From what I have read on this forum the mosquitoes are a problem in Alaska and the northern Provinces during June and July. Rainy weather, too. Does the sun come out more often later in July and into August? Are the mosquitoes less prevalent, too?
We are planning a cross-country trip with a longer stay in Alaska, BC, and YT for next summer and fall. our sister and our son would like to join us for a week each when we get to Alaska. Would August be the better month for them to "get the most out of their trips?
Thanks for your help.
Ted
Ted & Jan
2002 Arctic Fox 21-5R
2006 Ford F-350 CC, DRW, Diesel
(Overkill we know, but ready for the new FT trailer)
Having just returned from Alaska, Jul. 29 - Aug. 9, I can vouch that we saw very few mosquitos, and that was even while hiking and zip lining in the rain forest (yes, Alaska does have rain forests - called temporate rain forests). I took bug spray with me, but never ended up having to use it. Our guides did tell us that the mosquito population in the earlier summer months was extemely bad, especially this year seeing they've had the wettest summer on record in 41 years.
As far as the rain, summer months are their rainy season, so no matter what month, you take your chances. Our weather in Fairbanks was rainy/cloudy, but we got lucky and had some sunny days in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan and even for a short time, in Denali Park, which allowed us a beautiful view of Mt. McKinley.
I have been there twice during the last week of July and first week of August and was happy with the weather/bugs both times. Of course, nothing is a guarantee. Enjoy your trip!
We have had very little problem with mosquitoes. They tend to come out of the grass as you arrive at a campsite but once you set up they are gone. We had mosquitoes at Wonder Lake in Denali but other than that no worse than we have at home. As for the weather it is just the luck of the draw. We were here in 2005 and had beautiful warm weather the whole trip. This year has been cold and rainy. I did not bring enough cold weather clothes this year. Just plan for any weather and make sure you have rain gear for you and your camera.
It must be the luck of the draw, and we lost! No mosquitoes, but rain and cold since we got here the 3rd week of June. Can't wait to get to Florida for the winter.
Fred Wishnie
2006 Carriage Cameo 35KS3, 2006 Ford F350 diesel dually, fulltimer
See our blog at http://www.mytripjournal.com/wanderingwishnies
“If all you ever do is all you’ve ever done, then all you’ll ever get is all you ever got.”
We have been in Alaska for the past two weeks. No problems with the little varmits. There were quite a few on the Denali Hwy but we have yet to use any spray.
Weather was wet the first 10 days but has been pretty good since then. Excellent views of Mt. McKinley a couple of days ago.
Regards,
Keith, heading north to Coldfoot
The excellent adventures of Keith and Debbie. Observations about life, at home and on the road in our 2008 Sportsmobile Sprinter.
(Warning: Occasional sharp turns to the right.)
Consider taking an active repellant such as a "thermocell". We use them while hunting and fishing and they really work well. I just put it in my pocket while fishing or under my stand seat when hunting and it keeps the bugs way. We are taking ours back to Alaska with us this weekend, just in case.
Our experience was:
Close to the water - Mosquitoes & black flys
Away from the water - Very little problem
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2004 Ford 350 Super Duty 2W Dirve Long Bed PU
2008 327RLT Montana Mountaineer 35 ft. 5th wheel 2005 Alaska and other Trip Logs
This summer was odd. The warm weather came late and didn't last long. Mosquitoes early in May and June, then calmed down.
Ideally, June is the warm, dry month with lots of mosquitoes. By August the bugs have calmed down a bit, but the rain is also coming.
Best time to visit, weather-wise? June. Best time for bugs? Late August, early September. But it's getting cold at night by then.
Eric
Eagle River, Alaska
U.S. Air Force (retired)
2005 Keystone Cougar 304BHS travel trailer
2008 Ram 2500 Mega Cab w/Cummins 6.7L and 6-speed automatic
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