First time visitors always have a lot of questions about Alaska. This should answer some of your questions.
Alaska Weather:
There is a wide range of weather in Alaska. Most of the time during the summer the average temperature is around 60-65 degrees during the day. The temperature at night will drop down to around 45-50 degrees. May and September tend to fall below those averages but are still very comfortable traveling times as far as weather is concerned.
Alaska Time:
Alaska operates on Alaska Standard Time. They are one hour behind the west coast and four hours behind the east coast.
Alaska operates on Alaska Standard Time. They are one hour behind the west coast and four hours behind the east coast.
Appropriate Clothing:
Welcome to the Last Frontier – a land of casual attire. While there are a few outdoor activities scheduled on Alaska land tours, the basic rule is anything goes. There really is no need for dressy clothes while on tour. In Alaska there is a saying, “sequins and tuxedoes scare the bears!” Casual clothing and comfort is the name of the game. Be sure to bring sturdy, comfortable shoes. If the land tour includes a glacier activity, we recommend dressing in layers. A light jacket, umbrella and hat are recommended in the event unpredictable weather arises.
What About All of the Daylight?
Most visitors are enthralled by the virtually 24 hours of daylight during the mid-summer season. Although the sun does set in most Alaskan communities for a few hours, it is often still light enough to enjoy a baseball game in the middle of the night. Alaskans live for their summers! The reason their vegetables and flowers are larger than yours is because of the 120-day growing season with all of the daylight. Examples of these are seen throughout Alaska on any tour program.
What Time of the Year is Best to Visit?
Ask this question to any Alaskan, and you will hear "FALL!” Autumn colors are a photographer’s dream. In May, the weather tends to be a little cooler (55-65 degrees) and it would be considered spring by most "lower-48" residents. From mid-June to mid-August, Alaska receives a record number of visitors as the long daylight hours and warmer temperatures are appealing. In early May and after the first week of September, there are often reduced prices for visiting during the off-season. July is known as bug season – the time when the giant "skeeters" fly – but unless you are scheduling a bit of time on the waters, they are not a bother. The weather varies across the state. While Anchorage tends to stay in the mid-sixties, Fairbanks often is a bit warmer and can get into the 90's. Take precautions and dress in layers. Seeking something a little different? Our winter programs can bring you up close to the Northern Lights, dog mushing and the real Alaska.
Welcome to the Last Frontier – a land of casual attire. While there are a few outdoor activities scheduled on Alaska land tours, the basic rule is anything goes. There really is no need for dressy clothes while on tour. In Alaska there is a saying, “sequins and tuxedoes scare the bears!” Casual clothing and comfort is the name of the game. Be sure to bring sturdy, comfortable shoes. If the land tour includes a glacier activity, we recommend dressing in layers. A light jacket, umbrella and hat are recommended in the event unpredictable weather arises.
What About All of the Daylight?
Most visitors are enthralled by the virtually 24 hours of daylight during the mid-summer season. Although the sun does set in most Alaskan communities for a few hours, it is often still light enough to enjoy a baseball game in the middle of the night. Alaskans live for their summers! The reason their vegetables and flowers are larger than yours is because of the 120-day growing season with all of the daylight. Examples of these are seen throughout Alaska on any tour program.
What Time of the Year is Best to Visit?
Ask this question to any Alaskan, and you will hear "FALL!” Autumn colors are a photographer’s dream. In May, the weather tends to be a little cooler (55-65 degrees) and it would be considered spring by most "lower-48" residents. From mid-June to mid-August, Alaska receives a record number of visitors as the long daylight hours and warmer temperatures are appealing. In early May and after the first week of September, there are often reduced prices for visiting during the off-season. July is known as bug season – the time when the giant "skeeters" fly – but unless you are scheduling a bit of time on the waters, they are not a bother. The weather varies across the state. While Anchorage tends to stay in the mid-sixties, Fairbanks often is a bit warmer and can get into the 90's. Take precautions and dress in layers. Seeking something a little different? Our winter programs can bring you up close to the Northern Lights, dog mushing and the real Alaska.
