Alaska Climate

Target Summer Travel

The word that best describes Alaska’s weather is unpredictable. Most travelers make the most of Alaska’s summer months, May through September, enjoying warmer temperatures, long days and accessible wildlife. Throughout the summer weather is variable ranging from warm sunny days in the 70s or 80s to chilly rainy days in the 50s and 60s.

Variable Weather – Pack Accordingly!

Temperate rainforest areas along the coast enjoy a cool maritime climate while interior temperatures can vary from warm and sunny to cool and wet. Always expect and be prepared for cold rainy weather, but bask in the sun wearing shorts and t-shirts when the sky clears as it usually does on each trip. Due to its northern latitude, Alaska offers endless summer days providing plenty of sunlight for activities and explorations. Wondering what to pack for your Alaskan cruise? Check out our comprehensive post about what to pack for an Alaskan cruise for essential tips and tricks.

Alaska by Month

Looking for more Alaska weather and information on wildlife? Find out the best time to visit Alaska. This month-by-month guide has tips on everything from weather, wildlife, daylight and the benefits of each month. Or learn more about targeting your trip for Northern lights cruises and tours. If you’re visiting Denali, learn about the best time to visit Denali National Park in our how-to guide.

The Alaska Time Zone Explained

As you plan your Alaska travel, note that Alaska observes daylight savings time, so you will find times listed in Alaska Standard Time (AKST) and Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT) depending on if daylight savings time is in effect. For reference, this equates to typically one hour behind California’s “Pacific” time. The Aleutian Islands instead observe Hawaii-Aleutian Time, one hour behind the remainder of the state.

A fun fact that visitors from southern latitudes often don’t take into account is that daylight time truly varies in Alaska and varies greatly from “solar time.” For example, the sun can set at 11:41pm in Anchorage on the summer solstice, and up north in Nome, the sunrise can be after 12:00pm noon on the winter solstice, just four hours before it sets again! Find daylight hour averages below in the climate tables for each location.

Questions? Talk to a Specialist.