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Big ships often have more for kids to do on board, which might be more important than where the ship goes. Expedition-style cruises may have less for youngsters but appeal to independent teens. These voyages offer a more intimate and close-up Alaska experience, with outings on kayaks and Zodiac boats that launch directly from the ship. The nights are getting longer but there’s still plenty of daylight too, and none of the summer crowds of the previous few months either.
So When Is The Best Time to Go to Alaska?
Read on for the best time of year to cruise to Alaska, based on your personal preferences and the breathtaking experiences you want to check off your bucket list. The average temperature for an Alaska cruise in September is in the mid-50s and lows in the low-40s. It's also very likely to encounter rain, as September is an even rainier month than August. You'll likely encounter the highest chance of rain if you take an Alaska cruise in August, but it's also when you can expect to find the most comfortable outdoor temperatures.
Shoulder Seasons Offer Lower Prices
Alaskan cruises are one of the few places where we recommend booking a balcony cabin. One of our favorite things to do on an Alaskan cruise is to wake up early and enjoy the views of the inner passage, fjords, and glaciers – all while sipping coffee on our balcony. Another great opportunity to see wildlife is during the famous salmon run.
From Glacier Bay to the Inside Passage, These Are the Best Alaska Cruises to Book Now
While the end of cruising season brings darker skies, guests can discover the secrets behind the mystifying Northern Lights. Although catching a glimpse of the lights is rare, learning about them is just as enchanting. Now that it has a couple of seasons in Alaska under its belt, HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) is not holding back. In 2024, the company is offering a 19-day sailing that starts in Vancouver, Canada, before working its way past the fjords, glacier-filled straits, and Indigenous villages of the Inside Passage.
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The best time to visit also depends on your tolerance for the cold and for other travelers. The sun hardly sets, the landscapes (save for the glaciers) are verdant, and the waterways are choked with playful whales getting their fill before winter. As the summer sun peaks over the snow-capped mountains, beloved wildlife reawaken from their winter slumber and the Great Land comes to life.
"When you're out on the water, you can do wildlife viewing as well, and it's built into that cruise experience." The last time I was in Alaska — many years ago — I stood on the deck of a cruise ship and watched giant pieces of ice, some seemingly as large as a car, fall off the Hubbard Glacier and into the sea. I stood there for what felt like forever, unable to take my eyes off the crumbling ice and the splash of the water below. 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. 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.
What Is The Best Month To Cruise Alaska For Good Weather?
Another advantage of traveling during the shoulder season is that booking shore excursions becomes more convenient. With smaller crowds and more manageable attractions, you can fully immerse yourself in the Alaskan experience without feeling overwhelmed or rushed. During the shoulder season, you can often find attractive deals on Alaskan cruises, as there are fewer families traveling due to school being in session. Additionally, many passengers prefer the warmer summer weather for their Alaskan vacation. If you’re looking to explore Alaska without the hustle and bustle of peak tourist season, consider traveling during the shoulder season, which includes the months of May and September. In these months, the weather remains cool, and most schools are either still in session or just starting, resulting in fewer crowds.
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While the days are still longer than those in the Lower 48, they are getting slightly shorter throughout July. The average July temperature in Juneau is 64 degrees, with an average low of 51 degrees. My advice is to pack plenty of warm (and waterproof) layers, expect the unexpected, and find joy in whatever experience you get. Temperature is relative, so don’t be shocked if you see an Alaskan sporting shorts and a tank top in June. The 60s can feel downright tropical after winter temperatures in the 20s and 30s.
Including islands, Alaska has 33,904 miles of shoreline. The perfect way to see it all? By boat.
Also, many cruise passengers prefer to travel to Alaska in the warmer summer weather. 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. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines.
Additionally, May is an ideal time to take advantage of the extended daylight hours and enjoy some outdoor activities. Alaska is known for its outdoor adventure opportunities, and the springtime weather is perfect for hiking, fishing, and kayaking. You can take a guided hike through the wilderness or try your hand at fishing in one of Alaska's many rivers. While the tourism season in Alaska doesn’t really kick in until June, many small cruise ships start running tours in May.
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. Because of its latitude, Alaska experiences extremes in daylight in the summer and darkness in the winter. You can also look for a last-minute Alaska cruise deal, though keep in mind that with Alaska's cruise season growing longer, interest in Alaska September cruises is rising. If you're on a budget, stick to interior rooms and look for the big cruise ships, which tend to have more inventory. Summer Alaska cruises fill up quickly, so always book well in advance. There are a large number of cruisers who visit Alaska specifically for the sport of salmon fishing.
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Proper footwear is also important and be sure to bring hiking shoes if you plan to enjoy outdoor activities. We can speak to this firsthand, having journeyed through Alaska multiple times and still finding new wonders to explore. A single cruise won’t cover all that Alaska has to offer, but by identifying your top must-see activities and experiences, you’ll be better equipped to select the ideal month for your Alaskan adventure. In conclusion, the Alaska cruise shoulder seasons offer a balanced experience that combines budget-friendly options, fewer crowds, and the beauty of Alaska’s ever-changing landscapes.
When it comes to cruising Alaska, whale watching is at the top of many people’s wish lists. Every season in Alaska has its own charms, and depending on what you’re looking to see and do, some months might be better than others. If you’ve never visited Alaska, you’ll be happy to know that a cruise ship is the best way to explore America’s Last Frontier. Some adventurous cruisers will board ships when they arrive in Alaska in April to see the remnants of winter.
Orca whales are most commonly found in Alaska’s Pacific Northwest, Seward, and the Kenai Fjords. In addition to cooler temperatures, there is a higher tendency for rain during the late spring. Everything else is about stepping outside, breathing in the shockingly clean air and enjoying the cruise. Ships also do a lot of maneuvering, including turning complete circles designed to give everyone on board access to the amazing views.
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