The best time to cruise Alaska
Editor's Note
Alaska is a cruise destination with a limited season. Cruise ships arrive in southeast Alaska in spring, stay the summer and linger only into early fall. The 49th state's snowy, cold and dark winters are not conducive to cruising.
Most cruise passengers will head to Alaska between Memorial Day in late May and Labor Day in early September, when temperatures range from slightly chilly to warm during the long daylight hours. Tourist attractions are in full swing, salmon swim upriver and bears (and humans) have access to fishing.
Some adventurous cruisers will board ships when they arrive in Alaska in April to see the remnants of winter. A few big ships cruise into mid-October for those who want a peek at what life is like in Alaska towns when all other tourists have returned home.
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Each month has its advantages, not the least of which is discounted pricing in the spring and fall shoulder seasons. Here is a guide to help you decide when to cruise in Alaska.
April
After a long winter, Alaska begins to wake up in April — that includes the wildlife. Small-ship cruise lines such as Lindblad Expeditions and UnCruise Adventures have sailings into the wilderness, where you might spot bears emerging from their slumber and admire huge waterfalls fueled by the snowmelt. A few big ships, such as Norwegian Cruise Line's 4,000-passenger Norwegian Bliss out of Seattle, begin their season this month with discounted early-season pricing.
You may encounter freezing rain or even snow on your April cruise and should expect to tread through mud. Some tourist facilities — including those at national parks — may still be shuttered for the winter.
On the other hand, you will have the opportunity to observe the change of seasons. Expect crisp mornings with temperatures in the 30s, though, by the end of the month, you may find dry weather and temperatures in the 60s. As an added bonus: The skies will be dark at night; if clear, you might spot the northern lights.
Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler
May
As someone who has cruised Alaska many times, I love cruising in May when the weather is dry. Locals start emerging from their winter cocoons, embracing the sunshine, and the wildlife does the same. You might spot bears with their cubs, moose with their calves and humpback whales returning from their winter home in Hawaii.
Big-ship cruise lines such as Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean ramp up their operations in May, as do Disney Cruise Line and small-ship and luxury lines. Early season deals might be available.
Attractions and shops will switch to peak-season hours at the end of the month; Denali National Park and Preserve will switch into summer mode in May. You'll find those who work in tourism excited to be back in business, considering many people in southeast Alaska earn their income from out-of-state visitors. Cruise lines will offer the opportunity to extend cruises with land tours, which include accommodations, transportation and some meals.
While early May often carries a chill in the air, you might encounter temperatures in the 60s by the end of the month. The warmer weather means glaciers begin shedding ice more frequently, so you have a better chance of experiencing the sight and sound of a house-size chunk of ice calving into the sea. Another bonus is that Alaska's large mosquito population has yet to emerge.
Related: Alaska cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do
June
The cruise season beefs up in June, with the number of ships growing; the season is in full swing by the end of the month. The midnight sun means many hours of daylight — especially on June 20, the longest day of the year. You'll have to stay up late to see any darkness at all.
Early in June, the ships still mostly carry adults, with the family crowd — including multigenerational groups — arriving later in the month.
Shore excursion experiences abound. Temperatures are pleasant — in the 60s and sometimes higher, with wildflowers in bloom and glaciers calving. Anglers will find opportunities to reel in halibut along with king and sockeye salmon and rainbow trout. In addition to humpbacks, you might also spot belugas and seals with their pups as you sail.
At the beginning of the month, you might still be able to find some early-season pricing; the peak season for Alaska cruising begins in late June.
Related: Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for a sailing up north
July and August
Summer is the height of the Alaska cruise season, which means crowds in port towns, especially when several ships are in port at the same time. You might have to wait hours for a table at the popular Tracy's King Crab Shack in Juneau.
It might surprise many, but July and especially August are rainy, so don't expect endless sunshine. That said, you are in Alaska at a time for festivals and other special events, and frontier towns really come alive.
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. Shore excursion options will be in full swing.
During both months, you will encounter peak-season pricing. Unless you booked early, cabin choice could be limited — especially if you are looking for a fancy suite or cheap inside cabin; those tend to be the first categories to sell out. Balcony cabins are particularly popular in Alaska.
Mosquitos enjoy the summer, too, so pack bug spray. July and August are also spawning season for salmon, so you might spot grizzlies and brown bears near rivers and streams.
Keep an eye out for seabirds and songbirds, seals, Steller sea lions and humpback whales. Marine life is so prolific that some small-boat shore excursions guarantee you will see animals. Bears will be fishing; in late August, they will be looking for blueberries, which also become a featured item on restaurant menus. Toward the end of August, you'll see leaves changing to fall colors.
Related: Best Alaska cruise shore excursions — from heli-hiking to whale watching
September
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.
Mid-to-late September is one of the best times to spot wildlife in Alaska. I have had extraordinary experiences. Once, I watched a pod of humpback whales gather together in bubble-net feeding (corralling fish in a "net" of bubbles) to fill their bellies in preparation for their annual journey to warmer waters. Bears will be hunting for the last of the berries and salmon, and caribou, deer and moose will be mating.
You'll see colorful fall foliage but not mosquitos. 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.
On clear nights, you have a chance of spotting 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.
Related: From Alaska to the Panama Canal: Here are 9 of TPG's favorite fall cruise itineraries
October
A limited number of cruises in October (predominantly on Norwegian Cruise Line) make it possible for cruisers to experience a taste of Alaska in winter without sub-zero temperatures. You will want to bundle up; the average temperature in Juneau in October is 39 degrees. Days will be short — there are only about 10 hours of daylight. You are likely to experience rain and maybe snow.
Some attractions and shops will be closed for winter, though your cruise line will still operate a full roster of shore excursions. On the plus side, you will experience southeast Alaska towns as they are most of the year, sans tourist crowds. Sit in a bar and talk to the locals as they prepare for the long winter ahead. Cruise fares will be discounted.
Related: Caribbean vs. Alaska cruises: Which itinerary will I like more?
When is the best time to see the northern lights in Alaska?
If one of your primary objectives during your Alaska sailing is to get a glimpse of the northern lights, consider a sailing in late August, September or October. The lights are typically strong in Alaska from late August to mid-April.
Your best bet for a sighting will be in Fairbanks — it's situated under the "aurora oval," an area known for a high frequency of northern lights displays. Fairbanks is a popular stop on cruisetours, itineraries that combine time sailing with overnight stays on land. For example, Holland America's nine-night Denali itinerary begins with an overnight stay in Fairbanks in early September.
Denali National Park and Anchorage can offer a glimpse of the northern lights — though not as frequently as Fairbanks since they are farther south. Both destinations are popular cruisetour stops. If you're cruising into or out of Seward or Whittier, you'll fly through Anchorage on one end of your trip. Consider an extra night or two there if you want to try and catch the aurora.
It's incredibly rare to see the northern lights from aboard your ship in the Inside Passage.
Related: Northern lights cruises: A guide to chasing the aurora borealis at sea
What is the cheapest month for an Alaska cruise?
As previously mentioned, April, May, September and October are good months for an Alaska cruise if you're hoping to score a deal. In addition to cheaper fares, early and late sailings of the season see fewer crowds.
Bottom line
What is the best month for an Alaska cruise? Alaska is a thrilling cruise destination no matter which month you sail. However, some months might be better for you, depending on your interests. Look to the early and late sailings of the season if you are a bargain seeker. Choose a May or June sailing for drier weather and fewer mosquitos. Summer is the best time to cruise to see abundant marine life and birds. September can be a great month to see wildlife.
Planning an Alaska cruise? Start with these stories:
- Everything you need to know about booking a trip to Alaska on points
- 8 of the best Alaskan lodges for getting close to glaciers, Denali and more
- Best Alaska cruise tips to help you make the most of your time aboard and ashore
- 6 best Alaska cruises for families
- The best Alaska cruises for couples
- What to pack for a cruise
- 20 must-have cruise items — including a roll of duct tape
- The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
- The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship