Alaska is a cruise destination with a limited season. Cruise ships arrive in Southeast Alaska in the spring, stay the summer, and only extend into early fall. The 49th state’s snowy, cold and dark winters are not conducive to hiking.
Most cruise passengers will visit Alaska between Memorial Day in late May and Labor Day in early September when temperatures range from slightly cooler to warmer during the long daylight hours. Tourist attractions are in full swing, salmon swim upriver, and bears (and humans) have access to fishing.
Some adventurous cruisers will board ships when they come to Alaska in April to see the remnants of winter. A few large ships cruise in mid-October for those who want to see what life is like in Alaskan towns when other tourists have returned home.
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Each month has its advantages, not least of which are discounted prices during the spring and fall seasons. Here’s a guide to help you decide when to cruise in Alaska.
April
After a long winter, Alaska begins to wake up in April—including the wildlife. Small-ship cruise lines such as Lindblad Expeditions and Uncruise Adventures sails into the desert, where you can see bears coming out of their slumber and admire huge waterfalls fueled by melting snow. Some larger ships, such as Norwegian Cruise Line’s 4,000-passenger Norwegian Bliss out of Seattle, open their seasons this month with discounted early-season prices.
You may encounter freezing rain or even snow on your April cruise and should expect to wade through mud. Some tourist facilities – including national parks – may still close for the winter.
On the other hand, you will get a chance to observe the change of seasons. Expect crisp mornings with temperatures in the 30s, though by the end of the month, you can find dry weather and temperatures in the 60s. As an added bonus, the sky will be dark at night; If it’s clear, you can spot the Northern Lights.
RELATED: The Best Alaska Cruises for Every Type of Traveler
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May
As someone who has been to Alaska many times, I like to cruise in May when the weather is dry. Locals begin to emerge from their winter cocoons, embracing the sunlight, and so does the wildlife. You can see bears with their cubs, moose with their calves, and humpback whales returning from their winter home in Hawaii.
Large ships such as cruise lines Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean increase their operations in May, as do Disney Cruise Line and small-ship and luxury lines. Early season deals may be available.
Attractions and shops will switch to peak-season hours at the end of the month; Denali National Park and Preserve will switch to summer mode in May. Considering that many people in Southeast Alaska derive their income from out-of-state visitors, you’ll find people working in the tourism industry excited to get back to business. Cruise lines will offer the option to extend the cruise with a land tour, which includes accommodations, transportation, and some meals.
While the air is cooler in early May, by the end of the month you may be dealing with temperatures in the 60s. Warmer weather means glaciers begin to shed ice more frequently, so you have a better chance of experiencing the sight and sound of house-sized chunks of ice at sea. Another bonus is that Alaska’s large mosquito population has yet to emerge.
Related: Alaska Cruise Guide: Best Itineraries, Planning Tips, and Things to Do
June
The cruise season increases in June as the number of ships increases; By the end of the month the season is in full swing. The midnight sun means many hours of daylight – especially on June 20, the longest day of the year. You have to stay up late to see any darkness.
In early June, ships still carry mostly adults, with family crowds — including multigenerational groups — arriving later in the month.
Shore excursion experiences abound. Temperatures are pleasant — in the 60s and sometimes higher, with wildflowers blooming and glaciers growing. Anglers will have a chance to see king and sockeye salmon and rainbow trout along with halibut. Besides humpbacks, you can see belugas and seals with their pups.
At the beginning of the month, you can still find some early-season prices; The peak season for Alaska cruising begins in late June.
Related: Alaska Cruise Packing List: What to Pack for Sailing North
July and August
Summer is the height of the Alaska cruise season, which means congestion in port towns, especially when several ships are in port at the same time. You can wait hours for a table at the popular Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau.
It may surprise many, but July and especially August are rainy, so don’t expect endless sunshine. That said, you’re in Alaska once in a while for festivals and other special events, and the border towns really come alive.
Temperatures will be in the 60s, sometimes higher – you can even see 80s in Juneau in July. During the long daylight hours, you’ll find Alaskans at heart swimming in the ocean and enjoying water sports. Shore excursion options will be in full swing.
During both months, you will encounter peak-season prices. Unless you book early, cabin selection can be limited — especially if you’re looking for a fancy suite or a cheap inside cabin; It is the first series to be sold. Balcony cabins are especially popular in Alaska.
Mosquitoes enjoy summer too, so pack bug spray. July and August are also salmon season, so you may see grizzlies and brown bears near rivers and streams.
Keep an eye out for seabirds and songbirds, seals, stellar sea lions and humpback whales. Marine life is so prolific that some small boat shore excursions guarantee you animal sightings. The bear will be fishing; In late August, they’ll be on the lookout for blueberries, which will also become a featured item on the restaurant’s menu. In late August, you’ll see the leaves change to autumn colors.
Related: The best Alaska cruise shore excursions – from heli-hiking to whale watching
September
Early September is similar to August, but after the kids go back to school and the family flocks leave, it’s the season for cruising and slashing prices. Most cruise ships will have shifted out of the state by the end of the month. You’ll experience a change in season, with cooler temperatures (in the 50s or lower) and little rain.
Mid to late September is the best time to see wildlife in Alaska. I have had extraordinary experiences. Once, I witnessed a pod of humpback whales bubble-net feeding (coraling fish in bubble “nets”) congregating in preparation for their annual journey to warm waters to fill their bellies. Bears will hunt for the last of berries and salmon, and caribou, deer and moose will mate.
You’ll see colorful fall foliage but no mosquitoes. National park facilities and some tourist businesses will switch to winter hours. September is also a great time to find bargains on souvenirs, as merchants sell this year’s wares at the end of Alaska’s tourist season.
On a clear night, you have a chance to see the Northern Lights – although they won’t shine as brightly as in winter. Instead of staying up all night, see if your ship or pre- or post-cruise hotel has a sign-up sheet for people who want to make a wake-up call if the lights appear.
Related: From Alaska to the Panama Canal: Here Are 9 of TPG’s Favorite Fall Cruise Itineraries
October
A limited number of cruises in October (mainly Norwegian Cruise Line) makes it possible for cruisers to experience a taste of Alaska in winter without the sub-zero temperatures. You will want to bundle up; The average temperature in Juneau is 39 degrees in October. The days will be short – there are only 10 hours of light. You may experience rain and possibly snow.
Some attractions and shops will be closed for the winter, although your cruise line will still operate a full roster of shore excursions. On the plus side, you’ll experience the towns of Southeast Alaska as they are most of the year without the crowds of tourists. Sit at a bar and chat with the locals as they prepare for the long winter. Cruise fares will be discounted.
Related: Caribbean Vs. Alaska Cruises: Which Itinerary Would I Like More?
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska?
If one of your primary objectives during your Alaska trip is to catch a glimpse Consider sailing in the Northern Lights, late August, September or October. Lights are usually strongest in Alaska from late August to mid-April.
Your best bet for viewing will be in Fairbanks — it’s located under the “Aurora Oval,” an area known for a high frequency of northern lights displays. Fairbanks is a popular stop on cruisers, who combine travel time with an overnight stay on land. For example, Holland America’s nine-night Denali tour begins in early September with an overnight stay in Fairbanks.
Denali National Park and Anchorage can offer glimpses of the Northern Lights—though not as often as Fairbanks because they’re further south. Both places are popular cruiser stops. If you’re flying in or out of Seward or Whittier, you’ll fly through Anchorage on one end of your trip. Consider an extra night or two there if you want to try and catch the aurora.
Seeing the Northern Lights from your ship in the Inside Passage is incredibly rare.
Related: Northern Lights Cruise: A Guide to Chasing the Aurora Borealis at Sea
What is the cheapest month for an Alaska cruise?
As mentioned earlier, April, May, September, and October are good months for an Alaska cruise if you’re hoping make a deal In addition to cheaper fares, early and late season trips are less crowded.
Bottom line
What is the best month for an Alaska cruise? Alaska is an exciting cruise destination no matter what month you sail. However, some months may be better for you depending on your interests. If you’re a bargain hunter, look for early and late season trips. Choose a trip in May or June for drier weather and fewer mosquitoes. Summer is the best time to cruise for abundant marine life and bird watching. September can be an excellent month for wildlife viewing.
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