![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
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Unique Schoolie on a float plane lake in North Kenai.
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 SAR 469
SAR 642 total
includes taxes & fees
31 Dec - 1 January 2026
Uptown Motel Kenai
Kenai
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (295)
"Great place to stay! "
Edward
The price is SAR 307
SAR 326 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Dec - 18 Dec
Kenai Airport Hotel
Kenai
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (324)
"Great spot to wa"
Donna
The price is SAR 402
SAR 426 total
includes taxes & fees
9 Dec - 10 Dec
Aspen Hotel Soldotna
Soldotna
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (794)
"lots of shops and restaraunts nearby"
Gordon
The Hibernation Station
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 SAR 267
SAR 275 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Dec - 19 Dec
Quality Inn Kenai
Kenai
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (566)
"Food great and clean room ."
Kevin
The price is SAR 368
SAR 390 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Dec - 25 Dec
Best Western King Salmon Inn
Soldotna
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (377)
"Great staff...."
CHAD
The price is SAR 436
SAR 479 total
includes taxes & fees
9 Dec - 10 Dec
Kenai River Lodge
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 SAR 450
SAR 495 total
includes taxes & fees
11 Dec - 12 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.
Top Nikiski Hotel Reviews
Quality Inn Kenai
10/10 Excellent
Aspen Hotel Soldotna
10/10 Excellent
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