Alaska in the fall is absolutely magical, and there are many reasons to visit the great land this time of year. The midnight sun has faded and the sunny days and starry nights are almost the same length, at least for a little while. The air is crisp, the trees are dressed in their finest golden robes, and the endless miles of tundra and forest turn to a patchwork of autumn colors. If you’re still not convinced, here are all the reasons to visit Alaska in the fall for a wonderful time in the great land.

  1. The rates are cheaper

JLS Photography - Alaska | Flickr September and October, along with April and early May, is considered the “Shoulder Season” and rates for most attractions, hotels and tours are 20-30% off.

12 Picture Perfect Fall Day Trips To Take In Alaska

  1. It’s when Alaskans explore Alaska

Madeleine Deaton | Flickr After we all finish working like maniacs, Alaskans traditionally migrate in the fall from their summer situations to their winter homes. Seasonal workers explore the rest of the state they’ve been dreaming about and many travel to fish or hunt for the winter before the snow falls.

This Charming Alaska Town Is Picture Perfect For An Autumn Day Trip

  1. The foliage is gorgeous

Jim O’Neil | Flickr The leaves of the forested regions, and the tundra of the north, erupt in beautiful colors, and this year should be exceptional. You’ll Be Happy To Hear That Alaska’s Fall Foliage Is Expected To Be Bright And Bold This Year

  1. The hot springs are perfect

JLS Photography - Alaska | Flickr The cool fall air is perfect for hot springs vacations, and the dark nights filled with stars are aurora are exactly when to take advantage of this wonderful feature of north. This Beautiful Trail in Alaska Leads You Right To A Gorgeous Hot Spring

  1. It’s a beautiful time to visit the parks

petunia2323 | Flickr Head to Alaska’s many miles of beautiful state and national parkland for a fall trip. The crowds have died down, there are less mosquitos, and the views are great. The Fall Foliage At These 9 Parks In Alaska Is Stunningly Beautiful

  1. Wildlife is plentiful

JLS Photography - Alaska | Flickr As all the animals prepare for the coming winter, most animals are out and about feeding on their favorite foods before the snow falls. Fall can be a wonderful time to see Alaskan wildlife.

7 Reasons Why Fall Is The Best Time Of Year In Alaska

  1. The tundra turns red

Tim Rains | Flickr The treeless regions of the arctic have a rich system of plant life that stays close to the ground for survival through the intense winters. These large areas of tundra turn a beautiful bright red and are a most spectacular thing to see. This Natural Phenomenon In Alaska Happens Just Once A Year And It’s Spectacular

  1. There are great harvest festivals

Western Arctic National Parklands | Flickr From the state and local fairs that happen in August and September to the harvest time events, you’ll find something awesome to attend in Alaska in the fall. 14 Alaskan Harvest Festivals You’ll Want To Visit Year After Year

  1. The best time for scenic drives

JLS Photography - Alaska | Flickr As summer construction projects come to a close and RV’s start to die down on the highways, you’ll find travel on the road system within the state to be most pleasant in the fall. You’ll love the endless views, cool breezes, and sunny days of autumn in Alaska on the road.

13 Country Roads In Alaska That Are Pure Bliss In The Fall

  1. The hiking is awesome

Josh Kellogg | Flickr When the mosquitos die down due to the cooler weather and the summer traffic slows, the hiking trails are just about perfect. Alaskans love to hike any time of year, but the trails are their driest, most temperate, and hiking is the most awesome in the fall.

9 Things That Everyone In Alaska Does During The Fall Season

  1. The stars and aurora come back

Brooke Binkowski | Flickr While the midnight sun reigns through the summer months, the stars and northern lights are invisible to most Alaskans. When the darkness starts to fall, the stars and aurora dance in the night skies once again. Before the snow falls, it’s the darkest time of year and the best for stargazing. 23 Gorgeous Spots To See Fall Foliage That Will Show You Alaska Like Never Before

Have you been to Alaska in the autumn? Tell us about it in the comments below.

JLS Photography - Alaska | Flickr

September and October, along with April and early May, is considered the “Shoulder Season” and rates for most attractions, hotels and tours are 20-30% off.

12 Picture Perfect Fall Day Trips To Take In Alaska

Madeleine Deaton | Flickr

After we all finish working like maniacs, Alaskans traditionally migrate in the fall from their summer situations to their winter homes. Seasonal workers explore the rest of the state they’ve been dreaming about and many travel to fish or hunt for the winter before the snow falls.

This Charming Alaska Town Is Picture Perfect For An Autumn Day Trip

Jim O’Neil | Flickr

The leaves of the forested regions, and the tundra of the north, erupt in beautiful colors, and this year should be exceptional. You’ll Be Happy To Hear That Alaska’s Fall Foliage Is Expected To Be Bright And Bold This Year

The cool fall air is perfect for hot springs vacations, and the dark nights filled with stars are aurora are exactly when to take advantage of this wonderful feature of north. This Beautiful Trail in Alaska Leads You Right To A Gorgeous Hot Spring

petunia2323 | Flickr

Head to Alaska’s many miles of beautiful state and national parkland for a fall trip. The crowds have died down, there are less mosquitos, and the views are great. The Fall Foliage At These 9 Parks In Alaska Is Stunningly Beautiful

As all the animals prepare for the coming winter, most animals are out and about feeding on their favorite foods before the snow falls. Fall can be a wonderful time to see Alaskan wildlife.

7 Reasons Why Fall Is The Best Time Of Year In Alaska

Tim Rains | Flickr

The treeless regions of the arctic have a rich system of plant life that stays close to the ground for survival through the intense winters. These large areas of tundra turn a beautiful bright red and are a most spectacular thing to see. This Natural Phenomenon In Alaska Happens Just Once A Year And It’s Spectacular

Western Arctic National Parklands | Flickr

From the state and local fairs that happen in August and September to the harvest time events, you’ll find something awesome to attend in Alaska in the fall. 14 Alaskan Harvest Festivals You’ll Want To Visit Year After Year

As summer construction projects come to a close and RV’s start to die down on the highways, you’ll find travel on the road system within the state to be most pleasant in the fall. You’ll love the endless views, cool breezes, and sunny days of autumn in Alaska on the road.

13 Country Roads In Alaska That Are Pure Bliss In The Fall

Josh Kellogg | Flickr

When the mosquitos die down due to the cooler weather and the summer traffic slows, the hiking trails are just about perfect. Alaskans love to hike any time of year, but the trails are their driest, most temperate, and hiking is the most awesome in the fall.

9 Things That Everyone In Alaska Does During The Fall Season

Brooke Binkowski | Flickr

While the midnight sun reigns through the summer months, the stars and northern lights are invisible to most Alaskans. When the darkness starts to fall, the stars and aurora dance in the night skies once again. Before the snow falls, it’s the darkest time of year and the best for stargazing. 23 Gorgeous Spots To See Fall Foliage That Will Show You Alaska Like Never Before

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.