts who make their way here for the best hiking and fishing month of the year! 

At this point in the summer, all accommodations, tours, and flights are booked. We guarantee our rooms for our tour passengers to ensure that these worries never cross your mind, that is one of the top benefits of traveling with Alaska Gold Standard Tours! If you are looking to travel to Alaska in July, we always recommend booking our July departure dates no later than February, the spots are limited and fill quickly!  

Pros:
Warmest month of the year and 4th of July celebrations are happening all over the state, including the legendary Mount Marathon Race in Seward, Alaska. One of the craziest races to take place in the state! Fireweed begins to bloom, painting the landscape in an intoxicating purple. 

Cons: 

Busiest month of the year, expect longer wait times and larger crowds at popular attractions. Here at Alaska Gold Standard Tours, we have all your tours for the day set upon arrival to the location…meaning no large crowds to wait in line with! 

August: 

Beginning in mid-August, the crowds begin to die down as the summer season begins to wind down. Alternatively, wildlife begins to bloom as most species are beginning their winter preparations, eating as much of the greenery, berries, and fish as possible before it all disappears for 5 months. 

Pros:

Most mosquitoes are gone, but there are still some around so don’t forget that repellent! For the foragers, berries reach their peak in August and are easily accessible during our tours, just let your tour director know you need to pick some fresh raspberries and blueberries! 

Cons: 

Typically the rainiest month of the year and temperatures begin to start dropping. 

September: 

By September 15th, the summer season in Alaska is basically over. Most tour operators and restaurants have closed their doors for the winter, and the temperatures really start dropping in the interior, with the occasional early snowfall in Denali and Fairbanks. With the days growing shorter, the nights become dark again, allowing for possible Northern Light viewing opportunities! For the fall enthusiast, the trees begin to shed their lush green leaves for yellow, orange, and red leaves scattering the tundra’s floor. 

Pros: 

Fewer people, smaller crowds, and no wait times! Dark skies offer potential Northern Light viewings and cooler temperatures mean for fantastic bonfires. 

Cons: 

Denali and Fairbanks attractions are closed by mid-September, and the temperatures begin to drop into the 60s during the day and low 40s in the evening. 

When is the best time to travel to Alaska?

To summarize, the best time to travel to Alaska is up to you! Consider what temperatures you are most comfortable in, what kind of activities you want to do, and if you need help deciding, feel free to schedule a one on one complimentary call with our booking specialist to help you decide! Click HERE to book.