As a full service tour operator were here to help you arrange the seamless vacation of a lifetime experiencing the best of Alaska up close and in style. As the state with by far the most wilderness in the country, its no surprise that Alaska is a great place for wildlife viewing. If our experts can further help you choose an Alaska small ship cruise or Alaska tour please do contact us. Beginning in July and stretching through to the end of August the summer is the nicest time of year to travel. Cruising Alaska is incredible, just remember after it's finished you've seen just a slim portion of this extraordinary place. The Best Time to Visit Alaska (2:55) When is the best time to visit Alaska? Our experts have more information on when to visit Alaska, planning your Alaska trip or the best time of year to visit Alaska. Hi, we are planning a trip to Alaska and have specific things we would like to experience.. Northern Lights, wildlife, beautiful color changes would be on the top of our list. By July, most trails are accessible, migrating salmon attract humongous bears to riverbanks, and the fishing season is in full swing. The 49th state's snowy, cold and dark winters are not conducive to cruising. Skip to content. Best time for wildlife viewing. Try our guide to Alaska's best itineraries by land, air and sea. If you'd like to have an Alaskan plan your Alaska trip, or just have a few starter questions, give us a call at 800-208-0200. Even if it is cold; bitter, freezing cold (-20C), this is the ideal time to see the Aurora Borealis or Northern . Congratulations to the 2022 Alaska Travel Photo Contest winner: "Archangel Reflections" taken by Caitlin Pobliego. If youre aiming to combine a land tour with a cruise, however, consider that whales are in abundance during that time. New small ship cruises, adventure trips, ships & the best deals at your fingertips. Here, more of what makes each time period special. Because late fall season DIY trips are largely based around weather conditions, we recommend directly contacting the parks you wish to visit in the fall to get an update before traveling to them. Among the most common questions we receive, and indeed an important consideration when planning Alaska travel, are What is the best time to visit Alaska? or What is the best time to cruise Alaska?. Temperatures typically range in the 60s and low 70s, although it can occasionally get into the 80s in some areas. Wow Gail that sounds like quite the comprehensive Alaska trip! Clearer skies mean the ice-crusted face of Denali is more visible than it is in the summer.Key events: Winter Solstice. Animals are busy preparing for the oncoming wintermigrating, mating, marking territory, hunting and foraging for foodwhich increases your odds of viewing all manner of wildlife. While this is one of the most beautiful times of the year to see Alaska, it does come with some drawbacks. Please give me some ideal here when go go, should we stay in Anchorage for few days then take off to Dutch Harbor? Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. 2022 Lonely Planet. The Main Street is blocked off to traffic as the streets fill with a parade, entertainers and a series of brightly decorated floats. Alaska is well and truly in bloom in May, and luckily, this is still very much a shoulder season too, because the summer crowds have yet to arrive in port. You will surely want to learn more about how to visit Denali National Park. Many travelers remain on board to enjoy scenic wilderness cruising from the ship. The cooler weather turns trees and tundra into explosive fall colors of red, gold and purple. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. Salmon return in droves. When to see humpback whales in Alaska? Notwithstanding, there are few bright spots. Start your trip search with this selection of Alaska adventure trips by land and sea. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. While were not experts on ice caves, and conditions can vary any time of the year, the ice is most likely more stable (but the temperatures still bearable for travel & flights less expensive) in the spring and fall. In Anchorage however, the average daytime high in January the coldest month of the year is in the low twenties. Snow begins to dust mountain peaks. We are thrilled you get to experience Alaska this summer. You can see North America's tallest peak: Denali! Best Time To Visit Alaska In The Summer Season. Hi Tammy, Longer nights again bring possible opportunities to view the aurora borealis. Tourists are as rare as polar bears, but Alaskas local nightlife is buoyant in larger towns and cities driven by an all-in-this-together sense of community.Key events: Sitka WhaleFest, Alaska Bald Eagle Festival (Haines). Tips on what to do are highly appreciated. You can find all your favorites in the menu. Your entire vacation is designed around your requirements, Select your preferred style of accommodations, Create the perfect trip with the help of our specialists, All our specialists have traveled extensively or lived in their specialist regions, The same specialist will handle your trip from start to finish, Make the difference between a good trip and an outstanding one, Hand picked by us or our local partners as the best available, Offering more than just dates and names, they strive to offer real insight into their country. A scenic flight was an absolutely gorgeous way to experience Denali. Considering everything stated above, we advise travelers that June 15 through August 15 is the best time to go to Alaska. Because of the global warming glaciers in Alaska are melting faster and faster. During the warmer months, Alaska becomes more beautiful than ever imagined. The Denali Park area is especially beautiful during this time. Hello, We are traveling to Alaska the second week of October 2022. Shoulder seasons, including May to June and August through September, are also ideal. For many people, the answer to the question When is the best time to go to Alaska? is July. June 30, 2021. It's heaven if you love hiking. Minor downsides include higher costs for accommodation and the sporadic invasion of day-trippers in small towns where cruise ships dock. You can even take a ride on the Aurora winter train between Anchorage and Fairbanks. The post above has an overview of the wildlife and weather in Alaska in April. August in Alaska is a great time to see humpback whales, orcas, bears and other wildlife as they capitalize on salmon runs. Our only nailed down event is a wedding in Glacier View mid week. Fall is the mating season for moose, goats, caribou and muskoxen, which often brings them to open areas where they can be seen easily. Alaska is amazing any time of year, but most travelers prefer to visit during the warm and bright summer months, with July being the busiest. Do you have any suggestions pertaining to our situation to guide us in our plans? Our guide to Whale Watching Aboard Small Ship Cruises in Alaska recommends mid-June through mid-August, although whale sightings are possible throughout the season. Small ship cruises in May will likely view whales, but they will be individuals or smaller groups of two or three spread about looking and waiting for food. The states diminutive ski areas lack the international reputation of Aspen or Whistler. Best time for snow sports. September marks the end of the Alaska travel season and is the best time to travel to Alaska for low prices and Alaska travel . It takes approximately 2h 14m to drive . May and June are considered the driest, but even then theres always a chance of rain on any given day. Local forecasts in Alaska are astoundingly inaccurate and weather changes by the hour. See our breakdown of Alaska weather by month above to learn more about the temperatures, sunlight and wildlife, to find the best time to visit Alaska for you. AdventureSmith Explorations specializes in creating custom travel by land or sea and will suggest draft itineraries with Alaska lodging or small cruise ship that meet your needs and budget. This card is similar to the consumer version that Amex offers, but with more business-oriented perks around statement credits and earning rates that are a better fit for business owners. "It can also be some of the nicest . Bears tend to stock up on food in preparation for the winter, so your best bet for spotting one will be near a salmon stream or berry patch. Alaska is a rainy destination, so you are likely to encounter rain at some point during your trip no matter what summer month you choose. 1. One of the best things about visiting Alaska is the opportunity to see the northern lights. While lodging is generally cheapest during early winter, airfare costs vary widely based on your point of origin. Use our Activity Finder to see what tours are running in May. Why is mid-June through mid-August on an Alaskan cruise the best time to see whales? Contact our experts for a full consultation on your perfect Alaska trip and small ship. This post was originally published on March 9, 2019 and been updated with additional information. However, they can be seen at other times of the year as well - it just depends on the weather conditions. Take some time before or after the cruise. Experienced travelers find summer to be the best time to visit Alaska. Youre likely referring to the Mendenhall Glacier out of Juneau, Alaska, which our team has experience visiting, but mostly en route to Alaska small ship cruises or other adventures in the Southeast Alaska region. If you like winter sports such as skiing or snowmobiling, visiting Alaska in the winter is the way to go. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. In a state where the journey is as absorbing as the destination, any trip is an adventure. By mid-June most humpbacks have arrived and they are gathering together in predictable feeding pods. But not everyone can schedule their trip during this time and as weve noted, each season has its benefits. Our summer season winds down by mid-September. Some smaller cruise-ships begin their southern Alaska itineraries in early April. This is a month-by-month guide that will make your planning much easier and your journey more enjoyable. Day tours are in full swing. Winter in Alaska sees far fewer travelers with December through March being the best months to view the northern lights or aurora borealis. Wildlife remains in abundance and all Alaska small ship cruises and Alaska tours are operating on a regular basis. In the mountains, it is not unlikely for the temperatures to drop well below zero at night. document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a4375cbb135dc1e35adb17fe81e75252" );document.getElementById("e935c3e2c7").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); This has been very informative as I want to plan a trip to Alaska. Our clients are prepared with an extensive packing lists and travel preparation. But, when is the best time to go? From wildlife watching spots to glacier hiking, these are the best places to visit in Alaska. McKinely. While it's certainly not the card for the average consumer, a business owner with tons of expenses -- especially related to travel -- will find this card incredibly valuable. Just know that our expertise is in adventure travel packages built for you to see the best of Alaska vs. day trips. But if you thought winter in Alaska is not a good time for a visit then you were wrong. Specialty tours and fishing can attract hearty travelers and custom tours can be arranged. Book Now with no risk, your deposit is fully refundable until 31 days prior to travel with the purchase of our Worry-Free Cancellation Waiver. What to do in Alaska: our highlights guide. Tip: Read our Alaska in July and August guide, if you plan to visit in . Winter biking and Nordic skiing take over the trails around Anchorage . This is because of the long days and warmer weather, and the temperatures range from 60 to 67 0 F. Additionally, during this period, visitors will be able to see Alaska . Find out the best time to visit Alaska with details on climate, seasons and events from Audley specialists. Read our Privacy Policy. Weather is wet and increasingly cold. You'll experience temperatures in the 60's to low 70's, 16-24 hrs of daylight, leaves and flowers in bloom, rushing rivers, and the best wildlife viewing. Here are the key things you need to know to stay safe in the Last Frontier state. You can hike late into the evening (the sun never sets in the far north), bask in surprisingly balmy temperatures, and enjoy the states greatest feature its spellbinding wilderness without having to worry about aggressive snowstorms, inaccessible backcountry, and shuttered facilities. Flexible itineraries mean small ships can stop and linger longer when whales are spotted. Scheduled for a cruise to Alaska June 11-18 2022. Checking daily forecasts does little to help you prepare. The Business Platinum Card from American Express, Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Read our advice on when to travel to Alaska for tips, including weather charts . Hello, and thank you for this wonderful information. Moose often congregate along roads, and in July, muskoxen begin to rut. ST39468, 2022 Audley Travel | Audley Travel US, Inc. (Delaware 5398866). It wasn't only the composition and natural beauty that caught our eyes. Daylight stretches beyond 9pm in Fairbanks and hiking at lower elevations becomes possible in the panhandle.Key events: Alaska Folk Festival (Juneau). As the state with by a long shot the wildest in the nation, it's nothing unexpected that Alaska is a beautiful spot for natural life viewing. May is shoulder season, so visitors can take advantage of reduced rates at many hotels, lower ticket prices on the train, and even some discounted day tours. Press enter or click the search icon to start search, Inside Passage & Glacier Bay Wilderness Cruise. But with some creative planning and an ability to trade luxury for a grittier. There really isn't a bad time to visit Alaska. Thanks in advance for the advice. When is the best time to visit Canada and Alaska. The most favorable time to go to Alaska is between June and September. The first humpbacks begin to arrive in Alaska about late April and early May. airports. Aurora Borealis glowing green and pink over a large canvas luxury camping tent in Alaska. We also travel with service animals (2 dogs). Best Time For All-Around Alaskan Travel: June-August. Follow the link to Find an Alaska Trip to search our numerous Alaska trips by month or your travel dates. Overall, Anchorage is the least expensive city to stay in and has the most identifiable seasonality curve with midsummer being the most expensive time to go. Here is the section on Alaska in August. We also would like to check out some national parks as well and definitely wildlife sightseeing and finishing. If you're worried about crowds, your best bet is to visit in April through May and September. My husband and I would like to fly in from Arizona. See our monthly Alaska weather tips and travel advice above to find your best time to take an Alaskan cruise. We thought wed start in Anchorage, hit Glacier View, Wragnell, Denali, then back to Anchorage. We advise you to resist this temptation, it will only drive you crazy. You will find the best prices of the year on small boat tours of Alaska as well at this time. August is a popular time to visit Alaska and marks the end of the high travel season. The cruise-ship season transforms Alaskan ports including Ketchikan, Skagway, and Seward into busy hubs. Schools out and family-orientated cruise-ships hit the ports in the southeast. On an Alaska vacation, you'll discover a connection with the abundant natural beauty and culture of the 49th state on a . Some areas, especially shady spots and higher elevations, will still have snow. Our favorite time of year is July, which is really the best time of year to visit. Whale watching aboard an Alaska small ship is a spectacular goal! Hotel rates and ticket prices typically lower to shoulder-season levels. Flights from New York are generally cheapest in August, but if traveling from Los Angeles or Atlanta, it may be better to search for flights in April. The winter months deliver some of the best skiing and riding in North America, while the summers often promise warm and clear days. Viking Orion. Best Time to Travel ALASKA TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS. Will that be too late for fall foliage? Celebrity Eclipse. If we had to choose one, the best month for an Alaska cruise is July. Nights are still long enough to possibly catch the northern lights, while days are getting longer and animals are beginning to stir. 800-208-0200 or 907-245-0200. Contact us to talk about the benefits of our expertise. The landscape fades from green into a rainbow of rusty hues. Space is quickly becoming limited for July 2022 so we recommend booking soon. Mild temperatures and plenty of snow make Anchorage a winter playground. The skiing is at its prime, ice-carving competitions and winter carnivals happen throughout the state and people partake in dog sled races. Winter is also a great time to practice your footprint identification skills! The best time to visit Alaska is between May and September, during the short and sunny summer season. However, during the month of March the days are longer (12 - 15 hrs), it warms up (20's and 30's), and there's great snow. Travelers from all over the world come to Alaska to see this stunning display and take advantage of other winter experiences like snowmobiling , dog mushing , skiing, festivals . Winters in Alaska can be harsh and beautiful. May is considered Alaskas spring and early shoulder season. If you plan on spending 5-7 days in Alaska with a least 3 nights looking for the lights youll have a 90% of seeing them. The rewards? Alaska is also the only place in North America to see the Pacific Walrus, which can be found at some of the more remote beaches and islands in the western part of the state. June. How exciting! There are a host of winter activities available such as the Alaska Railroad, hot springs, dog sledding, snowmobiling, skiing and snowshoeing. The best time to visit coastal towns like Anchorage, Seward, and Fairbanks is during the summer or fall. Tours, lodges, shuttle buses, Visitor Centers, Ranger Stations and campgrounds are all closed. Please advise. The summer season coincides with the high tourist season and runs from late June to August. On Alaska small ship cruises there is no need to worry about mosquitos, but inland Alaska land tours do experience them, particularly in Denali National Park. Alaska offers countless experiences and adventures, like Denali National Park and the northern lights, so we've narrowed the list of activities for you. 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