Here are the prime times to explore Alaska

Spanning over 424 million acres, including 57 million acres designated as wilderness, Alaska stands as the largest and most sparsely populated state in the U.S.

Majestic, glacier-topped mountains are divided by deep valleys and expansive meadows, offering endless outdoor recreational opportunities. Icebergs drift along the coast, creating a unique habitat for wildlife not found elsewhere in the nation.

The state's elevations vary from sea level to 20,310 feet, resulting in a diverse range of weather conditions — from sunny 70-degree days to subzero snowstorms — all occurring on the same day in different areas.

Adventurous travelers visit Alaska for breathtaking landscapes, tranquility, and year-round excitement. The winter months showcase some of North America's finest skiing, while summer often offers warm, clear skies.

The ideal time to visit hinges on your priorities. Continue reading to discover the best times for experiencing the northern lights, wildlife viewing, snow sports, cruises, and finding great deals on flights and accommodations.

When is the warmest period to visit Alaska?

Most travelers journey to Alaska during the summer months, from May 10 to September 15. The warmest temperatures occur between June and August, often reaching the 60s. As summer progresses, rainfall becomes more frequent, with August being the wettest month, averaging nearly 3 inches of rain. April and May are considerably drier and only slightly cooler.

What is the coldest period to visit Alaska?

Alaska is often linked with cold weather, and rightfully so. In the mountains, it's common for nighttime temperatures to plunge well below zero. Yet, in Anchorage, the average high in January—the coldest month—hovers around the low 20s.

For some, these frigid temperatures signal abundant dry snow. Winter in Alaska peaks from December to March. However, that doesn’t mean 'The Last Frontier' comes to a halt. On the contrary, skiing is at its best, ice-carving contests and winter festivals take place across the state, and thrilling dog sled races draw many participants.

When is the ideal time to see the northern lights in Alaska?

The northern lights are most vibrant from September to April, with peak activity usually in March. Though their appearance is unpredictable, staying up late boosts your chances of catching them. In winter, optimal viewing occurs between 11:30 p.m. and 3:30 a.m., while in September and March, the peak hours shift an hour later.

The prime time for wildlife watching in Alaska

Given its vast wilderness, it’s no wonder that Alaska is a prime spot for wildlife observation. The animals you might encounter vary by season.

Spring is among the top seasons for wildlife watching in Alaska. As temperatures rise and vegetation is still sparse, views remain unobstructed. You can easily spot bears, caribou, sheep, and mountain goats in accessible areas. If you’re along the western coast, keep an eye out for bowhead whales, seals, or walruses.

Summer offers a unique opportunity for wildlife viewing. With salmon spawning in numerous streams, bears and eagles flock to the area. Moose are frequently seen along roads, and in July, muskoxen begin their rutting season. Notably, Alaska is the only place in North America where you can see the Pacific walrus, often found on remote beaches and islands in the west.

As the foliage transforms into stunning shades of red, orange, and yellow, wildlife can be seen grazing amidst this colorful backdrop. Fall marks the mating season for moose, goats, caribou, and muskoxen, often leading them to open spaces for easier viewing by visitors.

Bears are busy fattening up for winter, so your best chance to spot one is near a salmon stream or berry patch. Additionally, various whale species start their migration along the western coast.

Despite the obvious chill of winter in Alaska, it offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. With bare trees, your line of sight is greatly improved. In November, visit the Chilkat River near Haines to witness the world’s largest bald eagle migration. Mountain goats, deer, and Dall sheep rut in late fall before heavy snowfall arrives. Winter is also an ideal time to hone your footprint identification skills.

When to visit Alaska to steer clear of the crowds

As the most remote and wild state in the U.S., Alaska offers plenty of opportunities to escape the masses, even during peak tourist seasons.

The peak season in Alaska runs from mid-June to mid-August, coinciding with some of the best weather. If avoiding crowds is a priority, plan your visit for April through May or September. These months feature long days and favorable weather conditions.

The ideal time for hiking in Alaska

Alaska boasts an amazing array of trails for every skill level, from beginner-friendly forest paths to demanding multi-day glacier hikes.

Trails at lower elevations near Anchorage typically become accessible by the end of May, after the snow has melted. For mountain hikes, aim for early to mid-June, as conditions remain ideal until mid-September.

In general, June and July are the prime months for hiking, featuring less rainfall, drier trails, and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The midnight sun offers abundant daylight for your outdoor activities; around the summer solstice, Anchorage enjoys about 22 hours of daylight.

The optimal time for a cruise to Alaska

Cruise season in Alaska spans from late April to September. According to a representative from Princess Cruises, the best weather for cruising typically occurs from mid-June to August. The shoulder seasons—late April to early June and September—offer fewer crowds and lower prices, though the weather may be rainier and cooler.

The most affordable time to visit Alaska

While accommodations are generally most affordable during early winter, airfare prices can fluctuate significantly depending on your departure location.

In popular destinations like Anchorage, Seward, and Healy (close to Denali National Park), the highest lodging rates occur from the second week of June through the third week of August. Conversely, during the low season—especially in November and January—room prices drop significantly, according to Kayak. Tuesdays tend to be the cheapest nights to stay, while Thursdays are usually the priciest. Generally, booking about 75 days in advance yields the best rates.

Overall, Anchorage is the most economical city for accommodations and shows clear seasonal price variations, with midsummer being the priciest time to visit. Prices in Seward and Healy remain fairly stable year-round, with a slight dip from October to December.

Based on annual price trends from the travel search engine Skyscanner, we can identify the most economical times to fly to Anchorage from several major U.S. airports. Flights from New York are typically least expensive in August, while those from Los Angeles or Atlanta are often cheaper in April. For travelers from Chicago, February usually offers the best flight deals.