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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. 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.
Best cruise lines for extended trips to Alaska
Whales, including the majestic humpbacks and orcas, make their way to Alaskan waters during this season. Numerous bird species, some journeying from as far as Antarctica, fill the skies. Bears emerge from hibernation, foraging for berries and roaming the landscape.
Alaskan Wildlife You Could See While Cruising
July and August are considered peak seasons to cruise to Alaska for good reason. These are the months when all good things combine to create the optimal Alaskan experience. Weather is a pretty big consideration when it comes to booking an Alaskan cruise. If you have a low tolerance for cold weather, cruising Alaska during the warmest months of July and August is a better choice. June is a smart choice for cruisers who don’t want to travel during peak season but want more opportunities. As the month progresses, temperatures rise slightly, and daylight hours increase.
Best Time For Avoiding Tourist Crowds In Alaska
While it is possible to see humpbacks during the entire cruise season (April-October), your best bet for whale watching will be the months of June, July, and August. They are quite an awe-inspiring sight to see as they travel in pods, breech, and feed. When planning your cruise, the weather should be a consideration for many shore excursions.
The Best Time for Whale Watching
Below, we have outlined why summer is the best time of the year for an Alaska cruise. That said, the routing of cruise ships away from shore and the light pollution of major cities affords some of the best conditions for northern lights spotting. The best time to cruise Alaska is in May or June, at the beginning of the cruise season. Alaska’s cruise season has always been short, peaking quickly at the height of the summer months and then done by early fall. But as the destination has grown in popularity, the season has extended, and there’s a definite sweet spot to target.
Booking a veranda stateroom ensures that you’ll have your own private space to see glaciers during your cruise. Look for reduced fares when booking a cruise to Alaska in late shoulder season (September) with the same travel benefits of still fine but changing weather. During May cruises to Alaska, it’s still on the cold side (40 to 53 degrees), so you may find the state’s wildlife just emerging. The weather may also play a role in your cruise ship’s route, as some areas may still be unpassable with ice. You can spot whales on Alaska shore excursions like a safari vessel whale-sighting tour in Stephens Passage, Juneau, to evening whale-quest cocktail cruises where sighting a whale is guaranteed.
Tuesdays are the cheapest nights to stay, and Thursdays are the most expensive. In general, booking around 75 days before your stay allows you to find the best deals. Alaska is busiest from mid-June through mid-August, which is also when you will likely experience the best weather. If you're worried about crowds, your best bet is to visit in April through May and September.
Farewell Voyage Set for Carnival-Owned Cruise Ship After 15-Year Career
They are generally visible across the state, so any itinerary will likely do, though you'll have the best show in less populated areas like Denali National Park. You'd also do well to look at the moon cycles, as a full moon can drown out the Aurora Borealis. If you want to cruise Alaska but also see some of the interior and enjoy a stay in a lodge or hotel, go for a cruisetour package from either Holland America or Princess Cruises. Both have fantastic itineraries that take passengers not only to the Inside Passage, but also to Anchorage, Denali National Park, the Yukon, Kenai Peninsula, Talkeetna and Fairbanks.
From May to September, the Alaska cruise season is just five months long, although Holland America Line offers Alaska cruises in late April and early October. The beginning of September is much like August, but after the kids go back to school and the family crowd departs, it's shoulder season for cruising and pricing drops. Most cruise ships will have repositioned out of the state by the end of the month. You will experience a change of season, with cooler temperatures (in the 50s or lower) and some rain. After a long winter, Alaska begins to wake up in April, and that includes the wildlife. A few big ships, such as the 4,000-passenger Norwegian Bliss out of Seattle, begin their season this month with discounted early season pricing.
One of the key reasons to cruise Alaska versus taking a land tour is to visit destinations along the Inside Passage that you cannot reach by road. Plus, many of the state's famous glaciers are best viewed from the sea. While you’re on the boat, you’ll enjoy delicious and local cuisine, with many of our cruises offering fine-dining options. And in addition to the glaciers outside, you can stay entertained with phenomenal live music performances featuring musicians from The Juilliard School, B.B. King’s Blues Club Memphis, and other institutions. Yes, you can visit Alaska without spending a fortune, thanks to Carnival. Save money to use for shore excursions by opting for an interior room, since you won’t be spending much time in your cabin anyway.
What to Pack for An Alaskan Cruise: A Complete Checklist - Travel + Leisure
What to Pack for An Alaskan Cruise: A Complete Checklist.
Posted: Thu, 18 Apr 2024 21:11:15 GMT [source]
Because of its latitude, Alaska experiences extremes in daylight in the summer and darkness in the winter. The average rainfall in Juneau during the month of April is 2.77 inches. Although the rain isn’t convenient, it is the reason for the lush vegetation you enjoy. However, it’s important to remember that this area is part of the world’s largest temperate rainforest.
While daylight hours begin declining in September, they’re near their peak in mid-summer. On top of that, during the late summer and early fall, you will have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights in all of their glory. 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. 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.
The best time to cruise Alaska isn't obvious—until you're quietly sailing along its calm waters under a cloudless, late-spring sky. It was on one such day that someone on board spotted a whale breaching. Within minutes it seemed everyone on board had gathered at the railings on deck to watch. The captain of the ship nimbly repositioned us, giving both the port and starboard sides prime viewing, at a safe and respectful distance from the animals. With binoculars, cameras, and phones at the ready, the passengers and crew aboard UnCruise Adventures' 86-guest S.S.
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However, July and August tend to also have higher levels of precipitation. In the summer, Alaska basks in the magic of the Midnight Sun, with approximately 20 hours of daylight each day. Cruise ship passengers can comfortably explore in T-shirts and shorts, taking in Alaska’s stunning scenery with its vibrant natural colors. You’ll witness lush green forests, snow-capped mountains, and fields of wildflowers in every hue, from pink and purple to yellow.
Check out lines like Alaskan Dream Cruises, Lindblad and UnCruise Adventures, which focus on immersive nature and wildlife experiences. The vibe onboard these ships is also more personalized due to their limited capacity. 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. 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. National park facilities and some tourist businesses will switch to winter hours.
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