Alaska is a tourist destination with a limited season. Cruise ships arrive in southeast Alaska in the spring, stay in the summer, and linger only in the early fall. The snowy, cold and dark winters of the 49th state are not favorable for cruising.
Most cruise passengers will arrive in Alaska between Memorial Day in late May and Labor Day in early September, when temperatures range from slightly chilly to warm during the long daylight hours. . Tourist attractions are flourishing, salmon swim upstream, and bears (and humans) can fish.
Some adventurous cruisers will board the ship when it arrives in Alaska in April to see the remnants of winter. A few large ships will cruise in mid-October for those who want to see what life is like in Alaskan towns when all the other tourists have returned home.
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Each month has its own advantages, not least of which are preferential prices in spring and autumn. Here’s a guide to help you decide when to cruise in Alaska.
April
After a long winter, Alaska begins to wake up in April – wildlife included. Small cruise lines such as Lindblad Expeditions and Adventure without a journey There are trips into the wilderness where you can see bears waking from their sleep and admire giant waterfalls created by melting snow. Some large ships such as Norwegian Cruise LineNorwegian Bliss 4,000 passengers out of Seattlekick off their season this month with early season pricing.
You may encounter cold rain or even snow during your April journey and may have to wade through mud. Some tourist facilities – including accommodation facilities national parks – may still be closed during the winter.
On the other hand, you will have the opportunity to observe the changing seasons. Expect clear mornings with temperatures in the 30s, however, later in the month you could see dry weather and temperatures in the 60s. As an added bonus: it will be dark at night; If it’s clear, you can make out the northern lights.
Related: The best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler
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Maybe
As someone who has traveled to Alaska many times, I like to travel in May when the weather is dry. Locals are starting to emerge from their winter cocoons, taking in the sunshine, and wildlife is doing the same. You may spot bears with their cubs, moose with their calves, and humpback whales returning from their winter homes in Hawaii.
Major cruise lines such as Holland America route, Princess yacht And Royal Caribbean increased their activities in May, as well as Disney Cruise Line and small ships and luxurious current. Early season deals may be available.
Sightseeing and shopping destinations will shift to peak hours at the end of the month; Denali National Park and Preserve will transition to summer mode in May. You’ll find people working in the tourism industry excited to get back to business, as many are in the east Southern Alaska earns income from out-of-state visitors. Cruise lines will offer the opportunity to extend cruises with land tours, including lodging, transportation and some meals.
Although early May often brings a chill in the air, you can expect temperatures in the 60s later in the month. Warmer weather means glaciers start to thaw more often, so you have the chance to experience the sight and sound of a house-sized block of ice flowing into the sea. Another plus is that large mosquito populations in Alaska have not yet appeared.
Related: Alaska travel guide: The best itineraries, planning tips, and things to do
June
The cruise season intensifies in June, with increasing numbers of ships; The season is in full swing at the end of the month. The midnight sun means there are many hours of daylight – especially on June 20, the longest day of the year. You’ll have to stay up late to see some darkness.
In early June, the ships were still carrying mostly adults, with family crowds – including multigenerational groups – arriving later in the month.
Experiences in visiting the coast abound. Temperatures are pleasant – in the 60s and sometimes higher, with wildflowers blooming and glaciers thriving. Anglers will find flounder fishing opportunities along with king salmon, sockeye salmon and rainbow trout. In addition to humpbacks, you can also spot beluga whales and seals and their calves while sailing.
At the beginning of the month, you can still find some early season prices; The peak season for Alaska cruises begins in late June.
Related: Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack to sail north
July and August
Summer is the peak of Alaska’s tourist season, which means there are crowds in port towns, especially when many ships are in port at the same time. You may have to wait hours for a table at the famous Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau.
This may surprise many people, but July and especially August are often rainy, so don’t expect endless sunshine. That said, you’re in Alaska at a time of festivals and other special events, and the border towns really come alive.
Temperatures will be in the 60s, sometimes higher – you might even see temperatures in the 80s in Juneau in July. During long, bright days, you’ll see Alaskans happily swimming in the ocean and participating in water sports. Shore excursion options will be fully implemented.
During both months, you will encounter peak season pricing. Unless you book early, cabin choice can be limited – especially if you’re looking for a luxury suite or cheap inner cabin; Those tend to be the first to sell out. Cabins with balconies are especially popular in Alaska.
Mosquitoes also love summer, so bring bug spray. July and August are also salmon spawning season, so you may spot grizzly and brown bears near rivers and streams.
Keep an eye out for seabirds and songbirds, seals, Steller sea lions and humpback whales. Marine life is so rich that several small boat shore excursions guarantee animal sightings. The bears will go fishing; in late August, they’ll be on the lookout for blueberries, which have also become a featured item on the restaurant’s menu. By the end of August, you will see the leaves turning autumn colors.
Related: The best Alaska shore excursions – from heli-hiking to whale watching
September
Early September is much like August, but after the kids go back to school and the family crowds leave, it’s tourist and discount season. Most cruise ships will be shipped out of state by the end of the month. You’ll experience a change of season, with cooler temperatures (in the 50s or lower) and some rain.
Mid to late September is one of the best times to see wildlife in Alaska. I have had extraordinary experiences. One time, I witnessed a pod of humpback whales gathering together to feed together using bubble nets (dragging fish into a bubble “net”) to fill their bellies in preparation for their annual journey to warm waters than. The bears will hunt for the last berries and salmon, and the reindeer, deer and moose will mate.
You’ll see colorful fall foliage but no mosquitoes. National park facilities and some tourism businesses will move to winter hours. September is also a great time to buy souvenirs because merchants sell out this year’s merchandise at the end of the tourist season in Alaska.
On clear nights, you have a good chance of seeing the aurora borealis – although they won’t shine as brightly as they do in winter. Instead of staying up all night, see if the ship or hotel before or after your trip has a sign-in board for people who want to be woken up if the lights appear.
Related: From Alaska to the Panama Canal: Here are 9 of TPG’s favorite fall cruise itineraries
October
A limited number of cruises during October (mainly on Norwegian Cruise Line) allows visitors to experience a taste of Alaska in winter without the sub-zero temperatures. You’ll want to bundle up; The average temperature in Juneau in October is 39 degrees. The days will be short – only about 10 hours of daylight. You can expect rain and possibly snow.
Some attractions and shops will be closed in the winter, although your cruise ship will still offer full shore excursions. On the plus side, you’ll get to experience the towns of southeast Alaska as they’re mostly year-round, without the tourist crowds. Sit in the bar and chat with the locals as they prepare for the long winter ahead. Cruise ticket prices will be discounted.
Related: Caribbean vs Alaska cruises: Which cruise would I prefer?
When is the best time to see the aurora borealis in Alaska?
If one of your main goals on your Alaska trip is to get a glimpse of the northern lightsconsider a trip in late August, September or October. Light is typically strong in Alaska from late August to mid-April.
Your best chance of seeing it will be in Fairbanks – it lies under the “aurora oval”, an area known for its high frequency of aurora displays. Fairbanks is a popular stop on cruises, itineraries that combine sailing time with overnight stays on land. For example, Holland America’s nine-night Denali itinerary begins with an overnight stay in Fairbanks in early September.
Denali and Anchorage National Parks can provide glimpses of the northern lights – although not as often as Fairbanks because they are farther south. Both destinations are popular tourist stops. If you’re flying into or out of Seward or Whittier, you’ll fly through Anchorage at one end of your trip. Consider spending an extra night or two there if you want to try viewing the aurora borealis.
It is rare to see the aurora borealis from your ship in the Inside Passage.
Related: Aurora cruise: A guide to chasing the aurora at sea
What is the cheapest month for an Alaska cruise?
As mentioned earlier, April, May, September, and October are good months for an Alaska cruise if you want scored a deal. In addition to cheaper fares, sailings early and late in the season will be less crowded.
Bottom line
What is the best month for an Alaska trip? Alaska is an exciting cruise destination no matter what month you sail. However, some months may be better for you, depending on your preferences. Look out for early and late season trips if you’re a bargain seeker. Choose a trip in May or June for drier weather and fewer mosquitoes. Summer is the best time to go on a cruise to see abundant birds and marine life. September can be a great month for wildlife viewing.
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