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The weather conditions can change several times throughout the day, which is why it’s best to pack plenty of layers and a lightweight raincoat. While this Alaska by Month guide is a valuable resource for planning when to go, wildlife and weather can never be fully predicted, especially in a land as powerful as Alaska. Life in Alaska is greatly affected by latitude variances, as slight latitude shifts can result in big seasonal and light changes.
Alaska Cruise Weather - What to Expect
While winter months carry a certain magical allure, most opt for spring or summer trips due to vibrant landscapes, extended daylight hours, and milder temperatures. In our opinion the best time to travel to Alaska is in June, July and August. The best month to visit Alaska is July, when travelers will experience the best combination of weather and wildlife. See our breakdown of Alaska weather by month above to learn more about the temperatures, sunlight and wildlife, to find the best time to visit Alaska for you. Winter activities such as dog sledding, snow shoeing and skiing are possible.
Alaska Cruise Weather by Month
And don’t forget a rain layer, especially if you’re visiting toward the end of the month. The extended daylight hours offer a unique opportunity to maximize your time in Alaska. Many outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, can be enjoyed well into the evening hours.
Seattle
There are several Princess cruise ships doing 14-day Alaska cruises from Vancouver round trip. It’s advisable to pack a lightweight waterproof jacket or raincoat to protect yourself from unexpected showers. Additionally, consider bringing waterproof footwear or hiking boots to keep your feet dry when exploring the lush landscapes of Alaska.
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. 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 Tracy's King Crab Shack in Juneau. Furthermore, May and June bring competitive pricing for cruises compared to the peak season in July.
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The Inside Passage remains the focus as many more cruise departures start in earnest, as well as opportunities for longer sailings from Seattle to Alaska, passing British Columbia along the way. May is one of the driest months and an optimal one to view wildlife awakening, with lots of babies being born, spring migrations ramping up, snow melting and the landscape budding. Land tours are beginning but National Parks in Alaska’s interior are still closed. Mid-month, the shops and attractions also return to life after a winter slumber.
Icy Strait Exclusive Wildlife and Bear Search Tour
Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for a cruise up north - The Points Guy
Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for a cruise up north.
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Electronics and entertainment items like a camera, e-reader, and headphones can add convenience and enjoyment to your journey. And don’t forget about the importance of travel documents, including your passport, identification, and cruise documents. By packing these personal items, you’ll be prepared for a smooth and enjoyable Alaska cruise in July.
But spring, when Alaska awakens from a long winter, is also another favorite time to cruise Alaska. Snow is present in the mountains, driving hungry bears down to the coast for a meal. Small ships, which can sail close to the shore, take advantage of these springtime encounters. April and May are the driest months along Alaska’s coast and there are fewer crowds in both town and on the water. You will find the best prices of the year on small boat tours of Alaska as well at this time.
Alaska Cruise Weather (Month by Month Guide)
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. The late nights and early mornings can be very cold, but these are also the hours when most people are asleep in their cabins. Alaska is a thrilling cruise destination no matter which month you sail. Look to the early and late sailings of the season if you are a bargain seeker.
Because of the fine Alaska weather in late June, it’s an excellent time to plan a cruise tour to Denali. The roads are open, days long and dry, and there’s an increased chance of seeing active wildlife. The warmer Alaska weather makes June (and July) the best times to see calving glaciers during scenic cruise days. However, daylight hours in May are a few hours shorter than what you’ll experience if you travel around the spring equinox in late June. Ketchikan, a popular stop for cruise ships, is one of the rainiest places in North America. So if you’re cruise includes a visit to Ketchikan, it wouldn’t hurt to pack your rain gear.
Welcome to High Seas Cruising, your resource for exploring the exciting world of cruise ship travel. We provide expert advice, insightful reviews, and comprehensive guides to help seasoned and novice cruisers create their ideal sea journeys. Whether you desire adventure, luxury, or exploration, High Seas Cruising is your compass to unforgettable cruise vacations. The chance of rain during this month is over 50%, so you’ll want to pack plenty of waterproof gear – including waterproof shoes and wool socks.
In April, mountains will still be snowy, and high temperatures will max out in the upper 40s for most cruise ports. Weather, ocean conditions, and limited sunlight make winter cruising to Alaska impossible. August brings a gradual decrease in temperatures again, but it is still one of the hottest months of the year in this region. Temperatures during this month usually range from the mid-forties to the low sixties, and days are typically cool or chilly. July is known as the hottest month in this section of Alaska with the hottest day of the year falling on July 9th.
“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. There are also amazing birds, including bald eagles and land animals like mountain goats, Dall sheep, and brown and black bears. However, the views and ability to go sightseeing from your room on ocean days make the higher price worth it. However, it’s important to remember that this area is part of the world’s largest temperate rainforest. Both September and October are ideal times to see the stunning Northern Lights, otherwise known as aurora borealis displays. Most of the month of June in Alaska is either cold or pleasantly cool with very cold temperatures being less frequent than in May.
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