Alaska's parks

Denali climate and sunshine

Long days, bright nights illuminate the park

Alaska.com

	Temperatures and rain at Denali Day length chart

The summer sunrise and sunset times shown below are for Fairbanks, which sits on a latitude about 70 miles north of the park's latitude. Denali's days will be a few minutes shorter. (Times are in Alaska Daylight Time.)

Denali's average temperatures (shown below) reach into the 60s in the summer, but visitors should expect much warmer and much cooler afternoons as well. In the upper elevations, such as at Eielson Visitor Center, be prepared for cool rain or even snow by mid-August.

Temperature ranges for park neighbors Cantwell and Healy are also provided.

What to wear
For most visitors, a sweatshirt and rain-resistant jacket will be enough protection against the morning and evening chill. Unless you're hiking very much, regular cross-trainers or running shoes -- whatever you're comfortable in -- will probably be sufficient.

Keep in mind that the second half of Denali's season tends to be rainy. Better shoes or boots, a cap and light gloves are good additions to the Denali wardrobe.

Shuttle bus passengers who ride deep into the park will cross a variety of temperature zones, from the warm, often calm area at the park entrance to the winds of Polychrome Pass to the occasional snowstorms at Eielson Visitor Center.

Dress in removable layers -- for example, a shirt, a sweatshirt or sweater, and a jacket -- and you'll be ready for most conditions.

More on this topic

Hotels, campgrounds, lodges welcome visitors
Alaska Railroad to Denali
Rafting the Nenana reveals Denali's wet side
Green buses shuttle visitors into Denali
Bus service to Denali
Reserve campsite, bus ticket early for Denali trip
Flightseeing at Denali
Denali Institute ecosystem courses
Tundra wildlife and natural history tours
Denali campground guide
Driving to Denali
Limited offer: Drive Denali for free
Hiking and backcountry camping at Denali
Driving Denali in autumn