Is Alaska in the Arctic Circle? How much of Alaska is in the Arctic Circle?
As the United States’ 49th state, Alaska is well known for its vast wilderness, rugged terrain, and extreme climate. But, with it being so far north parallel with that of Greenland, Iceland, and Scandinavia, the topic of whether or not any portion of the state lies within the borders of the Arctic Circle is a popular topic.
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In this post, I will identify the location of the Arctic Circle, discuss whether or not Alaska falls within its boundaries, and explore some interesting facts about this unique region. Let’s jump in!
Is Alaska in the Arctic Circle?
The top third of Alaska is situated within the Arctic Circle, while a significant portion of the state extends beyond its boundaries. Within the 49th state, the border of the Arctic Circle starts at its northernmost point, the Arctic Ocean coast, and extends southward towards Fairbanks (though it never reaches as far south as this city).
The exact location of this border shifts slightly each year due to natural changes in the Earth’s tilt, but on average, the Arctic Circle lies at 66 degrees north latitude.
What is the Arctic Circle Exactly?
The Arctic Circle is an imaginary line that runs parallel to the Earth’s equator at a latitude of approximately 66.5 degrees North. This line marks the southernmost point where the sun does not set on the summer solstice and does not rise on the winter solstice.
It also serves as a boundary for the Arctic region, which includes parts of eight different countries such as Canada, Greenland, Russia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and of course, Alaska.
This phenomenon, known as the “midnight sun,” only occurs in regions within or near the Arctic Circle. You can learn more about the phenomenon in my article: 30 Days of Night in Alaska: Polar Nights & Midnight Sun Explained.
Arctic Circle in Alaska Map
Below, I’ve included a map that shows the rough outline of Alaska’s border and the location of the Arctic Circle within it. As you can see, while the northern third of the state lies within its boundaries, the majority of the state is not in the Arctic Circle.
FAQ: Is Alaska in the Arctic Circle?
In this next section, I’ve compiled some related information regarding Alaska and the Arctic Circle including the cities and towns it encompasses, how many people live within its borders, and more!
Is Any of Alaska in the Arctic Circle?
Yes, a significant part of Alaska is indeed in the Arctic Circle. This includes regions in the northern part of the state, notably the North Slope Borough, with notable settlements such as Utqiaġvik (formerly known as Barrow), the northernmost town in the United States, and portions of the Northwest Arctic Borough, including the town of Kotzebue.
These areas experience the unique phenomena of the ‘midnight sun’ in summer and ‘polar night’ in winter. However, the majority of Alaskans live south of the Arctic Circle, in cities such as Anchorage and Fairbanks.
How Much of Alaska is in the Arctic Circle?
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Approximately one-third of the state’s total land area falls within the Arctic Circle. This may not seem like a significant amount, but keep in mind that Alaska is the largest state in the United States, covering over 586,000 square miles!
What Alaskan City is Closest to the Arctic Circle?
Fairbanks is the largest city that is closest to the Arctic Circle. However, there are a few smaller towns and villages that do fall within its boundaries. These include Anaktuvuk Pass, Barrow (now known as Utqiagvik), Coldfoot, Fort Yukon, and Kaktovik.
Despite Fairbanks not lying within the Arctic Circle itself, it still remains one of the best cities in North America to spot the northern lights!
Which Alaskan City is Located Above the Arctic Circle?
The city of Utqiaġvik, also known as Barrow, is located above the Arctic Circle. It is the northernmost city in the United States and is a part of the North Slope Borough in Alaska.
Can You Drive to the Arctic Circle in Alaska?
Yes, you can drive to the Arctic Circle from Fairbanks! Sean and I have done it ourselves, with it taking exactly 27 days to make the journey from Boston, Massachusetts. A popular route taken by many visitors is the Dalton Highway, also known as ‘The Haul Road’, which meanders through some of Alaska’s wildest and most remote areas.
The journey from Fairbanks to the Arctic Circle sign on this road is approximately 200 miles one-way and takes about 5 to 6 hours depending on road and weather conditions. Remember, this is a remote drive with limited services, so preparatory measures are essential.
It’s advisable to carry spare tires, extra fuel, food, water, and first aid supplies. Also, due to the intense weather conditions, winter travel is not recommended for casual travelers. In the summer, though, it’s an unforgettable adventure that offers breathtaking views of the northern landscape, the Yukon River, and possibly some wildlife sightings!
Take a look at Can You Drive to Alaska Without a Passport? if you’re thinking of making the journey to the Arctic Circle from the lower 48 this upcoming summer.
Is It Worth Going to the Arctic Circle in Alaska?
Absolutely, visiting the Arctic Circle in Alaska is a truly unique experience that is well worth it. This journey offers an opportunity to witness natural phenomena like the ‘midnight sun’ and ‘polar night,’ and experience a whole new level of wilderness.
You’ll be able to enjoy stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the rich cultural heritage of the Indigenous people residing in these regions. During our visit, we were lucky enough to see wild muskoxen, caribou, Arctic loons, and even the elusive Arctic fox!
However, keep in mind this trip requires careful planning due to the remoteness of the area and the extreme weather conditions. Once the snow hits Deadhorse, the journey along the Dalton Highway becomes exceedingly unforgiving.
For adventure seekers and nature lovers, this trip will undoubtedly be a memorable one.
How Many People Live in Alaska Above the Arctic Circle?
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While the exact number varies year by year due to various factors such as migration and birth rates, it’s estimated that around 7,000 people currently reside above the Arctic Circle in Alaska.
Most of these individuals live in small, rural communities like Utqiaġvik (formerly known as Barrow), Kotzebue, and several small villages. These communities have adapted to the harsh Arctic conditions over countless generations, and they continue to follow a subsistence lifestyle that heavily depends on hunting, fishing, and gathering.
Is Fairbanks in the Arctic Circle?
No, Fairbanks is not in the Arctic Circle. While it is the largest city nearest to the Arctic Circle, it’s located approximately 194 miles south of it by roadway.
However, due to its high latitude, Fairbanks still experiences the fascinating natural phenomena of nearly 24 hours of daylight in the summer and extended nights in the winter.
Having lived in Fairbanks throughout the winter ourselves in the frigid temperatures, we loved how the sun would barely rise above the horizon line around 11AM in mid-December creating a beautiful blood orange sky just to fall immediately back down again.
To learn more about our experiences living in the Last Frontier, check out Is Alaska a Good Place to Live? The Pros and Cons of Living in Alaska!
Is Juneau Alaska in the Arctic Circle?
No, Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is not located in the Arctic Circle. Situated in the Southeast region of the state, Juneau is approximately 923 miles south of the Arctic Circle.
Despite its relatively southern location by Alaskan standards, Juneau still offers stunning natural beauty, a wealth of outdoor activities, and a taste of Alaskan wilderness.
What is the Arctic Circle’s Latitude?
The latitude of the Arctic Circle is approximately 66.5 degrees North. This invisible geographic boundary is defined as the southernmost latitude in the Northern Hemisphere at which the sun can remain continuously above or below the horizon for 24 hours – these phenomena are known as the Midnight Sun in the summer and the Polar Night in the winter.
It’s an ever-so-slight shift, but the exact location of the Arctic Circle is not fixed; due to axial tilt, it moves by a few meters each year.
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So, is Alaska in the Arctic Circle? The answer is both yes and no! The Last Frontier encompasses regions both above and below the Arctic Circle, making it a fascinating destination to explore the diverse landscapes and cultures that this region has to offer.
Source: https://t-tees.com
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