09/04/2026
Travel Tip: Don’t Write Off Alaska’s Shoulder Seasons
While Alaska is well known as an outdoor playground during the summer months and a snow lover’s paradise during the winter season, the shoulder seasons can be well worth considering too.
Spring and fall bring their own advantages: fewer crowds, rapidly changing landscapes, and a chance to see Alaska in transition. Depending on when you visit, you might encounter lingering snow and increasing daylight in spring, or fall color, cooler temperatures, and the first dusting of snow on the mountains later in the year.
The tradeoff is that conditions can be less predictable, and some seasonal businesses or activities may have limited availability. But for travelers willing to stay flexible, the shoulder seasons can offer a quieter, very different perspective on Alaska than you’ll find during peak summer or winter.