Best time to visit Alaska
Best time of year to visit Alaska
Due to wildlife visibility and comfortable weather conditions for sightings, mid-May to mid-September is the best time to visit Alaska. Days are longer and warmer during the summer. The weather during this period is mostly pleasant but it can change quickly any time of the year, so pack a warm coat anyway. Crowded summer and early autumn are perfect for glacier cruises or for conquering Denali, Alaska's highest peak. In view of the frosty weather, tours usually stop in late September. October opens a season colder and darker days, and Alaska enters hibernation until April. However, November and December are perfect for ice skating or railroad trips. January to April can be a good idea if you are desperately longing for winter sports or Northern Lights watching. The period between May and June sees rising temperatures, awakening wildlife, and shoulder-season prices.
35 THINGS TO DO IN ALASKA (AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 07)
Northern Lights
Spanning under the "Auroral Oval," Alaskan Arctic belongs to the world's top locations to observe polar lights
Ice Caves
A new unknown world is hidden under the majestic Alaskan glaciers
Kayaking among the Kenai Fjords
The Kenai Fjords National Park is considered one of the most beautiful places in Alaska. There is no need to say that kayaking there is something unbelievable!
Whale Watching in Alaska
Whales are the largest mammals in the world. Seeing them is a truly unforgettable experience!
Polar Bear Watching
Alaska is one of the few regions in the world where it is possible to spot polar bears
Bore Tide
A unique natural phenomenon that offers great opportunities to surfers and kayakers
Chilkoot Trail Hiking
Follow the path of prospectors and enjoy picturesque views of Alaskan nature
Caribou Autumn Migration
Caribou deer are an integral part of Alaskan wildlife. Every fall, these animals migrate across Kobuk River. Watch them in their natural habitat!
Walrus Watching
Have you ever seen a walrus in your life? In Alaska, you can see hundreds of them at one spot
Makushin Volcano
From land, it looks like a snowy mountain, but actually, it is an active volcano—one of the most interesting places within the Aleutian Islands
Summer Railroad Trip
The Alaska railroad will help you to make your journey an unforgettable adventure. Just buy a ticket!
Packrafting
A combination of hiking and rafting is one of Alaska's best secrets
Rainforest Ziplining
Fly above the tallest trees of Alaska and enjoy breathtaking views from a unique angle
Stampede Trail and Bus 142
A challenge for even the toughest and most experienced hikers
Gold Panning
Alaskan lands remember the times of the great Gold Rush. Moreover, there is still a chance to get some gold! Are you ready to face this challenge?
Summer Dog Sledding
Don’t think that dog sledding is available only in winter! In Alaska, you can try this kind of sport even during summertime
Akutaq
Berries mixed with dried fish, walrus tallow, and reindeer fat—sounds strange? Alaskans don’t think so
Cured Salmon Strips
Smoked and dried salmon strips prepared according to old Alaskan recipes are the best snack here!
Glacier Hiking
Are you brave enough to feel the power of ice? If so, come to Alaska and discover the breathtaking beauty of glaciers
Glacier Jet Skiing
Glacier jet skiing – does it even exist? Yes! And it can be an amazing adventure
Ethnic Villages
The real spirit of Native American culture lives in small northern villages
Wild Berry Season
Blueberries, cranberries, lingonberries, huckleberries, raspberries, crowberries… This list is endless, so come to Alaska and pick some fresh berries yourself!
Top of the World Highway
A scenic drive between the United States and Canada
Tana Glacier at St. Ellias National Park
Perhaps the most difficult backpacking route in all of Alaska. Though as beautiful and rewarding as it is hard!
Fireweed and Shooting Stars Bloom
Don't think that Alaska is only a land with snowy mountains and glaciers. It has beautiful and flamboyant flora too!
Alaska State Fair
See a giant cabbage and snack on Alaskan seafood at a major annual event
Rafting
Enjoy the noise of rushing water, amazing nature, and fresh pine air. Rafting in Alaska is better than anywhere else!
Paddleboarding
Get as close as possible to the grand glaciers of Alaska
Alaska Fall Colors
Snap unparalleled fall color display against snow-capped mountains
Sandhill Crane Migration
Alaska is among the most spectacular places to watch the sandhill crane migration
Rainbow Trout Fishing
Alaska is rich not only in salmon. Catch a trophy-sized trout in the rapid rivers!
Alaska Cruises
The 49th state is explored the best by water
Salmon Fishing
If you’ve never fished before, Alaska is a good place to start! Accept the challenge and try to catch some big salmon
Byron Glacier
Take a short hike to a beautiful glacier and explore its caves
Big Game Hunting
Hunting in Alaska is a challenging and sometimes even dangerous activity
33 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
King Crab
out of rangeMonstrous crabs with tender meat are abundant in a sea around Alaska. And local restaurants know best how to cook them
Bear Watching
out of rangeIt’s impossible to imagine Alaska without wild bears. Come and see these strong animals in their natural habitat!
World Ice Art Championships
out of rangeOnce a year Fairbanks turns into an ice city the Ice Queen would envy!
Active Glaciers Cruise
out of rangeWitness one of the scariest and most beautiful phenomena of Alaska—glacier calving
Fur Rondy
out of rangeRun, Rudolph, run! The reindeer race seems to be the most interesting event of the Rondy Festival in Anchorage. Check all the events, and find the most fun one
Winter Railroad Trip
out of rangeEver dreamt of the Polar Express? Try it in Alaska
Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
out of rangeJoin an old Alaskan tradition—a long dog race across the state!
Nalukataq, Whaling Festival in Barrow
out of rangeIt is perhaps the most authentic Native American event in Alaska. People there still preserve their old traditions
Midnight Sun
out of rangeWitness a unique natural phenomenon—Polar Day
Caribou Spring Migration
out of rangeCaribou herds migrate across Alaska twice a year. And both times are equally impressive
Denali
out of rangeThe highest mountain peak in North America is located in Alaska. Are you ready to conquer it?
Bird Migration at Copper River Delta
out of rangeThis spectacular mass bird migration attracts people from all around the world. It’s something that can’t be missed!
Snow Geese Spring Migration
out of rangeMillions of wild cries hover above the land as endless birds fly overhead—just to notify they're coming home
Dog Sledding
out of rangeConsidered to be probably the most famous Alaskan activity, winter dog sledding is definitely worth trying!
Yukon Quest
out of rangeWatch an exciting 1000-mi sled dog race between Fairbanks and Whitehorse
Lupine Fields in Bloom
out of rangeWildflowers in Alaska bloom during a very short season. It may not be easy to find a perfect place in time, but you can try your luck!
Denali Winterfest
out of rangeOne the most beautiful places in Alaska turns into a winter fairy tale
Kodiak Crab Festival
out of rangeEvery May, the city of Kodiak plunges into the celebration of the sea and its glory!
Birdwatching
out of rangeCheck out thousands of rare bird species, some of which can be seen only in Alaska. Visit the Pribilof Islands and meet them all!
4th of July in Anchorage
out of rangePlunge into the exciting atmosphere of Independence Day celebrations with the Alaskans!
Heliskiing
out of rangeYou can try skiing in plenty of countries. But what about something really special, like heliskiing?
Methane Bubbles in the Lakes
out of rangeIf you want to see the effects of global warming, visit Alaskan ‘boiling’ lakes
Skiing and Snowboarding in Alaska
out of rangeWonderful nature, steep trails, and great service will make your holidays an unforgettable adventure
Auke Bay Winter Sunset
out of rangeIf you are looking for unforgettable views, visit Auke Bay. Its famous sunset will definitely inspire you
Arctic Comic Con
out of rangeThe largest comic book & pop culture event in Alaska
Alaska Folk Festival
out of rangeOne of the best folk festivals of the Northwest
New Year's Eve in Anchorage
out of rangeFireworks and northern lights illuminate the skies on the main night of the year
Golden Days Fairbanks
unconfirmedThe largest parade in the state and plenty of fun competitions
Arctic Ocean Ice Road
out of rangeIn Alaska winter also means more mobility. An Ocean Ice Road in Prudhoe Bay is one of those unique highways which operate only during the cold season
Seward's Mount Marathon Race
out of rangeOne of the toughest 5K races on the planet
Arctic Lightning Air Show
out of rangeAerobatics and ground displays at a historic air base
Alaskan Beer Week
out of rangeBeer is the favourite drink of Alaska. Try it for yourself!
Hummingbirds
out of rangeWhen it comes to hummingbirds, Alaska has a little something to surprise you with
