The 24-hour sunrise, which occurs from around late April to early August, is a phenomenon that constantly surprises first-time visitors to Alaska.
It’s both fascinating and exciting, but it comes with a few unexpected side effects that are worth preparing for as you plan your trip.
The Science Behind the Midnight Sun
As the Earth tilts on its axis, the Arctic region leans towards the sun in summer, which keeps it above the horizon for weeks at a time. This creates the famous ‘midnight sun’, where daylight hangs around long after you’re meant to be in bed.
This effect is strongest north of the Arctic Circle in towns like Barrow (Utqiaġvik), and the sun will actually shine constantly for up to two months straight.
Heading farther south to Fairbanks, residents will experience daylight for up to 22 hours a day before winter comes back around with its long, dark nights.
Sleepless In Alaska
Endless daylight sounds dreamy until the fatigue starts to kick in.
The constant sun will throw off your natural circadian rhythms, which can leave you tossing and turning at your usual bedtime. Even while cruising along Alaska’s coastline, many visitors struggle to switch off.
There are some practical fixes for this, though, that many locals also adopt. Blackout curtains and eye masks are a great way to trick your brain into switching to night mode, and it’s recommended that you stick to your usual nighttime routine.
Managing Mood Swings and Energy Spikes
Alaska is one of those bucket list destinations, so it’s only natural to want to make the most of the longer days.
Extended daylight hours mean more time for hiking, fishing, and general exploration, and the extra hours in the sun equals more energy, too. What more could you ask for? The problem is, without balance, you could end up overdoing it and feel totally exhausted two days into your vacation.
It’s important to plan your days around your normal bedtime routine if you don’t want to feel progressively more irritable and tired as your trip progresses. You can easily fit most of what you want to do into a normal day, minus the mood swings and energy dips.
If you do want to extend your days a little, make sure you’re not losing track of time, which is easy to do when you still think it’s 11 am. Always take sunscreen and water with you, too, and try to pace yourself to help keep your body and mind in check.
Navigating Social and Daily Life
Losing track of time is almost a given if you’re heading to Alaska between May and July, so when you’re finally ready for dinner, you may find that all the restaurants are already closed.
It’s easy to mix up mealtimes, push bedtimes later and later, and misjudge when you’re meant to meet up with others, so make sure you’re checking your clock and not the skies. Setting reminders on your phone and planning your day as carefully as possible will help you stick to a more regular routine while here.
Embracing the Midnight Sun
Alaska’s 24-hour sunrise is both intriguing and disorienting, and it will put your sleep, routines, and sense of time to the test. However, it’s an incredible time to visit, and with a little extra planning, you can enjoy everything this region has to offer.
