What's Happening?
How's the weather up there in Alaska?
Exact temperatures & rainfall can depend on many different factors... such as what part of the state you're traveling, if you'll be at higher elevations or in the rainforest regions. We always recommend checking the weather forecast the morning of as it's known to change really quickly and often cannot be predicted for certain areas until the day of. We also experience much more extreme temperatures in the Arctic regions and areas with wind chill conditions.
If in doubt on what to pack, check with any of our Explore Tours consultants for a suggested packing list and any other local advice according to your itinerary.
Also check with the National Weather Service's Alaska Region Headquarters web site for the latest forecasts
What are the seasons like?
Spring: Late March through early April
Early spring is marked by what the locals call "break-up" where the accumulation of winters snow melts into puddles and slush.
Anchorage average daily high temps: 33-42 degrees F
Anchorage average daylight: 11.5-14.5 hours
Insider tip: Visitor attractions, National Parks and other summer activities will normally begin to open/run from May first and offer shoulder discounts until around mid-May. Some may even reduce prices through the end of May.
Summer: June through the end of August
This is the peak visitor season.
Anchorage average daily high temps: 61.6-65.2 degrees F
Anchorage average daylight: 15.4-19.1 hours
Insider tip: Make your reservations for summer travel early! This is the height of visitor season and popular activities and accommodations sell out quickly.
Fall: September through early November
Beginning in September, the leaves start turning shades of gold and amber. By October the leaves on the trees have usually fallen. During this time of season, the mountaintops are dusted with what the locals call "termination dust", signifying the termination of our summer season and a sign of the winter soon to come.
Anchorage average daily high temps: 30.4-55.2 degrees F
Anchorage average daylight: hours: 7.1-12.5 hours
Insider tip: Fall brings crisp, clear weather with excellent lighting conditions. It's a wonderful time for photography.
Winter: mid-November through end of March
Girdwood, Cordova and Valdez are a few of the communities hit hardest with snowfall each season. Ask us about heli-skiing and other snow adventures!
Anchorage average daily high temps: 21.4-27.2 degrees F
Anchorage average daylight: hours: 5.4-11.5 hours
Can you tell us about any upcoming events?
- Stay tuned to our Alaska Events Calendar for info on happenin' Alaska events year round!
What are your daylight hours like right now?
We are now on the seasonal upward cycle...currently gaining a few minutes of daylight each day. Click on the links below to view the full sunrise and sunset calendars for Anchorage during the summer months.
How can I see the Northern Lights?
When: The aurora borealis lights up the Alaska sky in a colorful display with activity present all year long, but can only be seen when the conditions are dark -- generally from late August through early April.
Peak viewing opportunities are from November through March with optimum chances the farther you venture north and to remote areas free of city lights.
Stats show that the best time of day to catch them out is anywhere from 11pm to 2am, usually around midnight. Many hotels will offer "aurora wake up calls", so be sure to ask upon check in to be notified if they are active during your stay.
Where: Also check out Bettles Lodge, located at 66° 54' N Latitude, putting Bettles directly below the "Aurora Oval" maximum viewing zone. This location combined with National Weather Service records indicating Bettles has the most "cloud free" days of any spot in Alaska, further increases your chances of seeing the aurora.
More info: Surf to the Alaska Geophysical Institute's web site for their daily Aurora Forecast by clicking here.You can also view our popular Aurora Watch package or contact our knowledgeable staff to create your own unique northern lights program.
