Are you planning a trip to Alaska in July? This is a beautiful time to visit the Final Frontier!
I love Alaska, it is one of my favorite places to visit.
For many people, July is the best time to travel to Alaska because of the great weather, amazing wildlife opportunities, the accessibility to nature, and long days.
There are some negative aspects such as crowds and higher prices, but still 100% worth it to visit Alaska in the summer.
The best way to get to Alaska in July is by cruising or flying into Anchorage, Juneau, or Fairbanks. If you fly in, you can rent a vehicle, stock up on supplies, and set out for your Alaska adventure.
Keep reading for what to expect during summertime in Alaska!
Alaska in July: 7 Things You Need To Know
There is Great Weather in Alaska in July
July is the best time to travel in Alaska because of the amazing weather. I will cover everything you need about traveling to Alaska in July.
Alaska in July temperatures are the warmest of the year. The average highs vary depending on what region you visit.
Southcentral Alaska, including Anchorage and Seward, has average temps ranging from 55 F to 70 F.
It is warmer in the Interior region with average highs from 60 F to 80 F. This area is where you will find Fairbanks and Denali National Park.
In the Southeast region near Juneau and Ketchikan, the July temps are milder at around 55 F to 65 F on average. This is also a wetter area.
July in Alaska is fairly dry, but you should expect rain, especially towards the end of the month. Make sure to pack rain gear!
Here is my packing list to refer to!
Book Here: Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park 6-Hour Cruise
You Can Enjoy the Midnight Sun, But Not the Northern Lights
July in Alaska means long periods of daylight. It is so cool to experience the Midnight Sun!
The advantage of the long days in Alaska is that you will have time to explore.
Like the temperature, the daylight varies in each region. The farther north you go, the longer the days.
There will be around 17 to 18 hours of daylight along the southern coast.
In the Interior region, it is about 19 to 20 hours on average.
Up in the Arctic, the sun will be up for a full 24 hours!
Blackout curtains and eye masks will be your friend if you need complete darkness to sleep.
Don’t forget to check out my Alaska cruise packing list!
Because there is so much sunlight during Alaska’s summer, there is no chance to see the northern lights. This phenomenon is only visible in Alaska from September through mid-April.
Visit Alaska in winter to see the amazing, dancing lights!
Book Here: Talkeetna: Grand Denali Flight with Optional Glacier Landing
Alaska in July Has Excellent Wildlife Viewing
One of the best things to do in Alaska is wildlife viewing. With so many animals out during summer, you spot some amazing wildlife on land and in the water.
If you want to see bears in Alaska, you should know that July is the best time to visit Alaska to find these fierce creatures.
Moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, foxes, and many more animals can be seen wandering the Alaskan wilderness in July.
There are a ton of ocean wildlife to look out for as well. July is right in the middle of whale watching season so it is a great time to take a tour.
You can spot humpback, fin, gray, minke, and beluga whales. Other things to see include orcas, porpoises, dolphins, sea otters, seals, puffins, and many other seabirds.
While planning Alaska trips, people want to see wildlife, and July is a great time.
Book Here: From Juneau: Whale Watching Cruise with Snacks
It is the Busiest and Most Expensive Time to Visit Alaska
July is the middle of the cruise season with tourists during this time, especially in port cities. The good weather and beautiful landscapes draw crowds in for road trips.
If you need tips on packing, refer to my Alaska Cruise Packing List.
Because summer in Alaska is the high season, expect high prices to go hand in hand with the crowds.
Prices are up across the board including flights, car rentals, hotels, and tours all increase. With so many people visiting, you should book everything in advance.
Even though it can be crowded, Alaska is very vast. Outside of cities and towns, it is a slice of solitude in nature.
To avoid crowds and save money, visit Alaska in shoulder season. Alaska in May is one of the best times for Alaska vacations.
Book Here: Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Adventure Tour
There Are A Ton Of Events In Alaska In July
July is one of the best months to visit Alaska to experience some amazing, local events and festivals.
Many cities have great Fourth of July events, but the best celebration is in Seward, Alaska. Watch a parade, shop from street vendors, and watch the fireworks over the water at midnight.
Fairbanks celebrates their history with Golden Days. The festival features Alaska’s largest parade, a race of 8,000 rubber ducks in the Chena River, a fair, and more fun activities.
Other July festivals in Alaska include the Girdwood Forest Fair, Copper River Salmon Jam in Cordova, and Bear Paw Festival in Eagle River.
Make sure to add some of these events to your Alaska itinerary.
Where to Stay in Seward:
Luxury: Harbor 360 Hotel Seward. Check Rates: Booking.com
Where to Stay in Fairbanks:
Mid-Range: Pike’s Waterfront Lodge. Check Rates: Booking.com
The National Parks Are Fully Accessible
National parks are some of the best places to visit in Alaska, and they are very accessible in summer compared to winter when many areas are closed due to snow.
All campgrounds, trails, roads, and visitor centers will be open by July.
There are eight national parks in Alaska adding up to 54 million acres.
The most popular and easily accessible are Glacier Bay, Denali, Kenai Fjords, and Wrangell St. Elias. These four can be reached by car, bus, train, or ferry.
The other four national parks are Katmai, Lake Clark, Gates of the Arctic, and Kobuk Valley. These are more remote and can only be reached by plane.
Each park is beautiful with lots of outdoor recreation. Spend time hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. The parks offer some of the best camping in Alaska too.
The landscapes are comprised of mountains, glaciers, lakes, and waterfalls. Glaciers in Alaska are some of the coolest things to see!
Anyone will agree exploring national parks is what to do in Alaska for a fun time!
Book Here: Seward: Kenai Fjords Half-Day Resurrection Bay Wildlife Tour
Be Prepared for Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes can be a problem in Alaska, mostly from mid-June through July when the population spikes.
Swarms are most likely found in the tundra marshes or other stagnant water. Dawn and dusk are when they are the most active.
However, mosquitoes are not too bad in cities, along the coast, or anywhere with wind.
To avoid bites, it is best to wear long sleeves and pants. Apply insect repellant before hiking and do not use scented soaps, lotions, or shampoos.
There are 35 species of mosquitoes in Alaska but none are known for carrying diseases like tropical species.
Don’t let the pesky bugs deter you from enjoying your Alaska summer vacation.
Packing List When Visiting Alaska In July
Here are some tips on how to pack lightly when visiting Alaska in the summer.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.
These RFID sleeves are another option.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. It is made of lightweight aluminum and is easy to use.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for me.
The replaceable carbon filter ensures clean drinking water when you want it.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you. It would not take up much space at all.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for storing snacks and drinks.
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