Prince William Sound FAQs

Find out all you need to know about visiting Prince William Sound.

When is the best time to visit Prince William Sound?

The best time to visit Prince William Sound is between mid-May and mid-September with the warmest weather and longest days. Temperatures range 10-17°C and July is usually the warmest month. May to September is also the best time for watching wildlife including bears and whales. Winters (November-March) are long, dark and cold, ranging from zero down to -10°C, but not as cold as other areas in the sub-Arctic. Spring (April-May) ranges from cold to mild with mostly dry weather, while Autumn (September-October) is the wettest period with temperatures dropping from 10°C towards zero. Mid-August to mid-September is the best time to enjoy the Fall colours, while August to April is the best time to see the Northern Lights with the clearest visibility in the winter months.

What is the time difference between the UK and Prince William Sound?

Prince William Sound is in Alaska Standard time (GMT – 9) and observes Alaska Daylight Time (GMT – 8) March to November.

What places combine well with Prince William Sound?

Whittier and Prince William Sound are about an hour south of Anchorage, while Seward and the Kenai Peninsula are two hours south-west.

What are the main cultural events in Prince William Sound?

February – Valdez Ice Climbing Festival – climbing, music and dancing
May – Copper River Shorebird Festival (Cordova) – celebrating the arrival of migratory birds
May – Valdez May Day Fly-in – air show and contests
July – Copper River Salmon Jam (Cordova) – cooking, competitions and music
August – Gold Rush Days (Valdez) – five-day festival celebrating Gold Rush history