Hello everyone,
Everyone is always so helpful here - so here is a question for you. Husband & I are planning a trip to alaska--about 8-10 days to Anchorage, Denali (possibly) and Kenai Penninsula. The question is when to go? The options are the last week in August, approx the 23rd-31st....or Beginning of Sept. approx. 5th - 14th. (Cant go in between because of labor day plans.) Air and car rental prices are basically identical.
I know we will have a fantastic time whenever we go. But thought we should ask about the pros and cons. ARe most things still open and operating in sept? Does the "less touristy" aspect of going in sept. outweight the drop in temperatures? would the prices on food/lodging be significantly different. Would we be more likely to see more wildlife on either dates? Opinions from people who have visited during these times would be GREATLY appreciated!!

ttt

I have visited during both of the periods you mentioned and I would pick the earlier trip for three reasons.

1. The fireweed and other blossoming plants will be more colorful earlier. By early September, they are close to gone and they are always an attraction for me.

2. You are more likely to have more good weather.

3. By mid-September, many of the businesses catering to travelers are or have shut down. You should be OK for most since many of them treat September 15 as the end of their seasons, however, it begins to get more chancy, the later in Sept.

I don't think you'll see much change in prices between the two, at least I don't remember doing so. As to wildlife, one of the best places to see that is the Kenai Fjords boat tours and I suspect you have more chance of rougher seas for that in the later time period.

Either time will be great but, as I said, I would prefer the earlier trip. Have a great time!

We went to Alaska in 2005 and arrived the day before Labor day. We had a great time and there was a serious lack of crowds.

You do have to watch that certain stores, activities and restaurants do start closing around that time. In addition, Denali starts shutting down a lot of their opertations around Sept. 9 (so do that at the start of the trip).

Lodging was definitely cheaper (we stayed in B&B's).

anyone else care to add an opinion?
Im buying plane tickets tonight-hopefully!
Thanks

In 2004 we went to Alaska on August 26th and stayed for 10 days. It did not seem crowded to us and we enjoyed the cooler weather. The 9 hour Kenai Fjords boat trip was highlight, lots of wildlife, glaciers, and perfect weather, sunny,calm, cool. Plan for rain whenever you go. You will love Alaska!

We have been there in last week of Aug and first week of Sept. I would recomm the late Aug time. But it would be nice if you could fit in one or two more days. There is a little price drop at smaller places after Sept 1st but not universal. Some wait until Sep 15th, which is almost end of season. We found hotel prices best before June 1st or after Sep 1st.
Weather was sunnier and rainier than our late May-early June trip when it was mostly grey! You do have fall colors too. Denali was good both times.

Thanks for the info!

Definately earlier. My most traveled time to Alaska. here are photos of last trip. http://community.webshots.com/user/budgetqueen

Was in Denali Park 9-1 with a snow storm.