Visiting Alaska in August
The month of August is a popular time to visit Alaska. While the first half of August is still active with summer activities, the second half is when things slowly wind down for the season. August tends to be a rainier month with slightly cooler temperatures. At the end of August, it is easy to feel the weather transition from summer to Autumn. At this time, it is also possible to see autumn colors start to appear in the interior areas around Denali National Park.
Wildlife is very active in August in Alaska as all of the animals are trying to consume plenty of calories to see them through the long winter months. This includes brown and black bears commonly seen along the river banks fishing for salmon.
Brown bears fishing along the Kenai River
Is August a good month to visit Alaska?
August is a great month to visit Alaska! The summer season is still bustling, and there are many different activities to enjoy, such as fishing and bear viewing. There is plenty of daylight, and the average temperature remains relatively warm.
Weather in Alaska in August
August is one of the rainiest summer months in Alaska. The weather in Alaska in August can be very unpredictable. Sometimes there are long stretches of sunshine and other times days of rain. Typically there is still no snow in Alaska in August.
Average temperatures and daylight for different cities in Alaska in August:
Juneau - 15 hours of daylight & 50 to 65 degrees (average 17 days of rain)
Anchorage - 15 hours of daylight & 50 to 65 degrees (average 10 days of rain)
Fairbanks - 16 hours of daylight & 45 to 70 degrees (average 10 days of rain)
Utqiagvik - 22-15 hours of daylight & 32 to 45 degrees (average 5 days of rain)
August tends to be a little rainier than the other summer months
*Disclaimer - we are not weather fortune tellers. The weather in Alaska can be very unpredictable. Though we describe the average weather in August, we always recommend preparing for anything from snowstorms to sunscreen. Read more about what to pack for your trip to Alaska.
Does it rain in Alaska in August?
August is the rainiest summer month in Alaska. Anchorage has an average of 10 days of rain during August. It is generally rainier throughout the year in Southeast Alaska, in towns such as Ketchikan and Juneau. Juneau has an average of 17 days of rain during August.
Benefits of Visiting Alaska in August
August is still an active month in Alaska, with lots of things to see and do. The weather is a little cooler and rainier than in June or July, but there is still plenty of daylight. In August, all the hotels and activities are still operating at their peak, but you will start to see some businesses wind down at the end of August. All of the National Parks are open, and the little towns you visit, such as Valdez, Seward, Homer, and Girdwood, are vibrant and lively.
In August, the wildlife is very active in Alaska, including black bears, brown bears, whales, caribou, and more. It is easy to spot these animals as they are busy searching for food as they prepare for the winter. August is a great month to watch bears at a safe distance feeding on salmon along the rivers. If you want to fish in Alaska, August is a great month!
Fireweed is in full bloom in August in Alaska
Drawbacks of Visiting Alaska in August
With the many benefits of visiting Alaska in August, there are also some drawbacks. August is another busy month in Alaska, and still considered the high season. The main tourist season in Alaska is very short (only three months!) compared to many other destinations. This means that many people are trying to visit Alaska at the same time, making for larger crowds of people. The prices in August (June and July) are also higher than at other times of the year. This includes airfare, hotels, and rental cars. The short summer season can also make finding available rental cars and hotel rooms difficult.
August is also slightly rainier and cooler than the other summer months.
We highly recommend that if you want to visit Alaska in August, make arrangements as soon as possible! This allows for better prices and a better selection of hotel rooms, rental cars, and activities. Contact us if you would like help planning your August trip to Alaska, or visit the Design Your Trip page.
View of the mountains across Cook Inlet
What to Do in Alaska in August
You can see and do so many things in Alaska in August! Here are a few of our recommendations.
Summer kayaking in Valdez, Alaska
Contact us if you would like assistance in planning your dream trip to Alaska and booking fun activities!
Wildlife in Alaska in August
The wildlife in Alaska is very active in August. The animals are busy consuming calories to prepare for the long winter ahead. August is a great month to watch brown and black bears frequent river banks fishing for salmon. We have spent entire days observing beautiful bears catching fish! Here is some of the wildlife you can see in Alaska in August:
Marine Wildlife - humpback whales. Orca whales, salmon, sea otters, and Stella sea lions
Land Animals - caribou, black bears, brown bears, grizzly bears, and Dall sheep
Bird Life - migratory songbirds, loons, and bald eagles
Black bear in Valdez, Alaska
Visit Alaska in August
Does August sound like the right month for you? Then contact us to design your trip to Alaska!
View from the top of Thompson Pass in August
