Bethel, Alaska, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Bethel, Alaska, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Bethel, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Bethel, Alaska, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Bethel, Alaska, United States of America, the best time to go is June. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Bethel, Alaska, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Bethel, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Bethel, Alaska, United States of America by month

January

January in Bethel is unbearably cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits below 0 F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bethel. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the correct kind. Many adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

February

February in Bethel is biting cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bethel. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

March

If you are traveling to Bethel in March, you will notice that it is freezing. Expect it to rain or snow about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bethel. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

April

April in Bethel is frigid. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bethel. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the correct kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

May

If you are traveling to Bethel in May, you will notice that it is brisk. Expect it to rain or snow 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bethel. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the right kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

June

June here is crisp. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bethel. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the right type. Many adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

July

Traveling to Bethel in July, you will notice that it can be chilly. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bethel. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the necessary type. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

August

If you go to Bethel in August, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bethel. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

September

If you visit Bethel during September, you will probably find that it can be very chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bethel. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the right kind. The majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

October

In October, Bethel is very cold. Temperatures routinely are in the 30s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Bethel, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bethel. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

November

In November, Bethel is biting cold. Temperatures routinely are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C) range. At night, lows are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C). This is also a rainy time for Bethel, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bethel. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the necessary type. Most adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

In December, Bethel is unbearably cold. Temperatures routinely are in the 10s F (single digits below 0 C) range. At night, lows are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C). This is also a rainy time for Bethel, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bethel. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the correct kind. Many adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in Bethel, Alaska, United States of America

Bethel, Alaska, located on the Kuskokwim River, is a prime destination for tourists seeking adventure, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. From exploring the tundra wilderness to learning about the Yupik Eskimo culture, here are the top tourist attractions in Bethel:

1. Nunapitchuk Wooden School House: This historic schoolhouse was built in 1952 and has been carefully preserved. It offers visitors a glimpse into the Yupik Eskimo education system and offers a unique opportunity to experience a different way of life.

2. The Kuskokwim River: The Kuskokwim River, which runs through Bethel, offers visitors the chance to explore the Alaskan wilderness by boat or plane. Visitors can fish for salmon, raft down the river, hike along the banks or take a scenic flight over the river.

3. Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge: The largest wildlife refuge in the United States, the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge sprawls over 19.3 million acres of tundra, wetlands, and forests. Visitors can spy on wolves, grizzly bears, and tens of thousands of birds.

4. Bethel Regional High School: The Bethel Regional High School is the largest high school in the state of Alaska and is located in a pocket of pristine wilderness that affords visitors a unique look at student life in the Arctic Circle.

5. The Y-K Delta Regional Hospital: A medical facility that is immensely important to the region’s communities. It offers visitors insight into the deep connection and support that is needed in remote areas like Bethel.

6. Tundra Hiking: Bethel is surrounded by vast expanses of tundra, perfect for hiking and exploring. Visitors can hike out to remote lakes and rivers, where they can fish for pike or trout, or explore the area’s natural beauty.

7. The Kuskokwim 300: A prestigious dog sled race that takes place every January in Bethel, the Kuskokwim 300 is a must-see for dog sled racing enthusiasts from around the world.

8. The Yupik Eskimo Museum: Dedicated to preserving and showcasing Yupik Eskimo culture, the museum is home to a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits that will transport visitors back in time.

9. Bethel Winter Festival: This annual festival celebrates the town’s winter traditions with a parade, ice skating, and snowboarding competitions, ice fishing, and an Alaska Native dance performance.

10. The Camai Indigenous Arts Festival: An annual festival that celebrates the rich culture of Alaska's indigenous people. Visitors can experience traditional Yupik arts, music, and dance, and learn about the deep traditions and beliefs that have been passed down through generations.

These are just some of the many tourist attractions that make Bethel a unique and unforgettable destination. The town’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage fuse together to provide visitors with an immersive and unforgettable experience in the heart of Alaska.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Ouargla, Algeria, Clifton, Illinois, United States of America, Peachland, British Columbia, Canada, Orange City-Alton, Iowa, United States of America, Gambela, Ethiopia, Amravati, India, Davao Oriental, Philippines, Khangchendzonga National Park, India, Clark, New Jersey, United States of America, Tiya, Ethiopia, and Kearney, Nebraska, United States of America.