What Should I Pack to Visit Alaska?

When your packing for your Alaska vacation, it’s best to plan for a little of everything. Weather can vary dramatically by region and season.

Alaska’s summer season is May through September. May is generally the driest month across the state, even in the temperate rainforest of the Inside Passage. By July, daytime temperatures in the Interior can average in the 70 °F range– although it has been known to reach well into the 90s – while temperatures in the coastal areas and higher elevations rarely get above 65 °F. Temperatures across the state start cooling in August and September.

Winter in Alaska is roughly October through March, although temperatures and daylight vary from region to region. Coastal areas are more temperate, rarely falling below 20 °F. Winter in the Interior and Arctic regions are completely different. You may start seeing snow in Interior as early as October, and temperatures may dip below -20 °F during the winter months.

For more detailed weather and packing information see our Regional Climate and Packing Guide.