Visiting Alaska in March, Best Time for Winter Adventures
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Is it too cold? Too dark? Most people rule out Alaska in March, but they’re missing one of the most magical times of the year.
Visiting Alaska in March gives you the best of both seasons: the stillness of winter and the first quiet whispers of spring.
By mid-month, the darkest days are behind you. Each afternoon stretches a little longer, and even though the snow still blankets the ground, the sunshine starts to sneak in again.
I lived in Fairbanks for years, and that shift is palpable. You’ll still have glittering snowdrifts two feet deep, but now, stepping outside at 5 PM doesn’t mean total darkness.
And when it hits a balmy 15ºF? We genuinely celebrate, because after surviving -40ºF, anything above zero feels like a gift.
It’s like Alaska gives you a wink and says, “Spring is coming, but I’m not done showing off my winter magic just yet.”
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what to expect in Alaska in March, from daylight and weather to festivals, northern lights, and practical tips for traveling to Alaska in late winter.
Visiting Alaska in March
March is my favorite winter month in Alaska, hands down. Most visitors aim for January to catch the aurora borealis, but I’ll let you in on a secret: March is better.
Here’s why:
- The light is back: You get longer days without sacrificing those magical aurora-filled nights.
- Winter activities are still in full swing: From skiing and dog sledding to hot springs and festivals.
- It’s prime aurora season: Clear skies and lingering darkness make for epic northern lights viewing.
Temperatures start to rise just enough to make outdoor adventures more comfortable, though you’ll still want your layers, especially in the Interior.
March brings a balance between deep winter and early spring that’s hard to beat.
Whether you’re here to chase the lights, race behind a dog team, or soak in a hot spring surrounded by snow, March in Alaska feels quieter, more personal, and beautifully untamed.
It’s also when I first (somewhat clumsily) learned to skijor behind a pair of huskies. I wasn’t graceful, but my husband was patient, the open trails in Goldstream Valley were forgiving, and I laughed the whole way.
What’s the Weather Like in Alaska in March?
It’s not warm, let’s be clear. But it’s not brutal either (depending on where you go). The air doesn’t sting your skin quite like it does in January.
March sits in that sweet spot where the snow is still deep, but the sun starts stretching its arms. Here’s what to expect:
Interior Alaska (Fairbanks Area)
- Temps: 0°F to 25°F (-18°C to -4°C)
- Feels like: Cold mornings, strong midday sun, long twilight
- Good to know: Clear nights still bring excellent aurora viewing
After months of darkness, the daylight starts making a real comeback. The sunrise is before 8am and sunset is after 7pm by mid-month.
It still feels like winter, but the sun is suddenly your friend again. Just bundle up and enjoy the glow.
Coastal Alaska (Anchorage, Juneau)
- Temps: 25°F to 40°F (-4°C to 4°C)
- Feels like: Slushy, drippy, sometimes rainy
- Good to know: Waterproof boots are your best friend
Down south, March brings a grab bag of weather with snow, rain, and everything in between. The air is milder, but it’s messier too.
Be ready for slush puddles and variable road conditions, but also easier access to winter adventures without the deep freeze. Waterproof boots and rain gear are essential.
Average Temperatures in March in Alaska
Where to Go in Alaska in March: My Favorite Picks
If you’re trying to decide where to base your trip, here are four of my recommendations for places to visit in March and what kind of traveler each one is best for.
Fairbanks
If seeing the aurora is your priority, head here. You’ll also get to enjoy ice art display, dog sledding, and hot springs, all with that true Interior Alaska vibe.
Best for: Aurora chasers, cold-weather adventurers, and anyone curious about quirky, only-in-Alaska experiences.
Denali National Park
March is quiet in Denali. There are no big crowds, just snow-covered trails and maybe a moose in the distance. It’s ideal if you want nature and calm.
Best for: Solitude seekers, snowshoers, and wildlife lovers.
Anchorage
Want adventure but with restaurants, hotels, and easy logistics? Anchorage balances snowy fun with city comfort.
Best for: First-time Alaska visitors, families, and travelers who want variety.
Nome
Only visit if you’re going for the Iditarod! It’s a trek to get there, but unforgettable during race week. I would personally LOVE to head up there one year for this.
Best for: Bucket list travelers and anyone chasing the spirit of Alaska’s wildest race.
💡 Not sure where to start? Feel free to ask me questions in the comments or shoot me an email. I’m happy to help you plan your March trip!
Things to Do in Alaska in March
I’m sharing a list of my top recommendations for activities in March in Alaska.
1. Catch the Finish of the Iditarod in Nome
The Iditarod starts the first weekend of March, and the winners typically arrive in Nome mid-month. This is a huge deal in Alaska!
This is something you would plan your entire trip around; it’s not a casual undertaking getting to Nome. Book for this experience early (really early), because this tiny city fills up fast.
If you make it, you’ll catch mushers crossing under the burled arch, meet the dogs, and join the street party that takes over Nome!
2. Watch the Ice Carving Championships in Fairbanks
The World Ice Art Championships run through most of March and showcase unreal sculptures carved from massive blocks of local ice.
I used to go check out the ice sculptures every year, they are super impressive and incredibly detailed.
You can walk through the sculpture park by day or come at night when everything’s lit up.
There’s also an ice playground for kids, and it’s actually fun for adults, too. We loved going on the ice slide!
3. Ride the Denali Winter Train
This isn’t your average commuter line. The Aurora Winter Train glides between Anchorage and Fairbanks on weekends, with a long stop in Talkeetna, and it’s one of the most peaceful, beautiful ways to see interior Alaska in winter.
If you can snag a seat in the upper-level dome car, you’ll have sweeping views of snow-drenched forests, frozen rivers, and the towering Alaska Range.
On a clear day, Denali might even peek through the clouds! It’s quiet, scenic, and the kind of trip where you can sip coffee and just watch Alaska roll by like a living snow globe.
4. Soak in Chena Hot Springs
Sure, you can visit Chena Hot Springs year-round—but in March, when the snow’s still deep and the aurora borealis might be out? It’s pure magic.
Just 60 miles from Fairbanks, this rugged geothermal resort has a steamy outdoor pool surrounded by towering snowbanks, and soaking when it’s below zero feels like stepping into a secret portal.
We used to go often when we lived nearby, and I always loved the way ice crystals would form on my lashes and eyebrows while I soaked in the warmth.
Don’t forget to check out the on-site Aurora Ice Museum, built entirely from ice and kept at 25°F year-round.
Inside, you’ll find frozen chandeliers, an ice bar (yes, you can get an appletini in an ice glass), and sculpted rooms that feel like something out of a frosty fairytale.
Tip: Go after dark. There’s a real chance you’ll see the northern lights while you’re soaking—and that’s a bucket list combo if there ever was one.
5. Take a Northern Lights Tour
Fairbanks is one of the best places in the world for aurora viewing, especially in March. I lived on Murphy Dome for seven years, and that was the place to see the Northern Lights!
For less DIY stress, I recommend booking with a guide who’ll drive you out of town to clear skies and help with camera settings.
There are also yurts, domes, and lodges that focus solely on aurora-chasing experiences.
🌠 Don’t just dream about the Aurora…experience it live with an unforgettable Northern Lights tour!
6. Watch the Open North American Championship
If you’re in Fairbanks mid-March, don’t miss the Open North American Championship, one of the world’s premier sprint sled dog races.
Unlike the Iditarod’s long-distance grind, this is high-speed, competitive mushing through town trails.
Locals line the course with camp chairs and hot drinks, and you can feel the energy as teams fly past. It’s a perfect way to see sled dog culture up close, especially if you’re not heading to Nome.
7. Go to the Alaska Fur Trappers Association Fur Auction
For years, the Alaska Fur Trappers Association held its traditional fur auction during the Open North American Championship sled dog race in Fairbanks.
That setup shifted a few seasons ago: now, instead of overlapping with the sled dog event, the ATA hosts its own Raw Fur & Hide Auction in mid‑March at the Dog Mushers Hall (925 Farmers Loop Rd, Fairbanks)
I’ve witnessed it a couple of times, and it’s an incredible experience to drop in on—even if just for a little while.
I highly recommend it as a cultural experience. Subsistence trappers, many of them Indigenous, bring pelts, handmade gear, and hide-mounted crafts to the auction floor.
The vibe is respectful and deeply community-oriented, offering a rare glimpse into Alaska’s roots in the fur trade and the everyday realities of rural life.
Common furs auctioned include red and arctic fox, coyote, wolf, marten, beaver, and lynx, with the occasional mink, otter, or wolverine pelt in the mix.
8. Fur Rendezvous (Fur Rondy)
If you’re in Alaska between February 26 and March 8, 2026, don’t miss Fur Rendezvous—Anchorage’s legendary winter carnival. It’s loud, it’s quirky, it’s pure Alaska.
We’re talking snow sculpture contests, the Running of the Reindeer, sled dog races, outhouse races, and a full week of festivities across downtown.
It’s one of the best chances to soak up winter fun with locals before breakup season hits. And yes—Anchorage’s outhouse races are a whole thing.
If you’re curious about that madness, I wrote a post all about it right here.
📍Tip: Book early for late-Feb and early-March dates if you want to join the crowd or catch one of the signature events like the Torchlight Parade or snowshoe softball.
Note: This is a different event from the Oosik Classic in Talkeetna, which is a larger Nordic ski race happening around the same time and also worth checking out.
9. Ski or Snowshoe Alaska’s Winter Trails
March is hands-down one of the best times to explore Alaska by ski or snowshoe. The days are longer, the snow is still deep, and the trails are (mostly) quiet.
If you’re in Anchorage, head to Kincaid Park, where 60+ km of groomed trails wind through spruce forest and along the coast. I’ve always loved skiing here in March—soft snow, golden light, and sometimes you get the whole trail to yourself.
On the Kenai Peninsula, check out Carter Lake Trail or the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge for a quieter, backcountry feel. And over in Seward, Exit Glacier Road is closed to cars in winter but open for skiing and snowshoeing. Gliding past those icy blue cliffs is such a cool experience.
Talkeetna also deserves a shoutout—especially in March when the town hosts the Oosik Classic, a Nordic ski race that’s part competition, part costume party, and all-around winter fun. The vibe is festive and inclusive, and you don’t have to be a serious skier to enjoy it.
10. Dog Sled Tours
March is peak mushing season, and you can book a ride with an Iditarod team or local mushers who offer hands-on dog sledding experiences.
Fairbanks, Talkeetna, and Cantwell all have excellent tour options with beautiful trail systems through snowy birch and spruce forests.
My personal favorite experience is with Susitna Sled Dog Adventures in Talkeetna. They are a small, family-run operation that offers intimate, authentic dog sledding tours.
No big crowds, just genuine passion for their dogs and the land. It felt more like visiting old friends than booking a tour!
🐶 Make your Alaska trip unforgettable!
Secure your place on a top-rated dog sledding tour now.
11. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC)
Just an hour from Anchorage near Portage, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is one of the easiest ways to get up close to Alaska’s iconic animals, without needing to track them in the wild.
In March, it’s especially magical: bison, musk ox, moose, and wolves roam snowy enclosures in their full winter coats, with the Chugach Mountains rising behind them like something out of a nature documentary.
It’s quieter than in summer, and the snowy setting makes it feel even wilder. You can walk or drive the loop, and don’t be surprised if you linger longer than planned, it’s one of those stops that sneaks up on you.
12. Nenana Ice Classic Tripod Days
Every March, the town of Nenana kicks off one of Alaska’s quirkiest and most beloved traditions—the Ice Classic Tripod Days.
Locals gather to celebrate as they place a giant wooden tripod on the frozen Tanana River, marking the start of a high-stakes guessing game: when will the ice break?
But it’s more than just a lottery! It’s a full-on festival with live music, dog sled rides, a pancake breakfast, and fire truck rides for kids, and it’s super fun.
If you’re road-tripping through the Interior in March, swing through Nenana and soak up the small-town charm, community pride, and anticipation in the air. It’s old-school Alaska in the best way!
13. Join the Valdez Fat Bike Bash
Valdez takes fat biking to the next level in early March with the annual Fat Bike Bash, running from late February through the first weekend of March.
You can sign up for a 10 km or 20 km cross-country race across stunning Valdez Glacier Lake, weaving between icebergs and under snow-covered cliffs—plus, there’s an “Extreme Downhill” event on Hogsback Mountain, with snowmachine lifts to the top and big thrills coming down.
Think live music, a beer garden, cash prizes, and plenty of that adventurous local vibe. This event is a high-energy way to enjoy Alaska’s winter wonderland and the beautiful town of Valdez!
14. Visit the Museums
Not every day needs to be a snow day. March is a great time to dive into Alaska’s history and culture indoors, especially if the weather turns. Check out:
Alaska Native Heritage Center (Anchorage): Partially outdoors but open in March. It’s one of the best places to understand Alaska Native culture and community stories.
Museum of the North (Fairbanks): Located at the University of Alaska, this museum blends natural history, art, and science with some truly offbeat exhibits (like a mummified steppe bison). It’s a must if you’re already in town!
Morris Thompson Cultural Center (Fairbanks): Indigenous culture, wildlife exhibits, and free walking tours give helpful local context. Plus, it’s free and centrally located. Great for families!
Anchorage Museum: World-class exhibits on Alaska’s art, science, and history. Plus, a cozy café when you need to thaw out.
15. Winter Camping
For the adventurous, experienced, and very well-prepared, March is prime time to try winter camping under Alaska’s wide, starlit skies.
Spots near Fairbanks or Denali offer both solitude and a shot at seeing the northern lights overhead. Just be sure to dress like a marshmallow and know your cold-weather limits. It’s not for the faint of heart.
The photo above is from a 12-day backcountry trip my husband, Matt, took with two of his longtime buddies.
They skied and camped their way across part of the Alaska Range, hauling loaded pulks behind them. He came home with a frost-nipped face, wild stories, and zero regrets, but also said he didn’t fully warm up until a week later.
If that sounds like too much Type 2 fun, you’re not alone. A few local outfitters offer guided winter camping with heated tents, hot drinks, and even aurora photography tips.
What You Won’t Find in Alaska in March
A few things to know before you start mapping out every corner of the state:
- Most remote lodges and fly-in backcountry stays (the kind open in summer) are still closed for the season.
- Unpaved roads like the McCarthy Road often remain unplowed and inaccessible by vehicle.
- Coastal ferries and small cruise operators typically don’t resume full service until late spring.
That said, March is still an amazing time to visit with the right expectations.
Stick to accessible regions like Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Denali’s entrance area, and you’ll find plenty of adventure without needing a floatplane or ferry.
What I Pack for March in Alaska (And You Should Too)
Packing for Alaska in March means being ready for anything. Here’s my real list:
- Base layer: Merino wool or synthetic (NO cotton)
- Mid layer: Puffy jacket or fleece
- Outer layer: Waterproof shell (for wind and slush)
- Boots: Insulated and waterproof
- Accessories: Warm hat, neck gaiter, mittens, glove liners
- Extras: Hand warmers, sunglasses (sun on snow is blinding), camera for aurora shots
Even if the forecast looks “warmer,” don’t skip layers. I’ve experienced March mornings at -15°F and afternoons at 25°F on the same day.
🧳 Interested in learning more about what to wear in Alaska?
Click HERE for my Ultimate Packing List for Alaska!
Ready to Experience Alaska in March?
Whether you’re chasing the aurora, hitting the trails, or just soaking up the winter sun, Alaska in March offers a special mix of calm, adventure, and natural beauty.
If you’re ready to plan your trip, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask me questions!
Book your Alaska March adventure today and discover the Last Frontier’s quiet magic before the busy season kicks in!
