Alaska has a well-earned reputation for being one of the most beautiful places in the world, with millions of visitors coming every year. However, most visitors come during peak tourist season, May to September.
This makes the winter season a perfect time to see Alaska differently. Fresh snow on the ground, amazing outdoor adventures to enjoy, and much more make Alaska the perfect destination in the winter months.
A tour we think you'll love
If you’re coming up for the holidays or a winter festival and are looking for things to do in Alaska in winter, you may be wondering what else you can see and do in our wonderful state. Let’s take a look at a few of the many things that you can see, do, and enjoy on your Alaska vacation.
Discover The Thrills Of Icy Strait Point – Excursions You Can’t Miss!
Icy Strait Point Excursions in Hoonah provides many amazing tours during the summer months. Unfortunately, we don’t operate in the winter but if you happen to be in our neck of the woods between April to October, we offer a few amazing experiences that you won’t want to miss:
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Our Guaranteed Whale Watching Tour gives you the chance to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. In the very rare chance you don’t see a whale, you’ll get $100 off a future tour.
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The Wilderness Tour and Brown Bear Search is a great way to see grizzlies from a safe distance. A local, knowledgeable guide will show you some of the amazing sights that Chichagof Island has to offer.
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Saltwater Fishing Charters are available with Captain Billy, a local Tlingit who has sailed these waters for many years. With his guidance, you’ll be able to catch the halibut of your dreams.
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If fishing isn’t your vibe but you’d still like to explore the waters of Icy Strait Point, our Kayaking Adventures will make a wonderful addition to your Alaska vacation. With gorgeous views and all the marine life you’ll see, this tour simply can’t be beat.
Whether you’re visiting Alaska as part of a cruise or as an independent traveler, you won’t want to miss out on these unforgettable experiences. As the harsh winter gives way to a new season, our tours become popular quickly. Don’t miss out – secure your spot on one of our exciting adventures today!
A Quick Guide To Temperatures And Alaskan Winter Weather
This probably goes without saying but it’s so important that it’s worth a quick reminder: when visiting Alaska in winter, you’re going to want to dress in warm layers. Since Alaska is such a large state, the winter conditions will vary greatly depending on which city you’re visiting.
In Ketchikan, almost at the bottom of the Southeast Panhandle, the average daily high temperature in December is 39 degrees Fahrenheit. Over 1,000 miles northwest in Utqiagvik (formerly known as Barrow), it’s -1 Fahrenheit!
No matter where you are in the state, you’ll want to wear multiple layers of clothing, snow pants, a hat that covers your ears, and a pair of gloves. Even in the southern parts of the state, 30 degrees will feel a lot colder because of the wind chill and humidity.
Experience Our Breathtaking Scenery
The phrase “winter wonderland” doesn’t even begin to describe the majestic beauty of Alaska in the winter. From frozen rivers and waterfalls to snow-capped mountains and flats, Alaska truly has it all.
Denali (formerly known as Mt. McKinley) is the tallest mountain in North America at 20,308 feet. Facilities and services are limited in winter but the park itself remains open year-round.
There are 616 named glaciers in the state and it is estimated that there are between 27,000 and 100,000 in total. Some can only be seen at a distance in a helicopter or boat but others, like the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, can be seen up close and even walked on.
Many places in Alaska, especially in the interior, offer snowmobile tours in the winter. What you’ll see will depend on which part of the state you’re visiting, but no matter where you are, you’ll see something amazing.
In summer, Alaska is known as “The Land of the Midnight Sun.” However, Alaska winter is the complete opposite. Places above the Arctic Circle go weeks at a time without sunlight, which provides the perfect opportunity for stargazing at noon.
See The Gorgeous Northern Lights Like Never Before
Although the beautiful lights of the Aurora Borealis (or Northern Lights, as they’re often called) can be seen from August 21st to April 21st, their peak season is October to March. However, the ability to see them on a given night is heavily dependent on the weather.
To find out how good your chances of seeing them that night are, check the sky during the day. Northern lights viewing is easiest on clear nights and, if it’s cloudy, you may not see them at all that day.
For those who want the best chance to see the aurora borealis dancing across the night sky, you can reserve several winter tours near Fairbanks. It’s not guaranteed, of course, but if you’re here for a few days, you’ll have a good chance.
Participate In Or Watch Thrilling Winter Sports
Despite the cold weather, there are many outdoor sports and events to enjoy during the winter:
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Ice fishing is one of the more popular winter activities, with over 100 lakes stocked by the state’s Department of Fish and Game every year. It’s more common as you go farther north, as not all lakes in Southeast Alaska will freeze to the point the ice is safe to walk on.
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Both indoor and outdoor ice skating opportunities exist throughout the state. If you choose to skate outdoors, you’ll want to make sure the ice is thick enough. If you aren’t sure if it’ll be safe, check with a local.
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Every March, the famous dog mushing race called “The Iditarod” starts in downtown Anchorage and leads to Nome. The yearly competition honors Balto, the Alaskan husky sled dog who led the team that brought supplies of diphtheria medicine to Nome in 1926, whose story was made famous by the classic 1995 Disney film. The ceremonial opening start in Anchorage is very popular.
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One of the most popular things to do in Alaska in winter is cross country skiing. With many trails across the state, it should be easy to find one near you no matter where you’ll be taking your winter trip. Cross country skis can often be found in thrift stores throughout the state or purchased from local shops.
Pro Tip: Dress in layers to stay warm and comfortable while enjoying winter sports. This allows you to easily adjust your clothing as you warm up during activities or cool down during breaks, ensuring you can fully enjoy your outdoor adventures!
Unique Winter Activities That Can’t Be Beat
Chena Hot Springs in Fairbanks offers dog sled rides as one of their many tour options. They also have an ice museum, Aurora viewing tours, snowmobile tours, and much more. You can also escape the cold of the Arctic Circle for a little while in the amazing healing waters of Chena Hot Springs.
Another great place to visit is the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Girdwood, which serves as a home for wounded animals from across the state. This offers a unique opportunity to see many creatures up close. In winter, they’re only open Friday to Monday, so you may want to plan ahead if you plan to visit Alaska in the winter.
There are also a variety of winter festivals in the state, including a film festival in Nome, the Winter Carnival in Willow, the Sitka Jazz Festival, and many more. Perhaps the most famous of these is the Haines Bald Eagle Festival in November, where roughly 3,000 bald eagles descend upon a four-mile stretch of the Stikine River.
Visit Alaska And Experience It Your Way!
Whether you’re here for the holidays or a festival, viewing the Northern Lights, going dog sledding, ice fishing, or any other activity, you’ll be sure to have the Alaska trip of a lifetime. As many visitors only see our stunning scenery in the summer, you’ll be able to enjoy a unique experience during your winter visit.
Just remember to dress warmly and be prepared for rain or snow. Winter boots are also a good idea if you plan on walking anywhere, as they can provide additional traction in snow.
As the cold winter fades into a new season, our tours rapidly gain popularity. If you’re planning a cruise vacation to Alaska next year, be sure to reserve your spot on one of our unforgettable tours! Book now to secure your adventure and create memories that will last a lifetime!
