​Packing for Alaska in the Fall: What to Bring and Wear

If you're planning a trip to Alaska in the fall, you need to pack appropriately for the changing weather. Alaska in the fall is like winter in other states and the daily weather can vary widely. 

We visited Alaska in September and October and here are our tips for packing for Alaska in the fall.

For our trip, we traveled with a mid size check in luggage each and one backpack each. 

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Itineraries

You can read what our trip was like in the posts below.

Things to do in Fairbanks in the fall
3 days in Seward
3 days in Homer

We needed to pack for three weeks in Alaska and some outdoor activities (hiking, walking, boating, rafting, northern lights, sightseeing). 

Weather

We had fairly decent weather during our trip and got a mix of sun, rain and clouds.

Seward mid September: All sunny days. Average 50s° F (10° C) in daytime and 40s° F (4° C) at nighttime.
Homer mid September: Crazy rain one day. The next day, dry and cloudy. Average mid 40s° F (7° C) daytime. Highs 30s° F and 40s° F at night (3-4° C).
Anchorage end of September: Constant moderate rain for three days. Average mid 40s° (7° C) day time. Average 35° F (1-2° C) nighttime.
Fairbanks beginning of October: Dry but cold for three days, average 40s° F (4° C) day time. Then one day then went up to the 60s° F (15° C) and was super sunny. Night time had freezing and a little below freezing temperatures. 

Clothes

Layers are your best friend for fall in Alaska. One day, it can be sunny and the next, it can be pouring rain.

Essential: A waterproof outer layer, whether it's a waterproof rain jacket shell or insulated waterproof jacket.

Your outer layer should be apt for all weather: rain, wind, snow and sun. Definitely get something waterproof and windproof.

Jackets: I brought my North Face down jacket, Burton Prowess Insulated jacket and my North Face Thermoball vest.

Jason brought his Arc'teryx Kyanite, REI Flash Insulated Hybrid Hoodie and North Face Venture Rain Jacket.

For base layers, I brought a couple of light merino wool tshirts.

Merino Wool Socks: I bought three pairs of knee length wool socks.
Warm gloves: Preferably one with the touchscreen tips, so you can still use your phone.
Ear warmers and warm beanie
Scarf/neck Gaiter: I brought a thick scarf and Jason had a fleece neck gaiter.
Warm leggings/long underwear: I brought a pair of UNIQLO HEATTECH ultra warm leggings and wore it underneath my pants.
Pants: Jason brought his Columbia and Kuhl hiking pants. I brought a pair of jeans, Arctery'x hiking pants and insulated thermal leggings.
Waterproof shoes: I brought my pair of tall Merrell boots and Hoka running shoes. Jason brought his REI Flash Hiking boots and Hoka running shoes. 
Pajamas: Long fleece sweatpants and smartwool tshirt.

Accessories

Sunglasses. Do NOT forget! When the sun shines, it shines strong!
Hand and feet warmers. Bring plenty of Little Hotties, especially if you plan to chase the Northern Lights.
Waterproof backpack or dry bag: For those rainy days to protect your electronics and belongings.

Health

Liquid I.V. Lifesavers, especially on the travel and flying days. Get the ones with immune support.
Organic supergreens: Also for those travel days when you may not always be able to have balanced meals.
Elderberry immune gummies: Avoid getting sick and boost your immune system.
Dramamine: We went on a Kenai Fjords national park cruise and a lot of people got really sea sick.

Extras

Ear plugs. Our favorite are the Loopz.
Binoculars. See the glaciers, otters, bears and bald eagles up close!

We hope our tips for packing for Alaska in the fall was helpful!