View Alaska on the mapA scenic cruising port for glacier sightseeing

Valdez

Valdez · USA · 61.13, -146.35

A fjord-shaped port town on Alaska's Gulf, known as a gateway to Columbia Glacier. It is also important as the terminus of an oil pipeline, but cruise visitors mainly come for the area's immense glaciers and wildlife cruises.

Port highlights

About 4,000

Population

Subarctic maritime climate. Summers are cool, while winters bring heavy snowfall.

Climate

English

Language

US dollars

Currency

June to August

Best time to visit

Local food

Salmon dishes, Alaskan crab, clam chowder, fried halibut

Sights

Columbia Glacier cruiseKeystone CanyonValdez MuseumSalmon Derby (fishing tournament)Wildlife watching in the bay

Monthly average high / low temperatures

-2°

-7°Jan

0°

-6°Feb

3°

-5°Mar

8°

0°Apr

13°

4°May

17°

8°Jun

18°

10°Jul

17°

8°Aug

13°

5°Sep

7°

1°Oct

1°

-4°Nov

-1°

-6°Dec

Unit: °C · NOAA climate normals · Period: 1991–2020 · Station: VALDEZ WSO · about 0.1 km from port · Last checked: Oct 4, 2026 · A guide for choosing your travel month.

Local prices for travelers

Much more expensive than Tokyo

Compared with Tokyo, Japan (median of items)179 (Tokyo = 100)

Compared with Tokyo, everything is somewhat more expensive.

$1.19

Water 500 ml

$4.50

Coffee

$17.95

Inexpensive meal

$7.25

Local beer

$8.20

Big Mac

Prices from nearby Anchorage (about 191 km away). Actual prices here may be higher, as this is a remote island or location. · Amounts in the recorded local currency. No currency conversion applied. · Last checked: Oct 2026 (partly estimated) · Prices in remote areas and islands may be higher. · Sources: Shop and menu prices