The Best Time to Cruise Alaska Month by Month

Table Of Content

• What Are the Best Months for Wildlife & Activities?
• What to Expect on an Alaskan Cruise in September
• North America Travel Guide
• The Best Time to Cruise Alaska: A Month-by-Month Guide
• What to Expect on an Alaskan Cruise in June
• Alaska Cruise in October: Chilly Weather and Cruise Deals When You Cruise Alaska in October

The high temperature in May in the capital city of Juneau, averages in the mid-50s, with lows in the 40s. September weather in Alaska may be unpredictable but with the right preparation you can enjoy all the exciting events. While the weather in Alaska in June brings out the flowers and even greener scenery, expect mosquitoes to be biting. Alaska temperatures can be unpredictable, so come prepared with the proper wardrobe.

What Are the Best Months for Wildlife & Activities?

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. While early May often carries a chill in the air, by the end of the month, you might encounter temperatures in the 60s.

What to Expect on an Alaskan Cruise in September

To help you select the ideal time for your trip, the following guide will introduce you to weather and attraction differences between the months. Then we’ll wrap up by answering some frequently asked questions about Alaskan cruises — the best time to see whales and northern lights, the best time for salmon fishing and similar queries. Most cruise passengers will head to 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 in full swing, salmon swim upriver and bears (and humans) have access to fishing. Cruise ships arrive in southeast Alaska in spring, stay the summer and linger only into early fall. The 49th state's snowy, cold and dark winters are not conducive to cruising.

North America Travel Guide

The best month to visit Alaska depends on what you hope to experience during your trip. Gray whales, humpback whales, orca, beluga whales — Alaska has them all. Here are some quick tips to help you increase the odds of seeing whales during your cruise. September also increases your wildlife sighting opportunities, as animals across the state begin migrating, foraging for hibernation and engaging in courtship rituals. As August winds down, fall colors explode across the mountains, giving you gorgeous landscapes to explore by ship, train and foot.

Best Shore Excursions On An Alaskan Cruise

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. You may encounter freezing rain or even snow on your April cruise and should expect to tread through mud. Some tourist facilities — including those at national parks — may still be shuttered for the winter. Each month has its advantages, not the least of which is discounted pricing in the spring and fall shoulder seasons. Some adventurous cruisers will board ships when they arrive in Alaska in April to see the remnants of winter.

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. 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 Expect on an Alaskan Cruise in June

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. Mt. Denali is another option for cruisers, but be sure to check on the Mt. Denali weather with your cruise line. On clear nights, you could have a chance to spot the northern lights — though they won't shine as brightly as they do in winter.

July cruisers enjoy the warmest weather, with highs around 65 degrees. Warmer weather also makes glaciers more active, so it's quite likely to see impressive calving events while cruising in front of Hubbard Glacier, or through the beautiful Glacier Bay National Park. If fishing in Alaska is on your bucket list, July is a good month to book a fishing trip during one of your shore days.

April and May

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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. If you are hoping to travel during peak Alaskan cruise season (July and August), you should plan on booking your Alaskan cruise at least one year in advance. The farther in advance you can book your Alaskan cruise, the more options you will have for cruise dates, itineraries, and cabin amenities. If you cruise to Alaska this month, you can enjoy more shop and restaurant options in port towns but expect things to be slightly more crowded. June is a smart choice for cruisers who don’t want to travel during peak season but want more opportunities.

Expect less activity and fewer shop openings in some smaller port towns in May since most summer workers are in college and won’t arrive until June. 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. Another thing to keep in mind when deciding the best month for your Alaskan cruise is wildlife viewing opportunities. Alaska is still gaining sunlight as the Summer Solstice approaches, so you’ll experience longer days during your May cruise. While prices in the early season are generally less expensive, your experience during a May cruise will look different from during the high season in July and August.

Explore Alaskan cruises and learn more about each fun-filled trip to the 49th state. The summer cruise season in Alaska runs from mid-May to mid-September. Check out our quick tips for picking the best time to cruise Alaska, then read on for more details. 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. With that in mind, Alaska is still a dynamic destination—no one snapshot of time during the year is guaranteed to encompass all this state has to offer.

When she’s not out exploring, you’ll find her writing about travel, finances and parenting as well as gift ideas on her website, September is also an excellent time to witness a towering Alaskan moose. With shoulder heights at 6 foot 9 inches and over 1,400 pounds, these massive animals are as dangerous as impressive, so you’ll want to view them from a distance. Birds also haven’t started their migration, so you can spot both songbirds and seabirds as you cruise along the coast.

Here is a breakdown of other important considerations for an April Alaskan cruise. Choosing the best time of year for an Alaskan cruise can be challenging. From month to month, the weather, wildlife, and your chances of viewing the mesmerizing Northern Lights vary greatly.