Article Overview: Alaska in June
Welcome to the land of the midnight sun! June in Alaska is a magical time to visit the state. The snow has mostly melted and the long daylight hours birth colorful wildflower displays, hungry wildlife, and hoards of tourists. From thrilling outdoor adventures to cultural festivals celebrating Alaska’s rich heritage, June is the perfect month to explore all that this rugged and enchanting state has to offer. Join us as we delve into the wonders of Alaska in June, where every moment is an adventure waiting to be discovered!
Why Trust Us?
AlaskaExplored is THE DESTINATION for all things Alaska. Wether you’re planning a trip an epic trip to Alaska in June, or if you’re just curious about the last frontier in general, we got you covered. Here at AlaskaExplored.com you’ll find expert tips, detailed guides, stunning photographs, and so much more.
Together AlaskaExplored has more than twenty years of experience traveling, working, and exploring the beautifully rugged, 49th state. Working in television has taken us all around the world, and no place more than Alaska. During our time in Alaska we’ve documented countless stories from every corner and crevasse of the state.
We’ve helped showcase the grandeur of this wild place for National Geographic, Discovery, Disney, Animal Planet, and more. Now we want to share our knowledge and real life experiences with you!
My Experience with Alaska in June
June brings the summer solstice and in Alaska, that can mean 20 hours or more of daylight. Which can be the absolute dream for anyone looking to extract the most out of their adventure in the 49th state. For me, working in Alaskan reality tv generally means, if the sun is up our cameras are rolling. So June in Alaska equates to long days with a heavy camera on my shoulder, but hey, thats what whiskey is for.
But with that being said, working in Alaska in June lightens my suitcase considerably and the warmer weather is an absolute pleasure. Furthermore, if I’m not filming in the bush its nice to take advantage of the extended amenities that open up in tourist towns. Wether I’m working or your adventuring in Alaska in June, there’s plenty to enjoy. So let’s get into it!
Alaska in June
Table of Contents: Alaska in June
Table of contents
- Why Trust Us?
- My Experience with Alaska in June
- Alaska in June
Weather in Alaska in June
June weather in Alaska varies across the states different regions, but in general, it is one of the warmest and driest months of the year. Here’s some approximate weather you can expect when visiting Alaska in June:
- Anchorage & The Kenai Peninsula (Seward, Homer): Average June temperatures can range from 48°F to 65°F with relatively low precipitation.
- Interior Alaska (Fairbanks & Denali): Don’t forget to pack your shades and bug repellent, because as you venture inland, the temperatures heat up and the mosquitos come out! The weather in places like Fairbanks can see June averages range from the 50s to the 70s F.
- Southeast Alaska (Juneau, Ketchikan): Average temperatures in this region range from 50°F to 68°F with a relatively wetter climate compared to other Alaskan cities, June can see moderate rainfall.
Daylight Hours in Alaska in June
June in Alaska is all about soaking up the outrageous amount of daylight. The summer solstice, on June 20th, brings the peak of daylight hours where some parts of the state experience 24 hours of sunlight. For me, these extended daylight hours can encourage tv producers to keep filming longer than they should; but for you, they can fuel endless adventure possibilities.
The exact number of daylight hours can vary depending on where you are within the state. Here are some average June daylight hours for cities throughout Alaska:
- Anchorage: Anchorage experiences around 19 hours of daylight in June.
- Fairbanks: Situated a few hours north of Anchorage, Fairbanks enjoys even longer daylight hours, with an average of 21 hours of daylight in June.
- Juneau: Located in the southeastern region of the state, the capital city experiences around 18 hours of daylight in June.
Summer Solstice in Alaska
Alaska celebrates the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, with a variety of events and festivities that showcase the state’s unique and quirky culture. If you’re planning a trip to Alaska during the summer solstice, considering attending one of these events.
MIDNIGHT SUN FESTIVAL – fairbanks
The Midnight Sun Festival in Fairbanks, Alaska, is a free summer event that captures the essence of the city’s unique relationship with extended daylight hours. The party features a ton of live music, cultural performances, local artisans, food vendors, and a midnight baseball game played with no artificial lights.
Moose Pass Summer Solstice Festival – moose pass
There are a slew of summer solstice parties that happen across the state, big and small. This ones certainly on the smaller side in the quaint town on the Kenai Peninsula, but small can still be mighty. Expect a lot of live music, drinking, live auction and general mooseing around.
Solstice Music Festival – Nome
The farther north you go the more light there is on the summer solstice, which tends to mean more time to get rowdy. Nome gets 22 hours of daylight on the solstice, and they take advantage of every minute. This multi-day solstice celebration features a polar plunge into the Bering Sea, a 5k race with a gold nugget prize, a parade, a river rafting race, and even a midnight softball game.
Reasons to Visit Alaska in June
June marks the beginning of peak tourist season in Alaska, and for good reason. The weather is generally great and the days are endless. Anything you might want to do in Alaska do is available in June?(with the exception of the northern lights) Here’s a list of reasons why you should visit the Last Frontier in June:
Active Wildlife
There’s a ton of reasons why June is such an epic month for wildlife viewing in Alaska. First of all, June heralds in the arrival of most migratory wildlife in Alaska, like birds and whales. Secondly, June is the optimal month for observing those adorable newborn critters that just hatched in the spring. You can expect to spot momma and baby animals like moose calves, seal pups, and bear cubs.
Additionally, the coast is alive with activity in June. While Alaska has a lot of resident marine wildlife, everyone is in town and ready to party during the summer months. Humpback whales, gray whales, orcas, harbor seals, otters, and beluga whales can be found throughout the state.
Meanwhile in the interior, land animals roam freely. Places like Denali offer glimpses of black and brown bears, Dall sheep, Moose, mountain goats, and caribou. And don’t forget to look up! The skies are alive with a slew of various bird species, including puffins, seabirds, sandpipers, arctic terns, ducks, and of course eagles.
Farmers Markets
Alaska’s farmers markets come alive in June. Visitors can explore stalls offering all kinds of colorful fruits, vegetables, and handmade crafts. From juicy berries to crisp greens, Alaska’s farmers markets are a fun way to enjoy and support local culture, farmers, and artisans. Here’s a list of some Alaska farmers markets to visit in June.
- Homer Farmers Market (Homer): When I was working in Homer I used to love going to this little market. One of our safety officers had a booth where she sold her families honey. Sometimes they hold cooking demo’s or live music.
- Anchorage Market and Festival (Anchorage): Held in downtown Anchorage, the Anchorage Market and Festival is one of the largest open-air markets in Alaska. It features a wide array of vendors offering fresh produce, crafts, clothing, and local art. The market often includes live music and entertainment.
- Southside Community Farmers Market (Fairbanks): This seasonal outdoor market features locally grown & produced food in South Fairbanks. They operate every Tuesday from June to September.
Lupine & Fireweed
In June, Alaska’s landscapes come alive with the vibrant blooms of fireweed and lupine, creating stunning vistas full of purple and pink patches. The extended daylight hours of Alaska’s summer provide ample sunlight that encourages the lush growth, prolific blooming, and instagramming opportunities. So if you’re traveling to Alaska in June, you can expect to find wildflower displays that are hard to beat!
For a full guide to Alaska’s Flowers check out our article: Alaska Flowers: Chronicling the Flora of the Last Frontier
June Festivals in Alaska
Alaskan summer events and festivals are in full swing in June, here are some to check out:
SITKA SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL – june 23, 2024
The Sitka Summer Music Festival is a renowned annual event that takes place in Sitka, Alaska, bringing together world class musicians and music enthusiasts in a celebration of classical music. This festival showcases a rich repertoire of chamber music performances, masterclasses, and collaborative events.
TIPSY CLOWN BOOGIE GROUNDS
This one gets pretty weird, in the best possible way. I attended back in 2014 when it was known as the Trapper Creek Bluegrass Festival. Here’s a quote their website uses to promote the event, it sums up the weekend pretty well.
“My dog ran off to join a roaming pack the moment we opened our car doors. Didn’t see her again until Sunday before we left. She was covered in glitter and was wearing a denim battle vest with her name embroidered on the back.“
SPENARD JAZZ FEST
The Spenard Jazz Fest is an annual jazz music festival held in Anchorage, Alaska during the month of June. It brings together talented jazz musicians from local and national scenes.
NALUKATAQ WHALING FESTIVAL
The Nalukataq Whaling Festival is held in Utqiagvik (Barrow) honors the seasons successful subsistence whale hunting season. There’s lots of dancing, singing, blanket tossing, and eating of muktuk (whale blubber). If you’re looking for an authentic Alaskan experience, this is not to be missed.
What to do in Alaska in June
All the things, June is great month to do all the things in Alaska. With large crowds being pumped into the state, small towns turn into city hubs and all the tour companies and open and ready to accommodate. The weather is good and the wildlife is active. Here’s a list of some of the best things to do in Alaska in June.
- Fishing: Fishing in the 49th state is excellent year round, but especially in the summer months. June brings the sockeye salmon run, the sun is out, and all the tour operators are in full swing!
- Hiking: Alaska hiking is at its best during the summer months of June to August. Denali opens up mid June, the sun is up well into the evening, wildflowers are blooming, and epic wildlife is around.
- Glacier Tours: June is a great month to see a glacier up close without freezing your butt off. Check out the icy blue crevasses of the Mendenhall Glacier or cruise alongside massive tidewater glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park.
- White Water Rafting: From the Class III and IV rapids of the Nenana River in Denali National Park to the scenic and adrenaline-pumping trips along Six Mile Creek near Hope, Alaska offers unforgettable white water rafting experiences in June.
Check out our Alaska rafting guide: Rafting Alaska’s Whitewater: Nenana, Lowe, Sixmile Creek, & More
Is June a Good Month For an Alaska Cruise?
Abso-freaking-loty! June is excellent month for an Alaska cruise for all the same reasons it’s a good time to visit in general. Mild temperatures, extended daylight hours, stunning scenery and wildlife sightings all make June a great month to cruise Alaska.
June also marks the beginning of Alaska’s peak tourist season, which means cruise lines often offer a wide selection of itineraries and excursions to choose from. While summer prices are higher because demand is higher, June might offer a little relief on the wallet, as the months early weeks aren’t quite as popular.
Moreover, many of Alaska’s charming coastal towns, like Seward and Sitka, come alive with more amenities, festivals and tour operations during June.
Visiting Alaska in June: The Cons
Alas, paradise does have its price tag. June to August is peak tourism season in Alaska, so expect higher prices for flights, lodging, and car rentals. Cruise ship crowds descend on port towns like Seward and Juneau, transforming small sleepy streets into bustling hubs full of souvenir seekers and of selfie stick swarms. Be prepared to share hiking trails, packed restaurants, and full tour groups. Oh, and there are mosquitos… lots of mosquitos.
While June is just the beginning of peak season in Alaska, but mid month its in full swing. So if you want to mitigate some of the cons to visiting Alaska in June, come during the first or second week of the month. The mosquitos won’t be as bad and the crowds not quite as large. The trade off being cooler weather and the Denali road not bing open yet.
Alaska Mosquitos in June
Ah, the legendary Alaskan mosquito, the unofficial state bird! These tiny buzzing bastards can do their best to ruin an otherwise epic summer adventure in Alaska. As I mentioned previously, Alaska mosquitoes can be relatively mild in early June, but by months end they’re out in full force. So keep this in mind if you’re particularly weary of non nonconsensual blood donations.
I wouldn’t overthink it though. There are ways to defend yourself against a June mosquito invasion in Alaska. Use bug repellent, cover your exposed skin with lightweight long-sleeved clothing, and avoid super busy wetland areas during dusk hours. I suggest something like nylon for the best protection. And make sure to don a bug net to cover your face.
How to Pack for Alaska in June
While Alaska in June brings warmer longer days, evenings and the first half of the month can still dip into the chilly zone. So as always when packing for Alaska, bring layers. Fleece jackets, rain gear, and comfortable hiking boots. Don’t forget your sunglasses, sunscreen, bug repellent, and an eye mask for those bright June evenings in Alaska. Here’s a list of clothes you should pack while visiting Alaska in June:
- Waterproof Jacket: While this is usually the driest month in Alaska, rain is still common in some parts of the state, like the southeast. A waterproof jacket is always a good thing to pack.
- Warm Clothing: It’s still Alaska, and it still gets chilly at in June. No need for eight pairs of long underwear, but bring a comfy hoodie or light jacket for evenings on the beach.
- Footwear: June can be muddy in some parts of Alaska, so consider a pair of muck boots or Xtratuffs if you’re going off road or into any wetland areas. Additionally, a good pair of hiking boots are essential if you’re hiking Denali or other mountain areas. Bring a couple pair of thin wool socks, they’ll keep your feet dry.
Alaska in June FAQ’s
No. Aurora Borealis needs dark cold months to be viewed.
June is the driest month in Alaska, however it does still rain, especially in the southeast region.
Alaska in June Conclusion
There’s never going to be a perfect time to travel anywhere, and thats a good thing. Obstacles and challenges are often the begining to our most memorable stories, and what is travel for if not growth and experience? But, really June is a magical time to be in Alaska. So maybe I should’ve saved my poetic waxing for the “Visiting Alaska in December” article. Plan ahead, expect high prices, crowds, and maybe a few bug bites and remember to see the good and to hold it high.
“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body.“
Anthony Bourdain
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