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Blue whales are best seen in the northern and eastern regions of the Gulf of Alaska during July and August. They are rarely found near shorelines, instead preferring open water. Gray whales can be spotted in Ketchikan, Sitka, Kodiak, or Seward during April and May. Orca whales are most commonly found in Alaska’s Pacific Northwest, Seward, and the Kenai Fjords. If you have your heart set on seeing these magnificent creatures, you can increase your odds by booking a small boat tour at one of the ports of call.
Best Time To Cruise To Alaska For Wildlife
Bears will be hunting for the last of the berries and salmon, and caribou, deer and moose will be mating. As someone who has cruised Alaska many times, I love cruising in May when the weather is dry and locals are emerging from their winter cocoons, embracing the sunshine. The wildlife is doing the same, and you might spot bears with their cubs, moose with their calves and humpback whales returning from their winter home in Hawaii. The peak season to view the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis is between late August and late April, which unfortunately doesn’t overlap much with the Alaskan cruise season. If the Northern Lights experience is high on your Alaska bucket list, consider a September cruise with more dark nighttime hours and increased solar activity.
New to cruising
The lush green forests transition into vibrant hues of gold and saffron while the mountaintops become freckled in snowfall. Daylight quietly recedes and the growing twilight perfectly contrasts the luminous green lights of the Aurora Borealis. The enchanting colors invite you to marvel at the miracles of Mother Nature that so often act as the inspiration for treasured postcards. With only 12 hours of sunlight, temperatures range from around 43 degrees to the mid-50s. These new, cooler climates encourage Alaska’s famed wildlife to begin preparing for hibernation. Gaze at the water’s surface as thousands of bald eagles congregate to enjoy the final salmon of the season.
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]
Alaskan Cruise Month-By-Month Guide
Fortunately, any time during the Alaska cruise season is good for salmon fishing. More than half of North America’s bald eagle population lives in Alaska. During the summer months, you may be able to spot them from the deck of your cruise ship as they tend to their nests in tall trees near the water. Fortunately for us, whales are a common sight along Alaska’s coastline from May to September. This just happens to be the same months as the Alaska cruise season.
6 best Alaska cruises for families - The Points Guy
6 best Alaska cruises for families.
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What to Do in Alaska: Top Things to Do in September
Juneau gets about 17 days of rain in August, so a high-quality raincoat is essential. After the Summer Solstice in June, Alaska begins losing daylight with each passing day. While the days are still longer than those in the Lower 48, they are getting slightly shorter throughout July.
Big-ship cruise lines such as Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean ramp up their operations in May, as do Disney Cruise Line and small-ship and luxury lines. In September, the scale now tips towards later sunrises and earlier sunsets in Alaska. By the end of September, there are less than 12 hours of daylight in Juneau. 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. If bear viewing is high on your bucket list and you are traveling on a bigger cruise ship, look for a float plane excursion that will take you to where the bears feed.
To help you find the best time to cruise to Alaska, Cruise Critic is breaking down the Alaska cruise season month by month to help you plan your bucket-list trip. Read on for average Alaska cruise prices, things to do in Alaska and everything else you'll need to decide which is the best month to cruise Alaska for you. We’ve broken the seasons down for you, including the highlights of each, as well as the best cruise lines and cruise ships to consider so you can make your bucket list dreams come true.
Alaska Cruise Weather in July
However, it’s important to remember that this area is part of the world’s largest temperate rainforest. The benefits of cruising in April include less expensive pricing, fewer tourists, and less crowded ports. Here is a breakdown of other important considerations for an April Alaskan cruise. Holland America Princess, and Royal Caribbean have Alaskan Inside Passage cruises departing from Vancouver at the end of April.
Alaska is still gaining sunlight as the Summer Solstice approaches, so you’ll experience longer days during your May cruise. 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. Since I grew up in Alaska, I’m a fan of just about everything in the Land of the Midnight Sun. I also know that your experience can vary widely depending on the month you choose to visit Alaska.
While they tend to be less of an issue while you are on a cruise ship on the water, they can be a menace on shore. In addition to cooler temperatures, there is a higher tendency for rain during the late spring. As mentioned, recommending one specific month that will act as the best time to cruise Alaska can be a little bit difficult.
The good news is that means you can usually score some pretty good deals on Alaskan cruises. The bad news is that you have a high chance of your excursion getting rained out. July is often the most expensive and busiest month to sail to Alaska. This is mostly due to summer vacations with kids and the desire to sail around holidays like the fourth of July. We’ve put together this Alaska cruise weather guide to help you find the best time to cruise to Alaska.
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. If you cruise to Alaska in June, you can expect warmer and drier temperatures, fewer children onboard, increased wildlife sightings, and more cruise offerings. May is a practical choice for Alaskan cruisers who are on a limited budget but want to have slightly warmer and drier weather and more chances to see wildlife. Your views will likely include snowy mountains, but they are gorgeous nonetheless.
The only issue with a July Alaska cruise is the rain, as the state averages around 12 inches of rain in the month of July. With the school year coming to a close, many families take advantage of the opportunity to travel together during the summer months. Alaska offers something for everyone, with activities and experiences that appeal to all ages. Whether you want to hike in the wilderness, go whale watching, or learn about Alaska's history and culture, there is something for everyone. Additionally, May is an ideal time to take advantage of the extended daylight hours and enjoy some outdoor activities.
