Alaska--when does rainy season start?
 

We're planning a land vacation for this summer and trying to get a handle on dates. I had the good fortune to visit Juneau and Sitka last September on business, which was wonderful but it rained almost every day.
This trip will be for pleasure and we're thinking about some type of modified loop around the Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Denali areas and then down to the Kenai peninsula. Ideally, we're looking for the best mix of warm temps and clear skies. I'm less concerned about crowds since we're inclined to spend more time off the beaten path anyway. Would the first or second week in July be a good bet or would we already be dodging rain?

Too big an area to generalize. Generally (there I go) the later in the summer the better, but some summers feel like Portland winters. Pack your brolly and boots and tell the weather gods to "Bring It On" as someone famous said.

Yes indeed- no guarantees, but there is a big difference in weather inside passage compared to interior, usually less rain. July is OK for the most part but if you plan on going farther than Eielson in Denali Park then strongly rethink. Too buggy!! My favorite time is mid - late August. Excellent wildlife opportunities, fewer crowds.

We went the end of May last year, and oh, was it georgous. We were also told that the beginning of June was a very good time. Like one of the other posts have mentioned, mid summer can be very "buggy", especially with misquitos.

I live on the Kenai. Our summer is usually dry and warm in June and the first half of July. For beating the crowd, May is nice as well. August and Sapt. are typically wet. Southeast rains all year, that's why it's green and milder during the rest of the year.
Last summer, it was so hot on the 4th of July, my 9 yr. old wanted to leave the parade early, and they were still throwing candy! We're hoping for another nice summer this year. Just remember to use bug spray with the high concentration of deet. The mosquitos are worse up north than the peninsula- they are also our state bird, and have been seen carrying away small poodles, lol.

Hi jetset1, we'll be spending 4th of July weekend on the Kenai. Where is the best parade? Do any of the local organizations sponsor a public chicken bbq, salmon bake or something like that? Thanks for your help.