The Best Time to Cruise Alaska: Months to Choose

Table Of Content

• Notable Landscapes and Experiences in Alaska
• Alaska Inside Passage Cruises: Calmer Waters and Big-Ticket Destinations
• Alaska Cruise in August: Wet, Summer Days When You Cruise Alaska in August
• Seasick Prone? Beware and Plan Carefully
• Alaskan Wildlife You Could See While Cruising
• Alaska cruise in August: Rain and high temperatures

The average rainfall in Juneau during the month of April is 2.77 inches. Although the rain isn’t convenient, it is the reason for the lush vegetation you enjoy. However, it’s important to remember that this area is part of the world’s largest temperate rainforest. Holland America Princess, and Royal Caribbean have Alaskan Inside Passage cruises departing from Vancouver at the end of April.

Notable Landscapes and Experiences in Alaska

Also, generally speaking, the longer the cruise, the more money it will be. Keep plastics at a minimum and strive to be an eco-conscious cruiser in a place as gorgeous as Alaska, whose eco-system is fragile and precious. We recommend Stasher bags for cruises, which are great for packing and many uses onboard and while exploring a port. It's even better if your shoes are waterproof or sprayed to be water-resistant! Part of the fun of cruising to Alaska is the potential to see a lot of wildlife.

Alaska Inside Passage Cruises: Calmer Waters and Big-Ticket Destinations

For your on-shore day excursions, be sure to pack layers of clothing and rain gear so that you can be comfortable. Proper footwear is also important and be sure to bring hiking shoes if you plan to enjoy outdoor activities. The majority of cruise ships cruising to or throughout Alaska depart from Seattle, Washington; Vancouver, Canada; Whittier, Alaska; or Seward, Alaska. Nature is in full bloom during cruise season in Alaska, but what you’ll see depends on the time of year and location.

Alaska Cruise in August: Wet, Summer Days When You Cruise Alaska in August

High summer is when most people visit Alaska, and with good reason— temperatures are warmer, the days seems to never end, and the land is blanketed with colorful wildflowers. Keep in mind though that higher demand means you’ll have to book your onshore activities much further in advance, plus share the beauty with lots of other fellow travelers. And while Alaska’s too big to ever truly feel crowded, maybe you crave the quiet tranquility of empty streets and unoccupied trails. If you’re looking for a more chill escape and don’t mind chillier weather, think about visiting before mid-June or after mid-August. Considered Alaska’s “shoulder season,” it’s a great time to take advantage of easier access to top attractions and lower prices— many local spots offer shoulder season discounts of 10-25%.

The Best Time to Cruise in Alaska

Temperatures are warmest in the month of July, so if you’re sensitive to the cold but still want to experience the wild beauty of Alaska, mid-summer might be the ideal time for you to visit. The spring and summer months are when nearly all cruise ships visit each year. If you’re seeking Alaska cruise discounts and excellent value, consider the shoulder seasons of May and September. During these months, as Alaska’s tourism activity begins to wind down, you can often find deals both on and off the cruise ships. Lower prices and fewer crowds can enhance your overall experience, making it an attractive option for savvy travelers.

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If you want the best weather…

You might be surprised with warm days in September or chilly, rainy days in July! 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. 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. Not only will there likely be more guests onboard during the summer, but in the ports you are visiting as well.

Many of the cruises embark from the US cruise port of Seattle, Washington, if leaving from the mainland USA. Canada's port in Vancouver is also a popular Alaska cruise port of embarkation. The population of Haines remains less than 2,000, according to the United States 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.

Big-ship cruise lines such as Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean ramp up their operations in May, as do Disney Cruise Line and small-ship and luxury lines. Other adventurous activities, such as hiking trails, open up in the summer months. Hatcher Pass typically opens up in July, depending on the specific Hatcher Pass weather conditions.

If you want to sail to the major cities, a big ship (like Celebrity or Royal Caribbean) will stop at Alaskan cities you regularly hear about. But if you want to sail to some more remote areas of Alaska, consider a cruise on a small vessel. Most of these cruises depart from and return to an area of the Pacific Northwest.

If you are looking for uncrowded observation decks and a quieter experience, you may want to avoid this peak season or try September, when things tend to wind down. In addition to cooler temperatures, there is a higher tendency for rain during the late spring. As mentioned, recommending one specific month that will act as the best time to cruise Alaska can be a little bit difficult. 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. The landscape and views you’ll experience on an Alaska cruise will be unforgettable, so be sure to pack your binoculars and your best camera to capture the incredible sights to share with friends and family.

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. Fall is also mating season for wildlife, so expect to see some friskiness. Balcony cabins are still available on the season’s inaugural sailing at a discounted fare of $1,029 per person. To truly enjoy an Alaskan cruise, cruisers can visit from April to October when daylight hours, weather and wildlife are better. Explore Alaskan cruises and learn more about each fun-filled trip to the 49th state.

One of the main advantages of cruising Alaska during the later summer months is the milder temperatures and more predictable weather. During these peak months of the Alaskan summer, daytime temperatures range between 50 and 60 °F, with some days reaching as high as 90 °F. Witnessing bears catch (or try to catch) slippery salmon from a river is one of the most incredible Alaska experiences you can have. The best time to view this dramatic display is mid-July to mid-August, though you can take wildlife excursions to bear hangouts at any time during cruise season. For both cruising and land-based tours, May and September are the “shoulder” seasons in Alaska, with better deals and fewer crowds.

Rather than stay up all night, see if your ship or pre- or post-cruise hotel has a sign-up sheet for people who want a wake-up call should the lights appear. Some adventurous cruisers will board ships when they arrive in Alaska in April to see the remnants of winter. 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.

A few lines, such as Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Cunard Line, offer 10-night Inside Passage cruises from Seattle or Vancouver. Most sail along the Inside Passage, a maritime route along the state's southern coast (and into British Columbia and Washington state) that weaves around the area's thousand islands. Some venture farther north into the Gulf of Alaska; these are often one-way cruises that begin and end at the ports near Anchorage. Restaurant prices in Alaska can be high, but a cruise bundles meals, accommodations and transportation into one price that, with sales, can be cheaper than you'd think. One of the key reasons to cruise Alaska versus taking a land tour is to visit destinations along the Inside Passage that you cannot reach by road. Plus, many of the state's famous glaciers are best viewed from the sea.

You might see bears that are continuing to fatten up before hibernation. Humpback whales have yet to begin their migration to warmer waters, so you will still be able to see them, especially in early August. By the end of August, the sunrise and sunset times in Alaska are pretty close to “normal” times for most states in the USA.

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We highly recommend booking Princess Cruises, a cruise line where we enjoyed their MedallionClass and Thermal Spa, The Enclave. Our experience on Celebrity Cruises was incredibly enjoyable as well – if you book with Celebrity Cruises, we cannot recommend The Retreat enough. Smaller ships can go to Alaska's lesser-known ports, including Thorne Bay, Wrangell, Petersburg, and Haines. If you want to cruise Alaska but also see some of the interior and enjoy a stay in a lodge or hotel, go for a cruisetour package from either Holland America or Princess Cruises. Both have fantastic itineraries that take passengers not only to the Inside Passage, but also to Anchorage, Denali National Park, the Yukon, Kenai Peninsula, Talkeetna and Fairbanks. Gulf of Alaska sailings — especially those in late August and September — can encounter rough seas in the gulf portion of the voyage.

What is the Best Time To Cruise to Alaska?

Table Of Content

• The Best Time to Cruise Alaska: Months to Choose
• Luxury Travelers
• Crowds
• The Best Time to Cruise Alaska: A Month-by-Month Guide

The closer you can get to the end of the month, the less you'll pay as a result of lessening demand and cooler temperatures. Bears in Alaska are still around because they're looking for food, such as berries or salmon. You're also quite likely to see many bald eagles that are also interested in salmon. While it is impossible to see and do it all over the course of a one week cruise, Alaska has the power to enchant even brief visitors. So while you are stuck at home, this may be the perfect time to start planning a cruise to The Last Frontier.

The Best Time to Cruise Alaska: Months to Choose

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. Small-ship Alaska cruise lines like American Queen Voyages and Uncruise can go further into narrow passages and get closer to shoreline wildlife like Dall sheep and bears. 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. Weather is a pretty big consideration when it comes to booking an Alaskan cruise. If you have a low tolerance for cold weather, cruising Alaska during the warmest months of July and August is a better choice.

Luxury Travelers

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These ships often feature complimentary shore excursions, kayaks and bikes for guest use and onboard scientists and naturalists. Most big-ship and luxury cruise lines send at least one cruise ship to Alaska every summer. 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. Multiple major cruise lines offer sailings in Alaska, but mainly during the Spring and Summer months.

Crowds

Some ships will have naturalists onboard, particularly in Glacier Bay. Conditions can sometimes prevent ships from reaching the glaciers, particularly in Tracy Arm Fjord. Popular destinations include Denali National Park (for wildlife viewing) or Talkeetna (best place for Denali views and cool eats). Cruise tour land packages are also available to spots like Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula and Canada's Yukon Territory. Almost all Gulf of Alaska cruises visit to Hubbard Glacier and spend some time scenic cruising in College Fjord.

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

Cruise prices during those times may be lower, perhaps by a couple hundred dollars per person. Mid-to-late September is one of the best times to spot wildlife in Alaska. Bears will be hunting for the last of the berries and salmon, and caribou, deer and moose will be mating. April and May are also the driest months in Alaska, so the chances of rain are slim. With the school year coming to a close, many families take advantage of the opportunity to travel together during the summer months.

Expedition Cruises: Get Up-Close-and-Personal With Nature

On the water, we rarely passed any other ships or boats, aside from fishermen out for their catches. Whatever month you choose for your Alaska cruise, though, is sure to bring the opportunity to visit charming towns, explore phenomenal nature, and make memories with family and friends. There’s no right or wrong time to cruise to Alaska, but having an idea of the pros and cons of each season should help decide which time of year works best for you. Likewise, while weather should be colder during the shoulder seasons of May and September, Alaska’s weather is quite unpredictable.

Best Alaska cruise ports

The port is set on Chichagof Island, which is known for its large bear population. Wildlife lovers have plenty of opportunities to search for whales and eagles here; adventure-seekers won't want to miss the ZipRider, with its course of six zip lines. Alaska cruises offer a wide range of activities in port, with options for active travelers, wildlife lovers, history buffs and shoppers. Whether you're traveling with young kids or require more sedentary recreation, the Alaska cruise ports won't disappoint.

The Best Time for Whale Watching

Alternatively, Gulf of Alaska cruises are typically seven-night, one-way itineraries between Vancouver and Seward or Whittier, the gateway ports for Anchorage and northern destinations in the state. You’ll want to carefully consider Alaska cruise packages and itineraries as the scenery, price and length of time all vary considerably. The best Alaska cruises manage to combine epic nature with local flavor, and the following options all offer that mix with some variation. You'll need to set aside a good chunk of money to spend on shore excursions when you're in Alaska. They can be incredibly expensive when compared to experiences in the Caribbean or Mexico. The good news is that no matter which month you choose, your Alaskan cruise will reward you with incredible experiences and memories that last a lifetime.

For those looking for a couples retreat, Viking Cruises cater exclusively to adults. The minimum age is 18, and the ship is designed for a luxurious and tranquil experience, so you can truly get away from it all. Late May and early June are the best possible times to view a momma moose and her calves in Alaska. If you do see these majestic creatures hulking around, stay far back (at least 50 feet) and never disturb a lone calf, as mom is somewhere nearby. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. If you want to see fall foliage ashore, wait until the first week of September.

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Binoculars will get you even closer to the beautiful creatures around you. Average temperatures from the mid-to-high 60ºF are the warmest Alaska typically sees at the height of summer. Some cruise itineraries sail this route while others go further into Alaska towards Whittier, close to Denali National Park. Ketchikan is where folks go to see the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, with athletes wielding axes and saws in traditional lumbering activities.

Numerous bird species, some journeying from as far as Antarctica, fill the skies. Bears emerge from hibernation, foraging for berries and roaming the landscape. Glaciers also get in on the summer action, calving massive chunks into the waters below.

Besides the majestic snow-capped mountains, fjords, and glaciers, you are probably traveling to Alaska to see the wildlife. Many will tell you that anytime during the months of May through September is the best time to cruise to Alaska to see wildlife. While compared to the winter months that might be true, some months are better than others for viewing some wildlife. These extended periods of light make viewing the surrounding scenery sailing in and out of ports even more appealing. The shoulder seasons, or the beginning and end of the Alaska cruise season, also offer some advantages. Late April into early May and September into early October provide lower prices, fewer crowds, and a chance to see the Northern Lights.

Book a fishing trip to try your hand at catching salmon or halibut, or go out crab fishing for a glimpse into that type of work. Many people trek to Alaska to commune with nature, but there's also history here that you shouldn't overlook. For the most Midnight Sun, come 3 weeks before or after the summer solstice and longest day of the year, June 21. It might surprise many, but July and especially August are rainy, so don't expect endless sunshine.

Additionally, June, July, and August may come with more crowds, but offer several more hours of daylight compared to in the fall. The weather in July is usually warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the low 70s. The only issue with a July Alaska cruise is the rain, as the state averages around 12 inches of rain in the month of July. You will see plenty of wildlife during your Alaska cruise throughout the cruise season, including whale watching, sea lions, bears, & birds. Since Alaska cruises are so dependent on outdoor activities, your best chance for sunny days can be opposite of when the best time for crowds are each season.

These are the "shoulder season" months, which is when the season begins and ends, and is when you will find less people vying for a cruise. There are advantages of cruising in each of the summer months, including when prices will be higher or lower. Peak cruising months, July and August, are the best time of year to cruise to Alaska. During these months you will have the warmest weather and the greatest chance to see wildlife.

The loss of daylight does mean you could see the Aurora Borealis while cruising to Alaska in late August. The best time to see the Northern Lights is between late August and April, typically peaking in March. 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 an excellent cruising month for birdwatchers as migratory songbirds start to arrive in Alaska and seabirds gather in their nesting spots or rookeries. Keep an eye out for my favorite, the ever-adorable puffins, Arctic terns, cormorants, and bald eagles.