Sunday, March 31, 2024

How To Pick The Best Time of Year to Cruise to Alaska

best months for alaska cruise

You’ll be able to choose from a huge number of shore excursions from the cruise lines, including cruisetours from Princess Cruises and Holland America Line at Denali National Park. Traditionally, July and August have been considered the best time to cruise to Alaska, as these months offer warm sun, long days, and abundant wildlife. However, the shoulder seasons (April–May and September–October) are growing in popularity, thanks to fewer crowds, lower-priced cruises and seasonal attractions like the northern lights. You’ll enjoy wildlife viewing, warmer temperatures, and daylight returns to more typical hours. However, the dry season has ended, so rainfall will begin to increase as the month progresses.

Alaska cruise in June: Summer without the biggest crowds

July and August are the driest months of the year with an average of less than two inches of rainfall each month. The average high temperature is 67 Fahrenheit in June and 71 in July and August, according to the Meteorological Service of Canada. The best time to cruise to Alaska depends on both warm temperatures and a lower risk of rain.

The worst months to cruise to Alaska - Royal Caribbean Blog

The worst months to cruise to Alaska.

Posted: Mon, 18 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

What is the best time of year to see the northern lights on an Alaska cruise?

The closer you can get to the end of the month, the less you'll pay as a result of lessening demand and cooler temperatures. Other than May, September is the best month for an Alaska cruise if you're looking for a deal. The price of an Alaska cruise in August should be cheaper than June or July, especially if you can take a cruise in the latter half of the month. The best months to catch a glimpse of the amazing fauna that call Alaska home are the months of June and July. If you are willing to trade warmth for less precipitation, then go for May.

Advantages of Visiting Alaska in June

More than half of North America’s bald eagle population lives in Alaska. During the summer months, you may be able to spot them from the deck of your cruise ship as they tend to their nests in tall trees near the water. Fortunately for us, whales are a common sight along Alaska’s coastline from May to September.

Sitting on the top deck searching for whale sightings is one of my favorite activities while cruising in Alaska. Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities to spot these majestic creatures throughout the cruising season. 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. While they tend to be less of an issue while you are on a cruise ship on the water, they can be a menace on shore.

When is the Best Time of Year to See Eagles in Alaska

To help you get ready for your awe-inspiring adventure, learn about Alaska cruise temperatures by month. With the warmth of summer breathing new life into the outdoors, May through September continues to be the most popular season to travel to the Land of the Midnight Sun. That said, the best time for an Alaska cruise during these months depends on what experiences you’re looking to have. On any of our cruises to Alaska, embrace the beauty of life in the Great Land and leave craving more. The best time to cruise Alaska for good weather is between late June and early July.

While late spring and early summer might offer pleasant weather in the lower American states, Alaska’s far north latitude means that temperatures are still cooler. If you choose to cruise Alaska during this time, bring water-resistant clothing and plenty of warm layers. This period also seems to have longer daylight hours than earlier stretches. This means you have more time to stroll the deck of your ship and look out onto Alaska’s stunning landscapes and glaciers. The best time to book an Alaskan cruise is the months between April and September. If you think this is a long stretch to be deemed “the best” time to book a cruise in Alaska, you are not wrong, but there is a reason for this.

When is the best time to visit Alaska to see the Northern Lights?

Anglers will find opportunities to reel in halibut along with king and sockeye salmon and rainbow trout. In addition to humpbacks, you might also spot belugas and seals with their pups as you sail. 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.

The Best Time to Cruise Alaska Month by Month - Cruise Critic

The Best Time to Cruise Alaska Month by Month.

Posted: Mon, 01 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Longer sailings from the West Coast

Sit in a bar and talk to the locals as they prepare for the long winter ahead. 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.

Feel the warm embrace of the summer sun throughout June when the Land of the Midnight Sun experiences the height of its daylight. With over 18 hours of golden sun each day, Alaska landscapes kiss the snowy surfaces goodbye and welcome the lush green meadows that bear the fruits of winter’s labor. As you venture into the depths of Alaska’s wilderness, reach new heights where you can enjoy unparalleled views of staggering glaciers and roaming hillside wildlife. With lows in the upper 40s and highs in the mid-60s, allow the revitalizing, crisp breeze to tickle your neck as you rejoice in the unforgettable climb. If spotting wildlife is a priority for you on an Alaska cruise, pick your sailing date carefully. June, July, and August are fantastic times to cruise Alaska to view wildlife, as these months bring the highest chances of spotting whales, bears, and salmon.

Welcome to High Seas Cruising, your resource for exploring the exciting world of cruise ship travel. We provide expert advice, insightful reviews, and comprehensive guides to help seasoned and novice cruisers create their ideal sea journeys. Whether you desire adventure, luxury, or exploration, High Seas Cruising is your compass to unforgettable cruise vacations. There are a large number of cruisers who visit Alaska specifically for the sport of salmon fishing.

The summer months have the warmest temperatures and the least amount of snowfall. The warming weather allows cruise ships to travel through the Arctic waters providing unique opportunities for passengers. If having the highest chance of warm temperatures and sunny days is important to you, cruising to Alaska in the peak summer months is your best bet.

best months for alaska cruise

Alaska food festivals, marathon races, dances, art exhibits, and so much more are offered year-round, but especially during cruise season. Ketchikan holds a Gigglefeet dance festival in late July or early August each year. See local residents show their best moves, then dance to music old and new. You may even catch a glimpse of a whale swimming alongside your cruise ship as you sip morning coffee on your stateroom veranda; it’s just one of the joys of cruising to Alaska.

If you want a more active trip in less touristed areas, a great choice would be a small-ship expedition line, including Alaska specialists such as Alaskan Dream Cruises and UnCruise Adventures. Weeklong itineraries generally embark in either Seattle or Vancouver, British Columbia — though some itineraries originate in Juneau. For the most Midnight Sun, come 3 weeks before or after the summer solstice and longest day of the year, June 21.

You might see bears that are continuing to fatten up before hibernation. Humpback whales have yet to begin their migration to warmer waters, so you will still be able to see them, especially in early August. The loss of daylight does mean you could see the Aurora Borealis while cruising to Alaska in late August.

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