The Best Time to Cruise Alaska: A Month-by-Month Guide

Table Of Content

• What To Expect on a Caribbean Cruise: Ultimate Cruising Tips
• Alaska Cruise in June: See the Sights on an Alaska Summer Cruise
• What Alaska cruise itineraries are available during each month of the cruise season?
• The Best Time to Cruise Alaska: Months to Choose
• Travel Is Our Tradition
• So, Which Is the Best Time to Cruise Alaska?
• Alaska Cruise Weather in September

In addition to cooler temperatures, there is a higher tendency for rain during the late spring. Seattle Washington, the starting point for many Alaskan cruises, is slightly south of Vancouver and shares similar weather patterns. The Canadian city of Vancouver is a popular stop for Alaskan cruises that usually embark from Seattle WA. It averages more than six inches in June and July and 10 inches in August, according to the National Weather Service. Juneau averages about four inches of rain in June, five inches in July and eight inches in August. Although the temperatures are the similar from June through August, the rainfall is not.

What To Expect on a Caribbean Cruise: Ultimate Cruising Tips

Your views will likely include snowy mountains, but they are gorgeous nonetheless. Choosing to cruise in the early spring of Alaska will impact your experience. Less travelers might sound appealing, but many port towns aren’t fully “tourist operational” until late June when summer workers start to arrive. 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.

Alaska Cruise in June: See the Sights on an Alaska Summer Cruise

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The farther in advance you can book your Alaskan cruise, the more options you will have for cruise dates, itineraries, and cabin amenities. The warmer the weather, the better your chance to view a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence called “calving.” This is when a large chunk of the glacier separates in a giant icy landslide. July and August are considered peak seasons to cruise to Alaska for good reason. These are the months when all good things combine to create the optimal Alaskan experience.

What Alaska cruise itineraries are available during each month of the cruise season?

Plus, as prices are cheaper in the shoulder season, it can be an excellent opportunity to upgrade your stateroom category or splurge on add-ons like excursions, dining packages, or beverage packages. The weather in June is usually warmer and more stable than May, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s. The longer days allow for more time to explore the state's natural beauty, and the scenery is simply stunning.

The Best Time to Cruise Alaska: Months to Choose

In fact, June brings maximal daylight with over 18 hours of golden sunshine in the Southeast and Inside Passage regions. Princess travels to Alaska during this season so guests can maximize their time on shore and enjoy the beautiful scenery from their ship. From emerging wildlife to lasting sunlight, early June through late August welcomes some of the most iconic moments known to the Great Land.

This month brings the warmest weather of the year, the longest hours of daylight and the largest number of tourists. And for good reason, as July in Alaska is ideal for salmon fishing, culture festivals like the Girdwood Forest Fair, bear viewing and memorable trips into the interior. Temperatures can vary anywhere between 30 to 80 degrees throughout the summer travel months – inviting guests to layer on the sweaters and windbreakers as weather can be unpredictable. So, the best month to travel to the Great Land depends on what you want to do. For the fishing aficionado, consider May when king salmon reach their greatest appearance. If you prefer to explore the lush scenery by foot, wait until June when the sun has overcome the frosty terrain of the Inside Passage and trails are primed for adventures.

In this post, I share a month-by-month guide about the best time of year for an Alaskan cruise. I’ve included tips on the weather, wildlife, daylight, and the general experience you’ll have each month of the Alaska cruise season to determine when to set sail for the 49th state. To help you find the best time to cruise to Alaska, Cruise Critic is breaking down the Alaska cruise season month by month to help you plan your bucket-list trip. Read on for average Alaska cruise prices, things to do in Alaska and everything else you'll need to decide which is the best month to cruise Alaska for you. July is the warmest month of the Alaska cruise season and has the longest daylight hours and minimal rainfall.

The benefits of cruising in April include less expensive pricing, fewer tourists, and less crowded ports. Here is a breakdown of other important considerations for an April Alaskan cruise. Since I grew up in Alaska, I’m a fan of just about everything in the Land of the Midnight Sun.

Alaska Cruise Weather in September

Whale species that call Alaska home include humpbacks, orcas, grey whales, and minke whales. As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. On top of that, you can anticipate significantly less rain and fog, which helps with comfort and visibility. The city has an average high temperature of about 56 degrees Fahrenheit or 14 Celsius in May and September.

For major cruise lines, the Alaska cruise season runs between May and late September, including Viking and Disney. Fortunately, any time during the Alaska cruise season is good for salmon fishing. The northern lights can be visible at any time of the year, but they are harder to spot during the summer because of the long hours of daylight.

Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports.Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Temperatures are somewhat chilly at most cruise ports with daytime highs in the upper 50s Fahrenheit.

The good news is that means you can usually score some pretty good deals on Alaskan cruises. The bad news is that you have a high chance of your excursion getting rained out. Wildlife is out in full force, enjoying the lush green forests and flowing waters. So if you want to see eagles, bears, or salmon, then July is your best bet.

What is the Best Time To Cruise to Alaska?

Table Of Content

• October
• Best Shore Excursions On An Alaskan Cruise
• If you want the best weather…
• Alaska Cruise Weather in June
• Alaska Cruise in April: Fewer Rainy Days When You Visit Alaska in April

We have the answers so your first  time will be nothing but smooth sailing. Along the way, you’ll stop in the Alaskan port towns of Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, as well as Victoria, British Columbia. As you sail through Endicott Arm to Dawes Glacier, relax on your private veranda and admire the stunning landscapes. The tour portion can be anywhere from two to six nights long and take you deep into the Alaskan wilderness, where you’ll explore small mountain towns and Denali National Park and Preserve.

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October

The average high is about 62 Fahrenheit or 17 Celsius from June through August. If you want to avoid the crowds of kids on summer vacation, go as early in June as you can. Call your travel agent directly or your nearest AAA store to get pro tips, TripTik maps, and more.

Best Shore Excursions On An Alaskan Cruise

This is also the trip for a camera with good telephoto lenses and binoculars. For more on what to bring on an Alaska cruise, check out our Alaska cruise packing list. Alaska's capital city is interesting because no road leads from here to the rest of the state. It's located at the base of Mount Juneau, and you can only get there via boat or small plane — even residents have to bring their cars to Juneau via ferry. Home to Mendenhall Glacier, this is a popular port for hikes by, kayak tours to and helicopter landings on the glacier.

If you want the best weather…

The population of Haines remains less than 2,000, according to the United Status Census Bureau, and it isn't yet as touristy as some of the other Alaskan ports, such as nearby Skagway. It's known for great fishing (salmon, halibut and trout) and an eagle preserve — because eagles know where the best fish can be found. Sitka is as much a working fishing town as it is a tourist destination. Sitka's Russian heritage also sets it apart from other Alaskan ports on your cruise itinerary.

The Best Month to Cruise to Alaska

However, a cruise this time of year will also slightly decrease your chance of viewing wildlife and make for sleepier ports of call because most summer workers return home for college. Just remember our earlier reminder that you are visiting the world’s largest temperate rainforest and enjoy the lush greenery. You’ve got about a 50/50 chance of getting rained or snowed on during excursions.

Alaskan cruises are one of the few places where we recommend booking a balcony cabin. One of our favorite things to do on an Alaskan cruise is to wake up early and enjoy the views of the inner passage, fjords, and glaciers – all while sipping coffee on our balcony. During the month of February, whales begin their migration from the warm waters of Mexico to Alaska.

For both cruising and land-based tours, May and September are the “shoulder” seasons in Alaska, with better deals and fewer crowds. Cruise prices during those times may be lower, perhaps by a couple hundred dollars per person. By cruising in May, you can beat the rush and enjoy a more relaxed and peaceful experience.

The Best Time to Cruise Alaska: A Month-by-Month Guide

Seeing Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness from the comfort of a cruise ship is a true bucket list item for many people. That said, deciding when to embark on your adventure can significantly impact the overall experience. But the higher amount of rain in August makes July the best time to cruise to Alaska. September belongs to cruise visitors who don’t mind rain and want cheap cruise line tickets. If you’re a last-minute vacation booker, you might be in luck during this time of the year. Any cabins that haven’t been booked at this point are being offered at discount pricing before the end of the season.

We’ve broken the seasons down for you, including the highlights of each, as well as the best cruise lines and cruise ships to consider so you can make your bucket list dreams come true. The fall salmon run also attracts bears and other predatory species to the rivers and shorelines, making viewing them from a cruise ship deck much easier. Humpback whales, orcas, seals, and other marine species are also more active during these months. To help you select the ideal time for your trip, the following guide will introduce you to weather and attraction differences between the months.

Whether or not fishing is your forte, be sure to pack water-resistant apparel for every splash and sprinkle that may arise from kayaking down crystalline fjords and hiking through misty rainforests. With lows in the upper 40s and highs of around 60, you’ll feel refreshed and eager to explore the captivating wonders of Alaska. In addition, sailing in the shoulder season does not necessarily mean there won’t be crowds onboard.

Knowing when to book your cruise can help you save money on your trip. The temperatures in September are slightly cooler, with highs of 55 and lows around 40 degrees fair height. More hours of daylight on an Alaska cruise means more time to sightsee, whether in port or when sailing through the Inside Passage. Juneau, for example, sees around 18 hours of daylight in June compared to just 12 in September. Additionally, June, July, and August may come with more crowds, but offer several more hours of daylight compared to in the fall. If a cruise with fewer crowds is important to you, it might be a good idea to avoid Alaska cruises in June, July, and August.

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Ships in all price ranges sail a variety of itineraries, so don't let budget stop you from visiting. If luxury is what you're after, you can find lines that will go overboard pampering you on your journey north. Gulf of Alaska sailings — especially those in late August and September — can encounter rough seas in the gulf portion of the voyage. Popular Inside Passage ports of call include Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Haines and Skagway. About 30,000 eagles call the Great Land home and they’re more abundant in Alaska than anywhere else in the United States.

As luck would have it,  the entire Alaska cruise season is also prime whale-watching season. They want to admire its rugged beauty, seek out wildlife (such as eagles, bears and whales) and learn about its native cultures and Gold Rush history. It's so far from the rest of the mainland U.S. that it's become a bucket list destination, especially for travelers looking to visit each of the 50 states. Offered by Princess Cruises and Holland America Line, fishing excursions that allow guests to have their catch prepared and served to them onboard the ship also sell quickly. However, the shoulder season has become more prevalent in recent years, making great deals harder to find.

It has an average high temperature in the low 60s Fahrenheit from June through August. The average low temperature, mainly at night, is about 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite temperatures in June that are similar to July and August, June usually has fewer cruises. Historically, July has an ideal combination of the two, followed by June and then August. Rainfall is usually lowest in May and climbs steadily until reaching the highest point in September. May is ideal for rain but not for temperatures, which are often quite a bit cooler.

You might be surprised with warm days in September or chilly, rainy days in July! That being said, while the shoulder season in Alaska may lead to cooler temperatures and more rain, packing appropriately will keep you dry and warm when exploring Alaska’s ports. With the school year coming to a close, many families take advantage of the opportunity to travel together during the summer months. Alaska offers something for everyone, with activities and experiences that appeal to all ages. Whether you want to hike in the wilderness, go whale watching, or learn about Alaska's history and culture, there is something for everyone. You will see plenty of wildlife during your Alaska cruise throughout the cruise season, including whale watching, sea lions, bears, & birds.