When to Visit Alaska

There is nothing I love more than an Alaskan Summer. However, an Alaska summer is not the summer you're probably used to in the lower 48 state or else where in the world. Alaska is cold and wet and weather changes constantly. This is not a beach vacation.

Some people come for a week and get poured on the entire time, others get blue bird days and ask me if it even rains up here. People come from all over the world to see Denali and only 30% of them actually get a clear day to see it. The state is so huge that it is also important to note each town or region has its own weather patterns and climate. You could be in the northern most rainforest one day and in a desert tundra the next.

So here's my break down for when to come up and tips on how to navigate conditions in south central Alaska.

• TLDR:

  • May: too much snow too cold

  • June: super dope and tons to do (but maybe too early for hiking at elevation)

  • July: Peak lifestylin' but also peak tourism

  • August: The rain and clouds come but it's still summer

  • September: Things start closing but the leaves start changing. It's basically autumn.

May

For me, May is too early to come up. There is going to be snow everywhere and the rivers will probably be frozen. It will be cold. If you like backcountry skiing go to Thompson Pass near Valdez. Otherwise, your best bet is going to be hanging in coastal towns like Homer and Seward where the climate is more regulated by the ocean.

June

Probably the best time to come depending on the year and how the snow is melting. Hiking at elevation might still not be possible if you're looking into back packing but for the classic Alaska road trip and touristy things are in full swing and summer is here. For some towns like Valdez, this is also typically the driest time of year.

• The vibe: You'll get to experience the summer solstice and peak sun light up here. This makes the days feel long and it is easy to fit in everything you want to accomplish. I can feel in bones the extra energy the daylight brings (to then burn out and be exhausted in August)

• Tourism: most everything will be open and you won't get the peak crowds that come in July

• Other notes: Great time to see wild life. The animals are still by the road because there is less traffic. I can't even count the amount of moose and baby moose I've seen driving to work everyday in Denali. Also the whales are out and about in June so you have a good chance to see them. Denali will be visible A LOT.

July

Peak Alaska tourism season and great weather (for AK standards). Everything is going to be in full swing. This is the time of year where Alaskan companies make their money. It'll be busy but Alaska never really feels as busy as places like Yellowstone, Glacier NP, or California.

• The vibe: The days will still be super long and the sun is out.

• Tourism: Everything is open and it's GO time. Time to get after it but make sure to book months if not a year in advance. If you're here for the whole summer and like to not be in crowds, this is the time to go explore random small towns like Chicken or go into the back country.

• Other notes: WHALES IN SEWARD. Go see the humpbacks in Seward.

August

Everything will be open but the rain will start coming. This is the time of year people ask me if the tours still go out in the rain (the answer is yes they sure do). Bring a rain jacket and do whatever you had scheduled and you can still have fun. Who knows you might get lucky and get the best days of the summer. Things slow down and you can book tours the day before.

• The vibe: The season is coming to and end. Your guides and everyone in the tourism industry might be starting to burn out. The locals might be coming out and it can be a party (Looks for some festivals to go to)

• Tourism: Honestly the tours in June and August might have a different feel. Your guide could be super tired lol and the servers in town might be over your bulls***. Everything is open, hours might be starting to change. Sometimes you can get a good deal.

• Other notes: I like early August a lot, I'm pretty ready to leave Valdez by the end

September

Fall is here. Check hours on restaurants and tours. By the second week things might be fully closed and tours no longer running.

• The vibe: The season is coming to and end

• Tourism: Things are closed or the hours have changed. This is a great time do things outside like hikes if the weather is good. The leaves start changing and it's one of the most beautiful times to be up here road tripping. I love how quiet it gets.

• Other notes: Start driving down south if you're road tripping. The snow is coming. Also, the Matanuska area will have insane colors when the leaves change.

Other Tips

• Coming up for more than a week gives you the best chance to experience days of blue skies and pure happiness

• If you're here for the whole summer, follow the weather. Check conditions where you currently are and then all over the state. If you're willing to drive and be flexible, you can maximize non rainy days

• Have a back up plan. If your plan A looks like seven days or rain or hail or wind, move to plan B or C. I'd rather do my second option up here with decent weather than do the first in awful conditions. This is especially true in the backcountry or if bush planes or water taxis are involved. Being stuck out in the ocean or in mountains because you literally can't get picked up due to weather does not sound like fun.

• Maybe bring rubber rain gear if you're driving up and here for the whole summer

• Finally: sometimes you just have to do it in the rain. Have a good mentality. If you can't do have fun with a little rain stay at home.