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Our worst weather sailings (we still had a blast) were the ones in mid-May and the one in mid to late September. When I selected several consecutive summer months, I don't think it was working. This isn't exactly your question, but this itinerary is nice because it includes Sitka, which the rest of Princess' itineraries don't include. I've been to Alaska the last weekend in May and the weather was perfect with few crowds. My college roommate's daughter was a Park Ranger in Denali and recommend going then.
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If you want to cruise Alaska via the Inside Passage, tours begin in late April. You’ll especially want to have a warmer jacket (like a lightweight puffer), hat, and light gloves for early morning tours or any tours on the water or a glacier. Weather in Alaska in August may keep some cruisers away, but there are still many excursions and experiences to enjoy.
Alaska Cruise in April: Fewer Rainy Days When You Visit Alaska in April
Even if you're a seasoned fisherman, we recommend using a local guide to help find you the best fishing spot. On dry land, bears are more common in May, though not as frequently spotted as they are in peak summer. Here’s what you can expect each month on your upcoming Alaska cruise along with what you really need to pack. Stephanie Yrungaray grew up in gorgeous Eagle River, Alaska and now calls Utah her beUtahful home. She enjoys traveling and exploring with her husband and five kids any way she can, from cruising to RV camping and everything in-between! When she’s not out exploring, you’ll find her writing about travel, finances and parenting as well as gift ideas on her website,
The best time to cruise Alaska
I would consider two consecutive 7 days, or the addition of the Land Tour, on a newer ship. (on Majestic? with its nice covered solarium are which would be welcomed in Alaska in May!) ) you would get both Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay, two stops at some other ports.... At Juneau for example, you could go Whale Watching on one port day, and do something different on the second port day. I've been to Alaska twice, once the 1st week of May, and once the 2nd. The first cruise the weather was warm enough not to wear ajacket, the second one was cold and rainy. Seems a poncho would fit over anything or multiple layers and allow freedom of movement.
Weather In Alaska By Season
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.
These are the best times to visit Alaska - The Points Guy
These are the best times to visit Alaska.
Posted: Thu, 06 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Alaskan cruises are generally the cheapest in May, followed by September sailings. July and August Alaska cruises command the highest prices due to warmer weather and kids being out of school. Since most people visit by road or cruise ship, they won’t hit the coldest spot much further south.
What to Expect on an Alaskan Cruise in April
This month also experiences near constant cloud cover with a good chance of rain on any given day. Travelers get at least fifteen hours of daylight and twilight in May, providing more time for whale watching and other outdoor activities. With low wind speeds, cold temperatures, and precipitation, travelers may want to pack plenty of knit sweaters, a jacket, warm pants, and waterproof boots or shoes. A May Alaska itinerary sees the least rain, and it’s one of the top reasons I cruise in May.
What is the best time to cruise Alaska?
Each season has its pluses and minuses and the best time to cruise to Alaska depends on what’s important to you. Now that you know what to expect from the weather, peruse Alaska cruise itineraries. Keep in mind that Alaska and the Yukon make up an enormous mass of land; in fact, combined they are about half the size of the lower 48 states! As you can imagine, it can be difficult to speak in generalities about the climate for a place so vast.
When the Vancouver cruise port reopened, it welcomed the HAL Koningsdam as the first cruise ship post-pandemic. Jenna DeLaurentis enjoys exploring new ports of call around the world on a cruise ship, learning about new cultures, discovering beautiful landscapes, and trying diverse cuisine. She loves to get active while at port, whether cycling through mountains in the Caribbean or scuba diving under the sea. Cruising to Alaska in April, May, and early June is in less demand than the peak summer season.
Days will be short — there are only about 10 hours of daylight. The beginning of September is much like August, but after the kids go back to school and the family crowd departs, it's shoulder season for cruising and pricing drops. Most cruise ships will have repositioned out of the state by the end of the month. You will experience a change of season, with cooler temperatures (in the 50s or lower) and some rain. With humpback whales arriving to feed for the summer, whale watching tours never disappoint.
We were 1st ship of the season, no other ships, it was great. I bought short sleeved tees as I wasn't prepared for warmer than normal. I would lean towards the late summer cruise in September when the weather is more likely to be welcoming. I understand that’s all a matter of opinion and it’s easy enough to put on sweaters and jackets. I suppose if you’re interested in views of mountains still covered in snow and that sort of thing...
Make sure to pack insect repellant when you visit Alaska in June, as mosquitos and other insects can become a nuisance. Alaska has, after all, been sold for decades as "The Great White North," an endless expanse of permafrost, snow-capped mountains, icefields, and glaciers. Look to shoulder season sailingsNot only will you often receive a significant discount, you’ll also be able to witness Alaska’s seasonal transitions and fewer crowds at ports of call. The Aleutian Island city of Unalaska is also on some boutique cruise line itineraries, so check carefully that the region that sparks your interest. 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.
For major cruise lines, the Alaska cruise season runs between May and late September, including Viking and Disney. 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. You might need a fleece jacket in the morning but find yourself stripping down to a T-shirt by early afternoon. A packable rain jacket is always good to have on hand since you never know when you’ll get caught in a summer squall. If budget is as big a concern as Alaska cruise weather, May is one of the cheapest months to sail due to shoulder-season discounts.
Alaska's impressive southern coastlines contain hordes of island archipelagos, deep fjords and ancient glaciers. Nearly all of the area is roadless, so seafaring vessels, including cruise ships, are a popular way for visitors to experience these pristine areas. Keep an eye out for seabirds and songbirds, seals, Steller sea lions and humpback whales.
With fewer kids and families onboard, the ship and ports you visit may be quieter than during peak season. Passengers with a cruise booked to Alaska in the early season will encounter some of the best weather found all year. While the spring does not bring the highest temperatures of the Alaska cruise season, there is less rain than other times of the year. The best time for an Alaskan Cruise is May through with September, with the best weather in June and July.
September is also an excellent time to witness a towering Alaskan moose. By this time of year, bull moose have a full rack of antlers. 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.
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