Weather During Alaska Cruise In August
One of the major reasons why many dont consider August to be the best time for an Alaskan cruise is because of the rain it brings.
There is a 50% chance of you encountering rain during this month.
A few of your planned visits may get rained out.
The temperature ranges from a high of 17 degrees Celsius to a low of 9 degrees Celsius .
Best Time Of Year For Alaska Inside Passage Cruise
Posted by David Porter on Thursday, September 13, 2018 ·
Boarding Regent Seven Seas Cruises
What is the best time of year for an Alaska Cruise in the Inside Passage?
Carol and I are just home from our 4th Alaskan cruise.
And before we begin to share our wonderful experience sailing with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, I thought I might first tackle one of the first questions we generally get as folks are considering an Alaskan cruise: what is the best time of year for an Alaska cruise in the Inside Passage?
With a few exceptions, the Alaska ocean cruise season is generally mid-May through early-September. And because many folks think that there might still be snow on the ground in Alaska in May, the vast majority of folks tend to book in mid-Summer.
And while its possible that Denali might still have snow on the ground in mid-May, the stops along an Alaska cruise are going to be generally nice weather from an Alaskan point of view.
And, besides the weather, one should also consider the summer crowds. When we were in Ketchikan, our guide told us that over 1,000,000 people visited this little town of 8,000 people in 2018 and theyre expecting 2019 to bring 1.2 million. Therefore, massive crowds is another important consideration when considering a cruise in Alaska.
Annual Temperatures, Rainfall, Snowfall, and Daylight in Alaska Cruise Towns
Note: click the graphic below for a larger view, or click the image and then right-click and download the very large view.
Which Cruise Ships Sail From Seattle To Alaska
Two Royal Caribbean ships sail from Seattle to Alaska each summer, with Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas offering Alaska cruises each season. These large, modern Quantum Class cruise ships are perfect for any passenger due to the variety of dining options, activities, and cabin categories youll find onboard.
Related: All about Quantum Class ships
Outside of Royal Caribbean, youll find Alaska cruises from Seattle on many popular cruise lines including Carnival, Holland America, Princess, Celebrity, and Norwegian.
Read Also: Holland America Cruises In Europe
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Take An Alaskan Cruise
We would like to start planning next yearâs vacation. What time of year is best for a cruise. We would like to be on a small ship, not one of the huge ships.
We want to see the wildlife and scenery, and arenât too into ships that main attractions are the buffets, disco and casino.
Any suggestions?
It depends. We already have tons of light in May which will be somewhat of an oddity to you I am sure, but that is good for activities. In May, many places donât open until the Memorial weekend. That will not affect you on a cruise. However, if you decide to extend your cruise with some land touring on your own, then you should just know this. May is also a good time, because many visitors donât arrive yet, so you would not feel the impact of the height of the tourist season . However, the weather will of course be a little cooler than it would in July.
I would say the peak is the 4th of July week and right around there. If you want to avoid the peak, Iâd say come before the 4th and after the 3rd week of July. In August, we start to get into our rainy pattern, then in September it cools off, but is still a great time to come. Again, like in May, many businesses start closing around Labor Day, but most linger to mid-month. It will also be dark at night, unlike in May.
Anytime during this entire period is good on a cruise. I was merely pointing out that the crowds are more of a factor at a certain time of the season. I hope this helps for a start.
The Best Time To See Wildlife On An Alaska Cruise
You will see plenty of wildlife during your Alaska cruise throughout the cruise season, including whale watching, sea lions, bears, & birds.
The best months to catch a glimpse of the amazing fauna that call Alaska home are the months of June and July.
- Moose: Moose give birth around June.
- Caribou: June is the best month to see herds of caribou
- Humpback Whales: June and July is when the humpback whales migrate through Alaska’s Inside Passage.
- Black bears: Spring is ideal because the new vegetation lures back in sheep, mountain goats and black bears. July is also good because that is when salmon runs start to get busy.
- Brown bears: July and August are when you will have a better chance to see brown bears since they are near rivers and streams.
- King Salmon: King salmon runs start in late May.
- Bird watching: June is when you have a good chance to see unusual birds migrating.
- Bald eagles: You’ll find eagles throughout the season, but August is a great time since they are found near the sockeye salmon spawning locations.
- Killer Whales: Your best chance at seeing Orcas is from May to the beginning of June.
Read more: What Is an Alaska Inside Passage Cruise?
Read Also: Cruise To Tahiti From California
Whats The Best Time To See Whales On An Alaska Cruise
Gray whales, humpback whales, orca, beluga whales Alaska has them all. Here are some quick tips to help you increase the odds of seeing whales during your cruise.
- Humpback whales: June and July are the best months for seeing these giants of the deep. Over 500 humpback whales spend summer within the Inside Passage, so select a cruise that passes through this route and visits the Barren Islands.
- Beluga whales: You can spot belugas in Turnagain Arm from mid-July through August, just south of Anchorage. September is also a good month for belugas, as long as your cruise passes Nome.
- Gray Whales: April and May are ideal for gray whales, as they feed around Kodiak, Sitka, Ketchikan and Seward.
- Orca : The ideal time for orca spotting is between early May and early June when you can find these colorful behemoths feeding in Resurrection Bay and along cruise routes going between Seattle and Alaska.
Black Friday Cruise Deals For All Cruise Lines In 2022
Just about every cruise line is offering Black Friday cruise deals this year including the worlds largest cruise line to the smaller cruise lines that have just a cruise ship or two. Different deals being offered on Black Friday include $1 cruise deposits, free drink packages, free WiFi, kids sail for free, free airfare, and up to $6,000 off cruises. Here are all the cruise deals for Black Friday 2022 on over 20 different cruise lines.
You May Like: Cruises Out Of San Diego 2021
Read Also: What Cruise Is Best For Families
Alaskas Most Popular Attractions
Alaska is home to some of the largest national parks in the United States, with vast expanses of untamed wilderness that has made the state a favorite among adventurers and nature lovers alike.
Dubbed The Last Frontier, Alaska boasts a wealth of natural wonders ranging from awe-inspiring glaciers and snow-capped mountains to lush forests and cascading waterfallswith many breathtaking sights viewable from aboard your cruise, and even more immersive experiences awaiting you at its many ports of call.
Denali National Park & Preserve is the third-largest national park in the country, and contains the highest mountain peak in North America, its namesake. Its 6 million acres of wilderness consists of a broad diversity of landscapes and ecosystems including winding river valleys, barren tundras, and much more. Its also a go-to location for wildlife viewingthe native habitats for grizzly bears, wolves, reindeer, elk, and more than 160 species of birds.
Explore other scenic locations such as Tracy Arm Fjord within Tongass National Forest, and Kenai Fjords National Park, for breathtaking views of must-see glacial landscapes and rushing waterfallsvisible by ship and during port excursions. The Alaskan Rainforest has more than 5 million acres of towering trees, lush flora, and a consistently temperate climate.
Weather During Alaska Cruise In September
In the month of September, it starts getting colder again.
Temperatures drop to a lower range a high of 13 degrees Celsius and a low of 5 degrees Celsius .
Besides, in the month of September, it rains in Alaska every alternate day.
Because of the rains, some of your shore excursions have a greater chance of being canceled. Especially the boat and helicopter tours you may have booked.
Recommended Reading: What Cruise Lines Sail Out Of Tampa Fl
Alaska Cruises In July
In July, the early weeks bring the warmest weather, with average daytime temperatures of 62F or 17C in Juneau. Although as the temperatures rise, the chances of rain increase.
Being one of the busiest months, expect to pay higher prices for your Alaska cruise. The peak Alaska season brings more crowds to ports. While this might not be a problem in the Caribbean, in contrast, Alaska ports are small. Skagway, a gold rush town, has a population of under 1000 residents.
Warmer temperatures cause glaciers to melt and calve. For the best calving action , consider a Hubbard Glacier cruise, as the galloping glacier provides a spectacular show.
In July, cruise passengers can see the salmon run. Silver salmon swim up the river to spawn, which attracts hungry bears. When walking on Creek Street in Ketchikan, look down into the creek below. Its hard to miss the thousands of salmon swimming upstream. If youre lucky, you might even spot an otter or two.
During the peak of the summer, all trails are accessible. If you prefer to forego an expensive shore excursion, all Alaska ports offer trails suitable for all fitness levels.
With warmer, wetter weather come pesky mosquitoes. But dont let that stop you from enjoying the outdoors. Just be prepared with a mosquito repellent or choose a cruise earlier in the season.
Best Time To Visit Alaska For Camping
Summer is the best time to visit Alaska if you want to camp.
First, there is a short window each spring when Alaskas mountains and tundra are snow-free but still too wet for camping. This means May will offer the best chance at clear weather. But youll have to be willing to put up with mud. In June, summer truly arrives in most of the state, with snow in the mountains and tundra gone or nearly so.
Second, you will need to plan your visit around the states short but beautiful summer vacation season when families flock north to enjoy long days of sunshine at their cabins, lakeside cottages, boats, beaches, and parks.
For fishing, mid-June through mid-September is best.
June, July, and August are the warmest months in Alaska however, due to the midnight sun in this part of the state, it can be pretty hot.
Don’t Miss: How Much Do Silversea Cruises Cost
So When Is The Best Time To Visit Alaska
Considering everything stated above, we advise travelers that June 15 through August 15 is the best time to go to Alaska. But not everyone can schedule their trip during this time and as weve noted, each season has its benefits. If you plan your trip during the peak season, then plan ahead and book early as these are the dates that sell out first.
For more information on when to visit Alaska, view our How to Choose Your Alaska Cruise guide. If you are still looking for advice on the best time of year to visit Alaska, just give us a call, our experts are ready to help.
This guide on the best time to visit Alaska is amongAdventureSmithExplorations extensive collection of travel guides the content is regularly updated by our team for accuracy. Visit our Alaska Travel Guidesfor even more resources and inspiration in planning your Alaska trip.
Have a question about the best time to visit Alaska? Use the comments below and well answer ASAP.
Read Also: What Cruise Line Is The Best For Alaska
Best Time To Cruise To Bermuda: June
Bermuda cruises sail from April through mid-November, mostly during Bermuda’s beach season. Most people travel during the summer months , making those voyages pricier, but you’ll find deals on spring and fall departures .
The Bermuda hurricane season lasts from June through November, as it does for the Caribbean and U.S. East Coast. But the island is generally far less likely to be struck than either of those regions, and a strike is most common between late August and October. October also tends to be the rainiest month in Bermuda.
May in Bermuda is your best bet for shoulder season travel if you’re after discounts and the highest likelihood for sunny skies and warm temperatures. Even so, you can expect temperate weather year-round, and far less humidity than islands farther south. If it’s too chilly for the beach in the shoulder season, you can always try out the island’s many golf courses and spas.
Get Inspired:Bermuda Cruise Tips
Read Also: What Cruise Lines Go To Alaska
Best Time To Travel To Alaska By Land
Alaskas interior is colder than the coast so the land-based travel season can be shorter than the cruising season. Keep this in mind if you are planning an Alaska small ship cruise and an Alaska land tour combination.
Summer in interior Alaska is short and occurs from mid-June through late-August. Winter in Alaska sees far fewer travelers with December through March being the best months to view the northern lights or aurora borealis. The spring and fall months in Alaska offer unique opportunities and lower prices.
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.
What To Expect In Every Month Of Alaska Cruise Season
The cruise season in Alaska is short , but what this state lacks in winter tours it makes up for in stunning summer vistas, exciting wildlife and a travelogue of iconic land excursions.
Traditionally, July and August have been considered the best time to cruise to Alaska, as these months offer warm sun, long days, and abundant wildlife. However, the shoulder seasons are growing in popularity, thanks to fewer crowds, lower-priced cruises and seasonal attractions like the northern lights.
You May Like: What Is The Nicest Cruise Ship
When Do Cruises Go To Alaska
Since ships dont stay in Alaska year-round, they come from different parts of the world to cash in on the over one-million passengers annually that embark to see the final frontier.
The first cruise ships typically begin plying the waters of Alaska the last week of April or the first week of May. The full Alaska-based fleet arrives by mid-May or so.
Then at the end of the season, cruise ships begin repositioning from Alaska the first week of September, with the last cruises usually sailing by September 15.
Once the Alaska season is over, the ships are dispersed back to different regions of the world, including Asia, Australia, the Mexican Riviera, and the Caribbean.
Alaska Cruises In September/october
One of the rainiest cities in America, Ketchikan receives 35 cm or almost 14 inches of rain in September. By October, that number increases by three more inches.
As the season changes, the landscape starts to glow in warm autumn tones. Fall is a fantastic time of year, and Alaska offers warm shades at sea level with crispy white mountains as a backdrop.
Being the shoulder season, expect fewer crowds in port. Cruise lines offer these later sailings at bargain prices, much like departures in April and May.
Its a great time to get a premium cabin at a budget-friendly price. Your ship might even sail with vacant staterooms, allowing you to enjoy popular cruise ship venues with fewer people.
Gift shops continue to have blowout sales, although some may have closed for the season. The ships themselves have great deals on their seasonal merchandise.
If youve booked a cruise and land tour, youll have a chance to see the Northern Lights. Emphasis on the word chance. The Aurora Borealis is unpredictable, and even when the conditions are ideal, they dont always show their nighttime colors.
On the last few sailings, cruise passengers enjoy the easiest embarkation days. The ports have had all summer to practice their procedures. Also, as ships reposition to other areas, fewer ships arrive in port, making embarkation and debarkation effortless.
Read Also: Toyota Land Cruiser For Sale Spokane
Plan Your Alaskan Cruise With Windstar
Now that you know the best time to take an Alaskan cruise, its time to make it happen! Why not turn your dreams into reality with us at Windstar Cruises? Connect with fellow travelers and the crew as you sail the Alaskan waters on our intimate cruises. Our smaller ships give us access to ports the other ships cant reach, meaning you get a unique experience and opportunities you couldnt anywhere else.
Take a look at the Alaskan cruises we offer to see what will take you on the adventure of a lifetime. Well take you on guided fishing trips, through scenic forests and close to legendary fjords and glaciers for the Alaskan trip of a lifetime. Plan your voyage today by calling us at 800-258-7245 or requesting a call. We cant wait to have you aboard a Windstar Cruise!