Alaska (Seward)
USA · North America
The best time to visit Alaska (Seward) is May, June, July, August, and September. In summer, daytime highs average 17°C (63°F), with peaks around 24°C (75°F); in winter, nights average -5°C (23°F), dropping to around -16°C (3°F) on the coldest. During the best travel months, the sun shines up to 10 hours per day — ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Alaska (Seward) – What you should know
Seward lies at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula and, unlike Juneau and Ketchikan, can be reached by road: it is about 200 kilometres (124 mi) from Anchorage. Gulf of Alaska cruises to and from Vancouver start or end here. The climate is cool and clearly sunnier than on the Inside Passage: in May the sun shines 9.6 hours a day on average, in June 9.5 hours, in July 8 hours.
Rainfall is also low in early summer: with 52 mm (2.0 in) in June and 76 mm (3.0 in) in May across seven to eight days, these are the driest months. That changes from August (148 mm (5.8 in) across 13 days) and in September with 229 mm (9.0 in). Daytime highs are 11°C (52°F) in May, 15°C (59°F) in June and 16°C (61°F) in July and August, with rare peaks around 24°C (75°F). The sea stays cold at 7 to 14°C (45 to 57°F), which you notice on boat tours without warm clothing.
The main destination is Kenai Fjords National Park: boat tours lead to glaciers and coastal cliffs where humpback whales, sea lions, sea otters and puffins can be watched in summer. Exit Glacier can be reached on foot from the car park. The Alaska Railroad connects Seward with Anchorage. Despite its rainfall September is interesting for salmon and autumn colours, but in October daytime highs fall to 8°C (46°F) and boats run only on a limited basis.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 0° (32°)-12– (10–)6 (43) | 1° (34°)-9– (16–)6 (43) | 3° (37°)-6– (21–)8 (46) | 7° (45°)2– (36–)14 (57) | 12° (54°)6– (43–)19 (66) | 15° (59°)10– (50–)23 (73) | 17° (63°)11– (52–)24 (75) | 17° (63°)12– (54–)23 (73) | 13° (55°)8– (46–)19 (66) | 8° (46°)1– (34–)13 (55) | 2° (36°)-7– (19–)8 (46) | 1° (34°)-9– (16–)7 (45) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | -5° (23°)-16– (3–)1 (34) | -4° (25°)-13– (9–)1 (34) | -3° (27°)-13– (9–)1 (34) | 1° (34°)-6– (21–)4 (39) | 5° (41°)-1– (30–)8 (46) | 8° (46°)3– (37–)11 (52) | 11° (52°)6– (43–)14 (57) | 11° (52°)5– (41–)13 (55) | 7° (45°)1– (34–)10 (50) | 3° (37°)-4– (25–)8 (46) | -3° (27°)-11– (12–)3 (37) | -4° (25°)-14– (7–)2 (36) |
☀️Sunshine | 1h UV 1 | 4h UV 2 | 7h UV 4 | 9h UV 6 | 10h UV 7 | 10h UV 7 | 9h UV 6 | 7h UV 5 | 5h UV 4 | 4h UV 2 | 2h UV 1 | 1h UV 0 |
🌊Water Temp | 6° (43°) | 5° (41°) | 5° (41°) | 5° (41°) | 7° (45°) | 11° (52°) | 13° (55°) | 14° (57°) | 13° (55°) | 10° (50°) | 8° (46°) | 7° (45°) |
🌧Rain Days | 10d141mm (5.5") | 8d106mm (4.2") | 7d79mm (3.1") | 9d82mm (3.2") | 8d76mm (3.0") | 7d52mm (2.1") | 8d89mm (3.5") | 13d148mm (5.8") | 14d229mm (9.0") | 13d224mm (8.8") | 10d152mm (6.0") | 10d161mm (6.3") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
The travel year in Alaska (Seward)
November – March
Resurrection Bay in winter: short days, snow on the slopes, a steel-grey sea. The boats stay in harbour, the town belongs to the locals, and Exit Glacier can only be reached on foot, on skis or on snowshoes. Those who want quiet will find it here.
April – June
A bright early summer: Seward is among the sunniest spots on the Alaska coast, days are long and the mountain backdrop is clear. The first boats head into Kenai Fjords, and humpback whales and puffins appear. Little rain and lower prices make these weeks the best time to come.
July – August
High summer on the bay: day boats to the glaciers are full, sea otters and sea lions lie on the rocks, and silver salmon run along the shore. The air is mild, though the rain picks up towards August. Anyone heading out on the water should pack warm clothing.
September – October
Autumn brings rain, mist and glowing leaf colours inland. The salmon runs come late, and the occasional glacier cruise still sails at the end of the season. The mood turns darker and calmer, and the first snowflakes fall on the mountains.
Events & Festivals
January
- Polar Bear Jump· third weekend of January
Participants jump into the icy Resurrection Bay for charity, accompanied by a weekend of parade and contests.
July
- Mount Marathon Race· 4 July
A mountain race since 1915: about 5 km (3 mi) and roughly 920 m (3,018 ft) of climbing straight up Mount Marathon and back down into town.
August
- Seward Silver Salmon Derby· mid-August (about nine days)
A fishing tournament since 1956: the goal is the heaviest silver salmon from Resurrection Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Alaska (Seward)?
- The best time to visit Alaska (Seward) is May, June, July, August, and September. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Alaska (Seward)?
- In summer, daytime highs in Alaska (Seward) average 17°C (63°F), with peaks around 24°C (75°F); in winter, nights average -5°C (23°F), dropping to around -16°C (3°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Alaska (Seward) get?
- Alaska (Seward) has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 10 rain days per month. The driest months are March, May, and June.
- How warm is the water in Alaska (Seward)?
- Water temperature in Alaska (Seward) ranges from 5°C (41°F) (March) to 14°C (57°F) (August). That makes the sea cool for swimming all year round.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
🏙️
City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
JunJulAug
