Alaska is truly a bucket-list vacation destination for many people. After all, it is America's last frontier, offering endless opportunities to explore its rich cultural history, epic natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The best time to visit Alaska depends on what activities you wish to enjoy, the area you want to explore, and so much more.
Best Time to Visit Alaska
I am always surprised to hear that most people only think of Alaska as a summer destination. Personally, I believe Alaska is special year-round, and depending on where you go, you can have an incredible vacation in every season.
In fact, I highly recommend experiencing Alaska outside of the summer season! My first trip to Alaska was in late September to Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula. It was one of my favorite vacations ever. We saw jaw-dropping fall colors and snow-capped mountains, moose, beluga and orca whales, and had mouth-watering meals. We had so much fun that we have returned several times since.
The best time to visit Alaska really comes down to what experiences you want to enjoy. Every season brings something special.
Below, I have listed some of Alaska's most popular attractions by season. Adventurous individuals may find that a trip in the fall or winter better suits their interests.
One of the best things about traveling to Alaska is that every trip is a unique and distinct experience, especially when visiting at different times of the year.
Summer Season in Alaska
Traveling to Alaska during the summer means long days, hopefully gorgeous weather, lots of wildlife, and the opportunity to explore more of the state.
One thing to remember is that depending on where you go in Alaska, it can have inclement weather year-round, including snow. You will want to check the weather forecast before arriving, and always come prepared.
There are fantastic Alaska Tour Packages that can take the planning over and guide you through the state.
Summer season in Alaska highlights and not to miss opportunities include:
- Totem Bight State Park, Ketchikan
- Visiting one or more of the eight U.S. National Parks in Alaska, including
- America's Largest National Park Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve
- Katmai National Park Bear viewing
- Denali National Park and Preserve
- Kenai Fjords National Park
- Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
- Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
- Kobuk Valley National Park
- Gates of the Arctic National Park
Fall Season in Alaska
Fall is probably my favorite time of year to visit Alaska. The crowds have calmed down, the leaves are changing colors, and you can still access most of the parks pretty easily.
That being said, the weather can turn quickly into winter weather, so we are cautious in the Fall to make sure we are prepared and ready for anything.
Fall season in Alaska highlights and not to miss opportunities include:
- Fall leaves
- Bird migration
- Fewer crowds, lower lodging costs
- Moose Rut
Winter Season in Alaska
Winter in Alaska is stunning and offers a wealth of unique experiences to see and do! We try to base our visits around Anchorage or Fairbanks, which have great winter services.
You can take the Alaska Railroad Winter Route and travel between Anchorage and Fairbanks for gorgeous views, and someone else does all the driving for you.
Winter season in Alaska highlights and not to miss opportunities include:
- Nothern Lights
- Dog Sledding
- Skiing and cross-country skiing
Spring Season in Alaska
Spring in Alaska means breakup (when the snow melts and breaks up), muddy weather, but also the feeling of excitement that summer is coming.
I am not going to lie and say Spring is always gorgeous because that would be leading you down a muddy adventure. Depending on the winter season, spring can be filled with mud and chunks of snow and ice breaking up on the roads.
The increasing daylight hours make it easier to see more during your time in Alaska. Did you know that after March 20th, Anchorage has more daylight hours than anywhere in the lower 49 states?
Spring season in Alaska highlights and not to miss opportunities include:
- Spring bird migration
- Bears emerging from hibernation
- Gray whales migrate in spring, starting in mid-March
Popular Alaska Destinations
Southeast Alaska has several incredible destinations to visit, each with their own charm and personality. Some of my favorites include
- Juneau (The State Capital) is home to Mendenhall Glacier, Mount Roberts Tramway, the Red Dog Saloon, and some of the best whale watching anywhere in Alaska.
- Ketchican has excellent fishing opportunities, the Great American Lumberjack Show is rich in history, and it is home to Totem Bight State Park.
- Skagway is home to Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, the Red Onion Saloon, and offers scenic train rides on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad and massive King Crab Legs at Skagway Fish Company.
Flying into Anchorage can be a drop off to so many fun destinations in Alaska, Including:
- Talkeetna with epic views of Denali, great restaurants, and make sure to visit Aurora, the mayor of Talkeetna (Aurora is a cat), and it is the town the 90's TV Show Northern Exposure was loosely based on.
- Seward is the Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park and the Alaska Sealife Center
- Girdwood is a resort town known for Skiing, hiking/biking, shopping and great restaurants.
Flying into Fairbanks, known as the "Land of the Midnight Sun," is the hub for interior and northern Alaska. Destinations include:
- Denali National Park
- North Pole, Alaska, is a must for anyone who loves Christmas! The North Pole is known for its year-round Christmas decorations, including candy cane-striped streetlights and themed road names like Mistletoe Lane and Kris Kringle Drive.
- Chena Hot Springs Resort is well known for its hot springs, an Ice Museum, and excellent Northern Lights viewing.
No matter what season you visit Alaska, you are in for an amazing adventure! There is something truly amazing about the wildlife, scenery, and feeling of being in Alaska any time of the year.
Check out all of the Alaska National Parks along with National Parks in Washington, California National Parks, and National Parks in Hawaii
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