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Alaska In August: Epic Summer Adventures, Wildlife And Weather

August is an excellent time to explore Alaska, even though it tends to be one of the most crowded months for visitors. Alaska in August offers one-of-a-kind adventures and an opportunity to soak up the stunning scenery.

With the summer season in full swing, hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, or visiting one of its many glaciers are a few of the activities available.

One of the main attractions of traveling to Alaska in August is the long daylight hours. With the sun rising early and setting late, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the great outdoors. In Fairbanks, we enjoyed 17 hours of daylight.

Cruising in Prince William Sound, Alaska in August

When planning a trip to Alaska in summer, it’s important to pack accordingly. Although the climate is typically temperate, temperature fluctuations can be significant based on the area and the hour of the day.

Visiting Alaska In August

If you’re heading to the 49th state this summer, you’re in for a treat! There are a plethora of amazing places to discover and explore.

Families consider it an excellent month for an Alaska trip as the children are out of school. With warmer temperatures, it’s easier to pack than traveling in the shoulder seasons. Here are a few reasons why planning an August vacation is ideal.

An August visit provides a unique charm not seen in other seasons. The days are long, and the sunsets are breathtaking. The wildflowers are in full bloom, and the landscape is lush and green.

August is the perfect time to explore Alaska’s small towns and villages. Look for local festivals such as the Alyeska Resort Blueberry Festival or the Salmonfest on the Kenai Peninsula.

Additionally, we enjoy hiking in August because the trails are usually dry, and mosquitoes are less likely after the first week.

Hiking to Father Brown Cross at Mount Roberts
Hiking to Father Brown Cross in Juneau

Weather Expectations

While August is a warm month for visitation, it isn’t necessarily the driest time. Understanding what to anticipate will better prepare you for the climate.

It’s important to note that Alaska is a vast state, and weather conditions can vary depending on the region. Cruise ships visit southeast Alaska and the inside passage, which experiences more rain than regions further north.

Popular cruise ports such as Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway can have 18 days or more of rain in August. While daylight highs reach the mid-60s, the nights can fall to around 50F.

Here are the averages for a few cities in Alaska.

CITIESHIGHS/LOWSDAYS OF RAIN
Ketchikan65F / 51F10.9 inches
Juneau64F / 50F7.8 inches
Anchorage63F / 50F2.7 inches
Fairbanks66F / 47F1.8 inches

Regarding packing for a trip to Alaska in August, we are always prepared for a range of weather conditions. We recommend layers and waterproof clothing.

Dressed in four layers, hat and gloves, by Harvard Glacier
Dressed for the cold by a glacier

Here are some essential items to include in our Alaska packing list:

  • Warm layers, such as fleece jackets and sweaters.
  • Waterproof and windproof outerwear, such as rain jackets with hoods.
  • Sturdy hiking boots or waterproof shoes.
  • Hats, gloves, and scarves for colder temperatures.
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses for sunny days.
  • Insect repellent, as mosquitoes may be present the first week.

Land Trip Vs. Cruising

When planning an adventure in summer, visitors can choose to travel by land or sea. Both options offer unique experiences, so weighing the pros and cons before deciding is essential.

Many cruise lines combine cruises and land tours, providing the best of both options. The all-in-one packages include transportation on land and hotel stays, and some include certain tours.

Cruising in Glacier Bay National Park
Cruising in Glacier Bay National Park

Land trips provide a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, lodges, cabins, and even camping. A DIY land experience gives you the flexibility to create your own schedule.

However, it’s best not to try to plan this type of vacation at the last minute. I found accommodation in Alaska quite rustic and expensive. Many hotels don’t have air conditioning, fridges, or other amenities that are standard in guest houses.

Alternatively, cruising allows guests to see more than one area. However, this option gives limited time in each port.

Alaska cruises focus on the destination. Expect at least one day at a tidewater glacier or fjord inaccessible by land. One-way cruises between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seward or Whittier generally give longer port times.

Roundtrip cruises from Seattle stop in Victoria, British Columbia, but the port time may only be four hours long.

Visiting the Parliament Building in Victoria
Visiting the Parliament Building in Victoria

Cruise lines such as Norwegian, Holland America, Princess Cruises, and Cunard have onboard naturalists. They offer presentations about wildlife, geography, and Alaskan ports.

While the destination is the focal point, some larger vessels provide more venues to entertain guests. Beyond the theater shows, certain vessels offer racing car tracks, bumper cars, laser tag, and sky diving in a wind tunnel.

National Parks And Reserves

Alaska is home to some of the world’s most stunning national parks and reserves. The weather is ideal in August for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Here are a few of our favorites:

  • Denali National Park: It’s home to the highest peak in North America, Mt. Denali. Choose a bus tour to see the park’s incredible wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and caribou. It’s also a great place to find wild edible berries at their peak.
  • Kenai Fjords National Park: This park is known for its glaciers and marine wildlife. A boat tour can provide the chance to see humpback whales, orcas, and sea lions.
  • Katmai National Park: Sockeye salmon spawn in Katmai National Park in August, attracting a large population of brown bears. Brooks Falls has become a popular destination for tourists who want to view the bears in their natural habitat.
  • Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve: A cruise to Hubbard Glacier in August provides warmer temperatures and more chances of glacier calving.
The face of Harvard Glacier in College Fjord
Visiting Harvard Glacier at College Fjord

Wildlife Sightings

August is prime time for salmon season. Whether you want to watch, fish, or view the wildlife that dines on them, there are plenty of places to begin.

In Ketchikan, the coho salmon season is in full swing. Pinks are also running until mid-August. Book a chartered fishing tour or try your luck in Ketchikan Creek from the Stedman Bridge.

Katmai National Park, specifically Brooks River, welcomes sockeye salmon and the brown bears that feast on them. While a trip to Brooks Falls might break the bank, a handy bear cam offers daily viewing from the comfort of home.

In Kobuk National Park, the caribou begin their migration, along with many waterfowl species.

Whale-watching tours are popular as the humpbacks start their long migration one month later. Juneau, Seward, and Icy Strait Point are the best places to take an excursion.

In August, beluga whales can be seen in Cook Inlet. Driving the Seward Hwy offers the best chance to see them.

It’s not too late in the season to see the Big Five in Denali National Park. However, rise early, ideally before 5 am, for the best viewing opportunity.

Caribou in Denali National Park
Spotting a caribou in Denali National Park

Festivals In Alaska

In August, Alaska bursts with vibrant cultural experiences through a diverse array of events:

  • Talkeetna Bluegrass Festival: Join music lovers for an unforgettable weekend with live bluegrass performances, local food, and family-friendly activities.
  • Blueberry Arts Festival: Explore the highlights of this vibrant festival, featuring local artists, live performances, and mouthwatering blueberry delicacies.
  • Alaska State Fair: Explore top attractions, delicious food, and unforgettable performances at this annual Alaskan culture and community celebration.
  • Alyeska Resort Blueberry Festival: A celebration of nature’s bounty, local artisans, live music, and culinary delights in Girdwood, Alaska!
  • Salmonfest: This annual festival explores the best of Alaskan culture on the Kenai Peninsula, with live music and delicious salmon dishes.

Charming Towns And Cities

In addition to its pristine landscape, Alaska is home to charming towns and cities. Here are a few that we recommend:

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail sign
Tony Knowles Trail in Anchorage
  • Anchorage: This is Alaska’s largest city and a great place to start your trip. It has a vibrant culture, art scene, and plenty of restaurants and shops. For outdoor adventurers, rent a bike and ride the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.
  • Juneau: This is Alaska’s capital and is only accessible by boat or plane. We enjoy exploring the city’s historic downtown area, taking whale-watching tours, or hiking at Mount Roberts or Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.
  • Sitka: This picturesque town is located on the coast of the Inside Passage. It has a rich history and is home to several cultural attractions, including the Sitka National Historical Park, Castle Hill, and the Russian Bishop’s House.
  • Skagway: Skagway has deep roots in the Klondike Gold Rush. Relive the gold prospecting days by taking the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad.

Mosquitos In August?

The unique environmental conditions of Alaska contribute to the mosquito phenomenon. However, they are at their prime earlier in the summer when they hatch. Expect the pesky bugs in the first week of the month in forested areas and near water.

From mid-to-late August, the night temperatures fall, giving a reprieve from mosquitos.

Hiking in Juneau
Hiking in Juneau

Alaska Adventures In August

August is a great time to explore the stunning landscapes of Alaska through its outdoor adventures.

Boating And Kayaking

Due to warmer temperatures, boating and kayaking are great activities in August. Some popular destinations include Prince William Sound, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Sitka.

Being prepared for the changing weather conditions and bringing appropriate gear is important.

Wildlife Tours

August is a great time to witness some of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife in their natural habitat. Bears, whales, moose, caribou, and other animals are sighted in destinations like Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords, Chichagof Island, and Anchorage.

While we like to see wildlife in their natural habitat, they may not appear for our benefit. For guaranteed sightings in sanctuaries, try Fortress of the Bear in Sitka, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage Valley, and the Alaska Raptor Center in Sitka.

Brown bear at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Brown bear at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Hiking And Camping

With mild temperatures and plenty of daylight, we enjoy the many trails without needing heavy layers. Some popular hiking destinations include Denali National Park, Chugach State Park, and Kenai Fjords National Park.

Cruise guests can enjoy trails close to ports, especially in Juneau and Skagway. The Smuggler’s Cove route in Skagway is a fantastic option for families.

If camping is your thing, overnighting allows you to immerse yourself in Alaska’s wilderness and rugged beauty. Denali National Park has great campsites, such as Riley Creek and Savage River.

Fishing Excursions

Alaska is famous for offering exceptional fishing experiences, and this holds true for the month of August as well. When traveling by cruise ship, we recommend looking for something in Ketchikan.

Further north, Kenai River, Bristol Bay, and Prince William Sound are popular fishing destinations. Choose from guided tours or rental equipment. It is essential to obtain the necessary permits and follow fishing regulations.

College Fjord in Alaska in August and a grizzly bear in a field

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