Alaska Weather

Alaska is a huge state stretching 1500 miles from north to south and more than 2400 miles from east to west. The climate and weather vary highly throughout the state’s 5 regions.

In the South East/Inside Passage it rains a lot and often. While summer temperatures rarely exceed 60°F, winters are rather mild thanks to the influence of the Pacific Ocean. On most days temperatures are above freezing and during nights the temperature rarely drops below 20°F.
Important cities: Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, Prince of Wales Island, Skagway.

At the coast in Southcentral Alaska the weather is often wet and stormy. Further inland, precipitation is a lot less likely and summers are warm with temperatures of 70°F or higher. However, during winter low temperatures can be very cold at around 5°F.
Important cities: Anchorage, Seward, Homer, Wasilla, Soldotna, Talkeetna, Valdez, Palmer, Kenai

The Southwest is characterized by changeable weather with lots of rain and storm. Temperature levels range from highs of around 60°F in summer during July and August to lows of around 0°F during winter.
Important cities: Kodiak Island, Unalaska/Port of Dutch Harbor, King Salmon, Naknek, Bethel

Central Alaska/the Interior has a continental climate featuring short but warm summers with temperatures above 80°F. The high mountains shield these regions from the wet Pacific air so there is very little precipitation. Winters can be extremely cold with temperatures around -55°F.
Important cities:Fairbanks, North Pole, Denali Park, Tok, Fort Yukon

Arctic/North Alaska is mostly very dry. If it rains, this mainly happens during summer. During summer temperatures do not exceed 45°F. The winters are long and high temperatures during the day range from -5°F to -20°F. Overnight, temperatures fall to -22°F.
Important cities: Coldfoot, Utqiagvi/Barrow, Nome, Kotzebue, Deadhorse

Best Time to Visit Alaska

This depends greatly on the things you want to do during your stay. Spring is the best season to go on a cruise and see some gray whales. The warmest months are June, July and August with temperatures around a range of 45-70°F. September already brings cooler nights but you could also experience an extended summer with the warm Alaska weather being prolonged in September.

The northern lights can be observed from September through mid-April. During winter you can also view the artistic masterpieces created by ice carvers and try or watch some dog mushing. Winter in Alaska is also known for its spectacular festivals.

Things to know about Alaska

Alaska is of course a perfect vacation destination for winter sports activities like all sorts of skiing, dog mushing, ice skating, snowmobiling... this list could be continued endlessly. But Alaska is also a popular destination for summer vacations where you can visit various national parks, explore glaciers all year round, see wildlife such as brown bears, mooses and hawks and the breathtaking extent of untouched nature.

The northern lights or Aurora Borealis are another spectacle of nature that can be observed from April to November. And finally there are things to do out at sea like whale watching, fishing… even snorkeling is possible in summer!
All year round there are various festivals and celebrations that give you the chance to meet the locals of this huge state. Keep this vastness in mind when planning your trip, calculate enough time for your vacation and be sure to keep track of the weather in Alaska!

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