Alaska Weather in July: Everything Travelers Need to Know (Activities, Packing & Tips)

If you have ever wondered what the best time is to visit Alaska to experience its full beauty, then it is undoubtedly the summer. And in the summer, July is the most popular month for travelers. Why?

July brings long days and mild weather. You have endless chances for adventure in many different forms. Whether you want to hike through untouched forests, watch whales breach in icy bays, or just breathe the cleanest air you have ever felt. July makes it all possible.

Imagine you are standing under a sky that never truly goes dark, even if tiny stars cover it. And then watching snow on the glaciers shining in the evening light. You may also witness bald eagles circle overhead.

But with all that beauty comes a few things to know. What should you pack? How is the Alaska weather in July? How warm does it really get? Does it rain a lot? And what are the best things to do in Alaska in July?

This guide will answer all these questions with my personal experience of visiting Alaska in July.

Why Visit Alaska in July?

If you want to see Alaska at its best, July is the time to go. The weather is mild and the days are long. This is a great opportunity to explore the 49^th state. You have almost all day to enjoy the place fully.

This is the heart of summer. You get to see snow, greenery, and flowers at the same time. Flowers of different colors bloom across the valleys. Mountains show off their green slopes. Glaciers sparkle under the bright sky. You can hike, fish, or take a boat out without freezing winds getting in the way.

One thing that surprises many visitors is the Midnight Sun. In many parts of Alaska, it barely gets dark at night. You can explore and even hike late into the evening and still have light all around you. It feels magical and unreal.

Alaska’s July weather also makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors. It is warm enough for T-shirts during the day. But still cool and fresh compared to other places. You get the best of both worlds.

Alaska Weather in July – What to Expect

Alaska weather in July is surprisingly comfortable for a state known for ice and snow. This is the warmest month of the year, but “warm” in Alaska has its own meaning. The temperatures vary a lot from one city to another, so where you go will shape your whole experience.

Let us break it down.

Southeast: Places like Juneau stay cool and cloudy. You will get around 17 hours of daylight. Daytime highs reach about 65°F, while the lows can drop to around 50°F. Expect some rain here. It rains a lot here, around 14 days on average. So, a rain jacket is a must.

Anchorage: The city has about 18 hours of daylight in July. Temperatures range from 55°F to 65°F. It only rains for about a week, so it is one of the more balanced places to be.

Fairbanks: The sun barely sets here in the northern parts. With about 20 hours of daylight, you can explore nearly all day. Temperatures here go from 50°F at night to as high as 75°F during the day. You will see some rain, around 9 days, but nothing too heavy.

 Utqiagvik: (Formerly Barrow) is up in the Arctic. It receives 24 hours of daylight in July, but the temperature remains cold. Daytime temperatures may only reach 45°F. Nights can drop to 30°F. Rain is rare, just 4 days or so, but the air stays chilly.

Here is a quick look at the July temps in Alaska and other details by city:

City	Daylight Hours	Temperature Range (°F)	Rainy Days (Avg.)
Juneau	17 hours	50 – 65	14
Anchorage	18 hours	55 – 65	7
Fairbanks	20 hours	50 – 75	9
Utqiagvik	24 hours	30 – 45	4

Things to Do in Alaska in July

If you are planning a trip and wondering what to do in Alaska in July, you will not run out of things to do in Alaska in July. This is the time when the state opens up with full energy. The days are long. The skies are clear. And nature is at its best.

Here are some top activities to enjoy:

• Whale Watching
  July is great for spotting humpback whales and orcas. You can join a boat tour from places like Seward or Juneau.
• Glacier Cruises
  Take a cruise near Kenai Fjords or Prince William Sound. You can see giant ice walls, floating chunks of ice, and maybe seals resting on them. Explore the best Alaska Cruises here.
• Visit National Parks
  Parks like Denali and Kenai Fjords are fully open in July. You can hike, spot wildlife, or take a bus deep into Denali for stunning views.
• Hiking Trails
  Trails are clear of snow, and wildflowers bloom along the paths. Try Flattop Mountain near Anchorage or the Exit Glacier trails.
• Fishing
  Salmon season is in full swing. Local guides offer fishing trips for all levels.
• Kayaking and Rafting
  Calm lakes or fast rivers, you can enjoy both as July offers a range of options. Paddle near glaciers or float through quiet forests.
• Cultural Events and Festivals
  Local towns host a variety of summer events, including music festivals and Native American celebrations. These are fun and a great way to learn about Alaskan life.

Wildlife to Watch in July

July is one of the best months to see Alaska’s wildlife closely. The long daylight hours and warmer weather bring animals out in the open. It makes it easier for travelers to spot them.

Here are some of the animals you might see:

Bears: This is prime time for bear watching. Brown bears and black bears gather near rivers to catch salmon. Some of the best places to see them include Brooks Falls in Katmai and the Chilkoot River near Haines.

Moose: You can spot these giant animals in forests and near lakes, and July is the best time to see them. Early mornings and evenings are your best chance. Look around Denali and the outskirts of Anchorage.

Whales: You can witness giant ocean mammals like Humpbacks and orcas at the southern coast. Join a whale watching tour in places like Juneau, Seward, or Valdez.

Salmon Runs: Salmon swim upstream in huge numbers during July. This also draws bears and eagles. You can watch the action in streams and rivers across the state.

Tip: Always maintain a safe distance and avoid getting too close. Use binoculars or a zoom lens. Respect the animals and their space.

Travel Tips for July in Alaska and What to Pack

July is the busiest travel month in Alaska and for good reason. Alaska weather in July is mild, wildlife is active, and the days on and on. However, with all those benefits come one significant challenge: crowds.

If you plan to visit in July, book early. Hotels, tours, and park shuttles can fill up months in advance. Last-minute plans might leave you stuck or paying more than you should. The earlier you finalize things, the better your trip will flow.

Also, keep your plans flexible. Alaska July weather likes to surprise people. A boat tour could get canceled or a trail might close. Always have a backup activity in mind.

Another smart tip? Start your day early. You’ll beat the crowds and possibly spot more wildlife.

Another good option can be to travel in June. You get almost similar kinds of weather and crowds, too (but less than July). It offers many of the same benefits, and I have already shared a complete guide to help you plan that too. Check out Alaska weather in June and what to pack for months like June and July.

Make July the Month You’ll Never Forget

July brings out the very best of Alaska. Expect daylight that stretches up to 24 hours in the far north, and temps ranging from 45°F to 75°F. It also depends on where you go. From the glaciers in Seward to the wildlife in Denali, this is the month when everything feels alive.

The weather remains mostly mild, but some regions, especially those near coastal towns, can experience heavy rainfall. Still, with the right gear and early planning, you can hike, cruise, fish, and explore without missing a thing. You will see whales, bears, wildflowers, and endless skies.

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