11 Fun Things to Do in Alaska in August (by an Expert)

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August in Alaska is late summer’s best-kept secret. It’s the month I always return to, and for a reason: August delivers everything I crave.

The trails are quieter, the weather cooler (usually), and the light is absolutely dreamy. I’ve found it’s one of the best times for wildlife watching, and the pesky mosquitoes are mostly gone!

Sure, there’s the risk of rain. But in return, you get fewer crowds, golden sunsets that stretch for hours, and crisp air that makes every hike feel cinematic.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through what to expect from the weather, how to plan your days (rain or shine), and how to make the most of your own August adventure in Alaska.

Scenic landscape in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in August featuring a vibrant patchwork of green shrubs, yellow grasses, and a small turquoise pond in the foreground. Jagged, snow-dusted peaks rise in the distance under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. — Mid-August in Wrangell-St.Elias National Park near Fan Glacier in Southcentral, Alaska.

What Can You See in August in Alaska?

I LOVE the outdoors, so I get super excited when I can share all of the incredible scenery you can enjoy in August in Alaska! I will try to contain myself so you don’t start wishing I would get on with it already.

The truth is, that August is one of the best months to visit Alaska.

First, the forests and the tundra are magical this time of year. In August you will find berries of all kinds (cloudberries, salmonberries), depending on where you are traveling in the state.

In the interior, blueberries are abundant as well as crowberries. And nope, sorry, I definitely can’t divulge my secret picking spots for berries.

A close up of bright blue wild blueberries on a bush with green leaves in Fairbanks, Alaska. — Low-bush blueberries in Alaska in August.

This is me, Heather, picking blueberries in "our backyard" in Fairbanks, Alaska on a sunny August day. I am kneeling near a low bush blueberry patch, wearing a purple t-shirt, jeans. and an orange cap. Black spruce trees rise up in the distant background. — Low-bush blueberries in Alaska in August.

Mushrooms have emerged in full force and make the boreal forest floor look fairytale-esque. Take time to look around and you will be amazed by how many you see under the canopy of trees and low-lying bushes.

The state is also teeming with wildlife! I have seen black bears, grizzly bears, lynx, moose, bald eagles, marmots, spruce hens, caribou, and more in August! It’s the perfect time for a whale watching tour to see humpback whales in Juneau.

The Arctic Char, Trout, and Dolly Varden are plentiful in the beautiful clear streams and rivers so it’s a wonderful time of year for fly fishing and catching big fish.

Weather and Hours of Daylight in August

A vibrant rainbow arcs over a mountainous landscape near Fairbanks, Alaska, with evergreen trees in the foreground. The sky is a mix of grey clouds and patches of blue, adding depth to the scene.

Me smiling while walking on my wet driveway during a rainy day in Fairbanks, Alaska. I am dressed in a large raincoat with a hood and sturdy rubber boots. The background is a forested area with tall trees, adding to the damp and misty atmosphere.

Fairbanks, Alaska is the land of rainbows, sunshine, and showers in August.

In Alaska, August is a time of change. The weather can be a delightful mix of warm sunny days with temperatures lingering in the 60s (about 15-20°C), ideal for long hikes and outdoor activities.

But, it’s also a month known for its sudden rain showers, especially in coastal areas like Prince William Sound, so packing a waterproof jacket is an absolute must.

This combination of sun and rain enhances the natural beauty, making the landscapes lush and rainbows abundant!

Daylight also starts to dwindle in August, a stark contrast to the almost endless daylight of June and July.

In Fairbanks, you’ll notice the nights drawing in, giving way to darker skies and the first hints of the aurora borealis towards the end of the month. It’s a magical transition and a reminder of the coming fall.

Also, fall colors have begun by the end of August and the tundra glows in the sunlight!

My two kids stand on the edge of the Root Glacier in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska, surrounded by streaked ice and rocky debris. Towering behind them is a dramatic, jagged mountain partially wrapped in clouds under a blue sky, highlighting the vastness and remote beauty of the glacial landscape. — My kids and I enjoy hiking on the Root Glacier in August.

Average Temps in Alaska in August

Fairbanks Daylight

In August the daylight decreases from about 17 to 14.5 hours, marking a very noticeable shift towards autumn’s arrival, perfect for catching the early Northern Lights season.

We have seen the aurora borealis from our cabin in McCarthy around the 17th or 18th of August. You’ll have to catch them around 2am or 3am but when they appear it’s exciting!

Anchorage Daylight

In Anchorage, daylight hours shorten from 16 to about 14 hours, with extended twilight adding a magical glow to the evenings.

Juneau Daylight

Juneau experiences a reduction in daylight from just over 16 hours to around 14 hours, enhancing the late-summer evenings with beautiful sunsets.

11 Best Things to Do in August in Alaska

My husband, Matt, and I taking a break during a hike in Alaska, sitting on rocky terrain. He is wearing a cap and sunglasses, carries a baby in an orange wrap, while I am in a brown shirt and hiking boots, sitting close by. The backdrop features a vast, open landscape with hills and a clear blue sky. — Hiking Angel Rocks in Fairbanks, AK at the end of August

1. Hiking

August is a great time for hiking and hitting up the national parks. You won’t get sweltering sunshine, and the temperatures stay comfortable for hiking.

Whether you’re heading out for a day hike around Fairbanks, taking on a multi-day trek in Denali, or going big with a backcountry trip in Wrangell-St. Elias, the cooler weather makes everything more enjoyable.

That said, our most recent backcountry trip in Wrangell-St. Elias surprised us with exceptional sunshine and warmth. We only had one overcast afternoon, and the hiking was absolutely glorious. The rain fly on our tent was never even unpacked!

Even better is that the bugs are on their way out, so you can actually enjoy the trail without getting eaten alive.

2. Flightseeing

A towering icefall cascades down the face of a rugged mountain, with deep blue crevasses and jagged ice formations creating a dramatic contrast against the dark rock and snow. Wispy clouds float above the glacier, enhancing the striking, frozen landscape beneath a bright blue sky. — A view of part of the Stairway Icefall near McCarthy, Alaska, during a flightseeing tour with Wrangell Mountain Air.

Flightseeing tours are a must in Alaska if they fit your budget. You won’t get views like this in the lower 48 and flightseeing truly gives you an understanding of the sheer vastness of the area you are in.

This will be one of your favorite memories from your trip to the Last Frontier! This is one of my top recommendations for a splurge in Alaska.

You can fly around Denali with K2 Aviation in Talkeetna or the glaciers and mountains of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park with Wrangell Mountain Air. The fjords of the southeast are another excellent place to go flightseeing!

3. Take a Train Ride

A blue and yellow Alaska Railroad train is parked at a station, with a backdrop of lush green hills and a cloudy sky. The train cars are lined up, showcasing their sleek and reflective exteriors, ready for their next journey through the scenic Alaskan landscape.

August is the perfect time for a scenic railway adventure! If you’re lucky, you will get to sit in a Dome car and enjoy panoramic views of the landscape.

The upper level of these cars and their seats are left unassigned and are open to everyone, so seek them out!

The Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star Route from Anchorage to Fairbanks provides unbeatable backcountry views of Denali and the Alaska Range, while the Coastal Classic from Anchorage to Seward takes you along dramatic shorelines and through mountain passes.

4. Camping

The remote Fan Glacier valley with multicolored mineral-rich soil and a rust-hued stream winds through the foreground beneath lush green mountains with snow-dusted peaks. A small teal tent is visible in the distance, adding scale to the vast, rugged Alaskan landscape near the Fan Glacier. — *That’s our food tent in the distance! We camped a few hundred feet away from it due to bear activity.*

I am not sure if there is a better time of year to go camping than August! Yes, you might get unlucky with rain, BUT you also might have gorgeous sunny and warm, weather!

My most recent camping was done in the backcountry at the Fan Glacier last August with my family. We spent four glorious days there. We even welcomed one overcast afternoon so we could take a break from the brightness!

Your camping options are endless in Alaska. Pick a place and you’re guaranteed to find a campground nearby. Or, be adventurous and hit up the backcountry! I highly recommend it.

5. Visiting Botanical Gardens

A vibrant assortment of wildflowers in full bloom at the Botanical Garden in Fairbanks, Alaska. The field is a colorful mix of pink, purple, orange, yellow, and white flowers, set against a backdrop of lush green foliage

The botanical gardens in Alaska are in full bloom in August. The Georgeson Botanical Garden in Fairbanks (a favorite of mine especially when my daughter was a toddler!) and the Alaska Botanical Garden in Anchorage are spectacular visits.

You can walk among vibrant native flowers and plants that have adapted to the northern climate and learn about the unique ecosystems of the region. You’ll love taking photographs of the plants and I bet you’ll be impressed by the large size of all the flowers!

6. Take a Ferry Ride

My young son walks on the deck of the Aurora ferry on the way to Valdez from Whittier. It is a bright sunny summer day and the sun casts brightly on all surfaces of the large ferry. Mountains are silouetted in the background. — My son on the ferry from Whittier to Valdez the summer of 2022.

The Alaska Ferry system is a very special way to travel around the waterways of the state and experience a unique view you cannot access otherwise.

One of the most scenic and popular ferry routes I enjoy is from Whittier to Valdez. This trip has epic views of glaciers, the coastline, islands, and wildlife such as sea otters, whales, and eagles. It’s also a great way to travel to Valdez!

Another popular route is the ferry from Juneau to Sitka. This route takes you through the Inside Passage, so you get a panoramic view of Southeast Alaska’s spectacular rainforests, mountains, and fjords.

7. Bear Watching in Katmai National Park

Head to Katmai National Park for an exceptional bear-watching experience. August is a prime time to observe brown bears in their natural habitat, especially at Brooks Falls where they famously fish for salmon.

This park offers one of the best settings worldwide for close-up views of bears in the wild!

8. Discovery Riverboat

The riverboat is packed with passengers cruises along a calm, reflective river near Fairbanks, Alaska, with green fields, cabins, and forested hills visible along the shoreline. The clear sky and serene water add to the peaceful summer sightseeing atmosphere.

You’ll absolutely love this activity! I always took all my visitors on the Riverboat Discovery and never tired of it. So definitely make time to head to Fairbanks for a gentle cruise along the Chena River on a nice day.

This waterway tour offers a blend of natural beauty, exciting demonstrations (I want you to be surprised so I am holding back on the details), local history, and cultural demonstrations, including visits to a recreated Athabascan village where you can learn about native Alaskan traditions.

9. Bird Watching in the Pribilof Islands

The Pribilof Islands are a haven for bird enthusiasts. These islands are located in the Bering Sea and attract hundreds of thousands of seabirds in August, including rare species like the red-legged kittiwake and the least auklet.

This remote destination is a unique birding experience set against super scenic cliffs and expansive ocean views!

10. Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge

Sandhill cranes and Canadian geese forage in the grassy fields of Creamer's Field in Fairbanks, Alaska. The foreground features two sandhill cranes walking closely together, while more birds can be seen scattered in the background, all against a backdrop of green and golden fields. — Late August migration of sandhill cranes at Creamer’s.

My toddler daughter in a light blue dress walks through a field of purple lupines in Alaska. The lush greenery and colorful flowers create a vibrant scene. — Late August migration of sandhill cranes at Creamer’s.

Don’t miss visiting this gem in Fairbanks! It’s a serene refuge to visit in late August, where you can witness a spectacular display of sandhill cranes!

They are noisy and so fun to watch, we went every August and September! Bring a good camera. Even if it’s rainy (my last visit was), you can still enjoy the cranes.

Creamer’s Field also has a variety of trails through wetlands and forests, perfect for bird watching and nature walks. The visitor center also provides guided tours and educational programs, making it a peaceful escape into wildlife.

11. Kayaking in Kenai Peninsula

Exploring the serene waters around the Kenai Peninsula by kayak is a perfect August activity! You get to paddle amidst the tranquil bays and coves.

You’ll likely experience close encounters with marine wildlife like sea otters, seals, and maybe even whales. The scenic backdrop of mountains and glaciers makes this a peaceful yet thrilling way to experience Alaska’s coastal beauty.

A crystal-clear alpine pond reflects surrounding spruce trees and a partly cloudy sky, with rocky mountain peaks rising in the background near McCarthy, Alaska in late August. Smooth stones are visible beneath the water’s surface, adding depth to this tranquil wilderness scene. — Near McCarthy, Alaska at the end of August.

Must-See Festivals and Events in August

August is a festive month across Alaska, no doubt. It’s an exciting time to visit and you’ll have to plan out your days wisely but don’t pack so much in you can’t enjoy your surroundings and relax!

Valdez Gold Rush Days

This is a vibrant five-day tradition that takes place annually to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and history of Valdez, Alaska, during the gold rush era. The 2024 festival is scheduled from Wednesday, July 31, to Sunday, August 4. There are super fun activities such as parades, live music, historical tours, and gold panning contests.

Alaska Greek Festival

This takes place in Anchorage and is an annual celebration of Greek culture, with traditional foods, music, and dance. You can savor dishes like souvlaki and baklava, enjoy lively Greek tunes, and watch vibrant folk dances! It is a family-friendly event that brings a taste of Greece to Alaska in mid-August.

Alaska State Fair

Held in Palmer, this is one of Alaska’s biggest events, typically starting in mid-August and running into early September. It features concerts, exhibits, and all the giant jaw-dropping vegetables that Alaska summers can grow.

Salmonfest

This is a three-day music festival held in Ninilchik in early August, celebrating salmon and sustainable fishing practices. It’s a blend of environmentalism and entertainment, with local foods, crafts, and top-notch musicians.

Tanana Valley State Fair

Held in Fairbanks from the end of July through the start of August, this wonderful fair showcases local agriculture, crafts, and traditions with rides, games, and lots of food. We went every year when we lived in Fairbanks. Be sure to try the delicious fry bread!

Tanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival

This is a great late August festival to attend – I enjoyed it several years in a row and always got amazing shots of the sandhill cranes during this last weekend in August. The festival began in 1997. It is hosted annually at Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge and features activities focused on birdwatching.

Blueberry Festival

Head to Girdwood and make your way to Alyeska Resort for this festival in early August that celebrates the peak of blueberry season. It includes picking contests, live music, and delicious treats made from local berries!

Well, that about wraps it up! Have I convinced you that the month of August is both festive AND gorgeous in Alaska? Please get in touch with any questions and enjoy your visit!

11 Fun Things to Do in Alaska in August (by an Expert)

What Can You See in August in Alaska?