Alaska is a cruise destination with a limited season. Cruise ships arrive in southeast Alaska in spring, stay the summer and linger only into early fall. The 49th state’s snowy, cold and dark winters are not conducive to cruising.
Most cruise passengers will head to Alaska between Memorial Day in late May and Labor Day in early September, when temperatures range from slightly chilly to warm during the long daylight hours. Tourist attractions are in full swing, salmon swim upriver and bears (and humans) can catch fish.
Some adventurous cruisers will board Alaska cruise ships in April to see the remnants of winter. A few big ships cruise into mid-October for those who want a peek at what life is like in Alaskan towns when all other tourists have returned home.
For most travelers, May and September are the best months to cruise Alaska because they offer lower fares, plenty of wildlife and mostly good weather.
For instance, a seven-night sailing in May with Princess Cruises starts from $584 per person for an inside cabin. The same cruise in July starts from $674 per person — 13% more. There are often 40% fewer ships in port per day during shoulder seasons, which also means less competition for cabins, restaurant tables and shore excursions.
However, the ideal month depends on whether your priority is wildlife viewing, warm temperatures, northern lights, glacier views or low fares.
Each month has its advantages, not the least of which is discounted pricing in the spring and fall shoulder seasons. Here is a guide to help you decide when to cruise in Alaska.
Best Month to Cruise Alaska
The best month depends on what you want out of your trip.
- Best overall: May and September have fewer crowds, lower fares and plenty of wildlife.
- Best for weather: June has longer days, milder temperatures and less rainfall than July and August.
- Best for wildlife: July to September offer salmon runs, which draw bears and other wildlife; whales also bubble-net feed during this period.
- Best for glaciers: Increased snow melt in May and June increases glacier activity during these months.
- Best for price: Sailings are often 10 to 20% cheaper in April, May, September and October than they are in peak summer.
- Best for northern lights: Late August to October offer views of the northern lights on land extensions to Fairbanks.
- Best for fewer crowds: April and October are less popular times to visit, so you can enjoy a calmer atmosphere.
| Month | Temperature (°F) | Daylight Hours | Crowds | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April | 33–49° | 13–16 | Low | $ | Bears emerging, grey whales migrating and huge waterfalls |
| May | 40–56° | 16–18 | Moderate | $$ | Low rainfall, fewer mosquitoes, moose and bear cubs, glaciers calving, humpback whales |
| June | 46–62° | 17–18 | High | $$$ | Midnight sun, wildflowers, calving glaciers, fishing, humpback whales |
| July | 49–64° | 17–18 | Very high | $$$$ | Salmon run, bears feeding, summer festivals |
| August | 48–63° | 14–17 | High | $$$ | Salmon spawning, fishing, seabirds, seals, humpbacks and blueberries |
| September | 44–56° | 11–14 | Low | $$ | Whales bubble-net feeding, fall foliage, northern lights |
| October | 37–47° | 9–11 | Very low | $ | Local life, quiet, northern lights |
April
After a long winter, Alaskan wildlife begins to wake up in April. Small-ship cruise lines such as National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions and UnCruise Adventures offer sailings into the wilderness, where you might spot bears emerging from their slumber and admire huge waterfalls fed by snowmelt.
A few big ships, such as Norwegian Cruise Line’s 4,000-passenger Norwegian Bliss out of Seattle, begin their season this month with discounted early-season pricing.
April is also one of the quietest times to visit Alaska’s cruise ports. Many ports see only a fraction of the ships that arrive in July and August, making popular attractions like the Mendenhall Glacier much less crowded.
You may encounter freezing rain or even snow during your April cruise, and you should expect to trudge through the mud. Some tourist facilities — including those at national parks — may still be shuttered for the winter.
On the other hand, you will have the opportunity to observe the change of seasons. Expect crisp mornings with temperatures in the 30s; by the end of the month, you may find dry weather and temperatures in the 60s. As an added bonus, the skies will be dark at night, and if they are clear, you might spot the northern lights.
May
As someone who has cruised Alaska many times, I love cruising in May when the weather is dry. Locals start emerging from their winter cocoons and embracing the sunshine, and the wildlife does the same. You might spot bears with their cubs, moose with their calves and humpback whales returning from their winter home in Hawaii.
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. Early-season deals may be available.
Attractions and shops will switch to peak-season hours at the end of the month; Denali National Park and Preserve will switch into summer mode in May. You’ll find those who work in tourism excited to be back in business, considering many people in southeast Alaska earn their income from out-of-state visitors. Cruise lines will offer the opportunity to extend cruises with land tours, which include accommodations, transportation and some meals.
May is one of the driest months in southeast Alaska, with relatively few mosquitoes compared to midsummer — making it an especially comfortable time to explore on shore. Fares are lower than peak summer rates, and glacier activity tends to be high as snowmelt accelerates, giving you excellent chances of witnessing calving ice up close.
