John

We're planning to go to Alaska this year, does any body know when is the best time to go there? We don't want to get stuck in the snow.
Thank you.

John too

Dear John, your question is too broad. I suggest you do research here where you will find hundreds posts regarding Alaska, then go to the bookstore and get one or two guidebooks. After that come back here and ask specific questions. You will find that many posters are more than happy to answer your SPECIFIC questions. Good luck with doing your part.

Lisa

John, I actually have a Fodors book of Alaska for the trip not taken, and it says the weather (and climate) varies from place to place, as Alaska is so big. It says June through August have warmer temps and long evenings, also more rain. Plants grow profusely this season. So do mosquitos and tourists. 97% of Alaska is snow free at this time. Weather can get suddenly cold or be very hot during mid-summer.

To avoid summer crowds and peak season prices, Fodors says go in spring or fall. May and June are the driest months to cruise. Late August through early September (depending on latitude) bring brilliant foliage, bluest skies, and dustings of snow in the mountains. Temps still good.

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog RAce is in March, but it's still cold.

Sigh. Wish I could go on that trip! Are you planning a land trip or cruise?

xxx

"We don't want to get stuck in the snow." Duh.... maybe go in the summer??

moreinfo

Some concessions/tourist attractions may close after Labor Day, so consider that when choosing a time to go. Think about what you want to do and where you want to go, then check on the weather for that type of trip. Alaska is so large, it is hard to narrow it down, but you have to, as you can't see it all unless you have oodles of time.

Molly

xxx, John doesn't know how early the snow flies, or how late it lasts. Snowfall period can overlap into the spring and fall and possibly summer. He asks a valid question.

John, my husband and I had planned on visiting Alaska this coming summer, but have had to postpone it until 2004. After much research, my first choice would be late August - fewer crowds, more wildlife, but slightly more chance of rain. From what I hear, the weather, especially in southeast Alaska, is a crapshoot spring-fall. There's simply no predicting, though, statistically, as Lisa said, May and June are the driest months.

been there recently

If anyone is basing there vacation date for Alaska by when the crowds aren't there, don't worry. I traveled for 12 days in Alaska in the peek of summer and there were no crowds anywhere. Travel to Alaska is WAY down.

Connie

We were there in mid-July, 2002 and couldn't get away from all the people. We weren't mentally prepared for it and it took us a couple of days to get over it.

You have to spend a lot of money to hire a boat or plane to get you away from people. There are very few roads and they are pretty crowded.

GOL

I would say early August. Hardly any more mosquitoes; Most things still open;

I would avoid at all costs going to places where cruise ship passengers are 'cattled' to and fro. The only time I saw crowds were associated with large groups like cruises. Many of the Princess hotels and packages are geared for the cruise itineraries and easily avoided.

steve

Maybe the crowds all came after we left so they could bother Connie. Was there in early July 2002 and had no crowds

ChildCare Lady

Been doing a lot of research, since this is our "dream trip". I think that if I were going, I would go during the first couple weeks of June. It allows some snow to melt, and things to warm....but, you're there before the peak times of July and August. As stated before, it also depends on what area you are going to.

John

Where in Alaska are you going? It's a big place.

If you want to do the Anchorage/Kenai Peninsula/Denali bit, then I'd recommend the end of August through the second or third week in September. The bugs are gone and so are most of the tourists. The landscape is colorful, the weather is usually very good, and the prices start falling. Good fishing in many areas if that interests you.

GOL

Child Care Lady,

FYI - Consider Access to Denali Bus tour when chosing when to visit.

We took a bus tour of Denali. Our guide / bus driver said the road (all or portions) is often closed into June, and has occasionally been closed in July due to snow. The longer bus tour in Denali was a highlight and clearly a good way to see wildlife.

When we go again, we will strongly consider the chance that the road may be closed. Thus, I do not think I would take June over August if we want to have Denali Bus tour as a centerpiece of our Alaska vacation.

jason

We went during the last 2 weeks of August and it was wonderful.

Bob

We went in July and it was a perfect trip