Your guide to weather in Alaska and finding the best time to visit

Despite what you may have heard, Alaska experiences all four seasons, each one unique and beautiful for different reasons. Summer runs from mid-May to mid-August and while that may seem short, it brings mild, warm temperatures across the state. Depending on where you are in the state, summer temperatures can even be classified as hot! Winter, of course, is cold — it is Alaska after all. Interior and northern Alaska experience some of the most extreme temperatures. In Fairbanks, the average high for the month of January is 1 degree.

This guide will help you choose the best month for your visit to Alaska.

Summer in Alaska

Photo Credit: Michael DeYoung

Summer in Alaska is typically mild, with warmer temperatures from May to September. The increase in temperatures starts in the Inside Passage region that contains Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka, and then moves north to regions like Fairbanks. Summer temperatures in Alaska range from 60 to 80 degrees but can drop down to 50 degrees in the evenings.

Winter in Alaska

Winter in Alaska can be extreme with subfreezing temperatures and large snowfall totals. As highs remain below freezing, much of the state is blanketed in snow throughout the season. Areas along the coast experience a warmer climate than inland areas, where temperatures often drop to 20 degrees below zero or colder.

Alaska weather in January

January is often Alaska’s coldest month. The average low in Fairbanks in January is 17 degrees below zero while Anchorage’s is 11 degrees. Snow is almost guaranteed in everywhere during January.

Alaska weather in February

Similar to January, February is a cold month in Alaska. While average temperatures are a bit higher, it’s not by much. Alaskans enjoy these cold winter months by getting outside to go ice skating, cross-country skiing and more! Even Alaska animals have adapted to its long winters.

Alaska weather in March

March is when temperatures start to rise in Alaska. The sun makes an appearance for more than five hours a day. The average temperature climbs to a high of 34 degrees in Anchorage but there is generally still snow on the ground, which means you can get outside to play! Skiing, snowmachining, dog mushing — name a winter sport and you can most likely do it outside in March.

Alaska weather in April

Alaska in April is bright, mildly cold and slushy. It is lovingly referred to as breakup season. Breakup is when the snowpack that has been building all season finally starts to melt. It is a true indicator that spring has arrived and the sun is back to stay.

Alaska weather in May

May kicks off the summer season in Alaska, with most summer tour operators open for business mid-month. Early May can still be chilly with temperatures sitting in the 50s in Southcentral Alaska. Most visitors will do fine with a light jacket.

Alaska weather in June

June is when Alaska summer hits its stride. The summer solstice on June 21 marks the peak amount of sunlight. Days are long (it doesn’t have the nickname “Land of the Midnight Sun” for nothing!) which means more time to play in the 60-degree weather.

Alaska weather in July

July is another prime summer month in Alaska. In the Interior region, temperatures peak in the 80s or 90s and there is plenty of daylight to go around.

Alaska weather in August

August is often Alaska’s wettest month. If you’re visiting Southcentral or Southeast Alaska, be sure to pack rain gear if you’re headed anywhere outside. Not sure how to pack for your upcoming trip? We’ve got you covered. Check out our Alaska packing guide.

Alaska weather in September

In September, you’ll see locals taking advantage of more touristy locations as the crowds lessen. Tourist season officially wraps in mid-September, but if you’re lucky, you may get nice weather through the end of the month along with gorgeous fall colors.

Alaska weather in October

In Southcentral Alaska, October usually marks the first snow at higher altitudes. While there’s not usually enough snow for winter sports, there are less crowds than the summer months. As temperatures drop and the roads begin to freeze, make sure to follow safe winter driving precautions.

Alaska weather in November

November marks winter again in Alaska. There is usually snow underfoot and daylight is waning. For Alaskans, November is usually the true start of winter.

Alaska weather in December

December is a chilly but beautiful month in Alaska. The sun is at an all-time low and clouds often block what little sun there is. The winter solstice marks the darkest day of the year. After, daylight will slowly be gained back. Not to worry, many residents keep up twinkling holiday lights most of the darker months of year, illuminating the sparkling snow and creating a true cozy vibe indoors.

Most common questions about Alaska weather

Which month is the warmest in Alaska? What is the warmest it gets in Alaska? 

June and July are usually the warmest months in Alaska. With the summer solstice in June, the days are nearly 22 hours long in most of Alaska except the north, which experiences almost 24 hours of daylight. With more direct sunlight, even the not-as-warm days feel warm. The temperature varies greatly depending on where you go. The average in Fairbanks and surrounding areas is around 70 degrees but the hottest days can see 90 degrees or even hotter. In Anchorage, the temperature hangs out in the 60s-70s most of the time.

Which month is the coldest in Alaska? What is the coldest it gets in Alaska? 

January is the coldest month in Alaska, with temperatures often dipping below zero. Interior and northern Alaska stay below zero most of the winter. The combination of the dark days, mounds of snow and cold temperatures can make To really enjoy January, stay active with winter sports and chase the northern lights that grace the night sky throughout the cold months.

Which month is the rainiest in Alaska? 

The rainiest month varies depending on the region, but August and September tend to see the highest rainfall in Alaska. Cities like Juneau and Ketchikan have frequent downpours in these months, exceeding 10 inches in some areas. Similarly, in Southcentral Alaska, places like Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula also experience peak rainfall during these months.

How long is summer in Alaska?

Summer in Alaska is three months long, usually beginning in mid-to-late May and transitioning into fall mid-August. Despite the shorter season, the long daylight hours during Alaska’s summer mean you can make the most of the warmer months, providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities and exploration.

 Most visitors to Alaska in search of wildlife, national parks, world-class fishing and more, choose to come during the summer and fall seasons. Northern lights chasers are apt to visit from the fall into winter months. Whichever season you choose to visit, you are sure to find adventure and a great time.

Looking to book accommodations for your trip? Book your stay at Princess Lodges.