If you’ve been looking forward to your Alaskan summer vacation for a while now, you’ve probably given at least a little thought to the weather. This is especially important if you’re planning on a fishing trip with Phantom Tri-River Charters. So, what is summer actually like in Alaska? Thanks to climate change, the summers have been more severe than normal, and it looks like 2020 will be no exception.

Average Alaska summer weather

Typically, Alaska has extremely pleasant summer weather, with daytime highs in the 60- to 80-degree Fahrenheit range, and nighttime lows dropping into the 40s and 50s—but temperatures and conditions vary depending on which region you’re visiting. (For example, the tundra doesn’t thaw until late June.) May and September can be five to 10 degrees colder than the dead of summer, so pack accordingly.

Extreme summer weather in 2019-2020

However, the weather isn’t always so temperate. 2019 was one of the most extreme summers on record, with July earning the record for the hottest month of all time—this peaked on July 4, with a high of 90 degrees. The first half of August was also the hottest on record for that specific time period. If you’re from a hot summer state, this might not seem extreme at all—but it is concerning to scientists and Alaska residents alike.

The extreme weather also includes wildfire smoke (June and July 2019 had a total of 17 smoky days) as well as thunderstorms (four days), which are quite unusual. Despite the thunderstorms, summer 2019 was one of the driest on record—with less than an inch of rain falling between June and August, the state had just 20 percent of its average rainfall. Scientists predict that unless serious global changes are made, this weather will continue—in 50 years, Alaska’s climate could look more like Idaho’s.

This means that if you’re traveling to Alaska in summer 2020, you would be wise to plan for the extreme weather conditions as well as the temperate and potentially rainy weather that an average year contains.

So, what should you pack? We suggest plenty of layers, including multiple pairs of socks and some light rain gear. You’ll also want a hat, polarized sunglasses, sunblock and insect repellent. With a little extra preparation, you’ll be ready for whatever the weather has in store—and if you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

Enjoy summer in Alaska with a salmon fishing trip

Phantom Tri-River Charters wants to help you enjoy the fishing trip of a lifetime. The untapped wilderness of Alaska is the perfect setting—we’ll provide the fishing gear and the guides, and Mother Nature will supply a variety of salmon to catch. We have an excellent catch rate and will do everything in our power to make sure you enjoy a peaceful, bountiful trip on the open water. Contact us today to get started scheduling your fishing expedition. We look forward to seeing you this summer in Alaska!