(content by Patricia L)
There is nowhere else on earth where you can witness such majestic wilderness and beautiful landscapes as when you visit Alaska. This northernmost U.S. state is teeming with wildlife and grandeur. Truly a natural paradise, you can see everything from snow-covered mountains and glaciers to rugged seascapes and vast fields of wildflower-covered tundras.
Many people see Alaska as only a frozen wasteland that never gets any sunlight. That may be true during the harsh winter months, but the other seasons give travelers a range of natural delights.
Although Alaska is remote, it is still fairly accessible to travelers. There is much less tourism during the winter months, although it is recommended for hearty tourists. In the summer season, you can enjoy anything from camping and hiking to whale watching and fishing. You can find a variety of accommodations to suit your needs including the Baycrest Lodge that will wrap you in luxury in the beauty of the wilderness.
The different seasons of Alaska are bold and varied. Before you start planning your trip you should know what to expect at different times of the year.
Spring
The initial meltdown begins in March. The days are still primarily dark, but the few added hours of sunlight allows for the top layers of ice and snow to start melting. This process can take a few months and can cause flooding in coastal or basin areas.
The spring is an unpredictable time when it comes to weather. In a single day, the temperatures can range over 50 degrees. You may have a high of around 40 degrees during the day, but it’s not unusual for that to drop to under -20 degrees by the evening.
This is a good time to travel to Alaska if you are interested in seeing the “Aurora Borealis”, or Northern Lights. During the full summer season, the sky is never dark enough to produce this stunning phenomenon.
Summer
Alaska is teeming with life during the short summer season. From May to September this majestic state is covered in countless colorful wildflowers that are every photographer’s dream.
Many travelers come to enjoy the natural wonders of the state including hiking, mountain climbing, fishing, and camping. Alaska truly is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true. There is a lot of wildlife activity during the summer that can be stunning to witness as long as you keep your distance.
The days are long with more than 20 hours of sunlight each day and no real night. Around 3 a.m. the sky does darken to a dusk-like color but there is no real “night.” The temperatures generally range from 40 – 80 degrees. The air is very dry so it’s important to stay hydrated.
Fall
The Alaskan skyline explodes with the colors of fall for a brief time in October every year. The brilliant colors of the trees can only be surpassed by the magical displays of the Northern Lights in the evenings.
The weather is as unpredictable as the spring and can easily turn without warning. You may experience temperatures from -20 up to 40 degrees in one single day.
Winter
The winter season can be very long and harsh. There is very little tourism in Alaska at this time of year. However, there are still some travelers that visit to see the incredible vastness of the winter landscape and to enjoy traditional winter sports like skiing and snowmobiling.
The landscape is dark for most of the day with slight dawn at the start of the day. Storms are common and snow accumulation can be staggering.
Conclusion
If you are an adventurous traveler and enjoy taking in all the majesty and beauty that this world had to offer, Alaska should be on your destination Bucket List.
