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With low wind speeds, cold temperatures, and precipitation, travelers may want to pack plenty of knit sweaters, a jacket, warm pants, and waterproof boots or shoes. The Alaska cruise season is a little over six months long, but choosing the best time to cruise Alaska is surprisingly not that simple. For many, the summer months, when the kids are out of school, is the best time to travel due to warmer weather. However, you’ll pay the highest prices for a cruise to Alaska during peak season.
What is the best time to cruise Alaska?
Selected excursions, transportation (like the railroad), and lodges offer shoulder season pricing in September--but not all do. However, beyond the breathtaking landscapes and awe-inspiring wildlife encounters, it’s the intangibles that linger. An Alaska September cruise isn’t just any vacation; it’s an immersive experience into one of the last great wild frontiers on Earth. Your choice of cruise line can significantly shape your Alaskan experience. All in all, cruising to Alaska in September is like discovering a well-kept secret. While it’s different from the peak summer experience, it offers its own array of unforgettable moments.
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Bears will be fishing; in late August, they will be looking for blueberries, which also become a featured item on restaurant menus. Toward the end of August, you'll see leaves changing to fall colors. Peak cruising months, July and August, are the best time of year to cruise to Alaska. During these months you will have the warmest weather and the greatest chance to see wildlife. The warmer the weather, the better your chance to view a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence called “calving.” This is when a large chunk of the glacier separates in a giant icy landslide.
Glacier Bay National Park
Norwegian Cruise Lines has the first departures of the season in early April from Seattle. To truly enjoy an Alaskan cruise, cruisers can visit from April to October when daylight hours, weather and wildlife are better. Explore Alaskan cruises and learn more about each fun-filled trip to the 49th state.
It might surprise many, but July and especially August are rainy, so don't expect endless sunshine. That said, you are in Alaska at a time for festivals and other special events, and frontier towns really come alive. Whether you’re drawn to the great outdoors or prefer the comfort of indoor exploration, there’s no shortage of things to do that cater to the season’s conditions. Here’s what travelers can expect in different parts of the state during this transitional month. While the month begins with the remnants of summer’s extended daylight, the nights quickly begin to reclaim their dominance.
As the month progresses, temperatures rise slightly, and daylight hours increase. Choosing to cruise in the early spring of Alaska will impact your experience. Less travelers might sound appealing, but many port towns aren’t fully “tourist operational” until late June when summer workers start to arrive. Since the skies do still get dark during this month, there is a slight chance that you’ll be able to view the Northern Lights on an Alaskan cruise in April. For major cruise lines, the Alaska cruise season runs between May and late September, including Viking and Disney. Cruisers can typically enjoy Alaska in October at lower rates than the Alaska summer cruise season prices.
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Both May Alaska cruise itineraries and those in September are considered the shoulder season. Although since the pandemic, some lines offer cruises as early as late April, and Norwegian offers cruises from Seattle until almost November. If you’re trying to decide on the best month to cruise to Alaska and thought about taking an end of the season cruise, you’ve come to the right place.
Best Things to Do in Alaska in September
The best time to cruise to Alaska is a matter of personal preference. The "best time" could be different for a solo cruise traveler who dreams of photographing bears than it is for a parent who wants a family vacation in the great outdoors. From May to September, the Alaska cruise season is just five months long, although Holland America Line offers Alaska cruises in late April and early October. Spending time on the deck and outdoor areas offers passengers a chance to enjoy the refreshing ocean breeze. Approximately 80% of cruise ship guests seek out these prime spots for relaxation and stunning ocean views. Despite the allure, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider when booking an ocean view cabin.
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Purchasing an all-inclusive package can be beneficial as it allows unlimited drinks and can save money in the long run. When it comes to champagne, the cruise line offers a variety of options to suit different tastes and preferences. From popular brands to more exclusive labels, there is something for everyone. Additionally, if you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or indulge in some bubbly, Norwegian Cruise Lines also offers a great selection of champagne with varying costs. From reds to whites, and everything in between, they offer a range of options to suit every palate. If you’re traveling with children, Norwegian Cruise Lines also offers special drink pricing for them.
Ketchikan averages 16 hours of daylight in May; you’ll get even longer days as you travel north to Anchorage and still more if you take a cruise tour up to Fairbanks. 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 weather conditions can change several times throughout the day, which is why it’s best to pack plenty of layers and a lightweight raincoat. The temperatures in September are slightly cooler, with highs of 55 and lows around 40 degrees fair height. July is an ideal month to visit for salmon fishing, cultural festivals, bear viewing, and small-town exploring.
You should still wear layers when visiting the port, but if you’re planning active shore excursions like hikes or glacier walks, you’ll want to stick with lightweight clothing. The Alaska cruise weather in June is fairly cool, but it has the least amount of rainfall during the Alaska cruise season. You can expect Alaska cruise temperatures in May to have lows of around 40 and highs of around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Longer cruises, like the Holland America Alaska Arctic Solstice Cruise spans 28 days, and will take you from your port to the Arctic Circle.
This decrease in sunlight can have an impact on outdoor activities and sightseeing opportunities during a cruise in Alaska. When visiting Alaska, be aware that average precipitation levels can vary throughout the state, impacting outdoor activities and creating lush landscapes. By analyzing historical data and observing rainfall patterns, we can gain valuable insights into the weather and rainfall trends in Alaska during September. You may encounter freezing rain or even snow on your April cruise and should expect to tread through mud. Some tourist facilities — including those at national parks — may still be shuttered for the winter. Some adventurous cruisers will board ships when they arrive in Alaska in April to see the remnants of winter.
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. A little over an hour south of Anchorage, the small town of Whittier is situated on the shores of Prince William Sound.
September in Alaska, a time of significant transition, beckons with the allure of crisp autumn air, the last whispers of summer warmth, and the early hints of winter’s chill. September is also an excellent time to witness a towering Alaskan moose. With shoulder heights at 6 foot 9 inches and over 1,400 pounds, these massive animals are as dangerous as impressive, so you’ll want to view them from a distance. Birds also haven’t started their migration, so you can spot both songbirds and seabirds as you cruise along the coast. There is a chance you will see some snow, so a winter coat, gloves, and a hat are a smart addition to your packing list. Warmer weather in Alaska also has an unexpected bonus for cruisers in the form of glacial calving.
Not to mention you’ll have a better chance of seeing humpback whales, king salmon, bears, moose, and bald eagles. Due to the shorter daylight hours, September provides the best opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis from an Alaskan cruise. The Alaska cruise season generally runs from May to September, with occasional cruises in April and October.
For the fishing aficionado, consider May when king salmon reach their greatest appearance. If you prefer to explore the lush scenery by foot, wait until June when the sun has overcome the frosty terrain of the Inside Passage and trails are primed for adventures. Regardless of which month you choose to explore Alaska, you’ll encounter iconic marine life and embark on heart-stirring adventures when you set sail with Princess. Alaska’s cruise season is seven months long, from April to October. During the cruise season, popular cruise lines assist travelers in enjoying all of the unique sights, wildlife, excursions, events and food.
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