Alaska Cruise Weather Month By Month Guide

Table Of Content

• Oktoberfest (September 23, Anchorage)
• When Do Cruises Stop Sailing To Alaska?
• Fairbanks: Kick-Off for the Northern Lights
• Pyrah’s Pioneer Peak Farm Fall Harvest Festival (September 9,16,23,30, Palmer)
• Alaska Weather in September: What To Expect on Your Vacation
• What is the best time of year to see the northern lights on an Alaska cruise?

You may encounter freezing rain or even snow on your April cruise and should expect to tread through mud. Some tourist facilities — including those at national parks — may still be shuttered for the winter. For those interested in day cruises, you’ll want to head to Whittier or Seward. In Whittier, you can book the 26 Glacier Cruise to see a ton of glaciers! If you are more interested in seeing wildlife, especially whales, go on a Kenai Fjords Tour out of Seward.

Oktoberfest (September 23, Anchorage)

For example, if you find yourself in Ketchikan, you are in one of the rainiest cities in America. Northern cities and towns in the arctic get very little rain by comparison. Visitors to this region will see abundant wildlife, including moose, elk, polar bears, and wolves.

When Do Cruises Stop Sailing To Alaska?

One of the most critical decisions you’ll make in your Alaska September cruise journey is selecting the right cruise line. Given the variety of options available, this choice can feel overwhelming. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know to find the perfect fit for your Alaskan adventure. It’s a period of harvest festivals, art fairs, and indigenous celebrations. Participating or witnessing these events provides a deeper connection to the land and its people. Alaska, known as “The Last Frontier”, beckons with its vast landscapes, teeming wildlife, and breathtaking glaciers.

Fairbanks: Kick-Off for the Northern Lights

However, it’s important to remember that this area is part of the world’s largest temperate rainforest. Holland America Princess, and Royal Caribbean have Alaskan Inside Passage cruises departing from Vancouver at the end of April. Carnival has 14-day Alaskan cruises departing from Seattle and Long Beach in late April. Snow chances increase as you move towards the end of September, particularly in higher elevations and more northern areas. While it’s less common in coastal and southern regions, travelers should be prepared for possible early snowfalls in these areas as well.

What’s the best way to book an Alaska September Cruise?

It includes vendors, cooking demos, wild edibles walks, a fermentation station, live music and fun activities for kids and families. If you’re traveling to Southcentral Alaska, I recommend these easy waterfall hikes near Anchorage. I love being in Alaska at this time of year to watch the foliage transition from green to vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red. The CDC’s rationale for the change in threshold is that unvaccinated passengers must undergo same-day testing before embarking, reducing the risk of introducing COVID-19 onboard.

Our favorite Vessi runners are 100% waterproof, vegan, washable, and lightweight. However, folks from Florida, Texas, and warmer states may not adapt well to Alaska’s unpredictable forecast, especially in late September. In 2023, the Norwegian Bliss makes its last sailing on October 21st, followed by the Norwegian Encore the following day. Whether on your own or with a guide, be sure to pack appropriate gear, such as backpacks with bear bells, water bottles, snacks, and—most importantly—bug spray. They’re in the summer, so you don’t have to worry about pesky insects while enjoying your vacation. October in Alaska can see lows can be as low as 28° Fahrenheit, and the highs can reach up to 40° Fahrenheit.

Will I get seasick?

For the fishing aficionado, consider May when king salmon reach their greatest appearance. If you prefer to explore the lush scenery by foot, wait until June when the sun has overcome the frosty terrain of the Inside Passage and trails are primed for adventures. Regardless of which month you choose to explore Alaska, you’ll encounter iconic marine life and embark on heart-stirring adventures when you set sail with Princess.

Gray whales and Humpback whales begin their migration to warmer waters in October and November, so you still have a chance to see them in Alaskan waters in September. Cruising in September will give you the highest chance of viewing the Aurora Borealis on an Alaskan cruise. Not only is the cracking sound shocking, but the calving also produces a giant wave of water and captivating icebergs.

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

Itinerary Change, Cancelled Ports for Carnival's Epic Cruise - Cruise Hive

Itinerary Change, Cancelled Ports for Carnival's Epic Cruise.

Posted: Fri, 15 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Let me introduce you to the world of Princess Cruises and the incredible benefits of cruising. With precipitation levels averaging around 2.5 inches, it is advisable to bring a rain jacket and waterproof shoes. Transitioning into the next section on average precipitation levels, let’s dive deeper into the data. If you've got active teens who have an interest in nature and the environment, an expedition voyage could be exactly what will keep them engaged and off their devices.

Keep an eye out for seabirds and songbirds, seals, Steller sea lions and humpback whales. Marine life is so prolific that some small-boat shore excursions guarantee you will see animals. Bears will be fishing; in late August, they will be looking for blueberries, which also become a featured item on restaurant menus. Toward the end of August, you'll see leaves changing to fall colors. Temperatures are pleasant — in the 60s and sometimes higher, with wildflowers in bloom and glaciers calving.

Alaskan cruises may seem suited only for people who like extreme weather, but the truth is that the weather in Alaska varies widely based on the region. During this month, you can expect the weather begins to cool, higher rainfall, and gorgeous fall landscapes. Many cruise ships begin their summer deployments to Alaska in May before peak season begins in June. With lows around 5 and highs around 18, allow the revitalising, crisp breeze to tickle your neck as you rejoice in the unforgettable climb. 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.

For a view of the city and cruise port, take a ride in the sky on the Mount Roberts Tramway. Various wildlife-viewing trips (whale, bears and more) and visits to dog-sled camps and salmon bakes leave from Juneau. These cruise lines, especially on their newer ships, offer something for everyone — as well as a higher caliber of onboard dining than on the cheapest cruises. Some activities are included in the cost of the cruisetour; other outings can be booked like shore excursions, depending on your interest and budget. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, booking a cruisetour in September might be your best bet to see the aurora on a cruise vacation. You'll find magnificent mountains (often snowcapped, even in the summertime), lush forests, waterfalls, fjords and calving glaciers.

If you’ll willing to take an Alaska cruise in October, you’ll benefit from great deals, ships sailing with empty cabins, and fewer cruise passengers in port. The warmer Alaska weather makes June (and July) the best times to see calving glaciers during scenic cruise days. 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. If budget is as big a concern as Alaska cruise weather, May is one of the cheapest months to sail due to shoulder-season discounts.

The enchanting colours 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 6 degrees to around 12 degrees. September in Alaska marks the transition from summer to fall, meaning longer nights and cooler weather start to make an appearance. On average, you can expect September temperatures to typically range from around 40°F to 55°F. There may be some rainfall, too – and even the potential for snow as the month goes on.