Alaska is a limited seasonal cruise destination. Cruise ships arrive in Southeast Alaska in the spring and stay during the summer and only until early fall. Winters in the 49th State are snowy, cold, and dark, making them not conducive to cruising.
Most cruise ship passengers travel to Alaska between Memorial Day in late May and Labor Day in early September, when temperatures range from slightly cold to warm during the long days. Tourist attractions are in full swing, salmon are swimming upstream, and bears (and humans) can fish.
Some adventurous cruisers come aboard when they arrive in Alaska in April to see the remnants of winter. Several large ships will sail in mid-October to serve those who want to catch a glimpse of Alaskan town life, after all other tourists have gone home.
Each month has its advantages, not the least of which are discounted prices during the spring and fall shoulder seasons. Here’s a guide to help you decide when to take a cruise in Alaska.
April
After a long winter, Alaska begins to wake up in April—and the wildlife is among them. Small cruise lines like National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions and UnCruise Adventures sail into the wilderness, where you might see bears emerging from their slumber and admire giant waterfalls created by melting snow. Some large cruise ships, such as Norwegian Cruise Line’s 4,000-passenger Norwegian Bliss, which sails from Seattle, will start their seasons this month with discounted early-season prices.
During an April cruise, you may encounter freezing rain or even snow, and you should be prepared to walk through mud. Some tourist facilities – including those in national parks – may remain closed during the winter.
On the other hand, you will have the opportunity to observe the changing seasons. Expect cool weather in the mornings with temperatures in the 30s, but by the end of the month you may find dry conditions with temperatures in the 60s. As an added bonus, the sky will get dark at night; if the weather is clear, you might see the Northern Lights.
Related: The Best Alaska Cruises for Every Type of Traveler
possible
As someone who has visited Alaska many times, I love sailing in May when the weather is dry. Locals began to emerge from their cocoons and embrace the sunshine, and wildlife began to do the same. You may see bears and their cubs, moose and their calves, and humpback whales returning from their winter home in Hawaii.
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Large cruise lines such as Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean, as well as Disney Cruise Line and smaller and luxury cruise lines, also ramped up operations in May. Early season deals may be available.
Attractions and stores will shift to peak season hours at the end of the month; Denali National Park and Preserve will shift to summer mode in May. Considering that many people in Southeast Alaska make their income from out-of-state visitors, you’ll find that those involved in the tourism industry are excited to reopen. Cruise lines will offer the opportunity to extend the cruise with a land tour that includes accommodation, transportation and some meals.
While early May often has a chill in the air, by the end of the month you may experience temperatures in the 60s. Warmer weather means glaciers start shedding ice more frequently, so you have a better chance of experiencing the sights and sounds of house-sized chunks of ice caving into the sea. Another benefit is that Alaska’s large mosquito populations have yet to emerge.
RELATED: Alaska Cruise Guide: Best Itineraries, Planning Tips and Things to Do
June
The cruise season is more active in June with an increasing number of ships; by the end of the month the season is in full swing. The midnight sun means many hours of daylight, especially on June 20, the longest day of the year. You have to stay up late to see the darkness.
In early June, the ships were still mostly carrying adults, with family groups, including multi-generational groups, due to arrive later this month.
Shore excursion experiences abound. Temperatures are pleasant, in the 60s and sometimes higher, wildflowers are blooming and glaciers are calving. Anglers will have the opportunity to catch halibut, king salmon, sockeye salmon and rainbow trout. In addition to humpback whales, you may also see beluga whales and seals with their calves during your cruise.
You may still be able to find some early season pricing at the beginning of the month; peak season for Alaska cruises begins in late June.
RELATED: Alaska Cruise Packing List: What to Pack for Sailing North
July and August
Summer is the peak of Alaska’s cruise season, which means port towns will be crowded, especially when multiple ships are in port at the same time. At the popular Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau, you may have to wait several hours to get a seat.
This may surprise many people, but July and especially August can be rainy, so don’t expect endless sunshine. That said, you’re in Alaska during the holidays and other special events, and the border towns really come alive.
Temperatures in Juneau in July can reach into the 60s, sometimes even higher, and can reach into the 80s. During the long days, you’ll find enthusiastic Alaskans swimming in the ocean and enjoying water sports. Shore excursion options will be in full swing.
During both months, you’ll encounter peak season pricing. Unless you book in advance, cabin selection may be limited, especially if you’re looking for luxury suites or cheaper interior cabins; these tend to be the categories that sell out first. Balcony cabins are especially popular in Alaska.
Mosquitoes also like summer, so bring bug spray. Salmon spawning season is also in July and August, so you may see grizzly and brown bears near rivers and streams.
Look out for seabirds, songbirds, seals, sea lions and humpback whales. Marine life is abundant, and some small boat shore excursions guarantee you’ll see animals. The bears will fish; in late August, they will hunt for blueberries, which also become a specialty on restaurant menus. In late August, you’ll see the leaves turn into fall colors.
RELATED: The Best Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions – From Helicopter Hiking to Whale Watching
September
The beginning of September looks a lot like August. However, once the kids are back in school and families have left, it’s the off-peak cruise season and prices drop. Most cruise ships will be re-berthed outside the state by the end of the month. You’ll experience seasonal changes, cooler temperatures (50 degrees Fahrenheit or lower), and some rain.
Mid-to-late September is one of the best times to see wildlife in Alaska. I’ve had extraordinary experiences. At one point, I watched a pod of humpback whales gather to feed in bubble nets (fish enclosed in a “net” of bubbles) to fill their bellies in preparation for their annual journey to warmer waters. Bears will hunt the last berries and salmon, and caribou, deer and moose will mate.
You’ll see colorful autumn leaves, but no mosquitoes. National park facilities and some tourism businesses will switch to winter hours. September is also a great time to buy souvenirs, as merchants sell this year’s merchandise at the end of the Alaska tourist season.
On a clear night, you have a chance to see the Northern Lights, although they won’t be as bright as in the winter. Instead of staying up late, see if your cruise or pre- or post-cruise hotel has a sign-in sheet for those who want a wake-up call when the lights come on.
RELATED: The Best Places to Go Boating in the Fall, Whether You Want to Wear a Sweater or a Swimsuit
October
A limited number of October cruises (primarily Norwegian Cruise Line) allow cruisers to experience the Alaskan winter without the sub-zero temperatures. You’ll want to bundle up; Juneau’s average temperature in October is 39 degrees. The days will be short – only about 10 hours during the day. You may encounter rain and maybe snow.
Some attractions and shops will be closed during the winter, but your cruise line will still offer full shore excursions. On the plus side, you’ll experience the towns of Southeast Alaska because they aren’t overcrowded with tourists most of the year. Sit in the pub and chat with locals as they prepare for the long winter ahead. Cruise fares will be discounted.
Related: Caribbean vs. Alaska Cruises: Which Itinerary Do I Prefer?
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska?
If one of your main goals during your Alaska cruise is to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, consider sailing in late August, September, or October. The lights in Alaska are usually intense from late August to mid-April.
The best place to see the auroras is in Fairbanks – it’s beneath the “Aurora Oval,” an area known for frequent sightings of the aurora borealis. Fairbanks is a popular stop on cruise tours with itineraries that combine sailing time with overnight accommodations on land. For example, Holland America’s nine-night Denali itinerary begins with an overnight stay in Fairbanks in early September.
Northern Lights sightings are available in Denali National Park and Anchorage, but not as frequently as in Fairbanks because they are further south. Both destinations are popular cruise stops. If you’re traveling in or out of Seward or Whittier, you’ll fly through Anchorage on one end of your journey. If you want to try to capture the Aurora, consider staying there for an extra night or two.
Seeing the Northern Lights from a boat in the Inside Channel is extremely rare.
Related: Northern Lights Cruise: Your Guide to Chasing the Northern Lights at Sea
Which month is the cheapest for Alaska cruises?
As mentioned before, April, May, September, and October are great months for Alaska cruises if you’re looking to seal a deal. In addition to cheaper fares, the crowds on the morning and evening shifts are smaller this season.
bottom line
What is the best month for an Alaska cruise? No matter what month you sail, Alaska is an exciting cruise destination. However, depending on your interests, a few months may be better for you.
If you like a bargain, look out for early and late flights during the season. Choose to sail in May or June, when the weather is dry and there are fewer mosquitoes. Summer is the best time to take a boat trip to see the abundant marine life and birds, and September is a great month for wildlife spotting.
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