Best Time for Alaska Cruises Climate Chart and Table
Table Of Content
” But our firsthand experience and one-on-one conversations can fill in the gaps. Now that you understand the weather (as much as it can be understood!), you need these packing lists. There are, of course, other considerations in picking a cruise date that can outweigh weather. Cruise prices and the likelihood of wildlife viewing (particularly bears) are two of the most common of those. Keep in mind that Alaska and the Yukon make up an enormous mass of land; in fact, combined they are about half the size of the lower 48 states!
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A day might start out sunny and mild, for instance, turn to rain an hour later, and be sunny again in time to enjoy an outdoor lunch. The Tongass National Forest, which is 16.8 million acres, needs a great deal of moisture to support its trees and wildlife, so travelers should expect to encounter rain during their visit. The beginning of September is much like August, but after the kids go back to school and the family crowd departs, it's shoulder season for cruising and pricing drops.
September in Alaska
In addition to the essentials mentioned above, it’s always a good idea to pack a few extra pairs of socks and underwear. These can get wet or dirty during outdoor activities, so having spares will come in handy. Also, consider bringing a lightweight laundry bag to separate dirty clothes from clean ones.
Royal Caribbean cruises in July 2023: What to expect - Royal Caribbean Blog
Royal Caribbean cruises in July 2023: What to expect.
Posted: Sun, 21 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Climate Tables Alaska Cruises
It’s advisable to consult with your healthcare provider before your trip to discuss any specific medical concerns, vaccinations, or travel advice pertaining to your health. Now that we’ve covered clothing and outerwear, let’s move on to discussing the footwear and accessories you should bring along for your Alaska cruise in July. I hope you are able to plan and fulfill all of your fantastical travel dreams!
Tips for a July Alaskan Cruise
A limited number of cruises in October (predominantly on Norwegian Cruise Line) make it possible for cruisers to experience a taste of Alaska in winter without sub-zero temperatures. You will want to bundle up; the average temperature in Juneau in October is 39 degrees. After a long winter, Alaska begins to wake up in April, and that includes the wildlife. A few big ships, such as the 4,000-passenger Norwegian Bliss out of Seattle, begin their season this month with discounted early season pricing. Cruise ships arrive in southeast Alaska in spring, stay the summer and linger only into early fall.
Temperatures can vary anywhere between 30 to 80 degrees throughout the summer travel months – inviting guests to layer on the sweaters and windbreakers as weather can be unpredictable. So, the best month to travel to the Great Land depends on what you want to do. For the fishing aficionado, consider May when king salmon reach their greatest appearance.
Winter in Alaska—December Through March
Respect the wildlife by observing from a safe distance and following guidelines provided by the cruise ship or excursion operators. Stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun, and be open to embracing new experiences and engaging with the friendly locals. Overall, July brings pleasant temperatures to Alaska, allowing you to experience the beauty of the state comfortably while engaging in various outdoor activities and excursions. 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.
These are the months when all good things combine to create the optimal Alaskan experience. June is a smart choice for cruisers who don’t want to travel during peak season but want more opportunities. Just expect cooler weather, fewer wildlife viewing opportunities, and less active ports with some shops that are still shuttered.
Travel Planner
Learn more about Alaska’s climate and find the best month to visit Alaska. 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. The guide below is one piece of the puzzle to help you determine the best month to visit Alaska. We outline Alaska weather by month and answer questions such as “When is summer in Alaska?
With lows in the 50s, you don’t need to pack a winter coat and hat, but be sure to include warm, wicking layers to keep your temperature steady. July is filled with opportunities to see the stunning wildlife of Alaska while enjoying milder temperatures. Small-ship Alaska cruise lines like American Queen Voyages and Uncruise can go further into narrow passages and get closer to shoreline wildlife like Dall sheep and bears. While prices in the early season are generally less expensive, your experience during a May cruise will look different from during the high season in July and August.
Like July, nights and early mornings can be very cold, so late nighters and early risers should be prepared to bundle up for icy temperatures. Plenty of layers are also essential in August, and travelers should be sure to pack waterproof jackets, shoes, and bags as August and September are among the rainiest months of the year. Mid-to-late September is one of the best times to spot wildlife in Alaska. Bears will be hunting for the last of the berries and salmon, and caribou, deer and moose will be mating. If you travel up into the hills or mountains on a shore excursion, it’s common to find snow still on the ground. As such, you’ll want to pack waterproof hiking boots and warm, waterproof layers (don’t forget gloves and hats) to handle any wet or chilly spring weather.
September is one of the last months of the cruise season in Alaska and it is also one of the coldest, with temperatures staying in the low to high forties on average. As the month advances, the temperatures drop lower and lower, and the nights and early mornings can be bitterly cold. Cloud cover and precipitation conditions from May persist throughout June and July, and wind speeds remain low as well. While early May often carries a chill in the air, by the end of the month, you might encounter temperatures in the 60s.
When you are doing your further research, you want to look specifically at the July weather of Alaska cities your cruise will be going to. However, the prolonged daylight can also affect your sleep patterns, particularly if you’re not accustomed to the extended daylight. Consider bringing an eye mask and blackout curtains if you prefer a darker sleeping environment during the night. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. So, keep your binoculars and camera ready, and prepare to be amazed by the incredible wildlife sightings that await you in the Alaskan wilderness during your July cruise. Warmer weather in Alaska also has an unexpected bonus for cruisers in the form of glacial calving.
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