June or Aug

[dmc1025]

There is a lot of things I want to see in Alaska, but two of our top priorities are wildlife viewing and having the best weather possible. I know both of these depends on mother nature but which month would give us the best chance?

[knittingGal]

I don't know about June. But we chose August cruising before we got a really good deal on the cruise fare. We have seen several dozen whales, few black bears, a lot of bald eagles, and several shore birds. We brought with our binoculars with us and spent some time out and reward has been excellent.

[Budget Queen]

Where are you going??? IF Denali park and a Kenai Fjords boat tour are on your itinerary, then look at June. IF you are only going inside passage, and want to see bears, then pick August.

 

Whale watching Inside Passage is prime all cruise season.

[dmc1025]

Yes those are on in my plan but still trying to figure out if I can do the land portion on my own. Denali is a must but would love to see all the different wildlife I can.

[Putterdude]

I tend to be an August person particularly in the Inside Passage, you have a chance of better weather, you have salmon runs in the rivers which co-incidently attract bears.

[Budget Queen]

Yes those are on in my plan but still trying to figure out if I can do the land portion on my own. Denali is a must but would love to see all the different wildlife I can.

 

As already noted, June is too early for Inside Passage bear tours. SO if those black bears, eating salmon are a priority, then pick August. On average, better weather is June, compared to August. BUT, this really has NOTHING to do with what date you pick in the future, and what you are going to get.

[Acemac]

Speaking only about Juneau....June is a better weather month..traditionally..this year...was there better weather days? RIGHT!!

 

For wildlife though, August for sure...by then salmon are running...so maybe at Mendenhall Glacier you can seem some bears...if you're whale watching...you might get lucky and see some bubble netting...