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The following breakdowns of weather by month combines 30 years of weather data for five major Alaska cruise ports from the U.S. As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours. The truth is that both of these stretches can allow for an exciting and memorable experience.
When is the Best Time to Visit Alaska to Avoid Crowds?
Just expect cooler weather, fewer wildlife viewing opportunities, and less active ports with some shops that are still shuttered. 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. Arguably, the biggest draw is the marine animals, with opportunities to see pods of humpback whales, gray whales, orcas, sea lions, sea otters, and more.
Best Months For An Alaska Cruise With "Good" Weather
The city has weather patterns that are similar to Juneau, although it is slightly warmer. 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.
Cruise to Alaska from April to October for an Incomparable Life Experience
It's one of the most popular and common itineraries for Alaska cruising. Luxury cruises to Alaska on smaller ships can be a great option for those looking to pair remote wilderness with a bit of pampering. Your best high-end bets are Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea and Windstar. But the higher amount of rain in August makes July the best time to cruise to Alaska. It averages more than six inches in June and July and 10 inches in August, according to the National Weather Service.
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska: A Month-by-Month Guide
Alaska weather in October is manageable if you pack the right gear and protective clothing. Weather in Alaska in August may keep some cruisers away, but there are still many excursions and experiences to enjoy. On dry land, bears are more common in May, though not as frequently spotted as they are in peak summer. But, if you have your heart set on landing a King Salmon (also called Chinook Salmon), the best time to visit is between May and mid-July, when they make their way upstream.
The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler - The Points Guy
The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler.
Posted: Mon, 05 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
You will experience a change of season, with cooler temperatures (in the 50s or lower) and some rain. In late June through mid-August, brown bears and moose come out to feed in ponds, lakes, and along rivers. You may see beluga whales, humpback whales, or pods of orcas who frequent Alaskan waters in the summer, as well as seals and dolphins.
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National park facilities and some tourist businesses will switch to winter hours. September is also a great time to get deals on souvenirs, as merchants sell off this year's goods at the end of Alaska's tourist season. Unless you booked early, cabin choice could be limited — especially if you are looking for a fancy suite or cheap inside cabin, which tend to be the first categories to sell out. 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.
When is the Best Time to Cruise to Alaska for Salmon Fishing?
As a rule of thumb, fewer people will be traveling when school is in session, and therefore, fewer crowds. You can often find great deals on Alaskan cruises that sail during the shoulder season. Every time we’ve sailed in Alaska, we’ve always spotted at least one whale from the deck of our cruise ship. And trust me, watching a humpback whale breach the water against the beautiful Alaskan landscape is a sight you’ll never forget. You're in luck if you're hoping to see whales on your Alaska cruise, as the majority of the cruise season coincides with whale season. Humpback whales can be found in the waters of the Gulf of Alaska and are some of the most frequently spotted, though you may also see orcas and gray whales as well.
Crowds
The Alaska cruise season runs between May and September, which happen to be the most temperate times of the year in the 49th state. In September, the scale now tips towards later sunrises and earlier sunsets in Alaska. By the end of September, there are less than 12 hours of daylight in Juneau. For cruise itineraries in Alaska, August high temperatures will be somewhere in the upper 50s and low 60s. We’ve reached the pinnacle of summer temperatures, and the rainier season has just begun. If bear viewing is high on your bucket list and you are traveling on a bigger cruise ship, look for a float plane excursion that will take you to where the bears feed.
Many expedition cruises to Alaska also employ Zodiac rafts and offer kayaks and hiking trips to bring passengers closer to glaciers and creatures. McDaniel said the most popular ports to leave from are Seattle and Vancouver, but cruises can depart from as far south as San Francisco or even from places like Seward, Alaska. Keep in mind, the closer your starting port is to Alaska, the fewer days you will spend at sea. While early May often carries a chill in the air, by the end of the month, you might encounter temperatures in the 60s. The warmer weather means glaciers begin shedding ice more frequently, so you have a better chance of experiencing the sight and sound of a house-size chunk of ice calving into the sea. There's also the bonus that Alaska's large mosquito population has yet to emerge.
You will find local asparagus on some menus in southeast towns later in the month, and fiddlehead season also begins in Alaska in May. However, most of Alaska's tastiest fruits and vegetables aren't on offer until later in the summer. There are a large number of cruisers who visit Alaska specifically for the sport of salmon fishing.
Warmer weather in Alaska also has an unexpected bonus for cruisers in the form of glacial calving. In August, the wildlife can sense that winter is on its way, and activity picks up to prepare for the months of cold, snow, and darkness. July is filled with opportunities to see the stunning wildlife of Alaska while enjoying milder temperatures. Although it is getting darker earlier, solar activity is not at its peak in the summer, so your chances of viewing the Northern Lights in July are slim to none. Packing-wise, you’ll still want to bring a raincoat, but you can probably leave your winter coat home if you are cruising in June.
To help you decide if it’s the right time for your trip, here are some advantages and disadvantages of cruising during the late spring to mid-summer stretch. Each month within the April to September stretch offers its own unique advantages and disadvantages. To help you choose which is the best month for you, we’ve created this month-by-month guide to the Alaskan 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. On average, more than half the days in the month of August experience rain. This may seem like a reason to skip an Alaska cruise in August, but it's still a great time to take in lots of activities around the state.
The state is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bears, moose, caribou, and whales. In July, the whales are usually in full migration, making it an ideal time for whale watching. Visitors can take a whale watching excursion to see humpback whales, orcas, and other marine life up close. The salmon are also in full run during this time, which attracts bears and eagles, making it an excellent time to spot these animals in their natural habitat. This month brings the warmest weather of the year, the longest hours of daylight and the largest number of tourists.
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