I've always believed that the greatest time to travel to Alaska is in the summer. With so much daylight, the days seem to go on forever, the temperature is perfect—neither too hot nor too cold—and breathtaking scenery awaits you around every corner. I'm always in awe of Alaska in the summer, whether I'm hiking a path, observing whales, or simply admiring the scenery.
Why Visit Alaska During the Summer?
Summertime in Alaska is my favorite time of year to visit because of the pleasant weather and long days, which allow you more time to explore. For observing wildlife such as eagles, bears, and whales in action, this is the ideal time of year. Additionally, all parks, trails, and excursions are open and ready for exploration. Alaska's summers provide the perfect balance of fun and nature, whether you want to experience local festivals, hike in the mountains, or cruise past glaciers.
Where is Alaska?
Best Time to Visit Alaska
Best Time to Visit Alaska —Chart
🌟 Season/Period | 📅 Dates | 🌡️ Temperature | 🎯 Highlights & Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
🌸 Early Season (Shoulder) | May 10–May 31 | 50°F–60°F (10–16°C) | Fewer crowds, discounted hotels & tours (10–25% off), start of cruise season |
☀️ Peak Season | June 1–August 31 | 60°F–70°F (16–21°C) | Warmest weather, full summer activities, Denali shuttle tours, and cruise season |
🍂 Late Season (Shoulder) | September 1–September 15 | 50°F–60°F (10–16°C) | Less crowded, good deals on lodging & tours, start of Aurora season |
❄️ Northern Lights Season | Late August–Early April | Varies, colder in winter | Aurora viewing, winter sports (dog sledding, skiing) Feb–March |
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What Is Alaska's Summer Like?
Here is a true sense of what an Alaskan summer is like, in case you were wondering.
- Weather? Not bad. Nights cool off to the 40s or 50s, which is wonderful after a long day out, and most days are between the 60s and even 80°F.
- Sunshine? Never-ending. Depending on where you are in June, daylight extends to 19 to 22 hours around the solstice.
- Animals? The ideal time to see it is in the summer. Although they first appear in May, bears are most active in July. Moose? They will appear at any time.
- Hiking and fishing? It's unbeatable. By May, low paths are clear, and by June, most mountains are prepared. Whether you're on the beach or by a river, fishing is terrific throughout the summer.
- Mosquitoes? Yes, they are present, but only from the beginning of June until the beginning of August. You'll be alright if you bring mosquito repellent.
- The northern lights? If you want a chance to view them, you'll have to wait until the middle of August. Until then, summer nights are simply too bright.
Overview of Alaska's Summer Weather, Daylight, and Wildlife
🌿 Category | 📅 Time Frame | 📌 Details |
|---|---|---|
🌡️ Temperature | May–September | Day: 60°F–80°F ・ Night: 40°F–50°F ・ May & Sept are ~5–10°F cooler |
☔ Rainfall | May (Dry) → Sept (Wetter) | May: ~25% daily chance ・ Sept: up to 50% chance of rain |
☀️ Daylight Hours | Late May–Late August | June 21: Anchorage 19h ・ Fairbanks 22h ・ Sunlight past 10 PM common |
🐻 Wildlife Viewing | May – September | Bears: May start, peak in July ・ Moose: year-round ・ Whales: May–Sept |
🎣 Fishing | All summer | Salmon, halibut & more: rivers, lakes & ocean fishing at their best |
🥾 Hiking Conditions | Anchorage trails: May–Oct | Low areas snow-free by May; mountains clear by June; North: late June |
🦟 Mosquito Season | Early June–Early August | Mostly active midsummer. Bring repellent for backcountry hikes |
🌌 Aurora Season | Aug 15–Sept 15 (brief overlap) | Best chance in late summer: nights dark enough to see the lights |
🍁 Fall Colors | Mid-Aug–Mid-Sept | Tundra turns golden-red above the treeline. ・ Great time for road trips |
The late accumulation of snow limits winter activities
Image source from Wikipedia
September: Shoulder season, when prices are lower and crowds are less. Bugs are mostly gone as fall colors peak. By mid-month, there is a chance to view the Northern Lights. Shorter, cooler days, but occasionally warm "Indian summer"
October: The month's first warm days (about 50°F) are followed by cooler temperatures, less daylight, and snow on the mountains. Better suited for more sedate, off-peak excursions than traditional summertime pursuits.
November: Colder temperatures (20–30°F) and shorter days (8:30 AM–6 PM in Anchorage). The late accumulation of snow limits winter activities. Excellent for viewers of the Northern Lights who are prepared to withstand cold temperatures.
December: Anchorage has very little daylight (9 AM to 3:30 PM). Towns are illuminated by Christmas lights and thick snow, perfect for winter activities. Long, chilly evenings are ideal for seeing the aurora.
Best Times to Visit Alaska for Lower Prices
Traveling in May to early June and late August to mid-September are the shoulder seasons if you want to save money on your trip to Alaska. In contrast to the crowded summertime months, hotel rates decrease dramatically during these periods. To entice tourists to visit Alaska outside of the busiest times of the year, numerous cruise lines also provide discounts and onboard credits.
Alaska Travel Seasons & Price Guide
🗓️ Season | 💵 Price Level | 🎯 What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
Peak Season (Mid-June–Mid-August) | 🔺 Highest | Warmest weather, longest days, all tours running, highest hotel & cruise prices |
Shoulder Season (May–Early June, Late Aug–Mid-Sept) | ⚖️ Moderate | Fewer crowds, lower hotel rates, cruise discounts, and wildlife still active |
Off-Season (Late Sept–April) | 🔻 Lowest | Cheapest rates, dark & cold, great for Northern Lights and winter activities |
The Best Times to Visit Alaska to See the Northern Lights
You're in luck if seeing the northern lights is your top travel destination because Alaska has some of the world's best aurora viewing opportunities. Because of its high latitude, you have a good chance of seeing them on the appropriate night, particularly in areas like Fairbanks and the Brooks Range.
- Mid-August to mid-April is the ideal period to see the aurora borealis.
- February brings clear, frosty skies and lengthy evenings.
- March (Spring Equinox): frequently a time of intense aurora activity
- Fall Equinox in September and October offers a pleasant combination of high sun activity and warm temperatures.
Where to Stay in Alaska: A Concise Guide
- Anchorage—the largest city, with lots of hotels and parks and nature trails nearby.
- Juneau—access to cruise ports, museums, and cultural attractions.
- Fairbanks—greatest for late-season Northern Lights viewing and Arctic excursions.
- Seward & Homer—Seafood, kayaking, and a relaxed charm are the hallmarks of these coastal villages.
Top Hotels Near Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
🛏️ Type | 🏨 Example Hotel | ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
⭐ Boutique Hotel | (from ~$180/night) | Waterfront views, local charm, close to markets | Not directly next to the park (15–20 min drive) |
🏨 Mid-Range Hotel | SureStay Hotel by Best Western North Vancouver (from ~$150/night) | Affordable, free parking, short drive to Capilano | Simple amenities, dated interiors |
🛎️ Luxury Stay | (from ~$230/night) | Stunning harbor views, full-service hotel, near Seabus | Further from Capilano (25 min by car) |
🛏️ Budget-Friendly Motel | (from ~$120/night) | Budget-friendly, free breakfast, 5-minute drive to park | Basic decor, limited dining nearby |
Travel Tips
- If you're searching for flexible lodging alternatives near the airport and the outdoors, Anchorage has the largest selection of hotels.
- For the greatest deals and views, book early, as Juneau gets crowded during cruise season.
- For winter activities and aurora viewing, Fairbanks is best from late August to March.
- Seward & Homer provide a more tranquil, picturesque stay with delicious seafood and a sense of place.
FAQs – Best Time to Visit Alaska in Summer
Can the Northern Lights be seen in the summer?
Not usually. Summer evenings in Alaska are excessively bright. Travel to locations such as Fairbanks between mid-August and mid-September to have a possibility of seeing the aurora. Not usually. Summer evenings in Alaska are excessively bright. Travel to locations such as Fairbanks between mid-August and mid-September to have a possibility of seeing the aurora.Which time of year is ideal for summer travel to Alaska?
The best time of year for warm weather, extended daylight (up to 22 hours!), and completely open activities like hiking, cruises, and wildlife tours is from mid-June to mid-July.How does Alaskan summer weather usually look?
The summertime temperature ranges from 40°F to 50°F at night and from 60°F to 80°F during the day. Although it's colder, May and September have better deals and less tourists.