Are you ready to break out of your comfort zone and experience an epic winter adventure like no other? Alaska in winter isn’t just a trip, but it’s a fun and unique journey that will challenge and excite you in ways you’ve never imagined! Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a curious traveler, we’re here to show you how to conquer the Alaskan winter and create vacation memories that, unlike your cold toes, will last a lifetime.
Alaska in winter offers a unique and breathtaking travel experience that goes beyond the typical vacation destination. While the cold can be intimidating, it’s also an opportunity for extraordinary adventures and unforgettable memories due to how different this sort of trip can be. Our comprehensive guide will help you navigate planning a trip for the winter wonderland of Alaska, specifically focusing on the Anchorage and Fairbanks regions. If you have any questions please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan an awesome AK trip!
Understanding Alaska’s Winter Climate
Let’s be real, winter in Alaska is not for the faint of heart. But here’s the exciting part: with the right preparation, you’ll transform from a hesitant traveler into a winter warrior. Temperatures can range from a “mild” mid-30s to a bone-chilling 30 below zero. Sound intense? It absolutely is and that’s exactly why you should go, and really, you’ll be okay and even love it.
Temperature Variations Alaska’s winter temperatures are notoriously unpredictable. Visitors can expect a wide range of temperature. Weather systems and sky conditions dramatically influence daily temperatures. It’s not uncommon to experience significant temperature fluctuations within a 24-hour period. One day might start at 10 degrees Fahrenheit, drop to minus 10 at night, and then warm up to 38 degrees the next day.
Preparing for the Cold
First-time visitors should be aware that extreme cold requires proper preparation. The dry air can be surprisingly harsh, causing rapid moisture loss and making breathing challenging. If you’re not used to extreme cold, it can be a shock. Imagine taking a breath and feeling like your lungs are getting a arctic ice bath! And don’t get me started on my sinuses and cracked lips, but there are ways to make it through and not be ruined by the chilly temps. To combat these conditions:
- Dress in layers, using wool as a base layer
- Cover exposed skin, especially your face
- Stay hydrated with water and electrolyte drinks
- Utilize thermal gear like electric vests and hand/toe warmers
Moisturizer is your friend! I think it was April of 2004 where things were starting to thaw and life got easy, and then a cold snap hit and I went about life like it was springtime and ended up with the craziest, worst cracked lips I’ve had in my entire life. It was insane and it’s just because I didn’t drink enough water and moisturize when the temperatures fell again. Learn from my mistakes and be ready for it no matter the weather report.
Daylight Hours for Winter in Alaska
Winter in Alaska means limited daylight, which can be both challenging and magical. Here’s a fun fact that might blow your mind: during winter solstice, Anchorage gets about five hours of daylight, while Fairbanks squeaks by with just under four. Sound brutal? It kind of is, but it’s also magical. Think cozy reading time, epic Northern Lights adventures, and embracing the winter vibes. And good news for those who hate total darkness is that if you visit in February or March, you’ll get a much more balanced light-to-dark ratio. Win!
As you’re plotting out your dates for coming up to Alaska in winter, keep all of this in mind:
- During winter solstice (December 21), Anchorage experiences about five hours of daylight
- Fairbanks sees slightly less, with just under four hours of daylight
- February and March offer more balanced daylight hours
- Opportunities for nighttime Northern Lights adventures are more available with darker days
Remember, you’re just visiting, not moving to Alaska. You can probably make it through 4-7 days of shorter daylight hours. It may be really cool and unique from your perspective. I think the cold is more bearable than the darkness for a long period, but it’s quite manageable for just a week.
Winter Destination Comparison: Anchorage vs. Fairbanks
Choosing between these two is like picking your favorite child; it’s tough. Anchorage is your classic functioning city with all the conveniences you’d expect. It’s slightly warmer and has more fluctuating snow levels. Want snow adventures? Easy. Just drive to Palmer or Wasilla. Craving mountain time? Girdwood where you’ll find the Alyeska Resort for skiing is just a short drive away.
Fairbanks, on the other hand, is the winter wonderland champion. Snow comes earlier, stays longer, and it’s WAY colder. This means epic experiences like the World Ice Art Championships and incredible Northern Lights viewing. I think the Lights is what I really love about visiting Fairbanks in the winter. Fairbanks sits right under the “Aurora crown” making it a totally magical spot for seeing the Aurora Borealis.
No matter which city you choose, you’re sure to find plenty of things to do. From skiing and snowmobiling to ice fishing and dog sledding, there’s an adventure waiting for everyone (of all skill and activity levels). And let’s not forget about the cozy, indoor activities like simply warming up by the fireplace, enjoying a hot cup of cocoa, and indulging in some local cuisine. Can’t decide where to go? Let’s break it down…
Anchorage in Winter
With the cold weather comes the loss of some of our favorite Anchorage activities, but that’s okay because it’s opens a whole other gamut of fun. Here’s what you should consider though about planning a winter trip to Anchorage:
- More urban environment with city conveniences
- Slightly warmer winter temperatures
- Fluctuating snow levels **this is important to keep in mind
- Easy access to nearby snow adventures
- Proximity to Palmer, Wasilla, and Girdwood
- More flight options from various cities
- MOOSE
You’ll see that “fluctuating snow levels” is noted above. This is something to consider when you’re booking your trip to Anchorage, as sometimes the snow will blow away in the winter leaving behind an icy city without snowbanks and white landscapes… but it usually will still have easily accessible snowy areas to visit. If you’re primarily visiting for the snow, be flexible with your activities so you can get yourself to a more snowy place if needed.
Fairbanks in Winter
Even though the Anchorage area is really fun and an easy option for winter travel, I think Fairbanks is the more consistent and all-encompassing winter travel destination. You’ll love both, but Fairbanks is the purely THE winter vibe. From the ice carvings to the frozen rivers, the snowshoeing to the Aurora Borealis tours, winter in the Fairbanks area is the epicness Alaska is known for. But it’s intense. Here’s what to consider with visiting Fairbanks in winter:
- More consistent and longer-lasting snow
- Significantly colder temperatures
- Home to World Ice Art Championships (Feb/Mar)
- Prime location for Northern Lights viewing, closer to the Aurora crown
- Unique winter experiences like ice fishing and LOTS of Northern Lights tours
And a unique side quest you may even want to add to your trip if you visit Fairbanks in winter is doing the drive to Denali National Park. In the winter, it’s open with limited access and is really beautiful. It’s much closer to Fairbanks than Anchorage so you can do a day trip to Denali NP or even do a guided tour there.
Essential Packing List for Alaska Winter Travel
While you may be able to put together flights, hotel and things to do for a winter trip really quickly, the packing and making sure you have the right clothes and gear is something you have to work on in much more advance. Particularly for visitors coming from the southern USA or just warmer climates in general, you might not have appropriate winter clothing, which can be obtained on a budget. You can do a winter Alaska trip without dropping thousands on the fanciest extreme cold gear, so don’t stress it.
Here is your packing list for heading to Alaska in winter time, and remember, if you don’t have extreme cold rated items, you can just be a smart packer or find them secondhand (more on that below, including affiliate product suggestions).
Clothing Layers
Pro Packing Tip: Layer, layer, layer! Think of yourself like a warm, human onion. The more layers, the better your chances of staying toasty. You can usually remove layers throughout your day if you’re too hot, but it’s much better to head out into the cold wilds of Alaska being overdressed than being dangerously cold. Here is our list of must-have items to pack for your winter AK trip.
- Wool socks (multiple pairs) – I love these ones
- Long underwear/thermal base layers – fleece option Merino wool set
- Sweaters – yes, you can always wear sweaters
- Snow pants – fleece lined, good to wear even if you’re not actively in the snow
- Insulated winter jacket – you can dress fancy with peacoats and such, or dress for extreme cold even if it doesn’t feel fashionable; just be smart
Cold Weather Accessories
The cold weather accessories that you’ll pack for Alaska in the winter are invaluable. Do not think that you can just pack some warm clothes and call it good. Unless you’re actually accustomed to being in extreme cold, take our advice and bring all the accessories that help seal in the heat.
- Warm winter hat – just hair doesn’t cut it, one with face covering is nice
- Thermal buff or neck warmer / gaiter – we use these ones
- Winter gloves (rated for below 0 degrees Fahrenheit) – we use these with glove liners
- Insulated boots – waterproof is nice, but not required; warm is more important
- Electric heated vest – seriously amazing for late nights outside
You might be thinking “OMG, I don’t need a heated vest.” Maybe you don’t, but you won’t complain if you have it. When you’re out snowmobiling or standing in a snowy field at 2:00 am watching the Northern Lights as the wind whips around you, you’ll be so very thankful you have an electric heated vest. They’re not terribly bulky and they can make or break your Alaskan winter experience.
Secondhand Winter Gear Ideas
Really good winter gear can be expensive, so we’ve gotten good at shopping secondhand for gently used cold weather clothing items like jackets, snow pants and more. Especially if you’re trying to get kids outfitted for the extreme cold, you don’t want to drop a ton of cash on something that will fit them for just one trip and then they’ve outgrown it. So we tend to use a few different online stores when it’s time to find a new piece of outdoor gear.
Our top picks for online resale sites for outdoor gear include:
Pro Tips for Winter Travel in Alaska
So now you grasp what it’s like to visit Alaska in the winter. I hope I didn’t make it sound too daunting, because really it is fun and beautiful, and it’s not a different trip to make happen. The best tips to make a trip feel doable and fun really do come down to managing your own comfort. Feeling dangerously cold or uncomfortable can ruin an experience, let alone a whole trip, so just take our advice for both planning and the actual trip and you’ll be good to go.
- Be thoughtful in your packing, favoring function over form
- Layer clothing strategically
- Use glove liners to prevent moisture buildup in your gloves
- Choose buffs over traditional scarves for better wind protection
- Invest in or borrow high-quality, temperature-rated winter gear if you’re able to
- Drink lots of water and keep your electrolytes up
As long as you’re taking care of yourself and your travel group, everyone will enjoy Alaska in the winter.
Travel Logistics Tips
A lot of people stress out over winter travel because weather can have such an impact on the timeliness of flights and safety when you’re driving in an icy location. I understand, totally, and it’s very valid, but also with winter travel to Alaska, you’ve got to keep in mind that these conditions are the norm. Our winter and springs flights to/from/within Alaska are more on time than many trips we do in the lower 48, so that’s nice. Also, the roads in AK are well looked after in the winter months with de-icing practices and maintenance. They’re not perfect, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
When you’re looking for flights, keep in mind that Alaska Airlines has the most options to and within the state of Alaska, and since they code-share with American, you can often book connections quite easily.
- Most flights may include a stopover in Seattle or Portland
- Both Anchorage and Fairbanks have year-round flights from Seattle
- Anchorage offers direct flights from additional cities
A rental car is necessary when you come to Alaska in any season, but particularly in winter. Even if you’re staying downtown Anchorage and you’re planning to do tours that can pick you up each day, you’ll still want your own vehicle to explore a bit on your own or to drive out of town at night to look for the Northern Lights. It’s likely that the road will be quite drivable during your visit. If you’re concerned about this, talk to your car rental counter folks when you get your vehicle.
Embracing the Alaska Winter Experience
While Alaska’s winter might seem daunting, it’s entirely manageable with proper preparation. Local tourism infrastructure is well-equipped to handle winter visitors, and many restaurants and attractions remain open. The key is approaching the experience with flexibility, preparation, and an adventurous spirit. From witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights to experiencing unique winter activities, Alaska offers travelers an extraordinary winter destination. I love hearing from people who come up and are totally blown away by their trip and how much fun it was, and I’m sure that’ll be your take-away too.
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a chance to witness one of the world’s most distinctive winter landscapes, Alaska delivers an unparalleled travel experience. Remember, winter in Alaska isn’t about surviving the cold, it’s about embracing and enjoying a truly remarkable environment that few people ever get to experience. This isn’t just a trip – it’s a challenge, an adventure, and a chance to prove to yourself how incredible you can be. Alaska in winter is waiting for you to write your own epic story!
Here are your next steps:
- Embrace the potential of the cold to create unforgettable memories
- Choose your destination (Anchorage or Fairbanks)
- Book your flights and car
- Gear up with proper winter clothing
- Plan your activities, and be sure you include a Northern Lights adventure
I’m sure you still have a few questions about planning a trip to Alaska in the winter, so please let us help! Leave a comment or send us a note with any other inquiries you have, and be sure to check out our many recommendations for Alaskan winter activities so you can have all the fun you dream of. Happy traveling!
