Posted in Alaska
May 06, 2019
The Top 6 Reasons Why Springtime Is Actually The Best Time To Visit Alaska
Many people like to visit Alaska during the summer, thinking that the summer months will herald the best weather and sight seeing opportunities. But every Alaskan knows that Alaska springtime is the best time to visit! There are so many perfect reasons why visiting during this shoulder season is a must-do for every traveler.
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As the temperatures increase and winter melts away, the lovely temperatures beg you to play outside! It's lovely to watch the trees bud and the ice melt. Outdoor activities are begun in earnest, as everyone breaks out their favorite kayaks and hiking boots! Many even begin to start camping, even in the early spring.
The Spring Equinox that happens on March 20th heralds in twelve hours of daylight. After a long winter of darkness and cold temperatures, the late night sunshine buoys up more than one Alaskan. Alaska gains daylight of at least 5 minutes a day (and up to 9 minutes a day in Barrow), extending our outdoor play much later into the evening.
Springtime is the absolute best time for animal watching. Many of the animals that hibernated during the cold, dark winter months are now coming out for the fresh spring sprouts and warmer temperatures. You will also see many baby animals, as spring brings eggs hatching, moose calving, and your cute little bear cubs that come out of their caves in search of the first berries of the season.
The most massive migration on Earth happens right here in Alaska! The gray whales, which overwinter in Baja, Mexico, perform their annual migration in early spring. You can head out to Resurrection Bay in Seward, Alaska to witness these majestic creatures. Expect to see plenty of whales, including mothers and their calves. One very impressive sight that only happens during the springtime!
As the state gears up for summer tourists, many of the restaurants, tours, and attractions are already opening up in early spring. As many tourists don't really start visiting until the warmer months, these places offer heavily discounted rates to those that do venture out! On top of that, many also offer discounts for resident Alaskans. Definitely something to look up before you book a tour!
Because springtime can still dip into below freezing temperatures, not many travelers brave what they think is cold weather. But we know that the spring snow flurries don't last, and the snow rarely stays on the ground long. The gorgeous long spring daylight melts it up quickly, and we get to see the tulips and daffodils poking out through the snow! If you're willing to brave slightly chillier temperatures, you'll be rewarded with less crowds and your first pick of attractions to see!
What’s your favorite part of spring in Alaska? Did we cover it in the article? Let us know in the comments below!
Looking for something to do during this gorgeous spring weather? Take This Gorgeous Spring Hike In Alaska That Leads To A Downed Bomber Plane.
