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A trip to Alaska can make you feel reconnected to the natural world.
Its wild coastal plains, towering snow-capped mountains, and glacier-rimmed fjords leave an imprint on your soul.
To the southeast, Tongass National Forest forms one of the largest contiguous temperate rain forests in the world.
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The lack of a comprehensive road system makesflightseeing toursa popular way to get around Alaska.
These tours provide stunning views of the landscape below.
With so many diverse regions, deciding where and when to visit can be difficult.
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It really depends on your tolerance for cold and other tourists.
Heres everything you oughta know about the best times to visit Alaska.
Seaside Juneau, meanwhile, sees average temperatures in the mid-50s in July.
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June is the peak month for the midnight sun.
Juneau is slightly warmer, with average temperatures in the low 20s.
Of course, you’ll also find lower prices during the off-season (late September through April).
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Get to know The Last Frontier on cross-country skis, snowshoes, a snowmobile, or a dog-sled ride.
You might even glimpse brown bears on the shore as you sail throughGlacier Bay.
Anglers should consider visiting Ketchikan, a remote fishing town located near the southern tip of the state.
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In the summer, the water can warm up to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Denali National Park’s only thoroughfare, Denali Park Road, is typically open between mid-May and mid-September.
But aside from a 15-mile portion open to private vehicles, it’s reserved for wildlife-spottingbus tours.
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Always check the current road conditions onthe NPS websitebefore heading out.
September is the best month to see the state’s gorgeous fall colors.
Thats when youll see the most snow.
The whale-watching season runs from spring through early fall for most species.
Gray whales typically arrive in Alaskan waters by April, with the best viewing spots off Seward.
Humpback whales, meanwhile, arrive by June and can be seen from Juneau and Icy Strait Point.
Both of these magnificent species usually stick around until the end of September.
Orcas, on the other hand, can be viewed off the coast of Alaska all year round.
Youre also likely to spot seals, walruses, and bowhead whales in western Alaska.
For more information, consult the Alaska Department of Fish and Gameswildlife calendars by region.
