Thursday, April 11, 2024

Alaska Weather What to Expect and When to Visit on a Cruise

weather in alaska in may for cruise

Be prepared for potential road closures and check weather and road conditions before traveling. Carry emergency supplies and drive cautiously, especially on gravel roads. As the snow begins to melt and daylight hours extend, May offers a unique opportunity to experience the awakening of the Alaskan wilderness. May in Alaska marks the transition from spring to early summer, bringing about significant changes in the weather, wildlife activity, and natural landscapes. In September, the scale now tips towards later sunrises and earlier sunsets in Alaska.

What is the best time of year to see the northern lights in Alaska cruise?

The Best Times to Visit Alaska for Bear Spotting, National Parks, and More - Travel + Leisure

The Best Times to Visit Alaska for Bear Spotting, National Parks, and More.

Posted: Thu, 07 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

And be extra alert for groggy bears coming out of hibernation. If you want to frolic in the mountains, wait until June or July. Most campgrounds are open by Memorial Day weekend – but open dates are really determined by much snow fell over the winter. Alaska State Parks has a page you can check for open statuses. They’re in the summer, so you don’t have to worry about pesky insects while enjoying your vacation.

weather in alaska in may for cruise

July and August

weather in alaska in may for cruise

By the end of September, there are less than 12 hours of daylight in Juneau. 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. Not only is it your best shot for warmer weather, but you’re also sure to see a good amount of the wildlife Alaska is famous for. My advice is to pack plenty of warm (and waterproof) layers, expect the unexpected, and find joy in whatever experience you get.

The best time to cruise Alaska

Precipitation increases to 19 days of the month, so pack a raincoat with a hood (you’ll be grateful to have it!). Not only is the cracking sound shocking, but the calving also produces a giant wave of water and captivating icebergs. July and August are prime time for viewing glacier calving on an Alaskan cruise.

Alaska Weather in April:

June is also one of the best months for whale-watching; late June and early July are the best times for bear-spotting excursions. You might need a fleece jacket in the morning but find yourself stripping down to a T-shirt by early afternoon. A packable rain jacket is always good to have on hand since you never know when you’ll get caught in a summer squall. The chance of rain during this month is over 50%, so you’ll want to pack plenty of waterproof gear – including waterproof shoes and wool socks. We've cruised up to Alaska a dozen times (yes, it's our favorite itinerary).

Mosquitoes, sometimes jokingly referred to as the Alaskan state bird, are a fact of life during the summer travel season. But they are more annoyance than deterrent so don’t let bugs affect your travel plans. Mosquitoes and other bugs are most prevalent in the boggy interior and Arctic tundra regions during mid-summer. Populations spike in late June and dissipate in early August.

Since shoulder-season sailings don’t fill up fast, guests booking in early spring, have a wider choice of cabins. Cruising before the children are out of school means scoring better pricing on airfare too. It’s no secret that summer holidays command the highest prices when flying. Coupled with a cozy hat, gloves, and a neck warmer, you’re guaranteed to leave Alaska with some incredible memories. The Alaska weather is unpredictable, so expect the unexpected. Ships are air-conditioned, and while that’s refreshing in the Caribbean, I needed to pass on my shorts in favor of long pants.

These are typically the adult males that can make the long migration the fastest. They are followed by younger males, females and finally mothers with calves arriving in late May and early June. Small ship cruises in May will likely view whales, but they will be individuals or smaller groups of two or three spread about looking and waiting for food. And while, of course, Alaska is open for travel year-round, the primary tourist season begins in June and ends in August.

Snowcapped peaks drive mountain goats and other creatures to the shoreline to forage. The Alaska cruising season begins in March and ends in October. The peak season with best weather and wildlife occurs during summer months.

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. 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. If you're on a budget, stick to interior rooms and look for the big cruise ships, which tend to have more inventory.

This month has some of the warmest weather, longest daylight hours, and the largest number of tourists. Whales can be seen from small ships to Alaska throughout the small ship cruise season of May through September. Orca and minke whales are residents so they may be found at any time of year. But most travelers want to see humpbacks and if you fall into this category, then you must plan your trip accordingly. With humpback whales arriving to feed for the summer, whale watching tours never disappoint.

Fishing enthusiasts will do their best cruising in July since most types of salmon are running during this month. As with June, it’s an ideal month for wildlife viewing, whether you seek out bears, moose, or Humpback whales. 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. I have traveled to Alaska in May, middle of summer, and late September. Especially if you are flying from the UK to Vancouver roundtrip.

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