So you’ve finally decided that you’re going to cruise to Alaska. Now you just have to decide when to take your trip. Alaska is a huge state with a lot to offer. When you go will depend on what you want to do during your cruise, how important the price is to your decision, and if you’re concerned about crowds. Here’s a breakdown of the best times of year to cruise depending on the factors that are most important to you.
Cruise in Summer to Enjoy the Most Activities
If you want to do it all in Alaska, you’ll want to plan your 2023 Alaska cruise sometime in June, July, or August. Until June, none of the major parks are open. So if you’re interested in incorporating land tours into your trip, summer is the season for you.
While cruising during the summer season, you have the option to enjoy all of the tourist activities and festivals offered in the many towns along the way. Anchorage, Juneau, and Fairbanks are fully open during this time and these places are ripe with educational, cultural, and festive events. If these are the types of activities you crave, you’ll want to be sure to cruise during the months in which they are thriving.
Finally, if you’re not that crazy about the cold, you’ll simply be more comfortable doing more things during the summer weather. The coastal and interior temperatures are milder during this season, and daylight is abundant. Summer is a great time to fish in Alaska not only because July is salmon spawning season, but also because it’s warm enough that most folks don’t mind getting a little wet.
Cruise in May to Save Money and Spot Whales
If you’re on a budget, you may consider cruising to Alaska during one of the shoulder seasons. May is the start of the cruise season and offers fewer trips and fewer activities. For these reasons, the price of your trip may be less. Don’t be fooled, though. There is still plenty to see and do.
May has a lot to offer depending on what your interests are. For those who like to fish, some varieties of salmon begin running about this time. If you’re excited to see whales, then this month offers many opportunities to spot these amazing creatures. Orcas, or killer whales, are often sighted between Seattle and Alaska during this time as they feed along the cruise routes. In addition, May is an ideal time to spot gray whales hanging out in the many bays along the coast.
Cruise in September to Beat the Crowds
The other shoulder season for Alaskan cruises is during September. Again, you’ll likely save money booking a trip during this month as schools are back in session and demand is lower. If you don’t like crowds, September may be the ideal time for you to enjoy your trip. Cruises during this month are not nearly as packed with people, and the average age of travelers significantly increases.
Don’t worry that September in Alaska won’t still have a lot to offer. This month is the best time of the year to catch the northern lights. Denali Park is still open and it’s a prime place to spot this natural wonder. Wildlife will be migrating at this time and it’s a wonderful opportunity to watch elk, moose, caribou, deer, and other animals as they traverse the wilderness and engage in courtship rituals.
If bugs aren’t your thing, the mosquito population has significantly decreased by the time September arrives. This makes it more comfortable to enjoy the fall foliage that is just starting to turn colorful during the month. And if you want to catch sight of beluga whales, this is a great time to spot them, especially if you’re cruising by Nome.
Alaska is a huge, diverse state with a lot to offer travelers. It should come as no surprise that several seasons offer wonderful opportunities for enjoying the wilderness, wildlife, and natural beauty of the state. When you choose to travel will depend on your budget, your itinerary, and how comfortable you are with large crowds. However, no matter your preferences, each season has a lot to offer and you won’t arrive home disappointed.
To read more articles click here.
