June in Alaska

The locals say that June is the best month to visit Alaska. Wind, daylight, crowds, activities, and everything else associated with the weather this month are all detailed for you.

The month of June is ideal for most Alaskan adventures. Traveling in this month is more pleasant than in the winter or early spring because average highs are only around 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius). Visitors can see a wide variety of plants and animals.

June is a great month for nature and landscape photography because the trees have finished leafing out and the grass is lush and green.

The author of this guide is a lifelong Alaska resident.

Weather

June's drier weather provides added advantages over the wetter months of July and August. Due to the generally pleasant weather, travelers can experience a wide range of activities during this time.

Daytime highs in June in interior and coastal Alaska average between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit (16 and 21 degrees Celsius). Between 19 and 22 hours of daylight and a 20-23% chance of precipitation characterize this dry month. Typically, snow melts away.

Extremely high temperatures (around 27°C or 80°F) are possible due to the abundance of daylight in some locations. Basically, expect an unexpected 80-degree day. Insights about daylight and civil twilight in most of Alaska have been added to the article's conclusion.

Temperatures can also be affected by other variables, such as cloud cover and wind speed.

Alaska's Misty Fjords

The typical June highs are:

• Anchorage: 63°F (17°C)
• 65 degrees Fahrenheit (around 18 degrees Celsius), in Denali National Park.
• It's a comfortable 72 degrees in Fairbanks.
• Katmai Park, Alaska: 60°F (15°C)
• Homer: 58°F (14°C)
• Juneau: 62°F (17°C)
• National Park of Seward and the Kenai Peninsula: 58 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).

June 21 is the Summer Solstice (the longest day of the year), so the beginning of the month may be slightly cooler than the end due to the reduced amount of daylight.

It's useful to know that temperatures can fluctuate greatly between neighboring regions. The weather can drastically change within 20 minutes. Temperatures in June can go up or down at any time. Always check the local forecast before setting out on a trip, and pack for all eventualities.

Fairbanks, East Central Alaska, and areas above the Arctic Circle can get very hot in June due to long days (22-24 hours/day), while Anchorage in southern Alaska only receives about 19 hours of daylight during that time of year.

Keep in mind that Alaskan weather is notoriously unpredictable. Read our comprehensive guide to Alaska in July and August if you're planning a visit then.

Rain

Along with July and August, June is one of the warmest and driest months in Alaska, making it a popular time for tourists. In this month, precipitation is possible about 25% of the time, either in the form of brief showers or a steady downpour. After June, as the summer continues, the percentage rises.

Snow

Most of Alaska, with the exception of higher elevations, has seen snow melt during this month. Most roads and trails won't have any snow on them.

Situations with Wind

In the summer, on the Kenai Fjords shore

In Alaska, the weather determines where the wind blows the most: near the coast or on islands like the Aleutians. Winds tend to be at their strongest from September to April, making June one of the year's more tranquil months.

Feeling colder than the actual air temperature due to wind chill. June weather isn't terrible, but you should still steer clear of these windy spots.

The Turnagain Pass is a high-traffic area that you should be aware of in terms of wind. Travelers on the Seward Highway between Anchorage and Seward will pass through this region. The wind isn't as severe in June as it is in the winter. However, you should be ready for some breezy times.

Travel Tip | Turnagain Pass The pass is a great place to visit in June to see the massive impact of glaciers on the landscape. At the pullout on the west side of the road, you can see the results of millennium-long processes that occurred during the ice ages. The ice was over two thousand feet thick at the time. Approximately 10,000 years ago, the most recent major glaciation ended. Location of Turnagain Pass on Seward Highway via Google Maps

Strong Winds

Pass Turnagain:

• Between Anchorage and Seward, around mile 68, is where the Seward Highway is at its highest.
• Due to its elevation, this spot experiences high winds as early as June.
• Bring along windproof umbrellas and warm, windproof layers of clothing.
• In the spring and summer, locals and visitors alike take to the skies for a day of kite flying, kitesurfing, or wind surfing.

A Look at the Aleutians

• Placed in the southwestern part of the state of Alaska, between the Bering Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
• Treeless islands are more susceptible to wind damage.
• The strongest winds in all of Alaska can be found here.
• Layered, windproof clothing and umbrellas are essential here.

Denali:

Essential Alaska Itinerary Planning Resources

Here I am, perusing an Alaska itinerary planner from Milepost. More than 600 pages packed with useful advice and instructions

The MILEPOST Alaska Travel Planner (available from Amazon) is an essential purchase regardless of how far you plan to travel in Alaska by car.

"Must Haves for Your Vacation" For the better part of seven years, we used the Milepost Planner every time we drove in Alaska. A quick glance at the Milepost will put you on the right track in Alaska. If you don't get one before you leave, you'll have to buy one in Alaska. ’

The only other book we think you'll find useful is Don Pitcher's Moon Anchorage, Denali, and the Kenai Peninsula:

Garments | Outfit Suggestions

Seward's Chugach National Forest

Dressing for the Alaskan June climate requires careful consideration of layers. Layering your clothing is crucial for your comfort and safety due to the varying weather conditions.

An experienced traveler's words:

From June through August, when temperatures are typically mild, all I bring with me is a hoodie, a long-sleeved shirt, some t-shirts, and a rain jacket. Something to wear on the inside on chillier days ’

In June's warmer temperatures, a single layer of moisture-wicking clothing, like a nylon-spandex blend, is ideal for both the top and bottom. Waterproof/resistant walking/hiking shoes with good traction soles are recommended year-round, but in warmer weather, close-toed durable sandals are acceptable.

In June, it's a good idea to bring along a lightweight fleece jacket because of its ability to keep you dry and warm.

In colder weather, it's best to dress in layers, starting with a moisture-wicking shirt and a pair of nylon-spandex bottoms next to the skin, followed by a wool sweater, a pair of waterproof/resistant pants, and a pair of merino wool socks (which are also moisture-wicking and provide a lot of warmth). Lastly, a good pair of insulated, water-resistant shoes or boots will keep feet warm and dry on any trip.

Advice from the seat of our pants:

We recommend Baffin or BOGS boots (see what they cost on Amazon). They come in a wide variety of styles, all of which are well-suited to Alaska's climate.

The outer (shell) layer can be a waterproof/resistant jacket or a fleece jacket with a hood. Depending on where you're going and how long you'll be gone in June, you may want to pack two lightweight jackets.

If the weather forecast calls for extremely low temperatures, you should bring a toboggan, scarf, and waterproof/resistant gloves regardless of whether or not your jacket has a hood.

Insight from us on Amazon jackets:

Do you need a coat for the winter? If it gets chilly in June, you won't need a heavy winter coat because inner layers plus a light jacket will do the trick. However, there are two scenarios in which visitors are advised to pack a warmer coat:

1. As day-trippers on a glacier cruise (out of Seward, for instance) venture into chillier climes, The deck is open, windy, and cold in the vicinity of glaciers, despite the heated interior.
2. Camping in June is a great time to use a winter coat.

Check out our comprehensive guides to Alaska cruise outfits and June in Alaska for more information on what to wear on your cruise.

Clothes to bring:

• Nylon/spandex tops and bottoms serve as the outermost layer.
• Mid-Layer Sweaters made of Wool or Fleece
• Mid-layer long-sleeved t-shirt
• Pants with a waterproof/breathable exterior layer
• Coat that can keep you dry and has a hood
• Toboggan
• Scarf
• Gloves that resist water or moisture
• Warm, moisture-wicking socks, preferably made of Merino wool.
• Boots and shoes that can withstand wet conditions

Things to bring:

• Basic Medical Supplies for Travel
• Sunglasses
• Breezy Parasol
• Eye mask
• External battery pack
• Put on some lip balm, Alaska has a dry climate.
• Towelettes, a hydrating shampoo and conditioner, and lotion
• Tap water is safe to drink, so fill up your reusable water bottle.
• Insect repellent and a mosquito net, in the case of a trip above the Arctic Circle
• Telescope (some tours may also provide this) or binoculars
• Vendors may only accept cash if they do not accept other forms of payment in your area.

Bring hand and foot warmers if you plan on venturing into the mountains.

Aurora Borealis

Alaska's Northern Lights aren't particularly visible in June. Due to the extreme length of the days, summer is generally a bad time to go stargazing. Instead of going in June, consider going between August 15 and September 15 if you want to see the Northern Lights and participate in all the fun summer activities.

Advance Reservations

Since June kicks off the busiest travel month of the year, planning ahead is essential. This will hold your spot and allow you to cancel without penalty. Many trips can be reserved up to a year in advance.

For those who are having trouble locating a high-quality hotel in Anchorage at a reasonable price, we advise staying at the Aspen Suites Hotel Anchorage (booked through booking.com; feel free to bookmark this link if you like). The hotel consistently exceeds our expectations in every way, including its convenient location, cleanliness, comfort, and peace and quiet.

Agents advise that trips be planned and booked at least four months in advance. Tours are available on short notice, but booking in advance is highly recommended.

Booking links (financial benefits):

The best deals can be found by saving the links for later use.

Conditions for Travel

Anchorage's Portage Creek

In Alaska, the roads are usually clear of snow and in good driving condition by the end of June. Tourists who rent cars must agree to not drive on any unpaved roads before picking up their vehicle. Booking a jeep tour or a tour bus trip is the best option for getting around off-road areas.

Important information: Mile 43 of the Denali Park Road is closed due to a landslide and will remain closed until at least 2023.

Moving Around

The Seward-to-Anchorage rail line

• Driveable roads exist throughout the month of June.
• Bus: June schedule runs daily.
• Commuter rail: every day in June

The best ways to explore Alaska in June are by car, train, or motorcoach/bus after arriving in Anchorage via airplane or Seward via cruise ship. The advantages of each approach are distinct. Combining modes of transportation is a common practice among tourists.

Locals will tell you that the train ride from Anchorage to Seward offers the best views of the surrounding landscape. This four-hour ride offers spectacular, one-of-a-kind scenery.

You can use all three transportation options throughout the month of June:

• Auto: If you're looking for the most freedom of movement, a car rental is your best bet. In June, most roads are free of snow and ice, making it a convenient time to travel. Rent a car in Anchorage, Alaska, but be sure to book in advance.
• The Alaskan Park Connection Motorcoach provides a comfortable and affordable means of transportation between Anchorage, Denali Park, Seward, Talkeetna, and Whittier. From Anchorage, visitors can take one of two daily trips to Seward or Denali National Park. They'll be open all of June. Please refer to the Official Alaska Coach Park Connection Schedule for up-to-date information.
• The train is a more expensive option than the motorcoach, but a trip through Alaska on the rails is an experience like no other. Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali Park, Fairbanks, Whittier, and Seward are just some of the major cities that are easily accessible by train. In June, there is full train service. Here is the official Alaska Railroad schedule for your perusal.

Travelers arriving in Seward or Whittier from a cruise ship can take advantage of Alaska Train & Motorcoach's flexible transfer options.

Time Required for Travel

From Ancora to Seward:

• Car: 2 5 hours
• Three hours by motor coach
• Time spent on the train: four hours

The Denali Anchorage:

• Car: 4 5 hours
• Five hours by motor coach
• The train ride takes 8 hours.

Fairbanks to Denali:

• Car: 2 5 hours
• Three hours by motor coach
• Time spent on the train: four hours

Bugs in the month of June

• If after June 21
• Time of day: earliest morning and latest evening.

Mosquitoes can be a major problem for anyone venturing north of the Arctic Circle in Alaska, especially after the summer solstice on June 21.

Densely wooded areas and areas near water sources (like streams and lakes) have the highest mosquito populations. It's common knowledge that mosquito populations have skyrocketed in Denali National Park.

Cities, especially large ones like Anchorage and Juneau, are the safest bet because these tiny insects rarely cause problems there. You won't see many of them along the coast because of the constant breeze.

If you plan on going in late June, make sure to bring insect repellent to protect yourself from bites. DEET has been recommended by the vast majority of experts. Wearing light colors is another effective way to ward off mosquito bites. Mosquitoes can be kept at bay by wearing a mosquito head net over a watertight ball cap. It's also a good idea to skip the scented shampoo and body wash.

Observing Wild Animals

June is a great month to go on a wildlife viewing trip. Beginning in early June, when the foliage isn't too dense and daylight hours are slightly shorter, tourists have a better chance of seeing wildlife during feeding times.

Tours from Fairbanks to the Arctic Circle, unfortunately, offer very limited opportunities to see wildlife.

How and where to see wildlife:

• Seeing bears from a bush plane is a thrilling experience. Midway through June is when these flights begin, but July is prime time for viewing. We are still advising June.
• Black bears are more common inland while brown bears are more common near the coast.
• Moose can be spotted from the ground or the air in most of the state at any time of the year.
• In March and April, gray whales make the long journey north to Alaska's waters.
• From May through September, humpback whales are visible.
• Orca whales can be seen in Alaska year-round.

The Salmon Run at Brooks Falls: A Special Tip:

Katmai National Park's annual salmon run starts in June. In most cases, however, it doesn't begin until much later in the month. A small number of early bears gather at Brooks Falls in early to mid-June, and even fewer are regularly spotted fishing.

Crowds in June

Anchorage's Eklutna Lake

June marks the beginning of the most popular time of year to travel, so expect to encounter some crowds. By the middle of June, the weather has typically peaked and all roads, trails, and facilities are open.

There's a chance that July will be busier than June simply because it's summer and everything is open. Here are some potential hotspots for crowds, along with advice on how to avoid them:

Places with Many People Present:

• 15-30 June: Seward Halibut Tournament
• Market at Anchorage: May 15th–September 12th
• Festival of Palmer Colony - Second Weekend of June
• Anchorage First Friday Events, Every Month, On 4th Street
• On June 19th, from noon until midnight, Fairbanks hosts the Midnight Sun Festival.

Ketchikan (the salmon capital of the world), Skagway, Juneau, Whittier, Sitka, Icy Strait Point (the entrance to Glacier Bay National Park), and Haines are all ports visited by cruise ships on their docking days.

7 Strategies to Beat the Crowds

1. Don't go to the ports when ships are docked. To find out when the cruise ships will be in port, vacationers can do some homework, consult a travel agent, visit the port's website, or contact the local tourism bureau or chamber of commerce.
2. Travelers who insist on visiting the port on docking days can avoid the throngs by venturing further inland. The majority of cruise ship passengers stay within a two- to three-block radius of the port.
3. If you are a cruise passenger who would like to avoid the port's crowds, we recommend going inland. Get around by renting a car, taking the train, or taking a motorcoach (for more information, see the preceding section).
4. The Alaska Marine Highway System ferry is a great way to avoid the hustle and bustle of popular tourist destinations. This ferry takes tourists to smaller communities of Alaska’s inside passage, for example, Wrangell (Caveat: It can take between 3-6 hours to go from port to port)
5. Explore some of Alaska's lesser-known locales like Kodiak Island (requires a flight), Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, plan a remote outback hunting or fishing expedition, guided hike, and stay at a secluded B&B or wilderness lodge, and then drive the Glenn Highway into the Copper River Basin or the Richardson Highway between Valdez and Fairbanks.
6. Charter flights are a great way to avoid the crowds. Booking one of these will get you dropped off at secluded beaches and islands near Whittier, Seward, and Haines. You can go camping and fishing for a week or go beachcombing for a day.
7. If you want to fish without fighting crowds, it's a good idea to check in with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game before you leave. The Russian River, Ship Creek, Seward Beaches, and Homer Lagoon are popular destinations for anglers. For more information, read our article about the ideal time to go fishing in Alaska.

Shoulder Season travel is recommended between May and September, when the weather is more erratic but the days are shorter, making it easier to observe wildlife at feeding time. The fall foliage in the month of September is stunning.

Hiking

By the middle of May, trails at lower elevations typically have no snow left. By June, the trails in the mountains should be free of snow. Wait until the end of June if you want to go hiking near the Arctic Circle and not have to deal with snow. Until about the middle of October, hiking conditions across the state are typically favorable. Here is a rundown of some of the best trails for a June hike:

Wickersham Dome Trail – 1 hour from Fairbanks on the Elliott Highway

• Time of Year: June–October
• Level of Difficulty: Middle
• Travel time: 7 miles
• A height of 1007 feet
• Outdoor Recreation: Hiking and Nordic Skiing
• Clear days offer vistas of the White Mountains and Brooks Range.
• Moose, snowshoe hare, owls, hawks, and bald eagles are some of the local wildlife.

Anchorage's Tony Knowles Coastal Trail runs along the waterfront from Kincaid Park to the end of Second Avenue at Cook Inlet.

• Every day of the year
• Effort Level: Low
• Location: 11 The trailhead is located at the end of Kincaid Chalet to the south and the northeast end of West 2nd Avenue by the train depot to the south.
• Location at an elevation of 102 feet
• Outdoorsy stuff like skiing, running, rollerblading, and a whole lot more
• Perspectives of the Mt. Mountains Susitna and Fire Island Mckinley, and Anchorage proper
• Animals such as moose and beluga whales

Area around Hatcher Pass and the Reed Lakes in the Talkeetna Mountains

• Seasons: Late June to early September is primetime.
• Moderate in Difficulty
• Travel time: 9 minutes
• Gain in Altitude: 2,247 Feet
• Actions: Going on a Hike
• Reed Glacier Lakes, Both Above and Below
• Animals: moose and bears

Contains a boulder field that could prove hazardous to young children and animals.

Where to Find It | Hours of Operation

Since June is the beginning of Alaska's peak season, all services should be available then. Even so, it's best to double-check with all reserved services to see if they have any post-pandemic restrictions or personnel shortages.

Here is a list of some of the best facilities in the state:

Hotel Tips

• Open all year, the Hotel Alyeska is a five-star mountain retreat in Girdwood with easy access to the mountain's ski lifts and hiking paths.
• Address and email: alyeskaresort com, 800-880-3880 Phone
• Open all year, the Homer Inn and Spa is located on Kachemak Bay and offers guests a spa as well as bear-viewing day tours between the months of May and September. Excellent lodgings
• Email: homerinnandspa.com is the place to reach us. com, 907-268-5465 Phone
• Open all year, the Denali Overlook Inn in Talkeetna provides easy access to the city's many attractions, including a 14-mile paved bike trail, jet boat rides, sled dog tours, and world-class fishing.
• Email address: denalioverlookinn. phone: 907-733-3555.com
• There is no reception desk at this establishment. Guests who expect to arrive after 6 p.m. are asked to notify the property in advance; those guests will then receive an email with check-in instructions 24 hours before their scheduled arrival.
• Biking, hiking, kayaking, dog sledding, and flightseeing are just some of the activities offered at the Pearson's Pond Luxury Inn & Adventure Spa in Juneau, which is open all year.
• Email address: pearsonspond.com. com, 907-789-3772 Phone

Advice on Eating Out

• Anchorage's Snow City Cafe is open 365 days a year, every day of the week. Place serving both breakfast and lunch
  *See if the restaurant is open for meals or if takeout is the only option.
• Girdwood, Alaska, at the Seven Glaciers Restaurant Alyeska is open all year from Thursday to Saturday from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Among the top 100 best wine restaurants in the United States
• The Chart Room, in Homer, Alaska, serves breakfast, dinner, and Sunday brunch every day of the year.
• Denali, Alaska's Music of Denali Dinner Theater Denali's McKinley Chalet is open from the middle of May to the middle of September.

Campgrounds

Traveling to Denali for a camping trip

Visitors can view business hours at dnr.gov. alaska gov/parks/asp/open 907-269-8700, htm#top

Anchorage Campground on Chugach Bird Creek

• There is a seven-night camping time limit.
• Count: 24
• Maximum RV length of 35 feet
• Access for people with disabilities
• Provided restrooms
• Picnic space with water and restrooms
• Outdoorsy pursuits like fishing, hiking, and cycling

Discovery Campground, Captain Cook State Park, Kenai Area

• You're only allowed 14 days of camping at a time.
• 52 Campgrounds
• RVs of any size are welcome.
• Disabled-accessible building
• Access to restrooms
• There is a picnic area with water and two covered picnic pavilions.
• You can go fishing, hiking, or just relax on the beach.

Palmer - Mat-Su Valley Campground, Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Area

• Maximum of 14 days in a campsite
• 6 Campgrounds
• Disabled-accessible building
• Provided restrooms
• Eight different picnic areas with water
• Cabins
• Snow machine trails, river rafting, skiing, snowshoeing, and glacier hiking

Camping at Settlers Cove in Ketchikan, Southeast Alaska

• Only 7 Nights of Camping Per Trip
• Campsites: 13
• Max RV height of 35"
• Accessible design
• Restrooms Located Here
• There is a water source, and there are picnic areas with shelters.
• Shore fishing and exploring nearby trails are two popular pastimes.

Time of Day

Harbor of Seward

It is possible to engage in outdoor activities both before sunrise and after sunset, during a period known as "Civil Twilight," when the sun is just below the horizon. In some locations, June does not feature Civil Twilight.

Visit the Alaska Daylight Hours Calculator on alaska.gov to find out how many daylight hours you can expect in the area you will be visiting. org/weather/daylight-hours

Below is a list of some of Alaska's most popular tourist destinations, along with the corresponding times of day in the beginning, middle, and end of June.

No Twilight of Civility in Fairbanks

• Sunrise, 1 June; 3:36 a.m.
  Evening's end, 11:59
• Sun Rises at 3:09 AM on June 15
  Dawn at 12:31
• Sunrise, 30 June; 3:18 a.m.
  12:28 a.m. - sunset

Anchorage:

• At 2:50 a.m. on June 1, we enter "civil twilight." Daybreak: 4:34 Time of sunset: 11:17

  1:00 a.m.: The End of Civil Twilight

• No Civil Twilight on June 15 The day begins at 4:20 am and ends at 11:37 pm.

  Abolish Twilight

• No Civil Twilight on June 30 It's dawn at 4:26 a.m. Sundown: 11:37 p.m.

  Conflict-Free Evenings

Seward:

• At 3:19 a.m. on June 1, we enter "civil twilight." It's dawn at 4:44 a.m. Sundown: 11:05

  At 12:30 am, civil twilight ends.

• Civil Twilight Begins at 2:46 A.M. on June 15 Time of Daybreak: 4:32 Sundown: 11:23 p.m.

  Noon: The End of Civil Twilight

• The start of civil twilight is at 2:57 a.m. on June 30. Time of Daybreak: 4:37 Sundown: 11:23 a.m.

  Time Change to Civil Dawn: 1:04 a.m.