rhinomike Posted September 16, 2013 #1 Share Posted September 16, 2013 We are going to cruise Alaska on the Pearl this summer. We can go in June, July or August. We went 3 years ago at the end of June. Is there a better time than others? Why? Thanks everyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
36kruzes Posted September 17, 2013 #2 Share Posted September 17, 2013 We are going to cruise Alaska on the Pearl this summer. We can go in June, July or August. We went 3 years ago at the end of June. Is there a better time than others? Why? Thanks everyone. Assume you mean in 2014? I've cruised Alaska in late May and in mid August. From my viewpoint, I liked May better though June should be perfect and you've already done that. If you wait too long, the snow is melted and there's not so much to see on the mountains -- a travel agent told me eons ago to avoid Alaska cruises from late August through September.... May can be cold, yes, but that was not my experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cubechick Posted September 17, 2013 #3 Share Posted September 17, 2013 We sailed second week of June and plan to do so again next year. Loved that the mountains were still snow-capped. I've seen pictures in August and they just don't hold the "wow" factor of our June cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare www3traveler Posted September 17, 2013 #4 Share Posted September 17, 2013 I always advise people to go to Alaska before Memorial Day. Yes, it might be a little chilly, but the snow capped mountains, and the pristine glaciers are worth an extra sweater. I think Alaska is at her prettiest in late May. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lerin Posted September 17, 2013 #5 Share Posted September 17, 2013 It varies, but summer solstice is June 21. That's the lightest/longest day of the year. If that's something you want to see, go around then. If all the light bothers you, go in late August. This past year it was quite sunny and warm May through July, and super rainy in August. The year prior was very rainy in July, and quite mild/cold the other months. Weather varies so you can't predict that. However, solstice daylight stays the same. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budget Queen Posted September 17, 2013 #6 Share Posted September 17, 2013 I have been there in all these timeframes. If depends on you. Is there some activity you wish to include, wildlife you wish to see, tours you wish to take? Any/ all these timeframes have a "best". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhinomike Posted September 17, 2013 Author #7 Share Posted September 17, 2013 I have been there in all these timeframes. If depends on you. Is there some activity you wish to include, wildlife you wish to see, tours you wish to take? Any/ all these timeframes have a "best". Probably I am looking forward to Glacier Bay the most. On the Star we loved cruising up Tracy Arm. Being in the canyon, seeing the waterfalls and of course the ice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
denali1 Posted September 17, 2013 #8 Share Posted September 17, 2013 You never know what you will get with the weather here in Alaska. For us in most of AK this summer, June and July were amazing. Sunny and warm. Best that we have experienced in years.However, there are summers that are horrible. This August and September were very rainy. In fact in Anchorage, it rained for 18 consecutive days from August 27 thru Sept 13. It is all a roll of the dice.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted September 17, 2013 #9 Share Posted September 17, 2013 There is no best month. You just never know what to expect. It really is the luck of the draw. Even historical weather can be thrown out the window. I would find a date that works best for you and go with that. With that said I prefer going when it is a little less crowded. Yes, in those months there will still be a lot of tourists but you will find less children meaning less people in port in June over July and August. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sherryf Posted September 17, 2013 #10 Share Posted September 17, 2013 "Best" for what?? :confused: Salmon? Bears? Glacier access/viewing? Rain/no rain? Number of children on board? Daylight hours? Temperature? The answer for "best" will change depending on your priorities. And, even so, it's impossible to predict things like weather accurately. Personally, I like end of July to early August. I've been earlier in July and later in August, and it was cooler and wetter on both of those trips, but maybe that's just chance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debbie Donut Posted September 17, 2013 #11 Share Posted September 17, 2013 We went in Sept., 2001. Everything was on sale in the stores. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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