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.
Alaska Tips
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Far North rivers and streams serve up salmon, trout, Dolly Varden, northern pike and grayling. Refer to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for fishing runs and license...
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Southwest contains some of the best bear viewing areas in the state, including McNeal River State Game Sanctuary, Katmai National Park - Brooks Falls, and Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge -...
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The first thing to remember is that the "wild" in wildlife isn't an arbitrary distinction. These animals are not tame and are not in a zoo. They roam free in...
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Southcentral's coastal communities cater to the saltwater fishing enthusiast with all kinds of salmon and the famous Alaska halibut. Freshwater anglers can catch the salmon as they head up the...
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