~ Alaska's Weather ~

Alaska can be best described in one word - unpredictable. Well, OK 2 words - VERY unpredictable. During summer months you might experience 100°F in the Interior and folks in Denali National Park might be putting on jackets to cope with 50°F. So how is the traveler to cope? Location, location, location….no, wait that's another answer. Layers, layers, layers. Put them on when you're cold, take them off when you're hot. If you get here and discover you're missing some critical piece of clothing there's no need to panic. We have plenty of clothing stores & top notch outdoor outfitters with everything you could possibly need.

Alaska is a pretty casual state and the casual visitor will want to dress accordingly in comfortable pants/jeans and a variety of different shirts. Here comes that layering thing again… fleece overpants and long sleeve shirts to keep you warm & waterproof pants to keep you dry. Depending on your idea of Alaska, you may find this hard to believe, but trust me, and bring shorts, tank tops and short sleeve tee shirts! You'll thank me when the temperature reaches 100°F.

If you are visiting Alaska in the summer you'll need a light insulated jacket and a rain jacket that is waterproof enough to keep you dry until you can get in out of the rain. Oh, and did I mention layering for under the rain gear and the light insulated jacket?

Be sure to bring your favorite hat to keep the sun out of your eyes, prevent sunburn and/or keep you warm in cold weather. Remember the part above about layers? Amazingly enough, the same is true for hats. The kind you'll find most useful for sunny, warm weather might not be enough if the weather changes to cold, windy and/or wet. That's when you'll need a fleece pull-over hat.

Shoes - bring them if you're going to be doing any walking (comfortable is better than uncomfortable & dry is better than wet).
Boots - bring them if you're going to be doing any hiking (comfortable is better than uncomfortable & dry is better than wet).
Socks - bring them if you're going to be wearing shoes or boots (comfortable is better than uncomfortable & dry is better than wet).

Do you have comments or experiences you'd like to add on this subject after your visit to Alaska? Drop me a note and I'll add it here if it seems appropriate.

Campgrounds ~ Costs ~ Fishing
Getting Married in Alaska ~ Glaciers
Northern Lights ~ Lodging ~ Roads
Weather ~ Whales ~ What to do ~ Where to go