How long is it dark in Alaska?
Matthew Wilson
Updated on January 12, 2026
Even though it is the largest state in the US, Alaska's population is sparse. With 24-hour daylight during the summer months and 24-hour darkness during the winter, many people find Alaska to be a strange and mysterious place. Here are some debunked myths about the unusual daylight patterns of Alaska.
Is it really dark for 6 months in Alaska?
Alaska is not actually dark for six months of the year, even in our northern cities. The entire state experiences varying hours of sunlight and darkness all year long. The long, dark hours of the winter season are due to Alaska's location on the globe.What months of the year is it dark in Alaska?
The town of Utqiaġvik, Alaska — the northernmost town in the US — experiences a polar night every year, beginning in mid-November and ending in mid-January. That means that once the sun sets in November, residents won't see daylight for two months.Why is it dark in Alaska for 67 days?
Because of Earth's tilt on its axis, regions in the Arctic Circle can remain facing away from the sun for days, weeks or even months at a time between the fall and spring equinoxes.How long is Alaska light for?
Alaska receives more sunlight in spring and summer than any other state and many other parts of the world. Does your home area have midnight sun? In Barrow, the state's northernmost community, the sun does not set for more than two and a half months—from May 10 until August 2.Darkness in Alaska | Is It Really As Bad As They Say It Is?
Do you get paid to live in Alaska?
Alaska runs a program called the Alaska Permanent Fund, which, per the state website, allots an equal amount of the state's oil royalties to every resident through an annual dividend. In 2018, that dividend came out to $1,600 per person.Is Alaska always cold?
Many believe that Alaska only has two weather conditions: cold and freezing cold. Contrary to popular beliefs, Alaska is pretty warm in the winter season (May to September). Temperatures can warm-up from 70°F (21.1°C) to 100°F (37.8°C), depending on the location.Which state has no night time?
Alaska. Alaska: The sun doesn't set in the country of Alaska from late May to late July. Beautiful and breathtaking, the country is in darkness in the harsh months of winter. Known for its spectacular glaciers and snow-capped mountains; you can go hiking or sightseeing.Which country has 30 days night?
In Sweden's most northern city of Kiruna, the polar night lasts for approximately 28 twenty-four-hour periods. In the Norwegian city of Tromsø, the dark hours can last for up to a month a half.Why is Alaska crime high?
The wide and difficult terrain in Alaska is a huge challenge for law enforcement. There are many villages and communities located in extremely remote areas, with some only accessible by boat or plane.Can you see Russia from Alaska?
Yes. Russia and Alaska are divided by the Bering Strait, which is about 55 miles at its narrowest point.How much is a gallon of milk in Barrow Alaska?
A gallon of milk is $10. A gallon of water is $9.59.How long is summer in Alaska?
Summer in Alaska – May through September – first appears in the Inside Passage region and moves its way north, carried along by lengthening daylight hours. May is generally the driest month across the state, even in the temperate rainforest of the Inside Passage.Which state has 6 months day and 6 months night?
Norway, the northernmost inhabited region of Europe, there is no sunset from approximately 19 April to 23 August. The extreme sites are the poles, where the sun can be continuously visible for half the year. The North Pole has midnight sun for 6 months from late March to late September.What city in Alaska has 30 days of night?
There are some strange things going on in the city of Barrow, Alaska, 320 miles north of the Arctic Circle and inspiration for the horror movie 30 Days of Night.What state has the longest daylight hours?
Places in the world with the most daylight hoursAccording to the World Meteorological Organization, Yuma (Arizona) is the sunniest place on earth. It has a total of 11 hours of sunlight in winter and up to 13 in summer. This means Yuma experiences an average of 4,015 hours of sunshine per year.