Visiting Alaska in July
July is the peak month for tourism in Alaska! During this time, cruise ships, hotels, trains, and tours operate at full capacity, welcoming summer travelers. The days are long, wildlife is active, hiking trails are completely accessible, and the weather is typically warm. However, it’s worth noting that there are usually more rainy days in July compared to May and June.
July is the busiest month of the year for travelers in Alaska, and for good reason. We recommend planning well in advance if you want to visit Alaska in July!
July hike to Exit Glacier just outside of Seward
Is July a good month to visit Alaska?
Yes, July is a great month to visit Alaska. The season is in full swing, and you will find lots of activities to enjoy. In July, the trails are free of snow, and it is a great month for hiking. There is lots of daylight, and the weather is generally warm.
July is a great month to visit Alaska. The season is in full swing, offering a wide range of activities to enjoy. During this month, the trails are free of snow, making it ideal for hiking. You'll also benefit from extended daylight hours, and the weather is generally warm.
Weather in Alaska in July
July marks the peak of summer in Alaska. The long, warm days create ideal conditions for exploring all that Alaska has to offer. Based on our experience, July tends to be a bit rainier than both May and June.
Average temperatures and daylight for different cities in Alaska in July:
Juneau - 17 hours of daylight & 50 to 65 degrees (average 14 days of rain)
Anchorage - 18 hours of daylight & 55 to 65 degrees (average 7 days of rain)
Fairbanks - 20 hours of daylight & 50 to 75 degrees (average 9 days of rain)
Utqiagvik - 24 hours of daylight & 30 to 45 degrees (average 4 days of rain)
**Disclaimer - We are not meteorologists. The weather in Alaska can be highly unpredictable. Although we provide the average weather in July, 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 July?
July tends to be rainier than both May and June in Alaska. In Anchorage, there is an average of 7 days of rain during this month. Southeast Alaska, particularly in towns like Ketchikan and Juneau, experiences even more rainfall throughout the year. For instance, Juneau averages about 14 rainy days in July.
Benefits of Visiting Alaska in July
Visiting Alaska in July offers many of the same advantages as visiting in June. The long hours of daylight create excellent conditions for exploration. Since July marks the peak of the summer season, all hotels are open, various activities and tours are available, and there are plenty of flights to Alaska.
All of the National Parks are open, and the small towns you visit, such as Talkeetna, Seward, Homer, and Girdwood, are vibrant and lively. Wildlife is very active in July, as the young animals have become more adept and are busy foraging for food. In July, all hiking trails should be accessible and in excellent condition.
Hiking on the beach in Seward
Drawbacks of Visiting Alaska in July
While there are many benefits to visiting Alaska in July, there are also some drawbacks to consider. The main tourist season in Alaska is quite brief, lasting only three months, which is shorter than many other destinations. As a result, a large number of people tend to visit Alaska at the same time, leading to bigger crowds. Additionally, prices for airfare, hotels, and rental cars are typically higher during July and the summer months compared to other times of the year. This limited summer season can also make it challenging to find available rental cars and hotel rooms.
We strongly recommend making arrangements as soon as possible if you plan to visit Alaska in July. Doing so will provide you with better prices and a wider selection of hotel rooms, rental cars, and activities. Contact us if you would like help planning your July trip to Alaska!
There are many travelers in Alaska in July
What to Do in Alaska in July
You can experience numerous activities and sights in Alaska during July! Here are some of our top recommendations.
Take a Kenai Fjords National Park wildlife cruise in Seward.
Go brown bear viewing with a naturalist in Homer
Kayak in Valdez with a local guide
Go for a glacier trek on the Matanuska Glacier
Go flightseeing around Denali from Talkeetna
Contact us if you would like assistance in planning your dream trip to Alaska and booking fun activities!
Wildlife in Alaska in July
In July, wildlife is highly active as animals take advantage of the short summer to gather food. Throughout the state, you can observe a diverse range of animals. Here are just a few examples of the wildlife you may encounter in Alaska during July:
Marine Wildlife - humpback whales, salmon, orca whales, sea otters, and Stellar sea lions
Land Animals - brown bears, Grizzly bears, Dall sheep, moose, mountain goats, and black bears
Bird Life - puffins, bald eagles, and shorebirds begin leaving Alaska
Brown bear viewing at Brooks Falls
Visit Alaska in July
Does July sound like the right month for you? Then contact us to design your trip to Alaska!
July helicopter flight in Knik
