June or July

[rfbk50]

I am checking prices for a 7 day inside passage cruise to Alaska and find that if I go the last week in June, I can save at least $500 over the same cruise the first week of July. How is the weather the last week in June compared to July. I know in May prices are much less but it rains a lot. Thanks

[Coral]

You have a better chance of more rain in July compared to May. Historically - May and June have better weather (less rain) compared to July and August.

 

Though, it can rain at any time in Alaska, so be prepared. I personally would go with the June dates - though May would be my first choice. Our July 4th cruise a few years ago saw continuous rain.

 

The first week of July is probably more expensive because it is over a holiday.

[Thebackpacker]

According to the Weather Channel, monthly average rainfall in Anchorage, if it is representative of your proposed cruise, is

May = 0.70 inches

June = 1.06 inches

July = 1.7 inches

 

See http://www.weather.com/activities/other/other/weather/climo-monthly-graph.html?locid=USAK0012&from=search

 

May has the least rainfall of the cruise season. The only time with less rainfall are the winter months.

[Yukon]

Anchorage, being shielded by the mountains of the Kenai, is very dry compared to the area you'll be cruising - Southeast Alaska. However, it is true that as the summer goes on it gets wetter and wetter, on average.

 

Murray

[Thebackpacker]

Right, the same source I quoted for Anchorage gives the folloing average monthly rainfalls for Sitka on the coast in Southeast AK,

May = 4.38 inches

June = 3.28 inches

July = 3.85 inches.

 

The driest month in the year is June.

 

Source,

http://www.weather.com/activities/other/other/weather/climo-monthly-graph.html?locid=USAK0224&from=search

[Thebackpacker]

The average monthly rain data for both Anchorage and Sika are given in one bar graph at the following location,

http://www.weather.com/activities/other/other/weather/climo-compare.html?locid=USAK0012&sfld1=Anchorage,%20AK&sfld2=Sitka,%20AK&clocid1=USAK0012&clocid2=

 

You can also obtain the temperature data for the same locations.

[Budget Queen]

Yep- the averages are just that-hindsight 20 20 information. :) Go when it fits your timeframe and wallet best. AND be prepared for a wide range of possible weather, then nothing will bother you. :) Enjoy Alaska.