The Best Months to Cruise Alaska

2021-12-04

month

Alaska is a land of breathtaking beauty, and a cruise is a wonderful way to experience all that it has to offer. From its towering mountains and glaciers to its abundant wildlife and pristine forests, Alaska is a true natural wonder.

The best time to cruise Alaska depends on what you're looking for. If you're interested in seeing the largest glaciers, then you'll want to travel during the summer months. However, if you're looking for a more intimate experience with fewer crowds, then spring or fall is a good choice. No matter when you go, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience cruising Alaska.

Now that you know the best time to cruise Alaska, here is some of the information you may want to know before you go and take the cruise.

Best Months to Cruise Alaska

Here are 8 important points to consider when planning your Alaskan cruise:

May to September: Peak season
June to August: Warmest months
July: Most crowded month
April to May and September to October: Shoulder seasons
Fewer crowds, lower prices
March and April: Whales, bears
September and October: Fall colors
November to February: Winter cruises

No matter when you choose to cruise Alaska, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience. The state's natural beauty is simply breathtaking, and there's something for everyone to enjoy, from wildlife viewing to hiking to glacier trekking.

May to September: Peak season

The peak season for Alaskan cruises runs from May to September. This is when the weather is at its warmest and the days are long, providing ample time to explore all that Alaska has to offer. Cruise lines offer a wide variety of itineraries during this time, ranging from short, three-day cruises to longer, two-week voyages.

One of the highlights of an Alaskan cruise during the peak season is the opportunity to see wildlife. Whales, bears, sea lions, and puffins are just a few of the many animals that can be spotted in the waters and along the shores of Alaska. Cruises also offer excursions to glaciers, national parks, and historic towns.

Another advantage of cruising Alaska during the peak season is the mild weather. Temperatures typically range from the 50s to the 70s Fahrenheit, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and fishing.

However, it's important to note that the peak season is also the most crowded time to cruise Alaska. Cruise ships are often full, and popular attractions can be busy. If you're looking for a more intimate experience, you may want to consider cruising during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October).

No matter when you choose to cruise Alaska, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience. The state's natural beauty is simply breathtaking, and there's something for everyone to enjoy.

June to August: Warmest months

June to August are the warmest months in Alaska, with average temperatures ranging from the 60s to the 80s Fahrenheit. This makes it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and fishing. Cruise lines also offer a variety of excursions to glaciers, national parks, and historic towns during this time.

Long days:

During the summer months, Alaska experiences long days with up to 19 hours of daylight. This means that you'll have plenty of time to explore all that the state has to offer, from its stunning glaciers to its abundant wildlife.
Mild temperatures:

Temperatures in Alaska during the summer months are typically mild and comfortable, ranging from the 60s to the 80s Fahrenheit. This makes it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and fishing.
Abundant wildlife:

Alaska is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including whales, bears, sea lions, and puffins. During the summer months, these animals are more active and can be seen in abundance in the waters and along the shores of Alaska.
Variety of activities:

Cruise lines offer a variety of excursions and activities during the summer months, including whale watching, glacier trekking, and visits to national parks and historic towns. There's something for everyone to enjoy in Alaska during the summer.

It's important to note that the summer months are also the most popular time to cruise Alaska, so prices tend to be higher and crowds can be larger. If you're looking for a more intimate experience, you may want to consider cruising during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October).

July: Most crowded month

July is the most popular month to cruise Alaska, and for good reason. The weather is typically warm and sunny, with long days and mild temperatures. This makes it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and fishing. Cruise lines also offer a wide variety of excursions and activities during July, including whale watching, glacier trekking, and visits to national parks and historic towns.

However, it's important to be aware that July is also the most crowded month to cruise Alaska. Cruise ships are often full, and popular attractions can be very busy. If you're looking for a more intimate experience, you may want to consider cruising during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October).

Here are some tips for cruising Alaska in July:

Book your cruise early. The most popular cruises sell out quickly, so it's important to book your trip well in advance.
Be prepared for crowds. July is the busiest month for tourism in Alaska, so be prepared for crowds at popular attractions. Try to visit these places early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the biggest crowds.
Take advantage of the long days. Make the most of the long days in July by planning a variety of activities. Go for a hike, take a kayak trip, or go fishing. You can also visit museums, art galleries, and other attractions.
Be flexible. Things don't always go according to plan when you're traveling, especially in Alaska. Be prepared to change your plans if necessary, due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Despite the crowds, July is a great time to cruise Alaska. The weather is ideal for outdoor activities, and there are plenty of things to see and do. Just be sure to plan ahead and be prepared for crowds.

April to May and September to October: Shoulder seasons

The shoulder seasons in Alaska are April to May and September to October. During these months, the weather is still mild, but the crowds are smaller and the prices are lower. This makes the shoulder seasons a great time to cruise Alaska if you're looking for a more intimate and affordable experience.

Here are some of the advantages of cruising Alaska during the shoulder seasons:

Fewer crowds: The shoulder seasons are less crowded than the peak season (June to August). This means that you'll have more space to move around on the ship and at popular attractions.
Lower prices: Cruise prices are typically lower during the shoulder seasons than during the peak season. This can save you a significant amount of money on your trip.
More flexibility: With fewer crowds, you'll have more flexibility to choose your own itinerary and activities. You're less likely to have to wait in long lines or deal with sold-out tours.
Still plenty to see and do: Even though the weather is slightly cooler during the shoulder seasons, there's still plenty to see and do in Alaska. You can still go hiking, kayaking, fishing, and whale watching. You can also visit museums, art galleries, and other attractions.

Overall, the shoulder seasons are a great time to cruise Alaska. You'll enjoy smaller crowds, lower prices, and more flexibility. Just be sure to pack some warm clothes, as the weather can be unpredictable during these months.

Fewer crowds, lower prices

One of the biggest advantages of cruising Alaska during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) is that there are fewer crowds and lower prices.

Smaller crowds:

During the shoulder seasons, cruise ships are less crowded than they are during the peak season (June-August). This means that you'll have more space to move around on the ship and at popular attractions. You're also less likely to have to wait in long lines or deal with sold-out tours.
Lower prices:

Cruise prices are typically lower during the shoulder seasons than during the peak season. This can save you a significant amount of money on your trip. In some cases, you may be able to find cruises that are half the price of what they would be during the peak season.
More flexibility:

With fewer crowds, you'll have more flexibility to choose your own itinerary and activities. You're less likely to have to book tours or activities in advance, and you'll be able to find better deals on last-minute excursions.
Still plenty to see and do:

Even though the weather is slightly cooler during the shoulder seasons, there's still plenty to see and do in Alaska. You can still go hiking, kayaking, fishing, and whale watching. You can also visit museums, art galleries, and other attractions.

Overall, cruising Alaska during the shoulder seasons is a great way to save money and avoid the crowds. You'll still have a wonderful experience, and you'll be able to enjoy all that Alaska has to offer.

March and April: Whales, bears

March and April are a great time to cruise Alaska if you're interested in seeing whales and bears. These animals are most active during these months, as they're migrating to their summer feeding grounds.

Here are some of the whales that you may see on an Alaskan cruise in March and April:

Humpback whales: Humpback whales are one of the most common types of whales in Alaska. They're known for their spectacular breaching behavior, where they leap out of the water and crash back down with a loud splash.
Killer whales: Also known as orcas, killer whales are apex predators that hunt in pods. They're often seen feeding on seals, sea lions, and other marine mammals.
Gray whales: Gray whales are known for their long migrations. They travel from the warm waters of Mexico to the cold waters of Alaska each year to feed on krill and other small organisms.

In addition to whales, you're also likely to see bears in Alaska in March and April. Black bears and brown bears are both common in the state, and they're often seen along the shoreline and in the forests.

If you're lucky, you may even see a bear catching a salmon in a river. Bears are skilled fishermen, and they often use their paws to scoop fish out of the water.

September and October: Fall colors

September and October are a great time to cruise Alaska to see the fall colors. The leaves on the trees in Alaska turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow during these months.

Vibrant colors:

The fall colors in Alaska are some of the most vibrant in the world. The leaves on the trees turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a stunning landscape.
Variety of trees:

Alaska is home to a variety of trees, including birch, aspen, cottonwood, and maple. Each type of tree has its own unique color, so you'll see a wide range of colors throughout the state.
Best viewing areas:

Some of the best places to see the fall colors in Alaska are Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, and the Inside Passage. These areas are home to a variety of trees and offer stunning views of the fall foliage.
Other activities:

In addition to seeing the fall colors, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in Alaska in September and October. You can go hiking, kayaking, fishing, and whale watching. You can also visit museums, art galleries, and other attractions.

Overall, September and October are a great time to visit Alaska. The weather is mild, the crowds are smaller, and the fall colors are breathtaking. You're sure to have a memorable experience cruising Alaska during these months.

November to February: Winter cruises

While most people think of Alaska as a summer destination, there are also a number of cruise lines that offer winter cruises to the state. Winter cruises in Alaska offer a unique and unforgettable experience.

Stunning scenery:

Alaska is even more beautiful in the winter, when the snow-capped mountains and glaciers create a stunning backdrop. You'll also have the chance to see wildlife such as whales, seals, and sea lions.
Fewer crowds:

Winter is the off-season for tourism in Alaska, so you'll have the chance to experience the state without the crowds. This means that you'll have more space to move around on the ship and at popular attractions.
Unique activities:

Winter cruises in Alaska offer a variety of unique activities, such as dog sledding, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. You can also visit museums, art galleries, and other attractions.
Northern lights:

If you're lucky, you may even see the northern lights on your winter cruise. The aurora borealis is a natural light display that occurs in the sky, and it's often visible in Alaska during the winter months.

Overall, winter cruises in Alaska offer a unique and unforgettable experience. You'll have the chance to see stunning scenery, experience fewer crowds, and participate in a variety of unique activities. If you're looking for a truly special vacation, consider taking a winter cruise to Alaska.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the best months to cruise Alaska:

Question 1: What is the best month to cruise Alaska?
Answer 1: The best time to cruise Alaska depends on what you're looking for. If you're interested in seeing the largest glaciers, then you'll want to travel during the summer months (June to August). However, if you're looking for a more intimate experience with fewer crowds, then spring (April to May) or fall (September to October) is a good choice.

Question 2: What are the advantages of cruising Alaska during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October)?
Answer 2: There are several advantages to cruising Alaska during the shoulder seasons, including fewer crowds, lower prices, and more flexibility. You'll also have the chance to see wildlife such as whales and bears, which are most active during these months.

Question 3: What are the advantages of cruising Alaska during the winter months (November to February)?
Answer 3: Winter cruises in Alaska offer a unique and unforgettable experience. You'll have the chance to see stunning scenery, experience fewer crowds, and participate in a variety of unique activities such as dog sledding and snowshoeing. If you're lucky, you may even see the northern lights.

Question 4: What kind of weather can I expect if I cruise Alaska in the summer?
Answer 4: The weather in Alaska during the summer months is typically mild and comfortable, with average temperatures ranging from the 50s to the 70s Fahrenheit. However, it's important to note that the weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to pack some warm clothes.

Question 5: What kind of weather can I expect if I cruise Alaska in the winter?
Answer 5: The weather in Alaska during the winter months is typically cold and snowy, with average temperatures ranging from the 20s to the 40s Fahrenheit. However, it's important to note that the weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to pack some warm clothes.

Question 6: What are some of the most popular activities to do on an Alaskan cruise?
Answer 6: Some of the most popular activities to do on an Alaskan cruise include whale watching, glacier trekking, fishing, kayaking, and hiking. You can also visit museums, art galleries, and other attractions.

Question 7: What are some tips for planning an Alaskan cruise?
Answer 7: Here are a few tips for planning an Alaskan cruise: book your cruise early, especially if you're traveling during the peak season (June to August); pack for all types of weather; bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery; and be prepared for wildlife encounters.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ:

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about cruising Alaska. For more information, please visit the website of your chosen cruise line or travel agent.

Now that you know the best months to cruise Alaska and have some answers to frequently asked questions, here are some tips to help you plan your trip:

Tips

Here are some tips to help you plan your Alaskan cruise:

Tip 1: Book your cruise early.

The most popular cruises sell out quickly, especially during the peak season (June to August). If you're flexible with your travel dates, you may be able to find a better deal. However, if you have your heart set on a particular cruise, it's best to book early to avoid disappointment.

Tip 2: Pack for all types of weather.

The weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, so it's important to pack for all types of weather. This includes warm clothes, rain gear, and sunscreen. You may also want to pack a hat, gloves, and sunglasses.

Tip 3: Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery.

Alaska is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Make sure to bring a camera to capture all of the amazing sights you'll see on your cruise. You may also want to consider bringing a pair of binoculars to get a closer look at the wildlife.

Tip 4: Be prepared for wildlife encounters.

Alaska is home to a variety of wildlife, including whales, bears, and eagles. It's important to be prepared for wildlife encounters and to follow all safety instructions. This includes staying a safe distance from animals and not feeding them.

Closing Paragraph for Tips:

By following these tips, you can help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable Alaskan cruise.

Now that you know the best months to cruise Alaska, have some answers to frequently asked questions, and have some tips for planning your trip, you're ready to start planning your dream Alaskan cruise.

Conclusion

Alaska is a truly special place, and there's no better way to experience it than on a cruise. Whether you're interested in seeing the largest glaciers, spotting wildlife, or simply enjoying the stunning scenery, there's a cruise that's perfect for you.

The best time to cruise Alaska depends on your interests and budget. If you're looking for the warmest weather and the most activities, then summer is the best time to go. However, if you're looking for a more intimate experience with fewer crowds, then spring or fall is a good choice. Winter cruises are also available, and they offer a unique opportunity to see Alaska's stunning scenery covered in snow.