Glacier Bay 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 Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Glacier Bay National Park, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

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

When to go to Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, United States of America

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

What to wear/what to pack for Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, United States of America by month

January

Traveling to Glacier Bay National Park in January, you will notice that it is very cold. Expect it to rain or snow most days. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Glacier Bay 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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

February

In February, Glacier Bay National Park can be very chilly. Temperatures routinely are in the high 30s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Glacier Bay National Park, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.

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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Glacier Bay 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 prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the right kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

March

March in Glacier Bay National Park can be extremely cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Glacier Bay 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 peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • 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 find the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

If you visit Glacier Bay National Park during April, you might find that it is cold. Temperatures tend to hover around the 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 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 frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the correct kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

May

May in Glacier Bay National Park is pretty cool. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • 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 Glacier Bay 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the right type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

June

In June, Glacier Bay National Park can be chilly. Temperatures routinely are in the 50s F (low 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Glacier Bay National Park, with more than half 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 luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: 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 peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Glacier Bay 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 excessive amounts 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. It's important that you find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

July

July in Glacier Bay National Park is crisp. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find 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 protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges 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 choose the right type. The majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

August

In August, Glacier Bay National Park is relatively cool. Temperatures routinely are in the low 50s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Glacier Bay National Park, with more than half 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 repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: 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 stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Glacier Bay 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 neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the correct type. Many adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

September

September in Glacier Bay National Park is chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Glacier Bay 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 always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics 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

    An excellent option 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

October

Traveling to Glacier Bay National Park in October, you will notice that it can be brisk. Expect it to rain most days. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits 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 stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Glacier Bay 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 prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice 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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy 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 works in most locations.

November

November in Glacier Bay National Park can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Glacier Bay 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 things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the right kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply 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 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 pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

December

Traveling to Glacier Bay National Park in December, you will notice that it is very cold. Expect it to rain or snow most days. Daytime temperatures are in the high 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Glacier Bay 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 frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the right type. A lot of adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

What to do in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, United States of America

Glacier Bay National Park is a well-known destination for travelers who love scenic beauty and natural wonders. It is located in the southeastern part of Alaska, United States, and is known for its beautiful glaciers, fjords, and diverse wildlife. The vast wilderness of the park makes it a must-visit spot for tourists who love to explore natural attractions. In this article, we will explore the top tourist attractions of Glacier Bay National Park.

1. Glacier Bay

Glacier Bay is perhaps the most iconic attraction of the national park. The park has over 50 glaciers, and many of them can be seen from a boat tour. Visitors can get up close to the glaciers, watch them calving and listen to the thunderous sounds they make as the ice breaks off. Apart from the breathtaking views, the bay is also an excellent spot for kayaking and hiking.

2. John Muir Glacier

John Muir Glacier is the largest and most visible glacier in Glacier Bay National Park, named after the famous conservationist John Muir. This spectacular glacier has a length of 20 miles, and it stretches from the Canadian border to the Alaskan coast. Visitors can take a boat tour to get a close-up view of the glacier or opt for a guided hike to the nearby ridges to get panoramic views of the glacier and the surrounding mountains.

3. Whale Watching

Glacier Bay National Park is on the migratory path of several whale species, such as humpback whales, orcas, and gray whales. Visitors can take whale watching tours from the park's visitor center and get a chance to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The best time for whale watching is from June to September.

4. Bartlett Cove

Bartlett Cove is the park's main hub, located at the entrance of Glacier Bay National Park. Visitors can access Bartlett Cove by boat or plane, and it's an excellent starting point for exploring the park. The cove is also a great spot for hiking, kayaking, and fishing.

5. Hiking Trails

Glacier Bay National Park has over 700 miles of hiking trails, offering hikers the opportunity to explore the park's diverse landscapes, from glaciers, fjords, and rainforests to alpine ridges. One of the popular trails is the Bartlett River Trail, a moderate two-mile hike that takes visitors through the park's lush rainforest.

6. Margerie Glacier

Margerie Glacier is one of the most photographed glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park. This breathtaking glacier is 21-miles long, 350-feet high, and has stunning blue ice formations. Visitors can see the Margerie Glacier from a boat tour or hike to the nearby vantage points for spectacular views.

In conclusion, Glacier Bay National Park is a destination that every nature lover and adventure seeker must visit. From the serene blue glaciers and fjords to the diverse wildlife and hiking trails, the park has something for everyone. With these top tourist attractions, visitors will have an unforgettable experience exploring the natural beauty of the park.

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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