Best dates for Alaska

[Mare10]

I'm almost ready to book an inland passage cruise. We have two choices of dates and wonder if it would make much difference.

 

We could go mid June or the 4th week of August.

 

Any opinions on weather differences, crowds, etc?

 

Thanks!

[Assateague Island Princes]

Personally, I'd chose the mid-June time frame, only due to the long hours of daylight. We cruised this year the first two weeks of June and it was light til almost midnight, and never really got "dark" the whole time. Spectacular scenery was constant due to the long hours of daylight. On the other hand, late August will give you the opportunity in some ports to take excurions to see bears due to the salmon runs. Trade-off I suppose is the daylight hours start to decline by then.

 

Have sailed to AK the third week in Sept. in 2006 - we had quite a bit of rain and it got dark very early. Then we went the first week of June in 2008 and had long hours of daylight, only one day of rain, and warmer weather. This year we went from May 31st thru June 14th, and it was our favorite by far - had great weather, only one or two days of rain in the two week time period, the long hours of daylight allowed us to make the most of our times in port, and temperatures were mild.

 

Weather is a crapshoot in AK - you just never know what you're going to get from one day to the next...heck, from one hour to the next! Go prepared with waterproof jackets and shoes, think layers - tee shirts, longsleeved tee shirts, hoodies, etc. worn under waterproof jacket and removed as the weather dictates. Your weather will be what it will be, if you're prepared for it, you'll have a wonderful time no matter if it rains every single day or not once!

[Texas Tillie]

Historically, mid-June will have less rain than the last week of August. However, you will find those who will tell you that it rained every day on their mid-June cruise and others who will say that they had sunshine their entire last week in August cruise - and they will be telling the truth. Alaska weather is very unpredictable - but the averages say that June weather is better than late August. One thing that is true - the days will be much longer in mid-June than the end of August. Another thing that's true - Alaska is a fabulous cruise! :D

[frugaltravel]

I'm almost ready to book an inland passage cruise. We have two choices of dates and wonder if it would make much difference.

 

We could go mid June or the 4th week of August.

 

Any opinions on weather differences, crowds, etc?

 

Thanks!

 

One way or round trip? With land tour or without? If with, landtour first or last? All those would play a role in my decision. Seeing Northern Lights end of August is a possibility (I did on such a cruise). Denali is a highlight end of August with fall colors starting. Mid June could be better weather but I NEVER plan anything in Alaska with any regard to weather. I just prepare for the worst weather and hope for the best.

[Mare10]

Thanks for the advice.

 

We'll be doing a 7 day round trip from Seattle. Next time hopefully we'll do a land/sea combination.

 

Very excited as this will be our first cruise... celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary on the Golden Princess.

 

This site has been a huge help!

[chipmaster]

Mid June, like after school or right before Labor day I think crowds and price will be high season as will crowds.

 

As others said weather is that expect cooler in June and wetter in August Regardelss of time between May - Sept plan for layers, hat, gloves, gortex and 50's and rain all the time ;)

 

You sailing Tracy Arm or Glaicer Bay round trip. If Tracy Arm I'd say go August as better probability of getting further into fjord than in June.

 

I'm almost ready to book an inland passage cruise. We have two choices of dates and wonder if it would make much difference.

 

We could go mid June or the 4th week of August.

 

Any opinions on weather differences, crowds, etc?

 

Thanks!

[Budget Queen]

June "can " be better weather. BUT if you want some bear tours and see salmon, then go in August.