Cruising to Alaska is becoming increasingly popular, thanks to its scenic landscape, charming coastal towns, and abundance of wildlife.
But when is the best time to cruise to Alaska? That depends on a few things, including price, weather, crowds, excursions, and wildlife.
Alaska's cruise season is relatively short, generally from May to September, although there is the occasional cruise in April and October. This shortened season creates a limited supply of itineraries for cruisers who want to embark on this bucket list cruise vacation. This also can mean higher prices, especially for those who want to cruise during peak season.
We are taking a look at the best time to cruise to Alaska, including the pros and cons for each month, to help you choose the optimal time for your dream cruise vacation.
April /May
There are only a few cruises in the latter part of April; however, most start in May, with all of the major cruise lines offering some cruises during this time. Being shoulder season, there are some of the best prices of the year, with fewer crowds, including families, as many kids are still in school. Cruise fares can be almost half, sometimes even a third, of those later in the season, especially July and August, which is peak season. These extra savings can go toward bucket list excursions – like a glacier tour or an upgraded cabin.
Something to consider when cruising to Alaska in April and May is that it can still be a little chilly, with temperatures ranging from 40-45 F. Although much of the snow has melted by this time, cruisers can still see fantastic views of the snow-covered mountains that Alaska is famous for. Another bonus to these months is that it is much less crowded, but that also goes for animals who are not that active this time of year. Some whales can be spotted during this time, but bears may be harder to see in the early months of the season.
Although May weather is not as hot as the summer, the temperatures range from 40 to 55F, and it is one of the driest months to travel. With daylight hours surging to around 16 hours per day, there is plenty of time to take in the scenic views and tours and explore the Last Frontier. The main drawback to cruising in May is that it is just not that warm. But, for those who don’t mind these chillier temperatures, it is among the cheapest times to travel.
June
Heading into summer, June offers plenty of cruise options. With slightly better weather and crowds, prices increase compared to May, although it is still not peak season for Alaska cruises.
June is when Alaska truly starts to become the Land of the Midnight Sun, with almost full days of sun, especially as it leads to the summer equinox. During this time, visitors can experience up to 20 hours of sunlight. Although temperatures can be cool in the evening, they can reach into the 60s during the day, even 70 in some interior locations, significantly warmer than May.
Local flora and fauna are now blooming, and animal life becomes more easily seen. On the water, fishing starts to pick up, and cruisers start to see whales. Bears, another highly popular animal, can be seen chasing after salmon in the rivers. Another bonus to cruising in June is that many of the national parks open during this time. Visiting parks can be some of the best excursions or add-on land tours at the end of a cruise.
With lower prices than later in the summer, milder weather, and more wildlife, demand for cruising picks up during this time, especially as kids get out for the summer. While the prices can be higher than in May, the weather and lower crowds can make it an ideal time to cruise to Alaska.
July/August
The peak summer months in Alaska bring some of the warmest temperatures of the year and the crowds. In terms of price, cruisers can expect to pay 2-3 times the cost of shoulder season, such as early May and September. This is one of the biggest disadvantages of cruising this time of year.
However, the price of a summer cruise may be worth it given how many fantastic Alaska experiences are available during this time, including the chance to see many of Alaska’s famous residents, like whales and bears. It is also a great time of year for fishing and other water sports on the numerous rivers that dot the landscape. As national parks open for the summer, there are tons of great places to visit. August is the peak season for birds as they start to migrate south – a major plus for bird lovers.
These months see the warmest temperatures of the year, generally in the 60s, depending upon location. However, there can be more bugs during July and August. This is the best time to explore more northern locations, including land add-on tours to parks, with lots of activities. It is also a popular season for non-cruise tours, meaning many spots will be busy, including popular restaurants and tours. For bucket list items, make sure to plan ahead to not be disappointed.
September (into early October)
September can be a great month to cruise to Alaska for those looking for lower prices. As the main tourist season has passed, kids head back to school, and many people are finishing off their summer breaks, the crowds die down. Savvy cruisers love the fare savings during this time, which can be at least half, if not more than peak cruise fares in July and August.
One of the biggest advantages to cruising in Alaska (beyond price) is that the latter part of the cruising season offers the best opportunity to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) as they are more formally known. Although it is best to head north – perhaps a northbound cruise with an add-on tour to a place like Fairbanks.
Wildlife still abounds and there are plenty of moose, although whales becoming less frequently seen. Temperatures can still be not too cold, ranging from the mid-40s to 50s, in the Inside Passage, although there is slightly more rain than in the summer. With balmy temperatures during the day, 12+ hours of sunlight, fewer bugs, and lower prices, September can be a great time to cruise to Alaska.
