The best time to visit Alaska
The land of bears and lots of ice. Yes, we are talking about Alaska. It's no wonder that tourists come from all over the world, because this is where the "untouched nature" is. You can also see the aurora borealis, incredible landscapes, and unique wildlife.
However, it matters when you go here. It's important because if you arrive at the wrong time, it can ruin your impression of Alaska. Therefore, Travel + Leisure shares the secret of when to plan a trip.
The Best Time to Visit Alaska
The most active season in Alaska begins in mid-June, so you can book tickets if you don't mind the big crowds. However, the best time to visit is in May or from late August to mid-September. During this period, the weather is good, and there is plenty of daylight.
Also, if you can easily tolerate the cold, you can plan a trip in the fall or winter. However, keep in mind that services in national parks will be limited, and some tourist centers and roads will be closed.
When the Weather is Nice
The weather in Alaska can be quite extreme depending on when you visit. The diversity of climate means there's something for everyone, whether it's relaxing among snow-capped peaks or spending the night under the northern lights. If you are visiting Alaska in winter for activities requiring snow and ice, bring your warmest clothes and prepare for January temperatures as low as -17 to -19 degrees.
When Prices are Lowest
The off-season (May to early June and late August to mid-September) offers the best solution for travelers on a budget. Hotel prices are significantly lower than in mid-summer, and many cruise lines offer travel discounts and excursion credits to encourage more people to explore the underrated state outside of peak season.
When to See the Aurora Borealis
The best time to see the northern lights in Alaska is from mid-August to mid-April, especially in February, during the vernal equinox in March, and during the fall equinox in September or October when the combination of clear night skies and electromagnetic radiation activity makes seeing the aurora borealis relatively easy.
Visiting While Cruising
The cruise season lasts from May to September, and you'll probably get the best deals by booking your trip in the first month, which is also the driest. You'll have a good chance of seeing whales, walruses, and nesting seabirds with your own eyes. And you may even see brown bears on the shore as you sail through Glacier Bay.
For the Best Fishing
If you're a fishing enthusiast, you should visit Ketchikan, a remote fishing town located near the southern tip of the state. Known as the salmon capital of the world, cruise ships often stop here, and not just to catch fish. In general, almost every coastal city in Alaska has some kind of fishing community with many reservoirs. So, you will definitely find a place where you can be alone and fish in silence. The best time to do this is from mid-November to mid-April.
Visiting National Parks
If the main purpose of your visit is to see nature and visit national parks, then July and August are the ideal time for this. We recommend visiting the picturesque Denali National Park and Glacier Bay National Park.
Instead, if you're looking for harmony and peace, visit Alaska's most popular national parks later in the year when the crowds are smaller but there is still enough daylight and warmth to allow you to hike into the backcountry alone.
"September is the best month to see the state's gorgeous fall colors. The mountains are golden, the berry bushes have turned bright red, and you have the night sky to enjoy," Gillian Simpson, president and CEO of the Alaska Travel Industry Association, told Travel + Leisure.
When is the Most Snowfall
Don't forget about the winter season because there is a lot of snow! From December to March, there is a fantastic opportunity to explore the magical snowy terrain of Alaska by cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or dog sledding, among other winter activities.
But don't forget to take into account the terrain - each has different snow levels. In January, for example, Fairbanks averages only about 10 inches of snow, while the state capital Juneau averages 28.
Time to See the Wildlife
One of the reasons to visit Alaska is the opportunity to explore the wildlife. Plan a summer trip to Katmai National Park or Lake Clark National Park to see brown bears.
Whale watching season for most species lasts from spring to early fall. Gray whales usually arrive in Alaskan waters by April and can be seen off Seward. Humpback whales, meanwhile, arrive in June and can be seen from Juneau and Icey Strait Point. Both of these magnificent species usually live until the end of September.
According to the website of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, spring is another good time to observe wildlife because that's when animals wake up from hibernation.
The Worst Time to Travel
It's really hard to decide on the worst time to travel. There is no definite answer. It all depends on what is important to you. If you hate the cold and want lots of daylight, then don't plan a trip in the winter. This can be avoided by planning a trip to Alaska in the spring and fall.
