Alaska Weather What to Expect and When to Visit on a Cruise

Table Of Content

• Visitor's Most Asked Questions
• What to Expect on an Alaskan Cruise in August
• Weather In Alaska By Season
• Four MSC Ships Will Cruise from North America next Summer
• Alaska Cruise Weather in September

Get ready to embark on the cruise of a lifetime with our essential packing checklist. Alaska is of course a perfect vacation destination for winter sports activities like all sorts of skiing, dog mushing, ice skating, snowmobiling... The abundant cloud cover and frequent rain make the landscape all the more beautiful, but visitors should dress properly for a better overall experience.

Visitor's Most Asked Questions

In most Alaska ports, rainfall occurs about 15 days of the month. You’ve got about a 50/50 chance of getting rained or snowed on during excursions. You’ll be very happy if you purchase a quality raincoat and pack clothing you can add or remove in layers. On Winter Solstice (December 21 or 22), the state breaks out of its winter hibernation and begins gaining a few minutes of sunlight each day. By the time Summer Solstice occurs (June 20,21, or 22), travelers to Juneau, Alaska, a common port, will experience a day with 19 hours of sunlight.

What to Expect on an Alaskan Cruise in August

Princess Cruises and Holland America have the longest relationships with Alaska. By booking a one-way cruise with a land itinerary, guests enjoy the changing of the season in Denali. It’s a good time for wildlife viewing, and a chance to see the towering Denali. So if you’re on the hunt for some of that famous northern solitude, spring is the time for you.

Weather In Alaska By Season

The Alaska cruise temperature is warmer in June, with lows of 45 and highs in the low 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to pack insect repellant when you visit Alaska in June, as mosquitos and other insects can become a nuisance. It’s not uncommon to wake up to a hot sunny day, only to find it cold and raining 10 minutes later.

Alaska Cruise Weather in June

Cruising to Alaska in September has many benefits of the peak season (milder weather and good wildlife viewing) with less expensive prices and fewer tourists. Weather is a pretty big consideration when it comes to booking an Alaskan cruise. Temperatures can be quite chilly on deck and in ports of call. If you have a low tolerance for cold weather, cruising Alaska during the warmest months of July and August is a better choice.

Alaska Cruise Weather: May-July Overview

The trip on the east side of Vanvouver island is so much nicer than leaving from the USA and going up the west side of the island where you don’t even see the shore. 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. I think this cruise will give you a great taste of southeastern Alaska.

Four MSC Ships Will Cruise from North America next Summer

Some cruise lines may have restrictions on certain electronic devices, such as drones or hoverboards. These restrictions are in place due to safety concerns and the potential for disruptive or dangerous behavior. It is best to check with the cruise line beforehand if you plan to bring any electronic devices that may be subject to restrictions.

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In any case, when I went to Alaska in May, the weather on the vast majority of Alaska days was pretty good. Definitely pack for rain; consider skipping the umbrella and instead bringing a wide-brimmed waterproof hat, rain jacket, rain pants and waterproof shoes or boots. Ketchikan is where folks go to see the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, with athletes wielding axes and saws in traditional lumbering activities. It is also the jumping-off point for a Bering Sea crab fishing tour. Book a fishing trip to try your hand at catching salmon or halibut, or go out crab fishing for a glimpse into that type of work. If you've got active teens who have an interest in nature and the environment, an expedition voyage could be exactly what will keep them engaged and off their devices.

Cruise to Alaska from April to October for an Incomparable Life Experience

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. The waters before you enter the Inside Passage can be calm, rough or anything in between, depending on when you go. For these itineraries, you'll need to fly into or out of Anchorage and take a train or bus to/from the cruise departure ports, which can take an hour or two. You can book the transportation on your own or through your cruise line.

If you’re planning a cruise tour to Denali National Park and Preserve, it’s worth noting that the bus service doesn’t begin until late May. The road through the park is only partially open until early June. In the most visited places in the interior and coastal region of Alaska, the average high temperatures range from 52°F (11°C) in Homer to 64°F (18°C) in Fairbanks. With May being the early shoulder season, it has a magical feeling for us compared to September in Alaska, the late shoulder season. It’s the start of the most beautiful time of year when everything is in bloom and on the move. Most cruise lines do not allow passengers to bring their own alcoholic beverages on board.

When packing for excursions in Alaska, it's important to consider the specific activities you'll be participating in. If you plan on going on a glacier tour or kayaking, it's recommended to bring quick-drying clothes and a towel, as you may get wet. If you're going whale watching or on a wildlife tour, bringing a camera with a zoom lens is a must to capture those memorable moments. Additionally, packing sunscreen, insect repellent, and a refillable water bottle is always a good idea to stay protected and hydrated throughout your excursions.

Cruisers can typically enjoy Alaska in October at lower rates than the Alaska summer cruise season prices. You’ll also have a chance to visit the incredible Butchart Gardens, witness glaciers, pan for gold, hike through temperate rainforests, and much more. 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. 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.

Alaska in May: How to Plan a Shoulder Season Visit

Table Of Content

• Juneau Jazz & Classics Festival (TBA)
• Rain Days in May
• Four MSC Ships Will Cruise from North America next Summer
• Alaska Cruise Weather in September
• Alaska cruise in May can be perfect! (pics!) + things to do 🏔 early May and mid-May weather and wildlife?!

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. Alaska might be one of the most beautiful places in the world, but it's rugged and can be tricky to get around. Flightseeing tours operate year-round, so scenic flight tours are definitely an option for an early May visit. It’s one of the first summer activities available to visitors.

Juneau Jazz & Classics Festival (TBA)

Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. In early May, you’ll find very few mosquitos, but the number Increases as the month progresses. Invest in bug spray if you’re hitting the trails, especially if you’re hiking near ponds or standing water. Mountain trails are likely still covered in snow and/or very slushy and muddy, so opt for south-facing trails or stay at lower elevations.

Rain Days in May

“Resident” orcas (who stay near shore and feed on fish) are easy to spot and fun to watch from the cruise ship or on a whale-watching excursion. When it comes to Alaskan cruises, balcony cabins come at a premium. You can save money by opting for an inside or an oceanview cabin. However, the views and ability to go sightseeing from your room on ocean days make the higher price worth it. 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.

Four MSC Ships Will Cruise from North America next Summer

There was snow cover in some areas, spectacular  waterfalls  due to melting snow, foliage  was just blooming and crowds of tourists  minimal . As far as cruising months, May has the least amount of rain and every month after has more potential for rain (historically). September has (historically) the most rain and potential bad storms of any of the cruising months to Alaska. I haven't been to Alaska in awhile, but I would do first cruises or last, never what is considered ideal time to cruise. If preferring to cruise on ships with fewer children, choose an itinerary in May.

We’re more swayed towards May because we’re familiar with Sapphire Princess. There are dog sledding options in many ports, including Juneau, Skagway, and Anchorage. Each excursion typically includes a helicopter ride and dog sledding on a glacier. It's a must do in Alaska, but which port you try it in is up to you. Select a vessel with an indoor pool and hot tubs for those who like to swim.

There are also amazing birds, including bald eagles and land animals like mountain goats, Dall sheep, and brown and black bears. If you purchase a balcony cabin, you can take advantage of the long days in the Land of the Midnight Sun. As your ship reaches the Inside Passage, the early morning views outside of your room are breathtaking. Since I grew up in Alaska, I’m a fan of just about everything in the Land of the Midnight Sun. I also know that your experience can vary widely depending on the month you choose to visit Alaska. Even Ketchikan, which the internet will tell you is always rainy, was sunny the 2 times I went in May.

The first cruise the weather was warm enough not to wear ajacket, the second one was cold and rainy. We are proud to offer the best tours Alaska has to offer with Alaska shore excursions at wholesale prices. Though weather can be hard to predict, especially in Alaska, there are trends that’ll help you know what to expect during your summer cruise. So, check the weather before you pack, but these will give you a guesstimate. A poncho can work if you're used to cold weather and not cruising in the early weeks of May.

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Ships in all price ranges sail a variety of itineraries, so don't let budget stop you from visiting. If luxury is what you're after, you can find lines that will go overboard pampering you on your journey north. You'll have up to two days of scenic cruising, in addition to sailing the Inside Passage. Because Gulf of Alaska cruises sail farther north, scenic destinations might include College Fjord, in addition to Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier. Popular Inside Passage ports of call include Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Haines and Skagway.

Alaska Weather by Month

And with salmon runs in full force, you can catch fishing bears in the southeast. July is known as the hottest month in this section of Alaska with the hottest day of the year falling on July 9th. Temperatures range on average between fifty and sixty degrees with mostly cool afternoons and evenings and chilly mornings and mid-day hours. Due to the shorter daylight hours, September provides the best opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis from an Alaskan cruise.

By following a step-by-step guide and considering examples, you can ensure that your Alaska cruise is enjoyable, regardless of the weather. Remember to check the specific cruise line's dress code and recommendations before packing for your Alaska cruise. If you are hoping to travel during peak Alaskan cruise season (July and August), you should plan on booking your Alaskan cruise at least one year in advance. The farther in advance you can book your Alaskan cruise, the more options you will have for cruise dates, itineraries, and cabin amenities.

You will find local asparagus on some menus in southeast towns later in the month, and fiddlehead season also begins in Alaska in May. However, most of Alaska's tastiest fruits and vegetables aren't on offer until later in the summer. Alternatively, birders might want to time their cruise with the Copper River Shorebird Festival, which takes place early in May in Cordova. Check ahead to make sure your itinerary will stop here, as it's usually only featured on longer 14-day cruises to Alaska. The warm weather makes it one of the best times to witness the calving of glaciers.

You’ll want to pack for all kinds of weather and wear a lightweight rain jacket. If your itinerary includes stops in Anchorage, Seward, or Whittier, you might experience rougher seas as you cross the Gulf of Alaska in September. Warmer weather in Alaska also has an unexpected bonus for cruisers in the form of glacial calving. Juneau gets about 17 days of rain in August, so a high-quality raincoat is essential. Rainfall slows down a bit in June, with about 13 days of the month having some precipitation. Temperature is relative, so don’t be shocked if you see an Alaskan sporting shorts and a tank top in June.

These are the only months’ cruise ships can access bays with glaciers without ice blocking their passage. While late June to mid-August attracts the most visitors for the warmer weather, consider an Alaska cruise in May. This depends greatly on the things you want to do during your stay. Spring is the best season to go on a cruise and see some gray whales. The warmest months are June, July and August with temperatures around a range of 45-70°F. During winter you can also view the artistic masterpieces created by ice carvers and try or watch some dog mushing.

Although, don’t expect to get bargain pricing with top lines like Disney and Celebrity Cruises. However, travelers can score great deals on May itineraries if they’re trying to cruise to Alaska on the cheap. Coupled with a cozy hat, gloves, and a neck warmer, you’re guaranteed to leave Alaska with some incredible memories.