Your Cruise, Your Weather
Alaska cruises only run from May through September. Here's how to choose the best month for your glacier and wildlife experience.
| Month | Weather | Tip | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | 45–60°F. Cool and sometimes rainy. Snow still on mountains. | Fewer crowds, great wildlife viewing, stunning snow-capped peaks. Pack layers. | good |
| June | 52–65°F. More daylight (18+ hrs). Mix of sun and rain. | Best combination of weather, daylight, and crowds. Most popular month. | great |
| July | 55–68°F. Warmest month. Peak season, busiest ports. | Warmest weather but most expensive and crowded. Book early. | great |
| August | 54–66°F. Still warm. Slightly more rain than July. | Great alternative to July — similar weather with slightly fewer crowds. | great |
| September | 46–58°F. Cooler, more rain. Fall colors appearing. | Fewer crowds, lower prices, fall foliage. Good for budget travelers. | good |
The most popular Alaska itinerary. Glaciers, three port days, and one full scenic-cruising day in Glacier Bay or Tracy Arm.
Why it works: No flights to Alaska required (Seattle homeport saves $400+ in airfare per person), three meaty port days, and at least one dedicated glacier-viewing day. First-timers see all the Alaska highlights without needing the more complex one-way Vancouver→Anchorage routing.
June and July offer the best weather and the most daylight hours for wildlife and glacier viewing. August is nearly as good with slightly fewer crowds.
Alaska is rainforest territory — expect some rain on any sailing. Southeast Alaska (Juneau, Ketchikan) is especially rainy. June tends to be drier than August or September.
Unlikely — cruise season (May–September) has too much daylight. Northern Lights require darkness and typically appear October through March.
The Caribbean is a year-round cruise destination, but weather varies significantly by month. Here's everything you need to plan your perfect Caribbean cruise.
Read the Caribbean cruise guideGet real-time weather forecasts and expert packing lists for your specific sailing dates.