National Park · AK
Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords is quietest in January and February and busiest in July.
At the edge of the Kenai Peninsula lies a land where the ice age lingers. Nearly 40 glaciers flow from the Harding Icefield, Kenai Fjords' crowning feature. Wildlife thrives in icy waters and lush forests along the fjords once carved by the vast expanse of ice. Today, shrinking glaciers bear witness to the effects of our changing climate.
411K recreation visits a year on average (2023–2025)
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Pick a month to visit Kenai Fjords
This week
7-day forecast
| Day | Conditions | High | Low | Precip chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 18 | Snow | 25°F | 15°F | 47% |
| Mon 19 | Heavy snow | 32°F | 21°F | 100% |
| Tue 20 | Heavy snow | 29°F | 21°F | 91% |
| Wed 21 | Light snow | 22°F | 15°F | 72% |
| Thu 22 | Fog | 18°F | 5°F | 21% |
| Fri 23 | Fog | 18°F | 8°F | 55% |
| Sat 24 | Light drizzle | 26°F | 14°F | 71% |
Forecast data by Open-Meteo
Source: Open-Meteo
Weather
Monthly climate normals
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precip |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25°F | 7°F | — |
| February | 31°F | 11°F | — |
| March | 38°F | 14°F | — |
| April | 46°F | 24°F | — |
| May | 57°F | 31°F | — |
| June | 65°F | 38°F | — |
| July | 67°F | 43°F | — |
| August | 65°F | 40°F | — |
| September | 57°F | 35°F | — |
| October | 45°F | 25°F | — |
| November | 32°F | 15°F | — |
| December | 27°F | 10°F | — |
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, SEWARD 8 NW, AK US
Know before you go
Fees & hours
- Entrance fee
- Free — Free entrance
- Hours
- The park is open year-round. The primary months to visit are June, July, and August. There are reduced services in the area during the months of May and September. The road to the Exit Glacier area is not plowed during the winter months, and is closed to vehicle traffic once it is covered in snow and ice. The park's coastal backcountry in also largely inaccessible late fall through the early spring due to rough seas.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Caution
Use Caution in and around Pedersen Lagoon
On August 7, 2024, a landslide triggered tsunami washed over portions of Pedersen Lagoon near Aialik Bay (59.8842N, -149.7309W). We recommend caution for those visiting the area in and around Pedersen Lagoon. Click more for additional information.
Details on nps.gov → - Danger
Canyon from Toe of Exit Glacier to the Outwash Plain
The canyon from the toe of Exit Glacier to where Exit Creek opens into the Outwash Plain is susceptible to sudden outburst flood events. These events produce sudden surges of water, ice and rock. For your safety please stick to designated park trails.
Details on nps.gov → - Danger
Hazardous Conditions at Terminus Of Aialik Glacier
Entering an ice fall hazard zone is prohibited in Kenai Fjords National Park. The terminus of Aialik Glacier is a high-risk area, where unstable ice can fall in blocks or columns. This can generate localized tsunami waves that wash over newly deglaciated and nearby beaches. Rapidly collapsing ice and breakage can cause severe injury or death.
Source: NPS Data API
FAQ
Kenai Fjords questions
When is the best time to visit Kenai Fjords?
Kenai Fjords is least crowded in January, February, and March. July is the busiest month, so visiting outside it means thinner crowds and easier parking.
How much does it cost to visit Kenai Fjords?
Entry to Kenai Fjords is free.
When is Kenai Fjords busiest?
Kenai Fjords is busiest in July, when crowds rate 10/10 (peak). Expect full parking lots and longer waits; arrive early or choose a quieter month.
How crowded is Kenai Fjords during holidays and fee-free days?
Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July) and official NPS fee-free days typically bring peak crowd conditions to Kenai Fjords. Arrive before 8 AM or after 3 PM to secure parking and avoid peak trail congestion.