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If you cruise to Alaska in June, you can expect warmer and drier temperatures, fewer children onboard, increased wildlife sightings, and more cruise offerings. May is a practical choice for Alaskan cruisers who are on a limited budget but want to have slightly warmer and drier weather and more chances to see wildlife. Your views will likely include snowy mountains, but they are gorgeous nonetheless. Orca whales (which are actually members of the dolphin family) are a fairly common site on an Alaskan cruise. “Resident” orcas (who stay near shore and feed on fish) are easy to spot and fun to watch from the cruise ship or on a whale-watching excursion. Since the skies do still get dark during this month, there is a slight chance that you’ll be able to view the Northern Lights on an Alaskan cruise in April.
What to Do in Alaska: Top Things to Do in September
Considering everything stated above, we advise travelers that June 15 through August 15 is the best time to go to Alaska. But not everyone can schedule their trip during this time and as we’ve noted, each season has its benefits. If you plan your trip during the peak season, then plan ahead and book early as these are the dates that sell out first.
Summer
Temperatures during this month usually range from the mid-forties to the low sixties, and days are typically cool or chilly. July is known as the hottest month in this section of Alaska with the hottest day of the year falling on July 9th. Temperatures range on average between fifty and sixty degrees with mostly cool afternoons and evenings and chilly mornings and mid-day hours. If you’re the only ship in port on embarkation day, expect a faster boarding experience. Weather may affect glacier viewing – With dark clouds and rainy weather, glacier viewing day won’t be the glorious event you’ve anticipated.
Advantages of Visiting Alaska in August
Even though booking shore excursions is popular on an Alaska cruise, you can still have a great time in port without an organized tour. If you’re on a budget (or would simply prefer to explore without a large group), research which activities are offered in each Alaskan town. Nearly every major cruise line has a presence in Alaska from May through mid-September, with some offering sailings as early as April or as late as October. Cold temperatures, icy waters and a long snowy season are not conducive to early spring and late fall cruises.
If you're on a budget, stick to interior rooms and look for the big cruise ships, which tend to have more inventory. Summer Alaska cruises fill up quickly, so always book well in advance. For cruise itineraries in Alaska, August high temperatures will be somewhere in the upper 50s and low 60s. We’ve reached the pinnacle of summer temperatures, and the rainier season has just begun.
Glacier Bay
Juneau gets about 17 days of rain in August, so a high-quality raincoat is essential. After the Summer Solstice in June, Alaska begins losing daylight with each passing day. While the days are still longer than those in the Lower 48, they are getting slightly shorter throughout July.
So, pack a few sweaters, fleece, sweats, and overlay wraps to cut the chill during dinner or theater shows. Since you’ll spend the bulk of your cruise in southeast Alaska, those wet days may put a damper on your shore excursions. Being the shoulder season, you should expect colder and wetter weather on a September Alaska cruise. If you’re from Canada, Colorado, or cooler destinations, you’ll easily acclimate to the temperature. Jenna DeLaurentis enjoys exploring new ports of call around the world on a cruise ship, learning about new cultures, discovering beautiful landscapes, and trying diverse cuisine.
Why Alaska Shore Excursions?
These are the best times to visit Alaska - The Points Guy
These are the best times to visit Alaska.
Posted: Thu, 06 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
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Animals are busy preparing for the oncoming winter—migrating, mating, marking territory, hunting and foraging for food—which increases your odds of viewing all manner of wildlife. September marks the end of the Alaska travel season and is the best time to travel to Alaska for low prices and Alaska travel deals. This is when Alaska and the Yukon are enjoying a last hurrah before winter sets in. Running from late August through September, fall in Alaska can feel very much like spring.
As your ship reaches the Inside Passage, the early morning views outside of your room are breathtaking. Since I grew up in Alaska, I’m a fan of just about everything in the Land of the Midnight Sun. I also know that your experience can vary widely depending on the month you choose to visit Alaska. Whether on your own or with a guide, be sure to pack appropriate gear, such as backpacks with bear bells, water bottles, snacks, and—most importantly—bug spray.
Less travelers might sound appealing, but many port towns aren’t fully “tourist operational” until late June when summer workers start to arrive. Arguably, the biggest draw is the marine animals, with opportunities to see pods of humpback whales, gray whales, orcas, sea lions, sea otters, and more. Be sure to pack high-quality rain gear for excursions along with warm, layered clothing and a hat and gloves.
The temperatures will be cooler and the weather more unpredictable, but, like the spring, prices will often be lower and you’ll have less company. And the Alaska wildlife viewing can rival that of the summer, as creatures great and small are out prepping for the barren, frigid months ahead. With fall comes shorter days, but this isn’t without its advantages. Shorter days mean there is an excellent chance of seeing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in the late evenings.
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