Visiting Alaska in July
July is the busiest month of the year for travel in Alaska, and it is also the height of the summer season. Cruise ships, hotels, trains, and tours are all operating, the days are long, wildlife is active, and most hiking trails are accessible. Temperatures are typically warm, although July tends to bring more rain than May and June.
If you want to experience Alaska when the most activities and businesses are operating, July is a great choice. The tradeoff is that you'll also encounter more visitors and higher demand for accommodations and tours. If you're planning to visit Alaska in July, we strongly recommend booking well in advance.
Is July a good month to visit Alaska?
July is a great month to visit Alaska if you want to experience the state at the height of summer. The season is in full swing, with most hotels, restaurants, tours, and attractions operating. The days are long, trails are generally free of snow, and the weather is typically warm, making July an excellent month for hiking and outdoor activities.
The main tradeoff is that July is also the busiest month for tourism in Alaska. Popular destinations can be crowded, and accommodations and tours often book up well in advance. If you don't mind the higher demand and plan ahead, July offers one of the widest selections of activities and experiences.
Weather in Alaska in July
July is the warmest part of summer in Alaska, with long days and generally mild to warm temperatures. It is also typically a wetter month than May and June, although rainfall varies considerably depending on where you are in the state.
Does it rain in Alaska in July? Yes, July tends to be rainier than May and June, although rainfall varies significantly across the state. Southcentral Alaska, including Anchorage, generally sees less rain than Southeast Alaska, where places like Juneau and Ketchikan are considerably wetter. Even in July, we recommend packing a good rain jacket and being prepared for changing conditions.
Weather varies considerably across the state, so don't expect the same conditions everywhere. As a general guide:
Juneau: Around 50–65°F, with approximately 17 hours of daylight
Anchorage: Around 55–65°F, with approximately 18 hours of daylight
Fairbanks: Around 50–75°F, with approximately 20 hours of daylight
Utqiagvik: Around 30–45°F, with approximately 24 hours of daylight
A quick note about Alaska weather: We’re not meteorologists, and weather in Alaska can be unpredictable. The averages above are helpful for getting a general idea of what to expect, but we always recommend coming prepared for changing conditions. In July, that can mean anything from warm, sunny days to cool temperatures and rain. A good rain jacket and layers are still important, even during the height of summer.
Read more about what to pack for your trip to Alaska.
Benefits of Visiting Alaska in July
July is the height of the summer season in Alaska, so one of its biggest advantages is the sheer number of options available. Hotels, restaurants, tours, and other seasonal businesses are operating, and there are plenty of flights and transportation options to choose from.
The long days give you plenty of time to explore, and most hiking trails are accessible and in good condition. National parks are fully operating for the summer, and towns such as Talkeetna, Seward, Homer, and Girdwood are lively and active. Wildlife is also very active in July, making it a great month for getting outside and looking for animals.
Things to Know Before Visiting Alaska in July
July is the busiest month of the year in Alaska, so the main thing to keep in mind is that you'll be sharing the state with plenty of other summer travelers. Popular destinations, tours, and attractions can be noticeably busier, and prices for airfare, hotels, and rental cars are typically higher.
Because Alaska's main summer season is relatively short, availability can also become an issue, especially in popular destinations. We strongly recommend booking your accommodations, rental car, and activities well in advance if you're planning a July trip. Booking early gives you a better selection and makes it easier to build the itinerary you want.
Things to Do in Alaska in July
July is when Alaska is fully in summer mode, so almost all of the activities we recommend are operating. The long days give you plenty of time to explore, and wildlife is active throughout the state. Here are a few of the experiences we especially recommend in July.
Go Bear Viewing from Homer
July is one of the best times to go bear viewing from Homer, when brown bears are active and salmon are beginning to draw them to the rivers. Tours typically involve a small-plane flight to a remote area followed by time observing the bears with a guide. This is a more expensive activity, but it can be a special addition to a July itinerary.
Read more about bear viewing in our guide to Brooks Falls.
Visit Kennicott in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
If you're looking for something a little different, consider visiting the remote towns of McCarthy and Kennicott in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. You can reach the area by car or small plane, and once you arrive, you can explore the historic mining town of Kennicott and the surrounding area. It’s a great option for travelers who want to experience a quieter, more remote side of Alaska.
Take a Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise
A boat tour from Seward is one of our favorite ways to experience Kenai Fjords National Park. July is a great time to get out on the water, with long days and plenty of opportunities to look for whales, sea otters, sea lions, puffins, and other marine wildlife.
Fish for Salmon on the Kenai River
July is one of the best times to fish for salmon on the Kenai River, as several salmon runs are underway during the month. Guided fishing trips are available for anglers of all experience levels, and a local guide can help you make the most of your time on the river.
Go Hiking
July is one of our favorite months for hiking in Alaska. Most trails are free of snow, conditions are generally good, and the long daylight hours give you plenty of time to explore. Whether you want an easy walk or a more challenging hike, July is a great time to get out on the trails.
Wildlife in Alaska in July
July is a very active time for wildlife in Alaska. Animals are taking advantage of the long summer days to feed, raise their young, and prepare for the months ahead. Salmon are also returning to Alaska's rivers, bringing plenty of activity to both the waterways and the animals that depend on them.
Here are some of the wildlife you may encounter in Alaska in July:
Marine wildlife: Humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, Steller sea lions, and salmon
Land animals: Brown bears, grizzly bears, Dall sheep, moose, mountain goats, and black bears
Birds: Puffins, bald eagles, shorebirds, and many other species
July is a particularly good month for wildlife viewing, with opportunities to see animals both on land and on the water throughout the state.
Planning Your Trip to Alaska in July
July is the height of summer in Alaska, with long days, plenty of activities, and most seasonal businesses fully operating. It can be a great fit for travelers who want the widest selection of tours and experiences and don't mind that July is also the busiest and most expensive time of year to visit.
If you'd like help planning your trip to Alaska in July, visit our Design Your Trip page and tell us a little about what you're looking for. We'll create a personalized itinerary based on your interests, travel style, and the kind of Alaska experience you want.
