Quick: What are the four seasons in Alaska? Answer: Winter, June, July, and August. That timeworn classic is only partially true--May and September can also be great summer months.
Alaska weather and daylight varies wildly by region and season, from short-sleeves in summer to down jackets in winter; from 7 rainy days in May in Southcentral to 17 rainy days in the Inside Passage. Find out for yourself by reviewing the table below, comparing Alaska's weather to your hometown, or using our daylight calculator.
Summer daytime temperatures range from 55° - 70° F, but you'll feel warmer due to long hours of direct sunlight. Still, know what to wear in Alaska and dress in layers. Also know that the weather gets rainier as summer progresses. Read about the best time to visit Alaska based on all these factors.
Southcentral
The region you'll visit on an Alaska land tour. Includes Anchorage, Seward, Denali National Park & Fairbanks.
| Month | Hi (F°) | Low (F°) | Daylight Hours | Sunset | Rainy Days | Clear Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May | 54 | 39 | 17 hours | 10:42 pm | 7 days | 11 days |
| June | 62 | 47 | 19 hours | 11:40 pm | 8 days | 10 days |
| July | 65 | 51 | 18 hours | 11:17 pm | 12 days | 9 days |
| August | 63 | 48 | 15.5 hours | 9:57 pm | 14 days | 9 days |
| September | 55 | 41 | 12.5 hours | 8:20 pm | 14 days | 10 days |
Inside Passage
The region you'll visit on an Alaska Cruise or Ferry Vacation. Includes Juneau, Skagway, Sitka & Ketchikan.
Month | Hi (F°) | Low (F°) | Daylight Hours | Sunset | Rainy Days | Clear Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May | 55 | 38 | 16.5 hours | 9:18 pm | 17 days | 8 days |
| June | 60 | 45 | 18.1 hours | 10:04 pm | 15 days | 7 days |
| July | 64 | 48 | 17.3 hours | 9:47 pm | 17 days | 8 days |
| August | 62 | 47 | 15.2 hours | 8:39 pm | 18 days | 9 days |
| September | 55 | 43 | 12.4 hours | 7:13 pm | 20 days | 6 days |
Far North / Arctic
This region is only accessible by plane. Most visitors fly to the Arctic from Fairbanks. Includes Nome, Gates of the Arctic National Park, Barrow
Month | Hi (F°) | Low (F°) | Daylight Hours | Sunset | Rainy Days | Clear Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May | 24 | 14 | 23 hours | N/A | 4 days | 3 days |
| June | 38 | 30 | 24 hours | N/A | 5 days | 3 days |
| July | 45 | 33 | 24 hours | N/A | 9 days | 3 days |
| August | 42 | 33 | 19 hours | 11:44 pm | 11 days | 1 day |
| September | 34 | 27 | 13 hours | 8:59 pm | 11 days | 1 day |
Southwest
Home to Kodiak and the Aleutian Islands, this region is accessible by plane or ferry. Also includes Katmai National Park and Lake Clark National Park, popular bear viewing locations
Month | Hi (F°) | Low (F°) | Daylight Hours | Sunset | Rainy Days | Clear Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May | 49 | 37 | 16.4 hours | 10:28 pm | 17 days | 8 days |
| June | 56 | 44 | 18 hours | 11:13 pm | 15 days | 9 days |
| July | 60 | 48 | 17.2 hours | 10:57 pm | 15 days | 9 days |
| August | 62 | 48 | 15.1 hours | 9:52 pm | 14 days | 11 days |
| September | 57 | 43 | 12.4 hours | 8:27 pm | 16 days | 11 days |
Alaska Weather Tools
Alaska's Seasons
Alaska Packing Lists
