![The Arctic Circle is one of the five major circles of latitude that mark maps of the Earth. As of 16 February 2015, it runs 66°33′45.6″ north of the Equator.
The region north of this circle is known as the Arctic, and the zone just to the south is called the Northern Temperate Zone. The equivalent polar circle in the Southern Hemisphere is called the Antarctic Circle.
The Arctic Circle is the southernmost latitude in the Northern Hemisphere at which the sun can remain continuously above or below the horizon for 24 hours (at the June solstice and December solstice respectively). North of the Arctic Circle, the sun is above the horizon for 24 continuous hours at least once per year (and therefore visible at midnight) and below the horizon for 24 continuous hours at least once per year (and therefore not visible at noon). On the Arctic Circle those events occur, in principle, exactly once per year, at the June and December solstices, respectively. However, in practice, because of atmospheric refraction and mirages, and because the sun appears as a disk and not a point, part of the midnight sun may be seen on the night of the northern summer solstice up to about 50′ (90 km (56 mi)) south of the Arctic Circle; similarly, on the day of the northern winter solstice, part of the sun may be seen up to about 50′ north of the Arctic Circle. That is true at sea level; those limits increase with elevation above sea level, although in mountainous regions there is often no direct view of the true horizon.
The position of the Arctic Circle is not fixed. It directly depends on the Earth's axial tilt, which fluctuates within a margin of 2° over a 40,000-year period,[2] notably due to tidal forces resulting from the orbit of the Moon. The Arctic Circle is currently drifting northwards at a speed of about 15 m (49 ft) per year; see Circle of latitude for more information.
#snow](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6140564/a9f9449e-bab4-40a6-a9a1-5356b0cc2aa8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1200&h=500&q=medium)
Photo by Sharrie Shaw
Search Cottages in Nikiski
Change your mindBook hotels with free cancellation
Be pickySearch almost a million properties worldwide
Check prices for these dates
In two weeks
In two months
In three months
In four months
No exact matches found, but these alternatives could be just right
Recommended hotels in Nikiski
Cabin in Kenai
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (10)
"The school bus was very charming, and the outside sitting area was relaxing."
Megan S.
The price is AED 459
AED 628 total
includes taxes & fees
31 Dec - 1 January 2026
Lodge in Soldotna
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (742)
"Second visit to this hotel, reasonable winter rates for a nice room with king bed. They are clean and staff is friendly and helpful."
Mark
The price is AED 441
AED 485 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Dec - 11 Dec
Motel in Kenai
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (295)
"Great place to stay! "
Edward
The price is AED 304
AED 322 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Dec - 11 Dec
Kenai Airport Hotel
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (324)
"Great spot to wa"
Donna
The price is AED 393
AED 417 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Dec - 11 Dec
Motel in Sterling
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (47)
"It was a great value. We would happily stay there again when visiting the Kenai Peninsula."
Robert
The price is AED 231
AED 238 total
includes taxes & fees
12 Dec - 13 Dec
Quality Inn Kenai
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (566)
"Food great and clean room ."
Kevin
The price is AED 399
AED 423 total
includes taxes & fees
15 Dec - 16 Dec
Best Western King Salmon Inn
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (377)
"Great staff...."
CHAD
The price is AED 426
AED 469 total
includes taxes & fees
13 Dec - 14 Dec
Soldotna Lodge
6.0 out of 10, (37)
"A quiet place. "
Jerry
The price is AED 251
AED 259 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Dec - 11 Dec
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Find vacation rentals that suit your style
Aparthotels
Apartments
Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels when you're signed in
Top Nikiski Hotel Reviews
Aspen Extended Stay Suites Kenai
10/10 Excellent
