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Sit in a bar and talk to the locals as they prepare for the long winter ahead. July and August are also spawning season for salmon, so you might spot grizzlies and brown bears near rivers and streams. Temperatures will be in the 60s, sometimes higher — you might even see 80s in Juneau in July. During long days of light, you'll find hearty Alaskans swimming in the sea and enjoying water sports.
What it's like to go on an Alaska cruise in the early season
The best time to see the Northern Lights is between late August and April, typically peaking in March. With lows in the 50s, you don’t need to pack a winter coat and hat, but be sure to include warm, wicking layers to keep your temperature steady. If you cruise to Alaska this month, you can enjoy more shop and restaurant options in port towns but expect things to be slightly more crowded. Small-ship Alaska cruise lines like American Queen Voyages and Uncruise can go further into narrow passages and get closer to shoreline wildlife like Dall sheep and bears. If you cruise to Alaska in June, you can expect warmer and drier temperatures, fewer children onboard, increased wildlife sightings, and more cruise offerings.
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There was still ice and snow in many areas and it was breathtaking to see! The weather was mild, but a couple of days were quite warm.....no jacket required. We did an August sailing the following year and it was a bit disappointing. However, most people prefer the later sailings, so something for everyone. The bears are immerging from hibernation, and wildlife is welcoming new offspring.
Best time to go on a cruise - The Points Guy
Best time to go on a cruise.
Posted: Tue, 02 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
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While it can be freezing cold at times, the weather can also be pleasantly cool. The low temperatures typically range from the mid-thirties to the low forties Fahrenheit, but the highs can get up to the upper fifties. When traveling from Vancouver in the Inside Passage of Southeast Alaska, the waters are mostly protected and provide smooth sailing. If ports include Anchorage, Seward, or Whittier, cruise ships must cross the Gulf of Alaska, which has notoriously rougher waters. June is a smart choice for cruisers who don’t want to travel during peak season but want more opportunities. I think the captain had announced that our cruise ship was the first of the Alaska cruise season to go to Hubbard Glacier, so there were no ice reports.
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Temperatures stayed warm for summer 2005, then did a turnaround for summer 2006, dipping a bit cooler than average, with extra rainfall to boot. If spotting wildlife is a priority, consider cruising during the salmon runs, when bears are most active and can be spotted from the decks of the ship. Humpback whales often follow schools of herring and other small fish during the summer and can be seen anytime between May and September before they migrate to Hawaii or Mexico.
While humpbacks are seen on almost every tour, travelers can view sea lions, bald eagles, orcas, and gray whales too. Lucky tour goers may even witness the incredible activity of bubble-net feeding. In general, the best time to cruise Alaska is from July to September due to milder weather and longer daylight hours. During these months, tour destinations and attractions are open and fully operational, so you can enjoy the full Alaskan experience.
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Just expect cooler weather, fewer wildlife viewing opportunities, and less active ports with some shops that are still shuttered. Choosing to cruise in the early spring of Alaska will impact your experience. Less travelers might sound appealing, but many port towns aren’t fully “tourist operational” until late June when summer workers start to arrive. Arguably, the biggest draw is the marine animals, with opportunities to see pods of humpback whales, gray whales, orcas, sea lions, sea otters, and more. Many cruise lines also have limited early cruise ships departing for Alaska in April. Norwegian Cruise Lines has the first departures of the season in early April from Seattle.
I’ve spotted the one below in May 22 on the Sapphire Princess. Hoping any Alaska cruise connoisseurs might be able to comment on whether cruising in Alaska right at the beginning of May is a good idea. It’s also offered in mid-September 22 but on the Grand Princess. I understand that May and September are the shoulder months so less busy and cheaper but are they best avoided for weather etc.? Dress to spend hours outdoors, and you’ll see humpback whales swimming along the shorelines making their way north for their summer feast. While it’s colder in May, Alaska radiates with beauty as the landscape reawakens from its hibernation state.
In fact, most glacier excursions are best done in summer and early fall months, which coincidentally falls between May and July and extends till September. Glacial activities, such as calving, are more pronounced during these periods due to warmer temperatures. Furthermore, May and June bring competitive pricing for cruises compared to the peak season in July. During this month, you can expect the weather begins to cool, higher rainfall, and gorgeous fall landscapes. You can expect hours of daylight in June, providing lots of time to enjoy the Alaskan wilderness and abundant wildlife. Plan for wet weatherAlaska’s southeastern region is part of a rainforest, where wet conditions are the norm even in summer.
I worked on cruise ships many years ago, and did two full seasons in Alaska. Alaska’s weather is unpredictable but generally May is drier than September. Plus you will see more snow and ice whereas September is greener.
Daylight quietly recedes and the growing twilight perfectly contrasts the luminous green lights of the Aurora Borealis. The enchanting colors invite you to marvel at the miracles of Mother Nature that so often act as the inspiration for treasured postcards. With only 12 hours of sunlight, temperatures range from around 43 degrees to the mid-50s. These new, cooler climates encourage Alaska’s famed wildlife to begin preparing for hibernation.
We always recommend that you dress in layers to prepare for whatever weather comes your way. To help you get ready for your awe-inspiring adventure, learn about Alaska cruise temperatures by month. Attractions and shops will switch to peak-season hours at the end of the month; Denali National Park & Preserve switches into summer mode in May. You'll find those who work in tourism excited to be back in business, considering that many people in southeast Alaska earn their income from out-of-state visitors. Cruise lines will offer the opportunity to extend your cruise with land tours, which include accommodations, transportation and some meals.
Cruise ships sailing with a lower capacity of passengers, may offer complimentary upgrades to certain guests. Since Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess, and Norwegian have “bid for an upgrade” programs, those upgrade are more likely to come from Carnival or Holland America. I hope you are able to plan and fulfill all of your fantastical travel dreams!
Alaska weather in October is manageable if you pack the right gear and protective clothing. Other adventurous activities, such as hiking trails, open up in the summer months. Hatcher Pass typically opens up in July, depending on the specific Hatcher Pass weather conditions. Mt. Denali is another option for cruisers, but be sure to check on the Mt. Denali weather with your cruise line.
You’ll get a snapshot of the Tongass National Forest, glaciers and the occasional whale or bear, but not up close unless you’re on a specific shore excursion. Holland America, Cunard and Viking all have cruises that fit this itinerary. Mid-to-late September is one of the best times to spot wildlife in Alaska. Bears will be hunting for the last of the berries and salmon, and caribou, deer and moose will be mating.
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