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Early Sept is my favorite time to go and we've always had great luck in terms of weather and if you are a shopper, there are so many deals to be had. Don't forget to take your sunscreen and layers with one waterproof layer in the event of rain. We've cruised up to Alaska a dozen times (yes, it's our favorite itinerary). So far, we've gone once in early May, once in mid-May, once in mid to late August, once in mid to late Sept and the rest in the first week of Sept. I have been to Alaska more than a dozen times in May and have received sunburns. I would consider two consecutive 7 days, or the addition of the Land Tour, on a newer ship.
Next Norwegian Ship Will Sail with New Restaurants
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 best time to cruise Alaska for good weather is between late June and early July. The summer months have the warmest temperatures and the least amount of snowfall. The temperatures in September are slightly cooler, with highs of 55 and lows around 40 degrees fair height.
Alaska Cruise Weather: June
Be sure to pack high-quality rain gear for excursions along with warm, layered clothing and a hat and gloves. Locals typically call the months of April and May “break-up” because the snow and ice begin to break apart and melt after the long winter. In April, mountains will still be snowy, and high temperatures will max out in the upper 40s for most cruise ports. I think the captain had announced that our cruise ship was the first of the Alaska cruise season to go to Hubbard Glacier, so there were no ice reports. Fishing enthusiasts will do their best cruising in July since most types of salmon are running during this month.
May Offers The Cheapest Prices
A September cruise has its benefits, including less crowding and cheaper prices. However, a cruise this time of year will also slightly decrease your chance of viewing wildlife and make for sleepier ports of call because most summer workers return home for college. April, May, and September are considered shoulder seasons for cruising to Alaska. Shoulder season is the time between peak season and off-season when there are fewer cruisers and lower prices. While it is possible to see humpbacks during the entire cruise season (April-October), your best bet for whale watching will be the months of June, July, and August. They are quite an awe-inspiring sight to see as they travel in pods, breech, and feed.
Juneau
For all the fishing lovers out there, Sitka Salmon Derby is your opportunity to show how well you know how to handle that fishing rod. The Sitka Salmon Derby has been going on for 68 years already. Drawing people from Alaska and other states who want to catch “the big one” in Sitka’s waters. It’s also a great plan if you’re traveling with your family as everyone can participate. But, on the coast, on a cruise ship, it can be rainy and cloudy and cool almost every day.
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska 2024: A Month-by-Month Guide - Condé Nast Traveler
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska 2024: A Month-by-Month Guide.
Posted: Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
However, tourist activity begins to increase as the weather improves, so it’s still advisable to book accommodations and tours in advance, especially in popular destinations. Yes, May is a great time to visit Alaska for those looking to experience the state’s transition from winter to early summer. The weather is milder, wildlife is becoming more active, and daylight hours are increasing, providing ample opportunities for outdoor exploration. If you’re thinking about planning a summer cruise, Alaska may be the perfect destination for you.
This is when Alaska and the Yukon are enjoying a last hurrah before winter sets in. Running from late August through September, fall in Alaska can feel very much like spring. The temperatures will be cooler and the weather more unpredictable, but, like the spring, prices will often be lower and you’ll have less company. And the Alaska wildlife viewing can rival that of the summer, as creatures great and small are out prepping for the barren, frigid months ahead. With fall comes shorter days, but this isn’t without its advantages.
Southwest Alaska (Kodiak Island, Unalaska, King Salmon, Naknek) Weather May
Here’s an overview of what to expect weather-wise during this pivotal month. Even if you're a seasoned fisherman, we recommend using a local guide to help find you the best fishing spot. 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. Despite having the best weather, Alaska’s weather in July is very unpredictable.
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With only 12 hours of sunlight, temperatures range from around 43 degrees to the mid-50s. These new, cooler climates encourage Alaska’s famed wildlife to begin preparing for hibernation. Gaze at the water’s surface as thousands of bald eagles congregate to enjoy the final salmon of the season. These are just some of the recommended items for excursions and outdoor activities during an Alaska cruise in May.
So, these weeks offer fewer crowds in ports, vessels sailing at lower capacity, and less chance of shore excursions selling out. With fewer cruise passengers boarding ships, the process of embarkation can be much quicker. May offers a wide range of outdoor activities in Alaska, including hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, kayaking, scenic drives, and glacier tours. Many trails and waterways begin to open up as snow melts, providing opportunities for exploration and adventure.
The average July temperature in Juneau is 64 degrees, with an average low of 51 degrees. This is also the time of year when King Salmon runs both begin and end. If you are an angler, there is nothing like hooking and reeling in a King. With an average size of 24 to 36 inches and weighing pounds, you’ll finally have a true fishing story worth telling. If you are in port, you’ll get to see how Alaskans take advantage of the Midnight Sun with locals out biking, hiking, and fishing at all hours of the night.
While not as many hours as the summer solstice, 16 hours is still plenty of time to immerse myself in Alaska’s beauty. Since shoulder-season sailings don’t fill up fast, guests booking in early spring, have a wider choice of cabins. Cruising before the children are out of school means scoring better pricing on airfare too. It’s no secret that summer holidays command the highest prices when flying.
The Alaska weather is unpredictable, so expect the unexpected. For formal nights, dark jeans and a sweater or nice blouse is acceptable by some cruise lines. My husband and I prefer to go all out on “chic nights,” with him wearing a dark suit and I, a long gown or cocktail dress. From the thawing interior to the still-chilly Arctic, here’s a closer look at what travelers can expect in various parts of Alaska during this transitional month. Weather in Alaska in August may keep some cruisers away, but there are still many excursions and experiences to enjoy. While the weather in Alaska in June brings out the flowers and even greener scenery, expect mosquitoes to be biting.
So if wildlife watching is priority number 1 for you during an Alaska cruise, then May might be too early for you. Look to UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, Hurtigruten and Lindblad Expeditions for the best adventure cruises. Many people trek to Alaska to commune with nature, but there's also history here that you shouldn't overlook.
With longer daylight hours and landscapes coming to life, here are some activities perfectly suited to the weather and conditions in May. Cloud cover and precipitation conditions from May persist throughout June and July, and wind speeds remain low as well. May brings warmer weather within the cities and towns of the Alaskan inside passage.
