There’s never really a wrong time to visit this amazing country. But if you want to enjoy it to the fullest, you’d better set off in... No spoilers! We’ll tell you later on!
Are you dreaming of immense glaciers, endless forests, and breathtaking starry skies? Alaska is the place for you!
That said, when you think about it, it’s not exactly your average destination: we’re talking way up north, and the cold is very real. And a large part of the region is made up of wild landscapes that are absolutely stunning, but they also require some planning when it comes to choosing the ideal time to go.
So, to make things easier for you, we’ve put together a short guide to the best time to travel to Alaska.
Read on!
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Seasons in Alaska: a whirlwind of emotions all year round!
Believe it or not, Alaska has 4 seasons... Sure, we do too, but trust us: the climate there is very different from what we’re used to.
Spring
Nature’s awakening is a symphony of blooming flowers and bears yawning after hibernation. Imagine hiking along coastal trails, surrounded by a palette of pastel colors and the songs of migratory birds.
Beautiful image, right?
Summer
At last, the sun shines high in the sky, bringing very long days and mild temperatures.
But keep in mind that by “mild,” we mean mild compared to Alaska’s average temperatures, because generally speaking, it’s still pretty cold!
To be clear, in summer the average temperature is around 20–22°C (68–72°F), which is definitely pleasant, but still quite different from the climate we’re used to here in the Mediterranean.
Autumn
Peace and quiet take over as nature prepares for its long winter sleep. The forests are dressed in golden and red shades, creating a spectacle of color that would take the breath away even from an Impressionist painter.
And that’s about the end of our poetic streak, so we’ll leave it at that.
Winter
There’s not much to say about winter: snow, snow, and more snow. And then cold like you’ve never felt before, with temperatures easily dropping to -20°C (-4°F) in the southernmost areas—and in the north... well, we’ll let you imagine that.
Oh, and then more snow.
Still, the winter landscape is incredible, like a fairy tale come to life, especially at night when the sky lights up with the Northern Lights and their dancing colors.
How to choose the best season for your travel style
From what we’ve seen so far, it’s pretty clear that winter isn’t exactly the best time to visit Alaska—unless you really want to freeze completely. All the other seasons are absolutely worth considering, but the best choice depends on the activities you want to do.
Because we like making things easy for you, here’s a quick guide to the best season based on that.
What to do in spring
Trails and landscapes finally free of snow are a clear sign that it’s time for a beautiful hike—or more than one, why not? While you’re at it, you might also spot local wildlife with your own eyes, such as the grizzly bear, the gray wolf, or the majestic moose wandering calmly through the vast forests.
Look up and you may also catch sight of spectacular bird species typical of Alaska, such as the bald eagle.
What to do in summer
Now that the sun is almost always shining and moonlight feels like a distant memory, the endless celebration of the Alaskan summer begins! And when we say celebration, we mean it—imagine 24 hours of daylight letting you do pretty much anything.
You can go hiking during these months too and enjoy breathtaking scenery. You can ride an ATV through the wilderness. Or—and we bet you weren’t expecting this—you can even take a cruise through the fjords.
What did you think, that fjords only existed in Norway?
And if all of that sounds too relaxed, there’s something for adrenaline lovers too: the snowmelt continues feeding the waterways, making summer the perfect time to go kayaking and maybe capsize in the least graceful way possible in front of your friends.
What to do in autumn
Ah, autumn—that brief colorful flash before everything turns white again. It’s the moment to take out your camera and fill up on photos of leaves shifting from green to fiery red and gold. The landscapes look almost unreal, but only in the first part of the season, because autumn here lasts about as long as a sneeze: one day you’re admiring a bright, colorful tree, and the next it’s buried under half a meter of snow. And you’re left wondering: when did that happen?
And beyond the flora, if you’re lucky, you can also enjoy the wildlife before it disappears for a few months of rest. You might even spot a grizzly bear feasting in preparation for winter.
What to do in winter
Okay, back to where we started—winter.
As we explained, it’s not exactly the ideal time to visit Alaska, for obvious reasons—like avoiding freezing to the bone. But if you come prepared with the right gear, well, you know what? It can absolutely be done!
This season is great for snow-based activities, such as skiing or snowboarding, of course in resorts and areas equipped for these sports. And if you’re in the mood for something a little different, you could also try driving a snowmobile or exploring Alaska’s spectacular natural landscapes on snowshoes.
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In conclusion
Alaska is a spectacular blank canvas—or a colorful one, depending on the season—ready to be painted with your experiences. And whatever activities you have in mind, there’s always a right season to visit.
That said, in our opinion, summer is the very best time to go: the season when you can enjoy the landscape at its most spectacular and try loads of incredible activities, like the ones we’ve included in our 13-day Alaska itinerary.
Take a look and tell us it doesn’t sound like an amazing tour!
And of course, you’re invited too! Book your spot on the next departure and let’s head to the coldest state in the USA!
