Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Glacier Bay National Park, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Glacier Bay National Park
- Important essentials for Glacier Bay National Park
- Activities for Glacier Bay National Park
- Glacier Bay National Park in January: weather and what to pack
- Glacier Bay National Park in February: weather and what to pack
- Glacier Bay National Park in March: weather and what to pack
- Glacier Bay National Park in April: weather and what to pack
- Glacier Bay National Park in May: weather and what to pack
- Glacier Bay National Park in June: weather and what to pack
- Glacier Bay National Park in July: weather and what to pack
- Glacier Bay National Park in August: weather and what to pack
- Glacier Bay National Park in September: weather and what to pack
- Glacier Bay National Park in October: weather and what to pack
- Glacier Bay National Park in November: weather and what to pack
- Glacier Bay National Park in December: weather and what to pack

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.
When to go to Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Glacier Bay National Park, the best time to go is June. See below for details.
Important essentials for Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, United States of America
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.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often become worn. An unreadable vaccine card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly choice.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection possible.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
For families with young children
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be sufficient for most countries, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
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.
What to wear/what to pack for Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
In January, Glacier Bay National Park is frosty. Temperatures routinely are in the 30s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Glacier Bay National Park, with most of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Sweaters
-
Gloves
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Glacier Bay National Park, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
Glacier Bay National Park has some famous ski slopes If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
February
If you go to Glacier Bay National Park in February, you will notice that it is pretty cool. Expect it to rain or snow about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our choice: this
-
Sweaters
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy jacket
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Gloves
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Glacier Bay National Park, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is important here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Glacier Bay National Park has some famous ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
March
March in Glacier Bay National Park is freezing. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Glacier Bay National Park, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is important here. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
Glacier Bay National Park has some excellent ski areas If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
April
If you vacation in Glacier Bay National Park during April, you will probably notice 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:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
May
May in Glacier Bay National Park is brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
June
June in Glacier Bay National Park is relatively cool. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
July
July can be chilly. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
August
August in Glacier Bay National Park can be chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
September
September in Glacier Bay National Park is chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) to 50s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
October
October in Glacier Bay National Park can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
November
If you visit Glacier Bay National Park during November, you are likely to notice that it can be very chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 30s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain or snow/sleet most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Glacier Bay National Park, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is vital here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Glacier Bay National Park has some great skiing If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
December
December in Glacier Bay National Park is frosty. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Glacier Bay National Park, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
Glacier Bay National Park has some great ski areas If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
Activities for Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Glacier Bay National Park.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Cochrane, Ontario, Canada, Hooper's Island, Maryland, United States of America, Serpentine National Park, Western Australia, Australia, Milton, Massachusetts, United States of America, Annemasse, France, Grenfell, New South Wales, Australia, Federal Way, Washington, United States of America, Bahía Blanca, Argentina, Seal Beach, California, United States of America, Arapahoe Basin, Colorado, United States of America, and Hobbs, New Mexico, United States of America.