Best Time to Take an Alaskan Cruise

Alaska is known for its wild beauty, with huge glaciers, quiet forests, and clean coastlines. The best time to cruise Alaska gives you a front-row seat to incredible fjords, lush woodlands, and iconic Alaskan wildlife like whales and bears. This guide will help you pick the best time to go on an Alaska cruise. You’ll learn about the weather, what animals you might see, and what fits your interests best.

Overview of the Alaska Cruise Season

The best time to cruise Alaska runs from April to September, with each month offering something special. In May and September, prices are often lower and the crowds are smaller, but the weather can be cooler. June through August usually brings warmer days, blooming wildflowers, and the best chance to see wildlife like bears and whales. July is popular for its long daylight hours and lively shore excursions. Ultimately, the best time for an Alaska cruise really depends on what matters most to you, whether it’s saving money, seeing certain animals, or enjoying sunny weather, there’s a perfect month for your adventure.

The best time to take an Alaskan cruise is April through September with July and August being the highest season attracting the most travelers. Convention holds that the best months to cruise Alaska are July and August when the temperatures are at their highest and the weather is generally sunnier. However, the best time for Alaska cruises depends on your personal preferences.  As all the locals know, the Alaskan weather is defined by its unpredictability, with sunny days turning suddenly stormy, and vice versa, so be prepared for all types of weather on your Alaskan cruise. 

Alaskan cruise weather, temperatures, and rainfall by month:
 

Best Month for Alaska Cruise

April

The weather in Alaska in April for cruise adventures marks the start of the season, offering fewer crowds and lower fares. It’s the best time to go to Alaska to explore in peace, with quiet ports and more space on board. Wildlife like birds and marine animals begin to return, and you might still see some snow on the ground or in the mountains. The weather is chilly, with temperatures between 33°F and 48°F, and about 3 inches of rainfall. April is the best time of year for Alaska cruise adventures if you enjoy cooler weather, early-season beauty, and a more relaxed cruise experience.

May

The weather in Alaska in May for cruise adventures is both budget-friendly and beautiful. The days grow longer, and the landscapes begin to bloom with fresh greenery and flowers. It’s arguably the best time to go on an Alaskan cruise to spot wildlife like moose and migrating birds as they become more active. May is part of the shoulder season, so you can enjoy smaller crowds and lower prices. In general, it’s the best month for Alaska cruise adventures if you want to experience cool, damp weather with temperatures between 40°F and 56°F and around 3.5 inches of rainfall.

June

The weather in Alaska in June for a cruise brings long days to the state, with up to 20 hours of daylight to explore stunning landscapes and enjoy outdoor adventures. It’s the best time for an Alaskan cruise if you want to have a good chance of seeing orcas, puffins, and seals during this active time. The weather warms up, ranging from 46°F to 62°F, with about 3.3 inches of rainfall. Trails are opening, flowers are in full bloom, and the scenery feels alive. It’s a great month during Alaska cruise season for travelers who want more time in the sun and rich wildlife experiences.

July

The weather in Alaska in July for cruises is the most popular month to visit the state, thanks to its peak wildlife activity and stunning glacier views. It’s the best time to go on an Alaskan cruise to spot bald eagles, whales, sea lions, and more, while brown bears can often be seen feeding on salmon in coastal rivers. It’s also the best time to cruise Alaska if you want to experience warmer weather, ranging from 49°F to 64°F, with about 4.1 inches of rainfall. Lush greenery and vibrant wildflowers add even more beauty to the landscape. Because of the high demand, it’s important to book early to secure your spot.

August

The weather in Alaska in August for cruise adventures brings lush green landscapes and rich wildlife activity, making it a rewarding time to explore Alaska’s natural wonders. Though it has the highest rainfall of the season—about 5.4 inches—this is the best month to cruise Alaska if you’d like to spot humpback whales and orcas. Wildlife viewing is especially impressive in places like Kenai Fjords National Park, where marine life thrives. Temperatures range from 48°F to 63°F, offering a mild but damp atmosphere. If you don’t mind a little rain, this is the best time for an Alaskan cruise to experience some of the most vibrant and active scenes in the wild.

September

The weather in Alaska in September for a cruise offers a magical end to the season, with the chance to see the northern lights dancing across the sky. Fall colors brighten the forests, and the crowds are much smaller, creating a peaceful and scenic experience. It’s perhaps the best month for Alaska cruise adventures if you’re a photographer seeking quiet wildlife moments. However, the seas can be rougher this month, which might be a concern for travelers sensitive to motion. This is the best time for an Alaskan cruise if you seek cooler, wetter weather with temperatures between 44°F and 56°F and around 7.5 inches of rainfall.

October

From October through March, Alaska moves into its off-season for cruising, with most standard cruise lines pausing operations. However, a few specialty tours or expedition-style cruises may still be available for those seeking a unique winter adventure. This is the best time to cruise Alaska for land-based experiences, where travelers can enjoy snowy landscapes, spot winter wildlife, and have a chance to see the spectacular Northern Lights. Temperatures range from 38°F in October down to 21°F in January, gradually warming to around 40°F by March. Rainfall varies, with October being the wettest at 8.3 inches, then slowly decreasing through winter. This makes this period the best time for an Alaskan cruise for those craving a more rugged, serene Alaskan experience.

Best Time Of The Year For Alaska Cruise & Wildlife Viewing

The Alaska cruise season offers a changing variety of wildlife as the months go by.

• In spring (May to June), you might spot Dall sheep on rocky hillsides, moose in meadows, and colorful puffins along the coast. 
• Summer (July to August) is the best time for Alaska cruise adventures if you’re hoping to view humpback whales, brown bears fishing for salmon, orcas slicing through the waves, and bald eagles soaring above. 
• By fall (September), the focus shifts to caribou migrations and the dramatic sight of salmon swimming upstream to spawn. 
• While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, July and August combined are the best times for an Alaskan cruise to see humpback whales in action. 

No matter when you cruise, the state’s wild beauty brings unforgettable encounters. Summer may be prime travel time, but there are also advantages to taking an Alaska cruise during the shoulder seasons of May/June and September. Though the weather may be somewhat cooler and wetter, the tourist crowds are smaller, the mosquitoes fewer, and the daylight hours more regular, with no midnight sun to interfere with one’s sleeping patterns.
 
The spring months are prime for spotting moose (particularly in the Kenai Peninsula) and Dall sheep as they move down the slopes for better grazing, while September is ideal for sighting humpback whales, spawning salmon, and caribou migrating to their winter feeding grounds. July and August are also prime months in terms of wildlife viewing. Brown bears come out to fish along the rivers during these months, and moose can be seen feeding in lakes, ponds, and along rivers from spring throughout the summer. Also, be on the lookout for seals and dolphins, which are easily seen from the deck of your ship. And of course, one cannot forget about the whales!

Fortunate travelers may have the chance to see beluga whales or even one of the three pods of orcas that frequent Alaskan waters in the summer. Then there are the one thousand humpback whales that spend their summer feeding in southeast Alaska, and those on a cruise in July or August have a good chance of seeing them as they traverse Frederick Sound. As summer shifts to fall, some of these massive beauties stop in the waters near Sitka to build up their food reserves before heading south to the tropics.

Alaska has it all: glaciers, wilderness, whales, wolves, forests, rivers, eagles, and mountains, all combining to create a stunning experience for those on an Alaska cruise. Long days of sunlight and relative warmth make summer a perfect time to travel to America’s largest state.

May and September have slightly cheaper fares for cruises, but that also comes with unpredictable weather that can cause your cruise to be canceled. It is considered one of the driest months of the year, but you are still likely to find snow on the floor.
 
June,  through August, are the hottest months of Summer. Although August is known for being much rainier. The farther into summer you visit Alaska, the more rain you are likely to encounter, and the same applies to wildlife.
 
September is the best month to view the majestic Northern Lights. Although the waters tend to be the choppiest during this month, this can cause sea sickness to people prone to it. 

Best Time for Alaska Cruise Based on Your Priorities

If it’s your first time cruising in Alaska, a few tips can help you make the most of your trip. Weather can change quickly, even during the best time to cruise Alaska, so dress in layers to stay comfortable throughout the day. The best time to go on an Alaska cruise really depends on what you’re hoping to experience. July and August are ideal for warm weather and peak wildlife activity, while May, June, and September offer fewer crowds and better prices, with the bonus of possible northern lights in the fall. No matter the month, Alaska promises breathtaking scenery and unforgettable adventures. 

Ready to plan your dream Alaska cruise? Connect with a Trip Planner to determine the best time for an Alaska cruise and find an itinerary that fits your priorities.

FAQs About the Best Time to Cruise Alaska