Best Time to Come to Alaska

So this is a great question we get all of the time! Which time of year mainly depends on what you want to see and experience here!

The summer showcases the state in all it's raw natural beauty when it's warm and lush. You can enjoy more hiking and camping in a more comfortable environment. Note: layering and colder wet weather is still possible in the summer months, but you can generally access more areas with the snow mostly melted away.

The winter months show off the northern lights and reveal a frozen wonderland that is hard to beat. While you can still adventure outdoors, preparation of gear, layers, and the types of things you do will be different from the summer months.

If you wanted to come in the winter months, choose December for all the fun Christmas time lights and activities. There are lights, markets, and other fun activities happening all over. While there are more people coming around the holidays, the crowds still pale in comparison to the summer. If you want to come during winter but avoid the holidays, then aim for early December (typically coldest though) or January (more chill as far as the amount of people). January also has some decent deals for travel, as it is typically slower for the winter months. Alternatively, March is basically still winter here with lots of snow and Anchorage-based activities all about the Iditarod.

Coming in the summer months however, is my favorite time to suggest. While you miss the frozen beauty of winter, the green and lush warm climate is an epic backdrop for all your Alaska activities. The typically 60-70's degree weather opens up many things to do like hiking and camping and fishing as well. The best summer timeframe to come is late June (think around and after summer soltice... June 20/21) or early July. Note: these months are also the busiest to come, but it is the most epic time across the state as well from our experience.

Whatever you choose, ultimately Alaska will make a deep lasting impact... one that will make you want to come back and experience all seasons here!