The Best Time to Visit Alaska
Joris Beugels/Unsplash
The best time to visit Alaska will hardly be a surprise—it’s when you can get good weather and a lot of sunlight to see and explore everything that the largest state in the United States has to offer. Alaska is one of the Best Places to Go in 2025, as many of the area's signature sites and events like the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve and the 1000-mile-long Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race celebrate their 100th birthdays this year. But beyond these milestones, Alaska is still an exciting destination in any year. It’s the matter of what time of year to visit that can help turn your trip from a good one into a fabulous one.
In order to get the best advice on how to visit Alaska, I spoke to two of Condé Nast Traveler’s Top Travel Specialists: Ashton Palmer, president of Expedition Trips, which runs explorer-guided itineraries to destinations like Alaska, the Galapagos, and Antarctica; and Todd Smith, founder and president of AdventureSmith Explorations, focused on low-impact small-ship cruises and sustainable travel in ecologically precious environments. Both are experts in traveling to Alaska and explain the best time to visit, what to see, and how to get there. (Hint: If you’ve ever identified as “cruise-curious,” now is the time to get onboard.)
Mt. McKinley Reflected
Jump to topic:
When is the best time to visit Alaska?
The best time to visit Alaska is June through August. According to Palmer, this is ideal for travelers going on expedition-style trips focused on wildlife and cruising—not to mention the pleasant weather conditions (average temperatures range from 50°F to 70°F in the summer) and the long daylight hours. Given Alaska’s latitude high in the north, many parts of the state get more than 19 hours of daylight in June and July, offering ample opportunities to go hiking or kayaking. As for all the fauna you’ll get to witness, Palmer says to expect animals like bears, moose, and whales.
All that said, any opportunity to visit Alaska is a great one, and Smith often tells his clients, “It’s not about when, but wear.” As in, rather than focusing on the right time to go, one must focus on simply building an itinerary they like and acquiring the right gear so they are prepared come rain or shine.
When is the cheapest time to visit Alaska?
The cheapest time to travel to Alaska is during the shoulder seasons: April to May, and September. This is your best bet for a more affordable trip because, at this time, the demand has yet to hit the highs of summer and many operators offer discounted rates. “But booking early, last minute, and being flexible with dates and accommodations increases the chance of finding budget-friendly options even during peak season,” Palmer says.
Smith says the sweet spot for a high-value trip to Alaska is the springtime: “It’s then that Alaska awakens from the long winter, so you’ll see snow up in the mountains, and that drives hungry bears down to the coast for a meal; small cruise ships take advantage of this proximity. April and May are also the driest months along Alaska’s coast, plus there are fewer crowds in both town and on the water.”
A humpack whale breaches in Alaska with snowy peaks behind
When is peak season in Alaska?
The peak season in Alaska is June through August. Yup, peak season is the best time to visit Alaska. “This time brings travelers the best combination of long days, good weather, and abundant wildlife, including greater numbers of whales that congregate in predictable feeding pods, putting on quite a show,” Smith says. Naturally, be prepared for crowds in town and at popular sites like Denali National Park thanks to big ships and bus tours.
If you plan to travel during peak season in Alaska, Palmer recommends taking advantage of the best cruises in Alaska running their full schedules during the summer months: “They offer diverse itineraries in remote locations like Glacier Bay, the Inside Passage, and Price William Sound.”
When visiting Alaska for the first time, where should I go?
One of the best ways to experience the wilderness and wildlife of Alaska is by going on a cruise. For example, the Inside Passage—home to fjords, lush forests, incredible marine life, and Glacier Bay National Park, where you can watch massive glaciers calve into the sea—is best explored by small ship, Smith says: “You can pack a lot into a week-long cruise there. You can see all sorts of things like glaciers, bears, eagles, and whales.” Furthermore, the remote areas of Alaska are hard to reach by land, Palmer says, and cruises give travelers a front-row seat to the state’s untamed beauty.
Additionally, the towns of Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan are also highlights, Palmer says: “Each offers a mix of history, culture, and adventure. Some travelers enjoy combining an expedition cruise in Southeast Alaska to explore the northern part of the state and visit Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula, Denali National Park, and Fairbanks.”
How many days do I need to spend in Alaska as a first-timer?
Plan to spend 7 to 10 days in Alaska if you’re visiting for the first time. “This allows you to explore multiple regions without feeling rushed,” Palmer says, and suggests first-timers explore Alaska via cruise ship. Smith agrees, saying that a cruise will offer you more wildlife sightings in one week than most people get to see in their whole lives. “If you have two weeks, add a trip to Denali or elsewhere in Alaska’s interior,” he says. “Most folks will only make one trip to Alaska, so it’s best to invest the time to do it right.”
What else should I know before visiting Alaska?
Though the summertime in Alaska generally promises good weather, Palmer says, it can still be unpredictable, so it’s important to dress in layers: “Bring waterproof gear such as a rain jacket and sturdy walking shoes.” Be sure to add lightweight, long-sleeved clothing and insect repellant to your checklist, he says: “Mosquitoes can be present in some areas, especially near forests and inland rivers.”
Speaking of wildlife, Palmer offers an important reminder about expecting and interacting with animals: “One of the biggest draws to Alaska is the fauna, but spotting bears, whales, and seabirds is a plus; it’s not a certainty. It is very likely you'll see these animals in their natural habitat, but no travel operator can guarantee it will happen. Moreover, it's essential to keep a safe distance, follow any guidance from your guides, and bring binoculars or a Zoom lens for your camera.”
If you’re booking accommodations on land, Smith suggests focusing on remote lodges and guided excursions away from towns and highways to experience Alaska’s famous wildlife and solitude. “If you’re planning to cruise, you must think outside the boat,” he adds. “When choosing a ship, ignore the onboard amenities and instead focus on how much the crew takes you off the ship to experience the nature you’ve come to see.”
Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler
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