2025: A Comprehensive Guide to Alaska's Year Ahead

Embark on a captivating journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska with our exclusive 2025 calendar. Immerse yourself in the vibrant hues of the Northern Lights, marvel at the majestic mountains, and witness the beauty of untouched wilderness. Each month unveils a stunning image that captures the essence of this extraordinary state, inviting you to experience its untamed spirit.

From the icy expanse of glaciers to the serene shores of tranquil lakes, Alaska’s diverse ecosystems offer a kaleidoscope of wonders. Our calendar captures the essence of each season, showcasing the vibrant greens of summer, the fiery reds of autumn, and the ethereal beauty of winter’s snow-covered wonderland. With every turn of the page, you’ll be transported to a different natural marvel, inspiring a deep appreciation for the pristine and untamed beauty of the Last Frontier.

The 2025 Alaska calendar is more than just a timekeeper; it’s a celebration of the state’s rich history, vibrant culture, and indomitable spirit. Its spacious layout provides ample space for appointments, reminders, and notes, ensuring that you stay organized while immersing yourself in the unparalleled beauty of Alaska. Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a visitor, or simply someone who appreciates the wonders of nature, this calendar is an indispensable companion that will bring a touch of the Alaskan wilderness into your daily life.

Alaskan Holidays and Observances

New Year’s Day

January 1st is a day to celebrate the start of a new year and reflect on the past one. In Alaska, New Year’s Day is a state holiday, and many people take the day off work to spend time with family and friends. Popular activities include attending parties, watching fireworks, and going for walks in the snow.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The third Monday in January is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday that commemorates the life and legacy of the civil rights leader. In Alaska, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a day of service, and many people volunteer their time to help those in need.

Events to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Alaska:

Date	Event
January 15-16	Mlk Jr. Celebration Weekend – Anchorage
January 16	MLK Day of Service – Juneau
January 16	MLK Day of Service – Fairbanks

Winter Solstice and Aurora Viewing

The winter solstice, which occurs around December 21 or 22, marks the shortest day of the year in Alaska. During this time, the sun remains below the horizon for extended periods, resulting in long nights ideal for aurora viewing.

Aurora Viewing Conditions

The best time to view the aurora borealis in Alaska is typically between September and April, with the peak season occurring from December to March. During the winter solstice, the darkness provided by the long nights enhances the visibility of the aurora, creating optimal viewing conditions.

Aurora Forecast

To plan your aurora viewing adventure, it’s helpful to check the aurora forecast. The University of Alaska Fairbanks provides an aurora forecast service that predicts the probability of aurora visibility based on geomagnetic activity and cloud cover data. You can access the forecast here: https://www.gi.alaska.edu/AuroraForecast/

Probability	Description
1	Very low probability
2	Low probability
3	Fair probability
4	Good probability
5	High probability
9	Extreme probability

For the best chance of seeing the aurora, aim for a forecast of 3 or higher.

Summer Solstice and Midnight Sun

The summer solstice occurs annually on June 21st and marks the longest day and shortest night of the year in Alaska. During this time, the sun rises early and sets late, sometimes not dipping below the horizon for over 24 hours. The result is the famed midnight sun phenomenon, where daylight stretches through the entire night.

In Anchorage, the sun rises at 3:42 AM and sets at 11:42 PM on the summer solstice. This means that there are nearly 20 hours of daylight, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and enjoying the extended sunlight.

The midnight sun is a unique and unforgettable experience in Alaska. Visitors can enjoy late-night hikes, fishing excursions, and camping trips, all while immersing themselves in the surreal glow of the sun that never sets.

Here’s a table showcasing the length of daylight during the summer solstice in key Alaskan cities:

City	Sunrise	Sunset	Daylight Hours
Anchorage	3:42 AM	11:42 PM	19 hours 50 minutes
Fairbanks	2:00 AM	12:44 AM	20 hours 44 minutes
Juneau	3:00 AM	11:09 PM	19 hours 9 minutes

Fishing Season and Salmon Runs

Alaska boasts a rich fishing season that attracts anglers from around the globe. The state’s vast coastline and pristine waters provide a habitat for a diverse array of fish species, including salmon, halibut, cod, and crab.

Salmon Runs

Salmon are an iconic species in Alaska, and their annual runs draw thousands of fishermen each year. The state has six distinct species of salmon, each with its own unique run timing and characteristics:

Species	Run Timing
King Salmon	May-September
Sockeye Salmon	June-August
Coho Salmon	July-December
Pink Salmon	June-September
Chum Salmon	June-July
Chinook Salmon	May-July

Salmon runs vary in size and duration depending on the species and location. Some runs, like the Kenai River Sockeye run, can attract hundreds of thousands of fish. Others, like the Nushagak River King run, are known for their trophy-sized fish.

Anglers targeting salmon can choose from a variety of fishing methods, including trolling, jigging, and baitcasting. The best methods and locations will vary depending on the time of year and the target species.

Indigenous Cultural Events

Alaska is home to a diverse array of Indigenous cultures, each with its own unique traditions and celebrations. These events offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the state and provide opportunities to connect with the Indigenous communities that have called Alaska home for centuries.

Potlatches

Potlatches are traditional ceremonies held by Northwest Coast Indigenous communities to celebrate life’s milestones, such as births, marriages, and deaths. These events feature dancing, singing, and storytelling, as well as the exchange of gifts to honor the occasion and strengthen community ties.

Feast for the Dead

The Feast for the Dead is an annual ceremony held by the Yup’ik peoples of Southwest Alaska to honor their deceased loved ones. The event involves a gathering of family and community members, the preparation of traditional foods, and the sharing of stories about the departed.

Eskimo Games

Eskimo Games are traditional athletic competitions held by Indigenous communities across Alaska. These games test participants’ strength, agility, and endurance, and include events such as blanket tossing, sled pulling, and knuckle-hop races. The games serve as a way to celebrate Indigenous culture and foster intertribal relationships.

Raven’s Tail Annual Gathering

The Raven’s Tail Annual Gathering is a three-day festival held in Anchorage, Alaska, to celebrate the traditional arts and culture of Indigenous people from around the state. The event features workshops, performances, and demonstrations by Indigenous artists, as well as opportunities to purchase traditional crafts and artwork.

Denali Salmon Festival

The Denali Salmon Festival is an annual event held in Denali National Park and Preserve to celebrate the return of salmon to the park’s rivers. The festival features guided hikes to fishing areas, cooking demonstrations, and cultural performances by local Indigenous groups.

Great Kuskokwim River Salmon Run

The Great Kuskokwim River Salmon Run is one of the largest salmon spawning events in the world, attracting millions of fish to the Kuskokwim River in Southwest Alaska. The run provides sustenance for Indigenous communities and is celebrated with festivals, cultural gatherings, and traditional fishing practices.

Indigenous Music Festival

The Indigenous Music Festival is a three-day event held in Haines, Alaska, to showcase the musical traditions of Indigenous people from around the state. The festival features performances by traditional and contemporary Indigenous musicians, as well as workshops and demonstrations on Indigenous musical instruments.

Sitka WhaleFest

Sitka WhaleFest is a week-long festival held in Sitka, Alaska, to celebrate the migration of humpback whales through Southeast Alaska. The event includes whale watching tours, educational programs, cultural performances, and a variety of family-friendly activities.

Northern Lights Forecast

The Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are a natural light display that occurs in the Earth’s sky, primarily in the high-latitude regions around the Arctic and Antarctic. These lights are caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with the Earth’s magnetic field. In Alaska, the Northern Lights are visible from late August through April, with September, October, and March being the best months for viewing.

Factors Affecting Visibility

There are several factors that can affect the visibility of the Northern Lights, including:

Solar activity: The sun’s activity level is a major factor in determining the intensity and frequency of the Northern Lights. When the sun is more active, there are more charged particles emitted, which can lead to more intense and frequent auroral displays.
Cloud cover: Clouds can block the view of the Northern Lights, so it is best to observe them on clear nights.
Light pollution: Artificial light from cities and towns can make it difficult to see the Northern Lights, so it is best to travel to remote areas for optimal viewing.
Time of night: The Northern Lights are typically most visible between 10 pm and 2 am.
Location: The best places to see the Northern Lights in Alaska are in the northernmost regions, such as Fairbanks, Denali National Park, and Barrow.
Elevation: The higher the elevation, the better the chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
Magnetic activity: The Northern Lights are most visible during periods of high magnetic activity. This activity can be predicted using the Kp index, which ranges from 0 to 9, with higher numbers indicating higher levels of activity.

The Kp Index

The Kp index is a measure of geomagnetic activity on a scale of 0 to 9. The higher the Kp index, the greater the solar activity and the more likely you are to see the Northern Lights. A Kp index of 5 or higher is considered ideal for aurora viewing.

Kp Index	Description
0-2	Geomagnetic storm is quiet or weak.
3-4	Geomagnetic storm is moderate. Aurora may be visible at high latitudes.
5	Geomagnetic storm is strong. Aurora may be visible at middle latitudes.
6	Geomagnetic storm is severe. Aurora may be visible at low latitudes.
7-9	Geomagnetic storm is intense. Aurora may be visible throughout the world.

Weather and Climate Conditions

Temperature

Alaska’s climate varies greatly depending on the region and season. The state is located in the subarctic and arctic climate zones, with most areas experiencing long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Average temperatures range from -30°F (-34°C) in January to 60°F (16°C) in July, although these averages can vary significantly from year to year.

Precipitation

Precipitation in Alaska also varies depending on the region and season. The southeast and south-central regions receive the most precipitation, with annual totals exceeding 100 inches (254 centimeters) in some areas. The interior and northern regions are much drier, with annual totals averaging less than 20 inches (51 centimeters).

Snowfall

Alaska is known for its heavy snowfall, with some areas receiving more than 200 inches (508 centimeters) of snow annually. Snowfall is heaviest in the southern and eastern regions of the state, while the interior and northern regions receive less snow.

Wind

Wind speeds in Alaska can be high, especially during the winter months. The state is located in the path of the jet stream, which can bring strong winds to the southern and western regions. The northern and eastern regions are generally less windy.

Sunshine

Alaska receives a fair amount of sunshine, with the northernmost regions receiving more sunshine than the southern regions. The state sees about 1,500 hours of sunshine per year, with the sunniest months being June and July.

Climate Change Impacts

Alaska is one of the regions most affected by climate change. The state has warmed twice as fast as the rest of the United States in recent decades, and this warming trend is expected to continue in the future. Climate change is impacting Alaska’s weather and climate in a number of ways, including:

Impact	Effect
Increased temperatures	Longer and warmer summers, shorter and milder winters
Decreased snowfall	More rain and less snow, especially in the winter months
Increased glacier loss	Glaciers are melting at an accelerated pace, contributing to sea level rise
Changes in plant and animal life	Some species are moving northward as the climate warms
Increased risk of wildfires	Wildfires are becoming more frequent and more intense due to climate change

2025 State of Alaska Calendar

The 2025 State of Alaska Calendar is a beautiful and informative way to keep track of the year’s events. The calendar features stunning photography of Alaska’s natural beauty, as well as important dates and events. It is a great way to learn more about the state and its people.

The calendar is organized by month, with each month featuring a different photograph of Alaska. The photographs are all taken by talented local photographers, and they capture the beauty of the state’s diverse landscapes. From the snow-capped mountains of Denali to the lush forests of the Tongass National Forest, the calendar provides a glimpse of Alaska’s natural wonders.

In addition to the stunning photography, the calendar also includes important dates and events. These include state holidays, federal holidays, and other important dates. The calendar also provides information about Alaska’s government, history, and culture.

2025: A Comprehensive Guide to Alaska’s Year Ahead