Alaska State Travel Guide – Best time to visit & What to see

Geographical Position and Climate of Alaska

Alaska, the largest state in the United States by area, is situated in the northwest extremity of the North American continent. It is bordered by Canada to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, with Russia further west across the Bering Strait. State also includes numerous islands, notably the Aleutian Islands chain. Mount McKinley (Denali), North America’s highest peak, is located in Alaska.

Best Time to Visit the State

The best time to visit the state depends on what you want to see and do:

  • Mid-May to Mid-September: Peak tourist season with warmer temperatures and long daylight hours, ideal for wildlife viewing, fishing, and hiking.
    • Late June to Early August: Warmest weather and peak of the salmon run.
    • Mid-June to Late July: Best time for whale watching.
  • Mid-September to Mid-October: Fall foliage creates stunning landscapes, fewer tourists, and potential for seeing the northern lights.
  • Winter (November to March): Ideal for winter sports, such as skiing, dog sledding, and ice skating. Also, a great time for viewing the aurora borealis, especially from late February to early April when nights are still dark enough and the weather is milder.

Travel to Alaska

Traveling to this state offers a range of options depending on your preferences and the activities you’re interested in:

  • By Air: The most common and quickest way to reach the state is by flying. Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau are home to the main airports with domestic and limited international flights.
  • By Road: You can drive to Alaska via the famous Alaska Highway, which starts in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada.
  • By Sea: Cruises are a popular way to see Alaska’s coastal regions, especially the Inside Passage. Ferry services are also available through the Alaska Marine Highway System.
  • By Rail: The Alaska Railroad offers scenic train journeys between Seward, Anchorage, Denali National Park, and Fairbanks.

Places to Visit in Alaska

Alaska map and flag

Important Information

Capital – Juneau

Largest City – Anchorage

Territory – 1,723,337 km2

Population – 733,391

Time Zone – UTC-9 (Alaska)

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