Can You Travel To Alaska In January?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,


Yes, there definitely will be less visitors than there would be during the tourist season

. Well – even in busy tourist season, there aren’t that many folks here in Alaska. If you want a better chance at Northern lights, fly into Fairbanks. Most of the whales are in Hawaii or Mexico . . . .

Can you vacation in Alaska in the winter?


Alaska is a paradise for all things winter recreation including downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, fat tire biking, and snowmobiling

. In many places in Alaska, winter also means great rates on everything from hotels to rental cars and tours.

Is it worth going to Alaska in the winter?

However,

visiting Alaska in winter can be one of the most rewarding trips you will ever take

. Easily comparable to Finland or Norway, Alaska offers Northern Lights tours, snowy landscapes, world-class skiing, and your favorite winter activities.

Can you see the northern lights in January in Alaska?

This makes the winter months one of the best times to see the Northern Lights in Alaska, as well as one of the best times to visit Alaska. See The Northern Lights & The Alaskan Ice Museum On The Same Trip!

Many people say the months of January through March are the best time to visit Alaska!

Can you see the Northern Lights in Anchorage in January?

Yes, you can see the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, from Anchorage – but not in the summer. The aurora actually occurs all year long, but the sky needs to be clear and dark to see it. Views are best from September to April.

Winter is the prime viewing time

.

Is Alaska open for travel?


Any person currently positive for COVID-19 cannot travel to Alaska until they have been released from isolation, or cleared for travel, by a medical provider or public health agency

.

How cold is Alaska in January?

January is the coldest month overall for Anchorage, with the 7th to 16th being its chilliest days. They have daily highs averaging 22 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 degrees Celsius) and the

lows of 10 °F (-12 °C)

. Anchorage averages 24 days in January when the thermometer remains below freezing for the entire day.

Is a Covid test required to fly to Alaska?

Traveler Update:

The State of Alaska has no special entry or travel testing requirements

.

Can you see the northern lights in Fairbanks in January?

That is when it is dark at night, and up to 24 hours of darkness.

You can see the aurora in January, but the temperatures are brutally cold

.

Can you see the northern lights in Alaska in December?

See Alaska’s Natural Wonder

While there are no guarantees that the northern lights show will happen on any particular night, Northern Lights trips are typically best made in late fall and winter/early spring, though

they can be seen throughout the winter months on nights with clear skies

.

Is it dark in Alaska in winter?


All of Alaska does not go dark in winter

! But the further north you go, the darker it gets.

What months of the year is it dark in Alaska?

The town of Utqiaġvik, Alaska — the northernmost town in the US — experiences a polar night every year, beginning in

mid-November and ending in mid-January

. That means that once the sun sets in November, residents won’t see daylight for two months.

Can you see the northern lights in Alaska?


While the northern lights can be seen anywhere in Alaska, they’re visible most often in the Interior and Arctic regions

.

What months Can you travel to Alaska?

  • Peak season is June to August. By mid-June, it’s as warm as it’s going to get. …
  • Cruise Season is also May through September. …
  • Shoulder Season is May (early season) and September (late season), with 10-25% discounts on some hotels, tours, and cruises.

Does it snow in Alaska in January?

The average sliding 31-day snowfall during January in Anchorage is decreasing, starting the month at 8.5 inches, when it rarely exceeds 15.9 inches or falls below 2.4 inches, and ending the month at 7.0 inches, when it rarely exceeds 13.3 inches or falls below 1.8 inches.

Can you drive to Alaska from America?


You can drive to Alaska from anywhere in the United States except Hawaii

. From the majority of USA, you need to take the Alaska Highway from Dawson Creek in British Columbia except California, Oregon and Washington State where the Dease Lake Highway is a better route to Yukon.

How much does it cost to see the Northern Lights in Alaska?

Most tour companies will pick up guests from any Fairbanks hotel or accommodation as part of the package price. Evening tours run from 9 p.m. to about 4 a.m. and average

$75 to $85 per person

, while more extensive tours like the Northern Alaska fly/drive Arctic Circle viewing tour begins at $269 per person.

Which is better Anchorage or Fairbanks?


Anchorage has a big edge with over 300,000 residents and Fairbanks sits around 32,000

. Anchorage has a much larger airport with more planes flying to it daily. And overall there’s more to do in Anchorage as it’s really the only major city in the state. Should I Visit Anchorage or Fairbanks?

Can you see Mount Denali from Anchorage?


On a clear day you can see Denali, once known as Mount McKinley, from Anchorage

. North America’s tallest mountain is located in Denali National Park, a four to five hour drive from Anchorage or an eight hour train ride. But if getting a good view of the mountain is all you’re after, consider taking a flightseeing tour.

Can you see the northern lights in Denali National Park?


Denali is a great location for viewing the aurora

because we are located at a far northern latitude and because there is very limited light pollution.

Do I need a Covid test to fly to Seattle?

At this time,

Washington state does not require COVID-19 testing for any inbound or outbound domestic travel

.

Can I drive through Canada to Alaska right now?

Driving to or from Alaska through Canada


If you don’t qualify for the fully vaccinated exemption, you can’t transit through Canada to or from Alaska by land for discretionary purposes, such as a vacation or leisure

.

Are masks required in Alaska?


The state does not require the use of masks by the public

, however health and science experts recommended that you wear a mask in public wherever social distancing is challenging.

Is it dark in Alaska in January?

In fact, the northernmost city in America – Utqiaġvik, Alaska, formerly known as Barrow – has

near-constant darkness from mid- to late November until late January

because the sun never rises during that 60-plus-day period. Hours of daylight (sunrise to sunset) on the winter solstice.

What should you avoid in Alaska?
  • Farmed seafood. Flickr – Judi Knight. …
  • Or buying fish in general. …
  • Even feeding your dogs farmed fish. …
  • Eating hot dogs. …
  • Camping without a view. …
  • Snacking on chips from the lower 48. …
  • Shopping at big corporate box stores. …
  • Drinking wine that isn’t from Alaska.

What time does it get dark in Alaska in January?

Date Civil Twilight Begin Sunset January 15 8:58 AM

4:21 PM
January 16 8:56 AM 4:23 PM January 17 8:55 AM 4:26 PM January 18 8:53 AM 4:28 PM
Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.