Alaska Weather in June: What to Expect, Top Activities & Essential Packing Tips

Alaska felt like a dream after Mexico. I had spent months chasing beach sunsets and spicy street food across Mexico. You can read a full series on things to do in Mexico.

But now, I was craving for something colder. Wilder. I wanted to see mountains topped with snow even in summer. I wanted to feel the kind of silence that only nature can give.

So I flew north.

I selected June for my trip to Alaska because it is the start of the season here and the perfect time to visit the place after a long period of winter.

June in Alaska surprised me. The days are longer, and most of the day it is bright. Additionally, Alaska’s weather in June is so perfect.

However, you are going to see a bit more people on the roads because Alaska is hardly open for three to four months, and all the people plan to visit at the same time. So, expect to enjoy a large company.

If you are thinking about visiting Alaska in June, this guide will help you get everything right. The clothes. The plans. The weather. The must-dos. I will walk you through it all, just like I wish someone had done for me.

Is June a Good Time to Visit Alaska?

June is one of the best months to visit Alaska, and not just because of the weather. Everything feels more alive this time of year. Snow has melted in most places. Trails open up. Roads are clear. Waterfalls rush harder. Flowers start popping up in the valleys. And bears, moose, and eagles return to the spotlight.

The biggest surprise for many travelers is the daylight. Alaska in June gets up to 22 hours of light in some areas. That is quite rare in this area.

That means you can go for a hike after dinner and still have time for a sunset. I remember standing in downtown Anchorage at 10:30 p.m., eating reindeer sausage and watching the sky glow orange behind the mountains. The sun just refused to set that day.

Another big plus is the Alaska June weather. It is not too cold and not too hot. In southern cities like Anchorage or Juneau, you can expect temperatures between 55°F and 70°F during the day. Nights get cooler, and you may only need a light jacket to handle it.

Yes, it rains sometimes. That is just part of the deal. But June tends to be drier than July or August, especially in places like Fairbanks. And when it rains, it usually passes fast. I kept a small rain jacket in my backpack and barely needed it.

There are a few downsides to consider. Since the weather is good, a lot of people travel during June. Flights and hotels can get expensive if you do not book early. 

Mosquitoes are also active, especially near lakes and forests. They were not a big problem in the cities, but they showed up when I went hiking in Denali. A good bug spray is a good solution for it.

Alaska Temperature in June

Before we get into the details, here is something important to know. Alaska is huge. It is not just one place. It has many regions and each one feels different in June. The temperature, the daylight hours, and even the amount of rain can change a lot depending on where you are.

So let us break down the Alaska weather in June in different parts of it.

Southcentral Alaska – Anchorage and Nearby

Anchorage is one of the most visited cities in the state. The temperature and daylight in June here is usually between:

• 45°F to 65°F during the day
• 19 hours of daylight

It means you can explore almost all day and still see the sunset.

It rains a little here, but not much. On average, it rains only around 4 days in the whole month. That makes it a great base for road trips or hikes in nearby places like Girdwood or the Kenai Peninsula.

Interior Alaska – Fairbanks and the North

Now let us head farther inland. In Fairbanks, the days are even longer and the temperature is slightly higher than in Southcentral Alaska. Some locals call it the “land of no night.”

Daytime temperatures and light here go from:

• 50°F to 75°F
• Around 21 hours of daylight

So, it actually feels warmer than the coast. Rain is also moderate, with about 7 rainy days in June. That means you get dry, sunny afternoons to go hiking or river rafting.

Southeast and Coastal Alaska – Juneau, Seward

The coastal towns are cooler and wetter. Moreover, they are very green and pretty too. In Juneau, you can expect around temperature and daylight:

• 18 hours of daylight
• 45°F and 65°F

However, it does rain more. On average, it rains about 13 days in June. So it is smart to carry a rain jacket if you are visiting this part of Alaska.

Far North / Arctic Alaska – Utqiaġvik (Barrow)

This one is wild. In Utqiaġvik, you get 24 hours of daylight in June. Yes, you heard it right. The sun never sets. But it is also much colder here. Daytime temperatures are only between:

• 25°F and 40°F
• 24 hours of daylight in June

The wind can make it feel even colder. There is not much rain. Just 2 rainy days on average. But you will still need warm layers if you plan to go this far north.

Quick Temperature Guide for June

Region	Avg. High (°F)	Avg. Low (°F)	Daylight Hours	Rainy Days
Anchorage	65	45	19 hrs	4 days
Fairbanks	75	50	21 hrs	7 days
Juneau	65	45	18 hrs	13 days
Utqiaġvik	40	25	24 hrs	2 days

So what is the takeaway?

If you want warmer and sunnier June weather in Alaska, head to Fairbanks or Anchorage. Want coastal views and glaciers? Juneau and Seward are great. But pack a raincoat. If you are chasing the midnight sun, the Arctic will amaze you.

No matter where you go, Alaska in June gives you long days, cool air, and the freedom to explore without rushing.

Best Places to Visit in Alaska in June

If you are planning to explore Alaska in June, get ready for some jaw-dropping places. June is the time when most roads open and boats start running again. It is when nature is wide awake.

You get the beauty of spring and the ease of summer travel without the heavy crowds of July.

Related: Safest Places in Mexico

Here are four must-visit places that truly shine in June:

Denali National Park

No list of Alaska is complete without Denali. June is one of the best months to visit. The park roads are finally open, and the buses start running deep into the wild. The weather is clear enough that you might actually see Denali, the tallest mountain in North America.

Wildlife is active this time of year, too. You might spot

• Bears
• Caribou
• Moose
• Wolves

Long daylight hours mean you can go on ranger-led hikes, take bus tours, or just sit quietly and take it all in.

Kenai Fjords National Park

If you want to experience mountains, glaciers, and sea life at the same time, this is the place for you. In June, the glaciers are still packed with ice, and you can hear them crack and groan as they shift.

Take a boat tour out of Seward and you might see whales, sea lions, puffins, and otters playing in the cold water.

The most prominent glaciers of this national park are:

• Exit Glacier
• Aialik Glacier
• Holgate Glacier

Glacier Bay National Park

The rarest experience. Why? This national park is only accessible by air or sea, and the journey towards this place itself is an unforgettable experience. Glacier Bay is one of the most peaceful places in Alaska.

The Alaska weather in June is perfect for exploring the place. During June, the water routes open for cruises and kayaking. Massive glaciers drop ice chunks into the bay with loud roars. It is like watching nature breathe. You can even take a flightseeing tour for amazing views.

Matanuska Glacier

If you are driving through Southcentral Alaska, do not miss this one. It is one of the few glaciers in Alaska you can actually walk on without flying in or booking a long tour. June is the perfect month for glacier hiking. The ice is stable, and the views are out of this world.

Top Things to Do in Alaska in June

In June, the days are long and the skies stay bright past midnight. It opens a lot of fun activities in Alaska which are only found here. If you want to make the most of your trip, here is a guide based on what I did and what actually worked.

1. Glacier Hiking and Ice Climbing

If you have never walked on a glacier, Alaska is where you should try it. June is the perfect month because the ice is more stable and most trails are open. Here are the top glacier spots:

a) Matanuska Glacier (Southcentral Alaska)

This is the most accessible glacier by road. It lies about two hours from Anchorage. If you are looking for things to do in Anchorage AK in June or near it, this is a must go place.

I booked my glacier hike with a local guide at Glacier Tours (in Glacier View). It was worth every dollar. The hike took around 3 hours and included walking through deep blue crevices and learning about how glaciers move. Make sure to wear crampons (they will give them to you)

b) Exit Glacier (Kenai Peninsula)

If you are staying in Seward, this one is easy to reach. It is part of Kenai Fjords National Park. The hike to the glacier lookout is short. It only takes about 1 to 1.5 hours round-trip. 

It is not too steep. So, any person can easily crack this. The glacier is shrinking fas,t though, so see it while you can.

c) Root Glacier (Wrangell–St Elias National Park)

This one is for adventurers. You will need to get to McCarthy, which takes effort, but it is worth it. I stayed overnight at a local lodge, then joined a guided hike. Root Glacier is massive, and the surrounding mountains are unreal.

2. Wildlife Viewing in the Wild

June is the peak season for wildlife. I saw bears fishing, moose crossing roads, and bald eagles flying right above my kayak.

• Katmai National Park: This is where you will see brown bears in action. You need to fly in, but it is truly unforgettable.
• Denali National Park: I saw caribou, grizzlies, and even wolves during a bus tour through the park.
• Kenai River: Perfect for spotting moose in the early morning or late evening.

Bring binoculars. You will thank me later.

3. Kayaking and Boat Tours

If you like water adventures, Alaska’s fjords and bays are calling you.

• Kenai Fjords National Park (Seward)

I booked a 6-hour boat tour from Seward Harbor. We saw orcas, humpback whales, and puffins. June is ideal because the seas are calm, and most wildlife is active. You can also book kayaking trips here, especially around Aialik Bay.

4. Hiking Trails With Stunning Views

June gives you endless daylight, so you can take your time hiking.

• Flattop Mountain (Anchorage): This is one of the best things to do in Anchorage, AK, in June. It is a short but steep hike. But the view from the top is worth the hardship. It gives you a full look at the city and even Denali on clear days.
• Harding Icefield Trail (Seward): This is a tough one, but wow. It ends with views of a sea of ice. It takes about 8 hours round-trip. Start early and carry layers. The weather changes fast.

5. Try Salmon Fishing or Visit a Hatchery

Fishing in Alaska is serious business. June is when salmon start to run, especially red (sockeye) salmon.

• Kenai River or Russian River: These are the hot spots. I joined a half-day fishing tour near Cooper Landing. Even if you do not fish, watching the river fill with salmon is wild.
• Hatcheries: Visit one to see how Alaska protects its fish. Most offer short tours.

6. Fly Over Glaciers and Mountains

I was not planning to splurge on a flightseeing tour, but I am glad I did. I flew from Talkeetna over Denali and the glaciers around it. The view from the air is hard to describe. Everything looks frozen in time. June skies are mostly clear, so you have a better chance of seeing the full range.

Alaska Cruises in June

June is also when cruise season is in full swing. If you prefer a relaxed way to see Alaska, this is the best time. Cruises stop at places like Skagway, Ketchikan, and Juneau. It gives you access to scenic trails which are difficult to cover otherwise.

It also stays in small towns with old traditions. Look for cruises that include Glacier Bay or College Fjord. I took an inside passage cruise once that began in Vancouver and ended in Whittier. You wake up to giant ice walls right outside your window.

I had a memorable Alaska cruise experience. I have written about my whole experience. Check out the best Alaska Cruise for families and solo adventurers.

Things to Do in Anchorage, AK in June

Anchorage is not just a place to sleep before your next tour. Alaska weather in June is perfect for exploring the area. It has real things to offer in June:

• Tony Knowles Coastal Trail: You can walk or rent a bike and ride along the coast. Moose sometimes pop out of the trees.
• Anchorage Museum: A great place to learn the stories behind the places you are visiting.
• Alaska Native Heritage Center: Shows the living cultures of Alaska’s First Peoples.
• Day trips: Drive to Girdwood, hike to Virgin Creek Falls, or take the tram at Alyeska Resort for a mountain top view.

Can You See the Northern Lights in June?

Many people visit Alaska in June hoping to see the Northern Lights, but here is the truth: it is almost impossible.

Alaska weather in June is summer. That means the sun barely sets. In places like Fairbanks and Utqiagvik, daylight lasts 20 to 24 hours. Even when the sun dips below the horizon, the sky stays light.

To see the aurora borealis, you need a dark night sky. And in June, that is just not available.

If the Northern Lights are at the top of your wish list, plan your trip between late September and March. That is when the skies are dark enough, and the chances of seeing the lights are much higher.

Related: Top Destinations for Every Month

What to Wear and Pack for Alaska in June

Packing for Alaska in June is not as easy as it seems. Even though it is summer, the Alaska weather in June can change quickly. You might feel warm in the sun one moment and cold near a glacier the next. So, the secret is layers.

Start with a light base layer like a moisture-wicking T-shirt. Over that, wear a fleece or hoodie. Then carry a waterproof jacket. Rain can surprise you, especially in places like Juneau. A jacket with a hood is perfect.

For pants, go with quick-dry or hiking pants. Avoid jeans. They take forever to dry. You will also want good hiking shoes or boots. Waterproof ones are even better if you plan to walk trails or get close to glaciers.

Mosquitoes? Yes, they are active in summer. Always carry bug spray. A small bottle will save you a lot of trouble. In some areas, especially around rivers and forests, bugs can get annoying fast.

Here is a quick packing list to help you:

• Waterproof jacket
• Fleece or hoodie
• T-shirts and long sleeves
• Hiking pants (not jeans)
• Wool socks
• Hiking shoes or boots
• Hat and sunglasses
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Reusable water bottle
• Daypack for short hikes
• Lightweight gloves (for glacier areas)

Catch the Midnight Magic Before It’s Gone

June is not just another summer month. Alaska in June feels like a different world. Why do I say this? Because you get to see the rarest scenes at this time of the year.

The sun barely sets and Alaska weather in June is perfect to explore the area. If you are planning to go, now is the time to act. Flights and tours fill up fast, especially glacier cruises.

Aiming to stay at the best cabins near Denali or coastal lodges? They are usually booked months ahead. So whenever you are reading this, it is best to book now.

Here is what I have learned from my own trip.

• Book early
• Pack smart
• `Leave room to explore freely

Some of my best memories came from last-minute detours, like spotting a moose off a quiet trail near Fairbanks or watching the sun hover over the mountains at midnight. You do not need a perfect plan. Just a good one and the courage to go.

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