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I have gone Mid-May many times and they have all been wonderful. In Skagway, journeys by train or vehicle into the Yukon in British Columbia will still have plenty of snow cover. The road trip to Emerald Lake may experience a significant temperature change, so dress accordingly. On my Hubbard Glacier cruise in May, the surrounding mountains were white with thick snow. The white landscape blended with the glacial ice to provide picture-perfect photos. I highly recommend the Deadliest Catch Tour, for the best eagle sighting opportunity.
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While Alaska might be colder than other summer vacation spots, it offers unique experiences that can’t be found anywhere else. These include sightings of wild orcas, sea lions, and humpback whales and riding one of the world’s longest ziplines. Like July, nights and early mornings can be very cold, so late nighters and early risers should be prepared to bundle up for icy temperatures. The late nights and early mornings can be very cold, but these are also the hours when most people are asleep in their cabins.
What to Do in Alaska: Top Things to Do in June
Temperatures are relatively mild, with daytime highs in the upper 40s and into the 50s depending on where you're visiting and cloud cover. You will still see snow on the ground in the mountains as well. October in Alaska can see lows can be as low as 28° Fahrenheit, and the highs can reach up to 40° Fahrenheit. You can also expect more precipitation, which can result in some snowy weather. Although the weather will likely include more rain, you have a better chance of viewing the Northern Lights, which might outweigh this drawback.
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]
June
In April, towns along the Inside Passage will have just over 15 and a half hours of sunlight and will be gaining daylight every day. Because of its latitude, Alaska experiences extremes in daylight in the summer and darkness in the winter. April marks the beginning of the dry season for Southeast Alaska. However, it’s important to remember that this area is part of the world’s largest temperate rainforest. Weather, ocean conditions, and limited sunlight make winter cruising to Alaska impossible. Early May seems to still be early for whale season, so I wasn’t even sure if I’d have a chance to see whales.
Just remember our earlier reminder that you are visiting the world’s largest temperate rainforest and enjoy the lush greenery. 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.
You can expect to see lots of snow-capped mountains, and there are fewer insects and mosquitos.
Alaska Cruise in July: Alaska in July Is the Best Month to Spot Wildlife
Families tend to cruise in July or August when the kids are out of school. As the snow packs melt, the picturesque landscapes change from wintery scenes to a rebirth of life. While flowers aren’t in full bloom until June, the rainforests radiate in luscious hues of green. One reason to cruise to Tracy Arm Fjord in May is guests could witness the miracle of life as harbor seals give birth on giant icebergs. Harbor seals give birth on giant icebergs at the terminus of South Sawyer Glacier.
If you’re prepared for the weather and pack the right attire for your destination, nothing can get in the way of having a good time. Peak cruising months, July and August, are the best time of year to cruise to Alaska. During these months you will have the warmest weather and the greatest chance to see wildlife. The dry season ends, and precipitation starts to increase in July.
Best Alaska Glacier Tours
The outside temperature can feel a lot colder than what the thermometer reads. If you are planning to do a Cruise Tour, it’s important to note that they usually do not operate until late May. As Denali National Park and Reserve opens to visitors in late May each year, the earliest cruise with a Cruise Tour usually departs the last week or two of May. Passengers who want to spend more time exploring Alaska may decide to book a pre or post-cruise land tour.
Ships are air-conditioned, and while that’s refreshing in the Caribbean, I needed to pass on my shorts in favor of long pants. So, pack sweats, fleece, wool socks, and base layers, especially those from a warmer area. With an itinerary to Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, or one of the fjords.
You’ll also have more hours to look for wildlife from your room window or veranda. Expect less activity and fewer shop openings in some smaller port towns in May since most summer workers are in college and won’t arrive until June. There are exciting marine animals that you can see this early in the Alaskan springtime. There are also amazing birds, including bald eagles and land animals like mountain goats, Dall sheep, and brown and black bears. Of course, every year is different since it’s all weather dependent.
Some tourist facilities — including those at national parks — may still be shuttered for the winter. I have traveled to Alaska in May, middle of summer, and late September. Especially if you are flying from the UK to Vancouver roundtrip. I would spend a few days in Vancouver before getting on the Sapphire. Your visits to these ports are long enough to do some truly wonderful excursions depending on your interests. You get to visit ports that are usually not included in a 7-day cruise—Sitka, Prince Rupert.
For cruise itineraries in Alaska, August high temperatures will be somewhere in the upper 50s and low 60s. We’ve reached the pinnacle of summer temperatures, and the rainier season has just begun. If bear viewing is high on your bucket list and you are traveling on a bigger cruise ship, look for a float plane excursion that will take you to where the bears feed. My advice is to pack plenty of warm (and waterproof) layers, expect the unexpected, and find joy in whatever experience you get. While temperatures are warmer and the snow is typically gone at lower elevations, the highs in Juneau average in the low 60s, with lows in the upper 40s. Another thing to keep in mind when deciding the best month for your Alaskan cruise is wildlife viewing opportunities.
It has the least rain (less than 7.5 inches in Ketchikan), long days (17 to 18 hours of daylight), and a warm climate. If you travel up into the hills or mountains on a shore excursion, it’s common to find snow still on the ground. As such, you’ll want to pack waterproof hiking boots and warm, waterproof layers (don’t forget gloves and hats) to handle any wet or chilly spring weather.
Traditional excursions are created to fit a specific number of people, all of whom come from the ships and are expected to be in port for a specific time. They provide an overview of Alaska's history, culture, recreation and industry, and don't offer much of a personal touch. Now that you understand the weather (as much as it can be understood!), you need these packing lists.
By this time of the year, most of the whales will have completed their migration from the warm waters of Mexico to Alaska, where they will spend the summer. Know your physical limitsIf mobility or other health issues may affect your ability to enjoy a cruise to the fullest, consider traveling with a larger operator. These companies are well-versed in accessibility and have made accommodations for those with mobility needs. Smaller ships are full of trip hazards and watertight door jambs and require bending and stepping up or down to access activities like kayaking or skiff rides. National park facilities and some tourist businesses will switch to winter hours. September is also a great time to get deals on souvenirs, as merchants sell off this year's goods at the end of Alaska's tourist season.
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