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The best time to cruise Alaska is in May or June, at the beginning of the cruise season. Alaska’s cruise season has always been short, peaking quickly at the height of the summer months and then done by early fall. But as the destination has grown in popularity, the season has extended, and there’s a definite sweet spot to target.
Which month should I book my Alaska cruise?
During the summer, you’ll often find brown bears fishing for salmon along streams, deer and moose calves along the shore, and a wide variety of birds circling above. Even when the daytime temperatures are well above freezing, nighttime temperatures can dip below 32 °F, even in the summer. This is why you must pack for all weather conditions if you plan an Alaska cruise. July and August can be extremely busy months for the Alaska cruise industry. With the warmer weather, it is not unusual to see an increase in the number of people looking to enjoy Alaska’s untamed wilderness. While it may seem counterintuitive that a popular time to travel would mean that cruise fares are lower, the reason is that there are more ships operating at this time.
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July is an ideal month to visit for salmon fishing, cultural festivals, bear viewing, and small-town exploring. With the popularity of July cruising, cruise prices are at their highest. The Alaska cruise weather in June is fairly cool, but it has the least amount of rainfall during the Alaska cruise season. You can expect Alaska cruise temperatures in May to have lows of around 40 and highs of around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Many cruise ships begin their summer deployments to Alaska in May before peak season begins in June.
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When is the Best Time of Year to See Eagles in Alaska
The Alaska cruise season is quite short, with just six months to choose the best time to cruise Alaska. Summer is the height of the Alaska cruise season, which means crowds in port towns, especially when several ships are in port at the same time. You might have to wait hours for a table at Tracy's King Crab Shack in Juneau. Temperatures are pleasant — in the 60s and sometimes higher, with wildflowers in bloom and glaciers calving.
Alaska Cruise in October: Chilly Weather and Cruise Deals When You Cruise Alaska in October
If you're interested in Alaska's Gold Rush history, Skagway — 90 miles northwest of Juneau — is a port you shouldn't miss. In fact, it's the gateway to the Klondike and Dawson's mining district in Canada's Yukon territory, where prospectors searched for gold in the late 1890s. The historic district still has a Wild West feel, though that's been a bit commercialized for the modern era. This port can get crowded in summer when several ships can call on the same day. The best Alaska cruise ports are also the most crowded because no matter which type of itinerary and cruise line you select, you'll likely visit a mix of the same ports. The immediate port area will be filled with tourist shops and eateries.
When is the Best Time to Visit Alaska to Avoid Crowds?
With days beginning to shorten and the nights getting longer, a September cruise itinerary offers the last possibility of the year. The best time to cruise to Alaska is a matter of personal preference. The "best time" could be different for a solo cruise traveler who dreams of photographing bears than it is for a parent who wants a family vacation in the great outdoors.
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September weather in Alaska may be unpredictable but with the right preparation you can enjoy all the exciting events. The deep blue ice that forms the glaciers is a sight you won’t forget. Alaska is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights. The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are some of the most incredible sights in the world. Summer is when brown bears gather along the Katmai coast to feed, mate, and socialize. You might also see bears fishing on the beaches for razor clams during low tide.
Weather By Cruise Port
I also know that your experience can vary widely depending on the month you choose to visit Alaska. You can also look for a last-minute Alaska cruise deal, though keep in mind that with Alaska's cruise season growing longer, interest in Alaska September cruises is rising. You will find local asparagus on some menus in southeast towns later in the month, and fiddlehead season also begins in Alaska in May. However, most of Alaska's tastiest fruits and vegetables aren't on offer until later in the summer.
Alaska cruise in September: Return to cooler temperatures and lower prices
Alaska is a thrilling cruise destination no matter which month you sail. Look to the early and late sailings of the season if you are a bargain seeker. Choose a May or June sailing for drier weather and fewer mosquitos; summer is the best time to cruise to see abundant marine life and birds. A limited number of cruises in October (predominantly on Norwegian Cruise Line) make it possible for cruisers to experience a taste of Alaska in winter without sub-zero temperatures. You will want to bundle up; the average temperature in Juneau in October is 39 degrees. Mid-to-late September is one of the best times to spot wildlife in Alaska.
As for land trips, June sees Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park open, both of which offer stunning floatplane and flightseeing adventures. Alaskan railroad trips are also available, giving you access to interior hiking, cozy lodges and remote wildlife viewing. Down south, the waters around the southwestern and southcentral regions of Alaska teem with ships visiting Kodiak Island, the Aleutian Islands, Prince William Sound and Katmai National Park.
Temperatures stay about the same but rainfall jumps back to more than five inches. Still, the number of days with rain is better than other times of the year. These historical averages are simply averages and will vary somewhat from year to year and port to port.
The median months will see higher temperatures and longer days for touring, and it represents the limited summer that Alaska enjoys. However, July and August tend to also have higher levels of precipitation. July and August are also spawning season for salmon, so you might spot grizzlies and brown bears near rivers and streams. Temperatures will be in the 60s, sometimes higher — you might even see 80s in Juneau in July. During long days of light, you'll find hearty Alaskans swimming in the sea and enjoying water sports. At the beginning of the month, you might still be able to find some early season pricing; the peak season for Alaska cruising begins in late June.
But, if you have your heart set on landing a King Salmon (also called Chinook Salmon), the best time to visit is between May and mid-July, when they make their way upstream. During May and September, Alaska is a bit on the cold side (40 to 53 degrees), so you will want to pack plenty of layers to wear around the ship and at the port. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a bear, eagle, moose, fox, whale, or otter as your ship sails through Alaska’s inside passage. The state is home to 15 national parks and 16 state parks, and its federally-protected lands cover an area the size of California. Don’t forget to add a pair of binoculars to your Alaska cruise packing list. If you have your heart set on seeing these magnificent creatures, you can increase your odds by booking a small boat tour at one of the ports of call.
A few big ships cruise into mid-October for those who want a peek at what life is like in Alaska towns when all the other tourists have returned home. In September, the scale now tips towards later sunrises and earlier sunsets in Alaska. By the end of September, there are less than 12 hours of daylight in Juneau. Not only is it your best shot for warmer weather, but you’re also sure to see a good amount of the wildlife Alaska is famous for. If bear viewing is high on your bucket list and you are traveling on a bigger cruise ship, look for a float plane excursion that will take you to where the bears feed. 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.
Ultimately, there is no perfect time to sail to Alaska, as each month offers its own advantages and disadvantages, and choosing when to cruise to Alaska comes down to your preferences. There are definite ebbs and flows to demand and crowds in the ports you will visit depending on which month you sail. Gray whales and Humpback whales begin their migration to warmer waters in October and November, so you still have a chance to see them in Alaskan waters in September. Cruising in September will give you the highest chance of viewing the Aurora Borealis on an Alaskan cruise. You won’t want to miss this indescribable sight, so watch for clear night skies and set an alarm to go on deck (or on your balcony) for potential middle-of-the-night Northern Lights shows. Precipitation increases to 19 days of the month, so pack a raincoat with a hood (you’ll be grateful to have it!).
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