Article Overview: Worst Time to Visit Alaska
With its pristine wilderness and breathtaking landscapes, Alaska has long been a coveted destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. But as every coin has two sides, even the Last Frontier has its moments when it might not shine as brightly.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the worst time to visit Alaska. Because when you finally get the opportunity to make that epic trip to the 49th state, we want to help ensure its the best possible adventure it can be.We’ll explore traveling to Alaska in the dead of winter, shedding light on the challenges that travelers might face during this period and helping you make an informed decision about when to plan your Alaskan adventure.
Why Trust Us On the Worst Time to Visit Alaska
AlaskaExplored is THE DESTINATION for all things Alaska. Wether you’re planning a trip and trying to avoid the worst time to visit Alaska; or if you’re just curious about the last frontier, 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 here 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 the Worst Time to Visit Alaska
Working in television has sent me to every corner of Alaska during every month of the year. The networks always want to showcase extreme weather and the drama and challenges that surround life in Alaska during the harshest times to be there.
So wether is been, the raging waters of the Bering Sea during January storms that cause freezing waves to take down entire crab boats. Or camping and filming in minus 40 degree weather and trying to avoid frost bite. Or hiking steep snow covered cliffs in Southeast Alaska hunting for mountain goats. I can for certain declare, the worst time to visit Alaska is duirin the dead of winter, January and Febuary.
I’ve lived through the short lightless 4 hour days, worn the endless layer of clothing, felt my nostril hairs freeze, and been delayed for days in small airports with no services. Trust me, Alaska in January and February can just plain suck.
Worst Time to Visit Alaska
Table of Contents: Worst Time to Visit Alaska
Table of contents
- Why Trust Us On the Worst Time to Visit Alaska
- My Experience with the Worst Time to Visit Alaska
- Worst Time to Visit Alaska
Reasons to Avoid Alaska from January to February
Alaska holds a unique allure for travelers year round. Yet, like any destination it has its “less than ideal times” to explore its wonders. From January to February, Alaska experiences its harshest winter months, offering a challenge that even the most intrepid adventurers might find daunting. Here are some reasons why January and February are the worst times to visit Alaska.
Coldest months in Alaska
There’s no sugarcoating it, winter in Alaska can be brutally f*cking cold. While some travelers relish the idea of a true winter wonderland, others might find the bone-chilling cold a bit too much to handle. Activities that are so popular during the warmer months, like hiking and camping, become near impossible in sub-zero temperatures.
Alaska’s temperatures in January and February can vary widely depending on the region, but it’s safe to say that it can get extremely cold throughout the state during these winter months. Here’s a breakdown of temperature ranges in various regions.
- The North/Arctic: Communities like Barrow/Utqiaġvik in northern Alaska experience extreme cold during January and February, temperatures can dip to -30°F to -50°F or even lower.
- The Interior: Cities like Fairbanks experience some of the coldest temperatures in the state. In January and February, temperatures can plummet to as low as -40°F or more.
- South Central: Anchorage and the surrounding areas, tend to be milder compared to the interior but still experiences frigid temperatures. In January and February, typical temperatures range from 0°F to 20°F.
- Southeast: The coastal areas in the southeastern part of the state, including Juneau and Ketchikan, have a warmer maritime climate. While temperatures are generally milder they can still drop to around 20°F to 30°F in the winter months.
If you do decide to come to Alaska during its coldest months, be prepared and bring the appropriate winter gear. Base layers, wool socks, proper boots, and face coverings are all essential to navigating the worst time to visit Alaska.
Limited Accessibility & Closures
Another thing to consider in regards to the worst time to visit Alaska, is the accessibility factor. Many areas of Alaska become difficult to reach during the winter months due to icy road conditions, closures, and reduced flight schedules.
If your dream is to explore the vast expanse of Alaska, you might find your options limited when certain roads and trails are closed off due to weather conditions. Additionally, many tourist services and facilities might be closed or operating on a reduced schedule during the off-season.
Here’s a list of some of the limited access or closures you might experience during the worst time to visit Alaska:
- Denali National Park: Access to Denali National Park becomes limited in the winter. The park road is typically closed beyond a certain point, and shuttle buses and other services are unavailable.
- Cruise Ships: Cruise ship operations are virtually non existent during the winter months. Additionally, services and accommodations in popular cruise ship port towns, like Seward, experience a steep decline.
- Alaska’s Arctic: Remote communities in northern Alaska, such as Utqiaġvik and Nome, can experience transportation delays due to icy runways and limited flight schedules. Travel to these areas can be highly weather-dependent.
- Alaska Marine Highway System: This ferry system connecting various coastal communities may have reduced schedules and cancellations during the winter due to weather-related concerns and icy waters.
Alaska’s Shortest Days
One of the most significant challenges during the worst time to visit Alaska is the limited daylight hours. In the heart of winter, Alaska experiences polar nights when the sun barely rises above the horizon. Depending on your location you can be left with only a few hours of twilight each day.
While the days start to get a little longer in February, and the northern lights viewing an be good, a lack of sunlight can affect your mood, energy levels, and overall experience. If you’re spending a bunch of time and money to get to Alaska, do you really want to spend it in the dark?
Here’s a list of daylight hours in Alaska during the worst time to visit, by region.
- The North/Arctic: In January polar night occurs, with no daylight for the entire month. In February, the southern Arctic regions may start to see a few hours of twilight.
- The Interior: Approximately 3 to 6 hours of daylight in January and in February there are approximately 7 to 9 hours of daylight.
- South Central Alaska : January sees approximately 5 to 7 hours of daylight and 7 to 9 hours in February.
- Southeast Alaska: January, approximately 7 to 9 hours of daylight. February, approximately 8 to 10 hours of daylight.
Wildlife Hibernation & Migration
If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the states incredible wildlife, then don’t come during the worst time to visit Alaska, January and Febuary. During the winter months many animals, like the great brown bear, go into hibernation and are far less active.
Additionally, most humpback whales migrate south to warmer waters to breed. Although the state does have resident whales that live in its waters year round.
Frequent Winter Storms & Weather Delays
January and February in Alaska can be a challenging time for travelers due to the notorious bad weather and frequent storms that sweep across the state. These winter months are harsh and unforgiving, making it the worst time to visit Alaska.
Bitterly cold temperatures, heavy snowfall, and strong winds are commonplace during this period, which can make travel extremely difficult. I’ve been stranded in airports many a time due to winter storms in Alaska. These storms can bring blizzard conditions, reducing visibility to near-zero and making roads, airports, and even some remote communities inaccessible for days.
Travel delays are common, and visitors should be prepared for cancellations, road closures, and flight disruptions. While the snow-covered landscapes can be breathtaking, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and preparedness when considering a trip to Alaska during January and February, as the extreme weather conditions can make travel a daunting and potentially dangerous endeavor.
Worst Time to Visit Alaska, Work Arounds & Benefits
Visit During the Shoulder Months
If you are planning your trip and want to avoid the worst time to visit Alaska, but still long to gaze at the beautiful aurora borealis phenomenon, or you want to go snow shoeing or snowmobiling, don’t go in the dead of winter, go during the shoulder months of November and March.
November and March offer a unique opportunity to experience some of Alaska’s most enchanting aspects without fully succumbing to the frigid temperatures and limited daylight hours of January and February. There’s nothing you can’t do in these months that you can do during the worst time to visit Alaska.
Northern Lights Extravaganza
The shoulder months are arguably the best time to see the Northern Lights. With dark and cold nights, November and March are excellent months for observing the captivating phenomenon.
The strength and frequency of the Northern Lights are influenced by geomagnetic activity, which is often most active during Alaska’s shoulder months. Keep an eye on Aurora forecasts and geomagnetic storm predictions to maximize your chances of witnessing a strong display.
Click here for a 27 day Aurora Forecast provided by the university of Fairbanks.
Snowmobiling & Winter Adventures
There may only be a few hours of daylight during the worst time to visit Alaska, but while the sun is shining there are some opportunities for fun to be had. Snowmobiling, dog sledding, and cross-country skiing remain popular activities during these months.
However, with warmer temperatures and more daylight I would point to the shoulder months as the best time to experience these winter activities. Visiting during shoulder months translates to a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for those wanting to embrace Alaska’s winter wonderland.
Worst Time to Visit Alaska, Summary
January to February just suck, here’s the list of why.
- Coldest months in Alaska
- Limited Accessibility & Closures
- Alaska’s Shortest Days
- Wildlife Hibernation & Migration
- Frequent Winter Storms & Weather Delays
Worst Time to Visit Alaska, Outside of Winter
Alaska is notorious for its summer mosquitoes, and they can be a significant nuisance for visitors and residents alike. The worst months to visit Alaska in terms of mosquito activity are typically the summer months. By the time September rolls around the cool nights will have killed off most of them.
Again, this is another reason to visit Alaska in the shoulder months.
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