Visiting Alaska in August
August is a popular time to visit Alaska. The first half of the month is still filled with summer activities, while the second half marks the gradual winding down of the season. During August, rain becomes more frequent, and temperatures are slightly cooler. By the end of the month, you can sense the transition from summer to autumn. This is also when you might start to see autumn colors emerging in the interior regions, particularly around Denali National Park.
In August, wildlife in Alaska is particularly active as animals work to consume enough calories to sustain them through the long winter months. This includes brown and black bears, which are often spotted along riverbanks, fishing for salmon.
Brown bears fishing along the Kenai River
Is August a good month to visit Alaska?
August is an excellent month to visit Alaska! The summer season is still in full swing, offering a variety of activities such as fishing and bear viewing. There is an abundance of daylight, and the average temperature stays relatively warm.
Weather in Alaska in August
August is one of the rainiest months during the summer in Alaska. The weather can be quite unpredictable; at times, there are long stretches of sunshine, while other times may bring days of rain. Typically, there is no snow in Alaska during 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 meteorologists. The weather in Alaska can be highly unpredictable. Although we provide the average weather in August, we always advise preparing for anything from snowstorms to sunny days. Read more about what to pack for your trip to Alaska.
Does it rain in Alaska in August?
August is the rainiest month of summer in Alaska. In Anchorage, there is an average of 10 rainy days during this month. Southeast Alaska, particularly in towns like Ketchikan and Juneau, generally experiences even more rainfall throughout the year. Specifically, Juneau averages about 17 rainy days in August.
Benefits of Visiting Alaska in August
August remains an active month in Alaska, offering a variety of attractions and activities. While the weather is generally cooler and rainier compared to June and July, there is still an abundance of daylight. Throughout the month, all hotels and activities continue to operate at full capacity; however, you may notice some businesses beginning to wind down by the end of August. All National Parks are open, and the small towns you visit—such as Valdez, Seward, Homer, and Girdwood—are lively and vibrant.
In August, Alaska's wildlife is highly active, with black bears, brown bears, whales, caribou, and more frequently observed. These animals are busy searching for food to prepare for the winter, making them easier to spot. August is an excellent time for bear watching at a safe distance, especially as they feed on salmon along the rivers. If you're interested in fishing, August is also a fantastic month for that in Alaska!
Fireweed is in full bloom in August in Alaska
Drawbacks of Visiting Alaska in August
While visiting Alaska in August offers many benefits, there are also some drawbacks. August is a busy month in Alaska and is still considered part of the high tourist season. The main tourist season in Alaska is quite short—only three months—compared to many other destinations. As a result, many people try to visit at the same time, leading to larger crowds. Additionally, prices in August, similar to June and July, tend to be higher than at other times of the year. This includes costs for airfare, hotels, and rental cars. The limited summer season can also make it challenging to find available rental cars and hotel rooms.
August tends to be slightly rainier and cooler compared to the other summer months.
We strongly recommend that if you're planning to visit Alaska in August, you make your arrangements as soon as possible. Doing so will give you access to better prices and a wider selection of hotel rooms, rental cars, and activities. If you need assistance in 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 experience numerous activities in Alaska during August! Here are our top 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 particularly active in August as animals work to consume calories in preparation for the long winter ahead. This month is excellent for watching both brown and black bears as they frequent riverbanks to fish for salmon. We have spent entire days observing these magnificent bears catching fish! Here are some examples of wildlife you can see in Alaska during 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
