A construction of the Alcan Highway, completed during the World War II, opened new opportunities for Alaska. Almost completely inaccessible earlier (but for the Natives and the hardiest of explorers), since that time it began to experience a settle down period. Throughout the history of this state, the Southeast has been the most populated and most important region. Most of Alaska's population growth and industry is now centered around Anchorage and Fairbanks. Due to the historical significance and special charm of Southeast's coastal towns, tourism has become a major regional industry.

The climate of Alaska Southeast is more maritime than continental in character, and it modifies the daily temperature extremes and other conditions. Four seasons are distinct. In the summer, high temperatures average in 60s and low temperatures in 50s. The rainfall increases after mid-June. Most days in July and August are overcast if there is no rainfall. However, the wettest time of the year in this region starts from August to October and ends with snow, becoming more frequent in mid-October.

Temperatures steadily fall high below zero in January, the coldest month among all. Visitors to this part of Alaska should keep in mind that average temperatures throughout the entire winter, as a rule, are considerably higher than those, expected in the Alaskan interior (North Central zone). Usually, mild temperatures fluctuate in 30s F. Generally, the last snow is likely to fall in mid-April, when spring begins, but occasionally may occur in early May.

In spring, the days are warm and sunny, nights are cool, and the precipitation amounts are exceedingly small. By late May/early June shrubbery typically turns green. Heavy or even ice fogs are uncommon and of short duration if happen, but a patchy ground fog often appears during the spring and fall as well.
 
The climate of Alaska Southeast is very different from the rest of the zones. First of all, it is a result of the highly varied terrain, which influences the local weather and climate. A striking example is the Anchorage territory, where large temperatures and precipitation variations can be witnessed over relatively short distances.

Another factor, which causes such a significant divergence in climate of Alaska Southeast and the rest part of the state, is a warmer ocean influence. It makes the climate of Alaska Southeast almost of the same kind as the coastal Oregon and Washington have, than most of Alaska. Standard temperatures are balmy sixty five degrees in the summer, and sub-freezing, rare-even during the long Alaska winters.

The Southeast on average receives the most Alaska rainfall, while a warmer sunny weather is typical for interior Alaska summers.  The rainfall or "liquid sunshine", as the locals call it, is predominant in the region. The majority of the newcomers get astonished by daily showers, which they did not expect to fall here. On the other hand, this area benefits from the rainfall in the end. The Southeast is home to some of the most scenic rain forests in the world with gorgeous waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, fjords and even occasional glaciers. The wildlife and marine life, including whales, sea lions, harbor seals, salmon and bald eagles abound. Wilderness areas, such as the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Misty Fjords National Monument and Admiralty Island, are among Alaska's most awesome sights and well known far beyond the frontiers of the Southeast.