January is definitely the
coldest month of the year but it is still an increasingly busy month, particularly in the Interior region of
Alaska and you can benefit from special offers from hotels and car rentals. Until the 7th of January you can still catch a glance at
Christmas in Ice in North Pole (the name of a town) near Fairbanks.
During the day temperatures range from 30°F to 40°F while nighttime temperatures on average range from -30°F to -20°F.
The harshest winters are to be found in the Arctic and Interior region where winds increase the chill factor. The Pacific Ocean makes winters less frosty along the southern coastal regions where January is typically cloudy with a lot of snowfall. So it is the perfect time for all kinds of winter sports.
January is also a great month to observe the northern lights and the month of the
Great Alaska Beer and Barley Wine Festival where you can sample beer and wine from local breweries and wineries.
Best Time to Visit Alaska
This depends greatly on the things you want to do during your stay. Spring is the best season to go on a cruise and see some gray whales. The warmest months are June, July and August with temperatures around a range of 45-70°F. September already brings cooler nights but you could also experience an extended summer with the warm Alaska weather being prolonged in September.
The northern lights can be observed from September through mid-April. During winter you can also view the artistic masterpieces created by ice carvers and try or watch some dog mushing. Winter in Alaska is also known for its spectacular festivals.
Things to know about Alaska
Alaska is of course a perfect vacation destination for winter sports activities like all sorts of skiing, dog mushing, ice skating, snowmobiling... this list could be continued endlessly. But Alaska is also a popular destination for summer vacations where you can visit various national parks, explore glaciers all year round, see wildlife such as brown bears, mooses and hawks and the breathtaking extent of untouched nature.
The northern lights or Aurora Borealis are another spectacle of nature that can be observed from April to November. And finally there are things to do out at sea like
whale watching, fishing… even snorkeling is possible in summer!
All year round there are various festivals and celebrations that give you the chance to meet the locals of this huge state.
Keep this vastness in mind when planning your trip, calculate enough time for your vacation and be sure to keep track of the weather in Alaska!
vacation-weather.com
