Visiting Alaska in June
June in Alaska is a beautiful time to visit. The days are long and filled with daylight, with the Midnight Sun and Summer Solstice making this one of the brightest times of year. June also marks the start of Alaska’s summer travel season, when cruise ships, hotels, tours, and other seasonal businesses are open for the season. There is plenty to see and do, from hiking and wildlife viewing to exploring Alaska’s coastal communities and national parks.
Is June a good month to visit Alaska?
June is a wonderful time to visit Alaska. The days are long, the summer season is getting underway, and most hotels, tours, and other seasonal businesses are open. While weather can vary from year to year, June often brings plenty of sunshine and generally comfortable temperatures. As one of the more popular months to visit Alaska, prices for hotels, rental cars, and airfare tend to be higher, but June is typically less busy than July.
Weather in Alaska in June
June is typically a beautiful month in Alaska. The days are long, with plenty of daylight to make the most of your time here. In northern Alaska, the sun stays above the horizon for much of the day, and in Utqiagvik, it doesn't set at all. Just remember to pack an eye mask if you're sensitive to light while sleeping!
June generally has fewer rainy days than later in the summer, although weather can vary quite a bit depending on where you are in the state. Temperatures can also be surprisingly warm, especially in Interior Alaska.
Does it rain in Alaska in June? Yes, but it varies quite a bit depending on where you are in the state. June is generally one of the drier summer months in much of Alaska, particularly in Southcentral and Interior Alaska. So while you can certainly have rainy days in June, especially in Southeast Alaska, the weather is often quite favorable for exploring other parts of the state.
Average temperatures and daylight for different cities in Alaska in June:
Juneau - Around 45–65°F, with approximately 18 hours of daylight
Anchorage - Around 45–65°F, with approximately 19 hours of daylight
Fairbanks - Around 50–75°F, with approximately 21 hours of daylight
Utqiagvik - Around 25–40°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 June, that can mean anything from sunny, warm days to cooler temperatures and even snow.
Read more about what to pack for your trip to Alaska.
Benefits of Visiting Alaska in June
June is a great time to visit Alaska. The days are long, the summer season is underway, and most hotels, tours, and seasonal businesses are open. With plenty of daylight, you’ll have lots of time to explore and make the most of your trip.
In June, Denali National Park is open for the summer season, with access to the Visitor Center, hiking trails, and bus tours. Many of the smaller towns, such as Talkeetna, Valdez, and Seward, which are quieter during the rest of the year, are also fully open and ready for the summer season.
June is also a great month for wildlife viewing. Many animals have their young with them, and you may see everything from moose calves and bear cubs to young birds. Hiking trails are generally open, although some higher-elevation trails can still have snow or muddy conditions early in the month.
Things to Know Before Visiting Alaska in June
While June is a great time to visit Alaska, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning your trip. June is part of Alaska’s short summer travel season, so popular destinations can be busy, especially as the month goes on. Prices for hotels, rental cars, and some activities are also higher during the summer than at other times of year.
Because the summer season is relatively short, we recommend planning your trip well in advance. This gives you a better selection of accommodations, rental cars, and activities, especially if you want to include specific places or experiences.
If you’re looking for a quieter and generally more affordable time to visit, late May can be a great alternative to June.
Read more about visiting Alaska in May.
Things to Do in Alaska in June
There are so many things to do in Alaska in June! With long daylight hours and most summer activities operating for the season, it’s a great time to get out and explore. Here are a few of our favorite ways to experience Alaska in June.
Visit Denali National Park
June is a great time to visit Denali National Park. The park’s summer season is underway, with visitor services, hiking trails, and bus trips operating from late May into September. Most of the park road is accessible by bus, making a park bus trip one of the best ways to explore deeper into Denali and look for wildlife.
Read more about planning your trip to Denali, Alaska.
Take a Denali Flightseeing Tour from Talkeetna
Talkeetna is one of our favorite places to take a flightseeing tour around Denali. On a clear day, you can fly into the Alaska Range for views of glaciers, mountain peaks, and Denali from above. June offers long daylight hours for sightseeing, though flightseeing always depends on weather conditions.
Read more about Denali flightseeing tours.
Take a Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise
A wildlife and glacier cruise from Seward is a great way to experience the Kenai Peninsula in June. Cruises travel into Kenai Fjords National Park, where you may see glaciers, whales, sea lions, puffins, and other marine wildlife. The long days of June give you plenty of daylight to enjoy your time on the water.
Read more about visiting Seward, Alaska.
Go on an ATV Tour
An ATV tour is a fun way to get off the main roads and explore Alaska’s backcountry. Guided tours are available in several parts of the state and range from easier rides through forests and valleys to more adventurous terrain. June is a great time to get outside and enjoy the longer days and generally drier conditions.
Go Kayaking
June is a great time to get out on the water by kayak. You can choose from a variety of guided kayaking experiences, from calm coastal paddles to trips among glaciers and icebergs. It’s a great way to experience Alaska’s scenery from a different perspective, and the long June days give you plenty of time to enjoy being outside.
Read more about activities we can organize for your trip to Alaska.
Wildlife in Alaska in June
June is a great month for wildlife viewing in Alaska. Most migratory species have arrived, and spring has brought plenty of new life to the state. If you enjoy seeing young animals, June can be especially rewarding, with moose calves, seal pups, and bear cubs making their appearances.
Here are some of the wildlife you may see in Alaska in June:
Marine Wildlife: Humpback whales, gray whales, orcas, walrus, harbor seals with pups, and beluga whales
Land Animals: Brown bears with cubs, Dall sheep, moose with calves, mountain goats with kids, black bears with cubs, and caribou
Bird Life: Puffins, seabirds, migratory songbirds, sandpipers, Arctic terns, ducks, and ducklings
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but June offers many opportunities to see animals throughout Alaska, whether you're hiking, exploring the coast, or taking a wildlife cruise.
Planning Your Trip to Alaska in June
June is a great time to visit Alaska if you want to experience the state during the beginning of the summer season. With long days, most seasonal businesses open, and a wide range of activities available, it’s a popular month for exploring Alaska. It’s also a good choice for travelers who want plenty of daylight for hiking, sightseeing, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor activities.
If you'd like help planning your trip to Alaska in June, 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.
