Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Gates of the Arctic National Park, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Gates of the Arctic National Park
  2. Important essentials for Gates of the Arctic National Park
  3. Activities for Gates of the Arctic National Park
  4. Gates of the Arctic National Park in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Gates of the Arctic National Park in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Gates of the Arctic National Park in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Gates of the Arctic National Park in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Gates of the Arctic National Park in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Gates of the Arctic National Park in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Gates of the Arctic National Park in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Gates of the Arctic National Park in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Gates of the Arctic National Park in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Gates of the Arctic National Park in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Gates of the Arctic National Park in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Gates of the Arctic National Park in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska, United States of America, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Gates of the Arctic National Park, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska, United States of America by month

January

January in Gates of the Arctic National Park is beyond freezing and snowy. The snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the single digits below 0 F (20+ 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 repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gates of the Arctic National Park. 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 things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the right type. Many adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

February

If you are traveling to Gates of the Arctic National Park in February, you will notice that it is beyond freezing and snowy. Expect it to snow (several inches of snow). Daytime temperatures are in the single digits below 0 F (20+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gates of the Arctic National Park. 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the correct kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs 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.

March

March in Gates of the Arctic National Park is biting cold and snowy. Temperatures average in the single digits F (10+ below zero C) during the day. It snows (several inches of snow).

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 stuff.

  • 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 Gates of the Arctic National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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 good option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

April

If you go to Gates of the Arctic National Park in April, you will notice that it can be bitter cold and snowy. Expect it to snow (several inches of snow). Daytime temperatures 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 bags nowadays, 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 Gates of the Arctic National Park. 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 belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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. Ensure that you find the right kind. Many adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your electronics to change 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

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

May

May in Gates of the Arctic National Park is cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gates of the Arctic National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties 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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

June

Traveling to Gates of the Arctic National Park in June, you will notice that it is chilly. Expect it to snow (). Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s 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 Gates of the Arctic National Park. 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 things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the correct kind. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

July

If you vacation in Gates of the Arctic National Park during July, you may see that it is crisp. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s 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

  • 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gates of the Arctic National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the right type. Most adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

August

August in Gates of the Arctic National Park can be brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 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 airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gates of the Arctic National Park. 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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the necessary type. Many adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

September

September in Gates of the Arctic National Park is pretty cool and snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C), with several days below 0 F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gates of the Arctic National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the correct kind. Many adapters available online are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

If you are traveling to Gates of the Arctic National Park in October, you will notice that it is beyond freezing and snowy. Expect it to snow (heavy snowfall). Daytime temperatures are in the 10s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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 Gates of the Arctic National Park. 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

November in Gates of the Arctic National Park is unbearably cold and snowy. Temperatures average in the single digits F (10+ below zero C) during the day. It snows (several inches of snow).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • 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 Gates of the Arctic National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the correct type. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

December in Gates of the Arctic National Park is unbearably cold and snowy. The snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 10+ below zero F (20+ below zero C) to single digits below 0 F (20+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gates of the Arctic National Park. 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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. Take care to choose the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

What to do in Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska, United States of America

Gates of the Arctic National Park, located in the northern region of Alaska, is a stunning landscape of rugged wilderness, towering peaks, and rolling tundra. Its remote location and limited access to the park make it a hidden gem that is truly worth exploring for those seeking a unique and unforgettable experience. There are plenty of things to see and do in Gates of the Arctic. Here are some of the top tourist attractions that you shouldn't miss:

1. Brooks Range Mountains: The Brooks Range Mountains, which extend over 700 miles from eastern Alaska to the Arctic Ocean, offer some of the best hiking and mountaineering opportunities in Gates of the Arctic. The mountains are home to several glaciers like the Arrigetch Peaks and the Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska named after the park. Here, visitors can witness the picturesque beauty of jagged peaks, deep valleys, and cascading waterfalls.

2. The Northern Lights: The Northern Lights or Aurora borealis, is an awe-inspiring phenomenon that occurs above the Arctic Circle. Gates of the Arctic National Park is one of the best places to witness this stunning celestial display, especially during the winter months. Visitors can take part in guided tours or explore on their own, trying to capture this magical dance of lights on camera.

3. The Noatak River: The Noatak River is the longest undammed and unbridged river in North America. One of the best ways to explore the river is by taking a guided rafting trip to see the native wildlife and experience the stunning wilderness scenery.

4. The Anaktuvuk Pass: Anaktuvuk Pass is an indigenous community that is located in a remote region of the park. Visitors can learn about the culture and heritage of the Native Alaskans and their traditional way of life.

5. The Arctic Circle: The Arctic Circle marks the southern extent of the polar daylight, where the sun does not completely set during the summer months. Visitors can experience the lack of darkness by taking part in the Midnight Sun Festival, held once per year.

These are just a few of the top tourist attractions in the Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska. The park offers a wide range of activities, from hiking and camping to fishing and hunting. Regardless of your interests, Gates of the Arctic National Park has something to offer. Remember, traveling to this isolated and wild region requires proper preparation, so be sure to plan ahead and consult with the rangers to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. So, pack your bags and plan a visit to one of the most untrammeled, wild places on Earth.

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.

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