Table Of Content
That being said, the weather and wildlife in Alaska are notoriously unpredictable. You might take a float plane to see bears and, sadly, not see a single one. If you are in port, you’ll get to see how Alaskans take advantage of the Midnight Sun with locals out biking, hiking, and fishing at all hours of the night. Summer workers (typically college students) begin to arrive for the peak tourist season, and shops and restaurants open for the summer.
Advantages of Visiting Alaska in May
Seeing a single whale, as they prefer to travel, or in small pods, as they like to feed, is highly likely. If humpbacks are your favorite, book an Inside Passage cruise during late June, July, or August. The average temperature for an Alaska cruise in September is in the mid-50s and lows in the low-40s.
Cruise week report: Couple left behind by cruise ship, cruising essentials you need, the best time to cruise to Alaska ... - Cruise Blog
Cruise week report: Couple left behind by cruise ship, cruising essentials you need, the best time to cruise to Alaska ....
Posted: Fri, 05 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
What to Do in Alaska: Top Things to Do in June
We’ve broken the seasons down for you, including the highlights of each, as well as the best cruise lines and cruise ships to consider so you can make your bucket list dreams come true. This is but one of the incredible experiences that may be had when visiting Alaska in the “secret season”—springtime. Not only are the flowers and plant life awakening from their wintertime slumber, so is its wildlife. The best time to cruise Alaska isn't obvious—until you're quietly sailing along its calm waters under a cloudless, late-spring sky.
What to Expect in Every Month of Alaska Cruise Season
To help you find the best time to cruise to Alaska, Cruise Critic is breaking down the Alaska cruise season month by month to help you plan your bucket-list trip. Read on for average Alaska cruise prices, things to do in Alaska and everything else you'll need to decide which is the best month to cruise Alaska for you. Wet weather aside, late summer months bring the best chances of seeing wildlife on expeditions. These months are also your best bet if you want active fishing trips on a shore excursion.
If you want the best weather…
As mentioned, recommending one specific month that will act as the best time to cruise Alaska can be a little bit difficult. To help you plan your perfect trip, we will explain which months are the best for Alaskan cruises. We’ll also discuss factors you may not have considered, such as visibility of the Northern Lights, financial costs, and more.
Seattle
Winter, when nights are long, dark, and clear, is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska. That said, it is possible but not guaranteed to see them on an Alaska cruise. An Alaska cruise in early April, or late September, close to the fall equinox (September 21), will increase your chances. While you’re on the boat, you’ll enjoy delicious and local cuisine, with many of our cruises offering fine-dining options.
Alaskan Cruises Shut Down In Winter: Here's The Best Way To See The Sights - TheTravel
Alaskan Cruises Shut Down In Winter: Here's The Best Way To See The Sights.
Posted: Sat, 09 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Best Time Of Year For Glacier Calving
Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity Cruises also offer sailings. The fall salmon run also attracts bears and other predatory species to the rivers and shorelines, making viewing them from a cruise ship deck much easier. Humpback whales, orcas, seals, and other marine species are also more active during these months. One of the main advantages of cruising Alaska during the later summer months is the milder temperatures and more predictable weather. During these peak months of the Alaskan summer, daytime temperatures range between 50 and 60 °F, with some days reaching as high as 90 °F.
In April, mountains will still be snowy, and high temperatures will max out in the upper 40s for most cruise ports. Due to unpredictable weather, though, there’s a risk of shore excursions being cancelled -- especially boat and helicopter tours. Just as Norwegian Cruise Line kicks off the 2024 Alaska cruise season in April, it’s the last cruise line to set sail in the state, and the only one to sail in October.
The best month for an Alaska cruise: When to go
If you are cruising in Alaska during the Northern Lights season, note that the Gulf of Alaska is choppiest in September and not recommended for travelers who get seasick. Also, certain sections of the access road to Denali National Park may close in September due to snow, so check your itinerary if that's your preferred Northern Lights viewing spot. The cost of an Alaskan cruise, of course, rises during high season and will be less expensive before and after those months during shoulder season. There are numerous factors you need to consider for a cruise to Alaska, including the best time of year, costs, itineraries, which line to choose and which destinations matter most to you. The average high temperature is 67 Fahrenheit in June and 71 in July and August, according to the Meteorological Service of Canada. July and August are the most active cruise months, followed by June, according to scheduled cruises on major travel booking websites.
On my Alaska cruise last June, it was nearly 80 degrees on several port days—I spent the day sweating while walking around Skagway. Having packed only long sleeve shirts and pants for my Alaska cruise, I regretted not bringing more lightweight clothing. If you live in a warm climate or don’t wear winter jackets often, consider purchasing gently-used cold weather gear at a thrift shop or on eBay. There’s really no need to spend hundreds of dollars on new winter gear just for an Alaska cruise, especially if you’re traveling with children who will quickly outgrow clothing. If your cruise is a one-way itinerary that starts or ends in Seward, Alaska, transportation logistics require more pre-planning. The closest major airport to Seward is Anchorage, which is over two hours away by car.
Visitors interested in wildlife should look to the shoulder season, particularly the spring. Animals emerge from hibernation and mating season is underway in May and June. The shortened days mean that the animals tend to be more active, taking advantage of cooler temperatures rather than resting in the heat of the day. In the fall season, animal activity increases as well, as they forage for food to sustain them during the winter. A great choice for fans of smaller, more intimate ships, Seabourn’s Odyssey holds 450 passengers and treats them to a personal, all-inclusive luxury experience.
The weather may also play a role in your cruise ship’s route, as some areas may still be unpassable with ice. Shoulder season for the Alaska cruise season includes the months of May and September. The weather is still cool (May) or cooling down (September), and with school still in session or just beginning, special offers can be found during these months. Depending on which itinerary you sail and when you choose to cruise, you can increase your chances of seeing certain species, including humpbacks, orcas, and Minke whales. Don’t forget to throw in a good pair of binoculars when planning your Alaska cruise packing list. Alaska’s location at the far northwestern corner of North America and its two-season weather of long, cold winters and short, intense summers make it a unique cruise destination.
Mosquitos, along with other biting insects, tend to be at their peak during these late summer months. While it may seem counterintuitive that a popular time to travel would mean that cruise fares are lower, the reason is that there are more ships operating at this time. With more options to choose from, you can typically find a good deal if you are booking for the period that stretches between May and June. In Alaska, on the other hand, you will want to lower your expectations when it comes to weather. It’s challenging to predict whether your cruise will encounter sunny skies and 70 degrees, or seven days of straight rain.
Add high-powered binoculars to your Alaska packing list to ensure that you get to see all of the wildlife possible. Juneau gets about 17 days of rain in August, so a high-quality raincoat is essential. After the Summer Solstice in June, Alaska begins losing daylight with each passing day.
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. The weather in May is usually mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to the mid-60s. As mentioned in this article, not only does September provide the opportunity to see the Northern Lights, but you will also enjoy less crowds and likely lower prices on a cruise.
Mainstream lines have also started offering longer cruises to Alaska from southern West Coast ports like San Francisco and Los Angeles. Fall is also mating season for wildlife, so expect to see some friskiness. Temperatures are somewhat chilly at most cruise ports with daytime highs in the upper 50s Fahrenheit. Alaska cruise season runs from May until September, when the weather is comparatively warm and the seas are safest. Winter is not conducive to cruises, with choppy seas and concerns about ice.
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