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WhenToVisitParks

Best Time to Visit Alaska National Parks

Alaska has 15 National Park Service units that report visitation. Below, each is ranked by annual visits, with the month our data recommends for the best balance of light crowds, comfortable weather and daylight. Crowds peak in summer almost everywhere — the recommended months show where the quieter shoulder seasons fall.

ParkAnnual visitsBest timeBusiestQuietest
Klondike Gold RushNational Historical Park906,485AprilAugJan
Glacier BayNational Park & Preserve740,044AprilJulFeb
DenaliNational Park & Preserve543,300MayJulJan
Kenai FjordsNational Park425,369MayJulNov
SitkaNational Historical Park332,964AprilJulDec
Wrangell - St EliasNational Park & Preserve108,840MayJulJan
KatmaiNational Park & Preserve33,763MayJulJan
Lake ClarkNational Park & Preserve22,755MayAugJan
Gates Of The ArcticNational Park & Preserve10,047MayJulOct
Kobuk ValleyNational Park7,786MayOctFeb
NoatakNational Preserve4,621AprilNovMar
Cape KrusensternNational Monument3,357JulyNovMar
Bering Land BridgeNational Preserve2,674AugustJulSep
Yukon - Charley RiversNational Preserve1,272MayAugNov
AniakchakNational Monument & Preserve1,193JuneSepFeb