Wrangell-St. Elias National Park throws some wild weather at you, so timing your trip really matters. One week, trails might be open and easy, but the next, they could be buried in snow. The park’s interior climate and those massive mountains make the weather unpredictable.
If you’re looking for the best weather, late June through early September is your window. July and August usually hit the warmest temps and open up most trails. During these months, you’ll often see daytime highs close to 80 degrees and very little snow down low. Still, higher up, snow can fall anytime—no joke.
Knowing what the weather usually does each season helps a lot when you’re planning your trip and packing your gear. Summer means mosquitoes, winter brings the aurora, and every season’s got its own quirks. The park’s crazy weather can totally change your plans, so you’ve really got to think ahead if you’re heading into the backcountry.
Overview of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
This park is enormous—over 13 million acres in southeastern Alaska. It’s the biggest national park in the U.S. The park’s size and elevation swings mean the weather can be totally different depending on where you are and what time of year you visit.
Location and Size
Wrangell-St. Elias sits in southeastern Alaska, right by Canada. At 13.2 million acres, it dwarfs Yellowstone, Yosemite, and even Switzerland.
You can go from sea level all the way up to Mount St. Elias, which stands at 18,008 feet. That’s the second-highest peak in the country, and it really shapes the park’s landscape.
Four big mountain ranges come together here: the Wrangell, St. Elias, Chugach, and Alaska ranges. The result? A maze of peaks and valleys.
Canada’s Kluane National Park borders Wrangell-St. Elias. Together, they make the largest international wilderness area anywhere.
Unique Weather Patterns
Weather in the park changes a lot depending on where you are. The coast gets a maritime climate with milder temps and more rain.
Move inland, and you’ll face more extreme continental weather. Winters can drop way below zero. Summers? Sometimes the 70s°F.
Elevation Effects:
- Sea level: Maritime climate, moderate temps
- Mid-elevations: Transitional weather
- High peaks: Alpine conditions all year
Winter brings heavy snow. From October through April, snow piles up and closes most roads.
Summer is when things calm down. Days stretch out, with up to 19 hours of daylight at the peak.
Ecosystems and Terrain
You’ll find all kinds of ecosystems here, and they shift as you go up in elevation. Coastal rainforests give way to boreal forests, then alpine tundra, and finally, endless ice fields.
Major Terrain Types:
- Glacial valleys and ice fields
- Dense boreal forests
- Alpine tundra
- Rugged peaks
- Rivers and wetlands
There are more than 150 glaciers inside the park. These huge ice masses mess with the weather and create their own little climates.
The terrain is wild—easy river valleys in some spots, technical mountain faces in others. Your exposure to the elements really depends on what you’re doing and where you go.
Permafrost covers a lot of the park’s interior. This frozen ground shapes what grows and how the weather acts season to season.
Seasonal Weather Breakdown
Wrangell-St. Elias has four real seasons, and the temperature swings are no joke. The interior climate means long, brutal winters and short, warm summers. The differences between seasons are huge.
Spring Weather Conditions
Spring doesn’t creep in—it bursts onto the scene. Suddenly, the days get longer, and the snow starts melting fast.
Highs in spring hit about 40-50°F, but nights can still drop into the teens or even single digits. Be ready for big swings between day and night.
Spring Weather Highlights:
- Temps warm up, but change fast
- Days get longer
- Snow sticks around in the mountains until late June
- More clear skies
Spring is great for some stuff, tough for others. Deep snow at higher elevations keeps backcountry access limited. Mountaineers, though, get better conditions by May.
Summer Temperatures and Rainfall
Summer’s when the park really opens up. Temps usually run from 50°F to 70°F, and some days hit 80°F.
June and July are the sweet spot—long days, warm weather. But up high, snow can fall any time.
Summer Rain Patterns:
- Drizzles happen all summer
- Rain picks up in August and September
- The coast gets wetter than the interior
Backcountry season is June 20 to August 20. Outside of that, snow at high elevations blocks the way. Wildflowers bloom in June and July, and so do the mosquitoes.
Autumn Climate Patterns
Autumn shows up early. By mid-August, willows and aspens start turning gold.
Fall weather can be stunning—clear and crisp, with barely any mosquitoes. It doesn’t last long, though.
The first snow usually falls in September. Temps drop fast as the days get shorter. The skies often clear up for some of the best views.
Autumn Features:
- Colors start changing mid-August
- Clear, beautiful weather
- No mosquitoes
- Season is short
- First snow in September
Photographers love fall here. You just have to time it right.
Winter Snow and Daylight Hours
Winter takes over for five months. Expect deep cold and barely any daylight.
Highs only reach 5-7°F. Nights can drop to -50°F. Sometimes, it never gets above freezing for months.
Winter Details:
- Dry snow piles up to two feet
- Clear skies in the day
- Northern lights at night
- Not much daylight
Yakutat, out by the coast, gets milder winters. Lows average 26°F, but it can get over 200 inches of snow. The ocean keeps things a bit warmer compared to the interior.
If you visit in winter, you need serious gear and know-how. The cold and darkness are no joke.
Best Times to Visit for Optimal Weather
You’ll find the best weather from late May through early September. Summer brings temps up into the 70s°F. Winter is harsh, with readings dropping to -50°F. Spring and fall are wild cards, with all kinds of conditions.
Ideal Months for Comfortable Conditions
June through August is prime time for visiting. Summer temps average about 53°F, and highs often hit 67°F.
June and July are the warmest. Sometimes, it’ll even reach 80°F. These months give you the most daylight for exploring.
Late May to early September is when the weather is most reliable. You can usually count on:
- Highs in the 60s to low 70s°F
- Lows in the 40s°F at night
- Hardly any snow at lower elevations
- Long days for hiking and camping
Backcountry season runs June 20 to August 20. Before or after that, snow higher up makes backpacking tough.
Sometimes, you’ll get a string of perfect summer days. Nights can still get chilly, especially if you’re up high.
Weather Risks and Considerations
Rain picks up a lot in August and September. The coast gets slammed, with some places seeing 24 inches of rain in October.
Snow can fall any time of year up in the mountains. Even in July, you need to be ready for snow above treeline.
Drizzles are common all summer. Bring waterproof gear, no matter what the forecast says. You’ll want rain gear—don’t skip it.
Temperature swings between seasons are huge. Winter highs barely reach 5-7°F, and lows can plunge to -50°F. It might stay below freezing for five months straight.
High winds show up with storms in spring, fall, and winter. That can make travel risky and limit what you can do outside.
Spring brings a mix of rain and snow. Melting snow turns trails muddy and wet from April through May.
Shoulder Seasons Overview
Spring (April-May) means temps slowly rise and days get longer. Highs reach 40-50°F, lows can still hit the teens.
May is best for mountaineering in the Wrangell and St. Elias ranges. Still, it’s usually too early for most backpacking. Snow hangs on in the passes until late June.
Fall arrives early, with color changing by mid-August. Willows and aspens start turning then. The season is clear, cool, and free of bugs.
September brings the first snows. Fall weather can be beautiful but doesn’t last. Clear skies and comfy temps make it a great month for photos.
Winter runs October through March. Expect long nights and deep cold. Skies are usually clear in the day, and you can catch aurora displays at night.
Impact of Weather on Outdoor Activities
Weather in Wrangell-St. Elias decides what you can do, and when. Snow blocks mountain passes until late June. Glacier crossings need snow-free conditions, which usually don’t show up until mid-July.
Hiking and Backpacking Conditions
May isn’t great for most hikes. Snow still covers the passes until late June. How fast it melts depends on spring temps and sunshine.
Warm, sunny springs melt snow faster. If it’s cool and cloudy, snow sticks around longer.
Late June through early September is your best bet for hiking. Daytime temps reach the upper 60s to low 70s. Nights near McCarthy drop to the 40s.
| Month | Day Temp (°F) | Night Temp (°F) | Hiking Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | 56 | 30 | Poor, snow in passes |
| June | 66 | 39 | Good, late month best |
| July | 70 | 43 | Excellent |
| August | 66 | 39 | Good, cooling starts |
Mid-August cools things down. Freezing nights can start by late August or early September. If you’re in the backcountry, plan to finish before mid-September to avoid weather surprises.
Glacier Viewing Opportunities
You’ll want to time glacier crossings carefully. Mid-July or later is safest, once the snow melts off. Try earlier, and you’ll probably hit impassable spots.
Glaciers make their own weather. It gets colder the closer you get to the ice, and you’ll feel that drop even in summer.
Snow starts piling up above 6,000 feet in August. By September, you might see several inches even at 5,000 feet.
Pilots skip the high-elevation strips late in the season. Weather’s just too unpredictable for safe glacier flights after mid-September.
Wildlife Watching Based on Weather
June through August is best for wildlife. Long days mean animals are out and about more. Around the solstice, you get nearly 20 hours of daylight.
Temperature swings affect how active animals are. Mild summers mean you’ll see more movement, but if it gets into the 80s, animals hide out in the shade.
Rain starts up in mid-August and September. That triggers animals to start prepping for winter.
Early fall in September is a cool time for wildlife watching. Animals get busy before winter hits, but snow at higher elevations can make some spots harder to reach.
Travel Planning Tips According to Weather
Weather in Wrangell-St. Elias changes fast and hard, so your gear and plans need to keep up. You’ll want to prep differently depending on the season.
Packing Essentials for Each Season
Summer visitors should bring layers. Temps go from 50°F to 70°F, sometimes more. You’ll want moisture-wicking base layers, something warm in the middle, and a waterproof shell.
Don’t forget:
- Hiking boots with ankle support
- Rain jacket and pants for sudden storms
- Warm hat and gloves for when you climb higher
- Sunglasses and sunscreen because glaciers reflect a ton of light
- Insect repellent—the bugs can be relentless
Winter travelers face serious cold. Heavy snow means you need real winter gear.
Bring:
- Insulated boots good to -20°F
- Down jacket and thermal underwear
- Face protection and heavy gloves
- Emergency shelter and a warm sleeping bag
- Headlamp with extra batteries
Spring and fall are unpredictable. Temps can go from 20°F to 60°F, and you’ll see both rain and snow.
Waterproof boots help with muddy trails. Pack clothes for both chilly and warm days.
Travel Logistics in Different Weather
Summer months really make travel easier. Most park roads open up from late May through early September.
You can enjoy daylight for up to 19 hours, which gives you a lot of freedom in your schedule.
Flights to nearby airports run pretty regularly. Rental cars do fine on most roads when it’s dry.
Winter access gets tricky fast. Heavy snowfall closes many roads.
You’ll probably need a snowmobile or a winter-ready vehicle. Charter flights sometimes get delayed or canceled when the weather turns rough.
If you’re driving, you’ll want chains or four-wheel drive. It’s not a time for taking chances.
Shoulder seasons like spring and fall can be unpredictable. Spring thaw leaves some roads muddy and impossible to cross.
Fall weather flips from clear to stormy before you know it. Always check road conditions before you leave.
Have a backup plan for getting around, just in case.
Safety Considerations
Cold weather exposure is a real danger all year. Hypothermia sneaks up fast, even in the summer if you’re up high.
If the weather turns, you’ll need shelter immediately. Bring something like a satellite messenger or a personal locator beacon—seriously, it could matter.
Sudden weather changes are just part of the deal. You might wake up to blue skies and end up in a storm by lunch.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast, and don’t be stubborn about turning back if things look bad.
Streams get wild during spring melt or after heavy rain. Fast water can catch hikers off guard.
Wildlife encounters pick up in certain weather. Bears get more active before storms and when berries are out.
Store your food right and make noise as you hike. Bear spray isn’t optional, and you should know how to use it.
Special Weather Phenomena in the Park
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park throws some weird weather at you. Its huge size and wild terrain mean things can change fast, especially with the daylight.
Rapidly Changing Conditions
Weather in Wrangell-St. Elias goes from calm to risky in no time. The spot where continental and maritime climates meet makes the atmosphere unstable.
Temperatures sometimes drop 30 degrees or more in a day. You could start a hike in sunshine and hit snow by afternoon.
Wind shifts fast because of the mountains and the coast. A gentle breeze can turn into high-speed winds with almost no warning, especially in spring and fall.
Rain and snow pop up any time of year. Even in July, you’ll want to be ready for snow if you’re heading higher up.
The Yakutat coastal area is the wildest for weather. Storms with strong winds roll through a lot in spring, fall, and winter.
Daylight Variations Throughout the Year
The park sits at 62 degrees north latitude, so you get some pretty wild daylight shifts as the seasons change.
In summer, you can expect nearly 19 hours of daylight. Winter, on the other hand, cuts that down to about 5 hours.
When the summer solstice hits, daylight pretty much takes over from late May through July. The sun barely dips below the horizon, and you get this long-lasting twilight that never really goes away at night.
Once November rolls in, winter darkness takes charge. From then through February, daylight barely makes an appearance, and the sun just hovers low in the sky.
Those long winter nights set the stage for aurora displays. If the skies stay clear and dark, you’ve got a great shot at seeing the northern lights.
Spring feels like a relief. Suddenly, daylight starts coming back fast, and each day stretches out by a few more minutes as winter finally lets go.