Kotzebue · Alaska · USA
Kotzebue Sound South Beach
You'll wade into water so cold it numbs your shins in seconds, scanning the shoreline not for shells but for bearded seals hauled out on gravel. The wind carries salt and sedge grass, and in summer, the sun circles overhead without ever dipping below the horizon.
Reading live conditions…
Live from Open-Meteo · sea surface temperature and wave data modelled at 1-km grid resolution for Kotzebue Sound South Beach. Numbers refresh at the hourly tick.
- Purity
- 0%
- Conditions
- 0%
- Crowd
- 0%
- Vibe
- 0%
The OnlyBeaches Index weighs four pillars against your chosen persona. Purity comes from water clarity and air-quality heuristics; Conditions from Open-Meteo waves, wind and temperatures; Crowd from historical patterns; Vibe from nearby events within 50 km. The score rebalances throughout the day.
You'll wade into water so cold it numbs your shins in seconds, scanning the shoreline not for shells but for bearded seals hauled out on gravel. The wind carries salt and sedge grass, and in summer, the sun circles overhead without ever dipping below the horizon.
Photos
8 captures from Kotzebue Sound South Beach
About this beach
Where it is
Kotzebue Sound South Beach
Kotzebue, Alaska, USA
66.8350°, -162.5302°
Top things to do
At Kotzebue Sound South Beach
Midnight Sun Photography
Shoot golden hour at 2 a.m.
Driftwood Beachcombing
Scan for Arctic-weathered timber logs
Marine Mammal Spotting
Watch for seals and belugas
Tundra Edge Walks
Explore permafrost meeting tide line
Near this beach
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Kotzebue Sound South Beach.
Questions people actually ask about Kotzebue Sound South Beach.
Is it safe to swim at Kotzebue Sound South Beach?
Swimming is not recommended at Kotzebue Sound South Beach. The water remains extremely cold year-round, typically between 32-45°F even in summer, posing serious hypothermia risks. The beach is located above the Arctic Circle where ice and strong currents are common. Most visitors come for coastal walks, wildlife viewing, and photography rather than water activities. If you do enter the water, wear appropriate cold-water gear and never swim alone. Always check local conditions and respect safety warnings.
When is the best time to visit Kotzebue Sound South Beach?
June through August offers the most accessible conditions with 24-hour daylight and temperatures ranging from 45-65°F. July typically has the warmest weather and the least ice in the sound. Winter visits (November-March) feature northern lights viewing opportunities but bring extreme cold, darkness, and temperatures often below zero. Spring and fall see dramatic ice movements and wildlife migrations. Keep in mind that Kotzebue's Arctic location means weather can be unpredictable any time of year, so prepare for rapid changes.
