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During this best time to see humpback whales in Alaska, sightings are almost guaranteed. And while, of course, Alaska is open for travel year-round, the primary tourist season begins in June and ends in August. But our Alaska by month travel season calendar below starts in early spring, because that is when the cruising season kicks off in some of Alaska’s lower, warmer latitudes. ” These are among the most common questions we receive, and indeed an important consideration when planning Alaska travel. 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.
Benefits of Alaska Travel in July:
Peak viewing of the Aurora Borealis happens between November and March, but on a clear night with lots of solar activity, you have a shot at this once-in-a-lifetime viewing experience. Choosing the best time of year for an Alaskan cruise can be challenging. From month to month, the weather, wildlife, and your chances of viewing the mesmerizing Northern Lights vary greatly.
How far in advance should you book an Alaskan cruise?
You may get upgraded – With ships sailing with empty cabins, you could get upgraded. While some lines give complimentary upgrades, others offer a chance to bid on an upgrade. As you can see, Ketchikan, Alaska’s southernmost city, experiences the warmest temperatures but the most rain. By October, the rainfall increases to almost 20″, contrasting the five inches of precipitation in late June.
Best cruise lines for extended trips to Alaska
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.
Posted: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 17:15:00 GMT [source]
A mythic journey along the scenic St. Lawrence River and out to the Atlantic, this Concierge Cruise is a cultural immersion into Québec, Newfoundland and the Maritimes. September also increases your wildlife sighting opportunities, as animals across the state begin migrating, foraging for hibernation and engaging in courtship rituals. There are dog sledding options in many ports, including Juneau, Skagway, and Anchorage. Each excursion typically includes a helicopter ride and dog sledding on a glacier. It's a must do in Alaska, but which port you try it in is up to you.
Benefits Of A Late Season Alaska Cruise
They are quite an awe-inspiring sight to see as they travel in pods, breech, and feed. On Winter Solstice (December 21 or 22), the state breaks out of its winter hibernation and begins gaining a few minutes of sunlight each day. By the time Summer Solstice occurs (June 20,21, or 22), travelers to Juneau, Alaska, a common port, will experience a day with 19 hours of sunlight.
If you like this guide to the best time to visit Alaska, you’ll love our comprehensive travel planning services. Our experts have more information on when to visit Alaska, planning your Alaska trip or the best time of year to visit Alaska. When you are ready to book the trip of a lifetime, just give us a call, our experts are ready to help. Use the Alaska climate and weather tables below to determine the average temperature, rainfall and daylight. Learn more about Alaska’s climate and find the best month to visit Alaska.
Alaskan Cruise Month-By-Month Guide
When they’re fully mature, millions take a harrowing upstream journey from the ocean to the rivers where they were born. Salmon runs in Alaska start in early May until September, with different species of salmon running at different times of year. Read on for the best time of year to cruise to Alaska, based on your personal preferences and the breathtaking experiences you want to check off your bucket list.
Alaska cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do
An Alaska cruise in early April, or late September, close to the fall equinox (September 21), will increase your chances. On clear nights, you could have a chance to spot the northern lights — though they won't shine as brightly as they do in winter. Rather than stay up all night, see if your ship or pre- or post-cruise hotel has a sign-up sheet for people who want a wake-up call should the lights appear. Though weather can be hard to predict, especially in Alaska, there are trends that’ll help you know what to expect during your summer cruise. So, check the weather before you pack, but these will give you a guesstimate. On dry land, bears are more common in May, though not as frequently spotted as they are in peak summer.
Because of this, take a look at the main attractions in your embarkation city. You might enjoy shopping at Pike’s Place Market and visiting the Space Needle in Seattle, or enjoying a relaxing stroll through Stanley Park in Vancouver. When scheduling your return flights, don’t book a flight too early on disembarkation day. Ketchikan is where folks go to see the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, with athletes wielding axes and saws in traditional lumbering activities. It is also the jumping-off point for a Bering Sea crab fishing tour. Look to UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, Hurtigruten and Lindblad Expeditions for the best adventure cruises.
Snow – As the month progresses, the chances of snow increase at higher elevations. With clear skies, you could see mountains frosted with snow, giving the landscape a majestic appearance. Layers are important, from base layer ski tops and bottoms, especially on glacier viewing day. Columbia 3-in-1 jackets provide waterproofing and can be worn in various weather.
If we had to choose one, the best month for an Alaska cruise is July. The wind usually dies down during the evening hours, making the smooth-as-glass water the perfect surface for catching the reflections of the sunset. This isn’t to say you won’t see glaciers and snow capped peaks, but rather you’ll see so much more!
You can book the transportation on your own or through your cruise line. Additionally, you'll have one day spent cruising the Inside Passage and one focused on "scenic cruising," where you can enjoy the landscapes but won't go ashore. This is not nearly as boring as you might think since you'll see incredible sights like Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve or Hubbard Glacier. Restaurant prices in Alaska can be high, but a cruise bundles meals, accommodations and transportation into one price that, with sales, can be cheaper than you'd think. One of the key reasons to cruise Alaska versus taking a land tour is to visit destinations along the Inside Passage that you cannot reach by road.
Endicott Arm and Tracy Arm Fjord often experience fog, even in warmer months. If your cruise skips the fjord, you’ll likely have a longer day in Juneau, the capital. If wildlife sightings are high on your Alaska bucket list, forego a September Alaska cruise. By going a month earlier, you’ll have better opportunities for whale watching, seeing other marine life, and bear sightings.
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