Sunday, April 21, 2024

What To Expect on an Alaskan Cruise: Weather and Wildlife

alaska cruise weather july

In fact, in some parts of the state, the sun doesn’t set at all, providing ample time for explorations and outdoor activities. The warm weather and long hours of sunlight mean you’ll want to pack sunglasses and sunscreen. You should still wear layers when visiting the port, but if you’re planning active shore excursions like hikes or glacier walks, you’ll want to stick with lightweight clothing. The warmest months are June, July and August with temperatures around a range of 45-70°F.

Cruise Tips for Alaska Weather: Month by Month

You can do a 7-day Alaska cruise round trip from Seattle on the Discovery Princess. For example, I noticed one big cruise ship itinerary going one-way southbound from Anchorage to Vancouver did not have a stop in Skagway. Most Princess cruises to Alaska include all 3 of these cruise ports, although a very few go to Icy Strait Point instead of Skagway. While there are tons of very worthy Alaska excursions, there are things to do in Alaska cruise ports on your own. If you’re sailing out of Vancouver, the typical Alaska cruise itinerary is such that you will only be going to Alaska cruise ports. The cheapest Alaska cruises in July right now are the one-way 7-day Alaska cruises between Vancouver and Anchorage.

Benefits of Alaska Travel in September:

Feel free to click around my site to discover more exciting destinations and itineraries. Here’s what you should consider bringing to make the most of your Alaskan summer adventure. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. We are proud to offer the best tours Alaska has to offer with Alaska shore excursions at wholesale prices. There are dog sledding options in many ports, including Juneau, Skagway, and Anchorage.

day one-way cruises OR 14-day round trip cruises (Alaska cruises from Vancouver or from Anchorage)

Travelers get at least fifteen hours of daylight and twilight in May, providing more time for whale watching and other outdoor activities. With low wind speeds, cold temperatures, and precipitation, travelers may want to pack plenty of knit sweaters, a jacket, warm pants, and waterproof boots or shoes. July is often considered one of the best months to visit Alaska, as the weather is generally favorable and the days are long and filled with endless possibilities. July is a popular time to visit Alaska due to the favorable weather conditions.

alaska cruise weather july

Distances to Alaska Cruises

While that’s especially true in the northern part of the state, even areas like Anchorage and Denali serve up lots of daylight and only a few hours of darkness. Take advantage by indulging in various adventures and create memories that will last a lifetime. While the weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, understanding the average temperatures and being prepared with the right clothing ensures you can enjoy your cruise to the fullest. Layering your clothing, packing waterproof gear, and bringing hats, gloves, and comfortable footwear will keep you comfortable and ready for any weather changes. As you embark on your July Alaskan cruise, remember to pack layered clothing, including waterproof gear, to adapt to changing weather conditions.

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.

Running from late August through September, fall in Alaska can feel very much like spring. The temperatures will be cooler and the weather more unpredictable, but, like the spring, prices will often be lower and you’ll have less company. And the Alaska wildlife viewing can rival that of the summer, as creatures great and small are out prepping for the barren, frigid months ahead. Shorter days mean there is an excellent chance of seeing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in the late evenings.

Should I cruise on Princess to Alaska? I booked a sailing to see for myself - Cruise Blog

Should I cruise on Princess to Alaska? I booked a sailing to see for myself.

Posted: Thu, 10 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

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. Temperature is relative, so don’t be shocked if you see an Alaskan sporting shorts and a tank top in June. The 60s can feel downright tropical after winter temperatures in the 20s and 30s.

alaska cruise weather july

You can also expect more precipitation, which can result in some snowy weather. All parts of the Inside Passage require medium-weight, rain-and-wind-resistant clothing, although rain will be far less common in the northern part of the Inside Passage. You may be able to find some deals towards mid-August, but expect full fares for the most part.

These are the best times to visit Alaska - The Points Guy

These are the best times to visit Alaska.

Posted: Thu, 06 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

During these months, tour destinations and attractions are open and fully operational, so you can enjoy the full Alaskan experience. July’s warm weather and extended daylight hours in Alaska create the perfect conditions for a wide range of outdoor activities. Understanding the general weather conditions for this month is crucial for planning your trip, ensuring you’re prepared to enjoy all that Alaska has to offer during its most vibrant season.

If you cruise to Alaska in June, you can expect warmer and drier temperatures, fewer children onboard, increased wildlife sightings, and more cruise offerings. Because they don’t migrate, you have a great chance of viewing these 1000+ pound, 10-foot-long animals on rocks near the shorelines as you cruise. Another thing to keep in mind when deciding the best month for your Alaskan cruise is wildlife viewing opportunities.

Choose a May or June sailing for drier weather and fewer mosquitos; summer is the best time to cruise to see abundant marine life and birds. 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. Temperatures are pleasant — in the 60s and sometimes higher, with wildflowers in bloom and glaciers calving.

But they are more annoyance than deterrent so don’t let bugs affect your travel plans. Mosquitoes and other bugs are most prevalent in the boggy interior and Arctic tundra regions during mid-summer. They can’t fly in a light breeze and they aren’t as active in rain, which keeps coastal and mountainous regions relatively bug-free. Whales can be seen from small ships to Alaska throughout the small ship cruise season of May through September.

On average, temperatures in July range from the high 50s to the low 70s Fahrenheit (around degrees Celsius) in coastal areas such as Juneau and Ketchikan. These temperatures offer a comfortable climate for outdoor activities like hiking, whale watching, and exploring the charming coastal towns. By packing these essentials, you’ll be well-prepared to embrace the adventure and explore the stunning landscapes of Alaska in July. While these are general weather patterns for July in Alaska, it’s important to remember that the weather can change rapidly. It’s always a good idea to check the forecast before your cruise and pack a variety of clothing options to adapt to different weather conditions.

Midway through August, colder temperatures encourage brilliant fall foliage, especially in the interior and Denali National Park. Wildlife remains in abundance and all Alaska small ship cruises and Alaska tours are operating on a regular basis. As the month winds down, so do the number of travelers to Alaska, with a shift in weather that signals fall has arrived. This is when Alaska and the Yukon are enjoying a last hurrah before winter sets in.

By doing so, you can better plan your packing list and itinerary to maximize your enjoyment of Alaska’s stunning summer landscapes and activities. July in Alaska is a period of peak summer beauty, characterized by warm temperatures, extended daylight, and a blend of sunny and rainy days. By mid-June most humpbacks have arrived and they are gathering together in predictable feeding pods. This is the best time for whale watching in Alaska and the consistent sightings will continue through mid-August when the first whales will begin to leave for warmer waters.

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