When is the Best Time To Take An Alaskan Cruise?

When people talk about the “best” time to take an Alaskan cruise, what they’re really asking is, “What do I want most—warmer weather, lower prices, wildlife, or fewer crowds?” The Alaska cruise season runs roughly from late April through early October, and each part of that window delivers a different experience.

Below is a clear breakdown so you can match the right month to your priorities.

Overview: Alaska Cruise Season at a Glance

• Main season: May through September for most big‑ship cruises.

• Peak months: June, July, and early August (warmest temps, longest days, highest prices and crowds).

• Shoulder months: May and September (cooler, fewer people, better deals).

Think of mid‑June to mid‑August as “best weather,” and May and September as “best value.”

Best Time for Warm Weather and Long Days

If you hate the cold and want to spend as much time as possible outside on deck, aim for:

• Mid‑June through mid‑August

• Typical highs: roughly 55–70°F in Southeast Alaska.

• Up to 20+ hours of daylight around the June 21 summer solstice.

Why this window works:

• Most shore excursions run at full capacity (hiking, kayaking, flightseeing, wildlife tours).

• Glaciers are typically accessible on standard cruise routes.

• Ideal for families traveling on school break.

Trade‑offs: higher cruise fares, busier ports, and more competition for balcony cabins and excursions.

Best Time for Lower Prices and Fewer Crowds

If your priority is value and breathing room in port:

• May (early season)

• Pros: often the lowest cruise fares, drier than midsummer in many ports, spring wildlife starting to emerge, long daylight but not “midnight sun” levels.

• Cons: cooler temperatures (often 40–55°F), some higher‑elevation trails and seasonal excursions may not be running yet.

• Early to mid‑September (late season)

• Pros: thinner crowds, lower pricing, fall colors, good chances for whales and salmon runs.

• Cons: cooler, wetter weather and a higher chance of choppy seas or itinerary tweaks due to storms.

Shoulder‑season sailings are excellent if you’re flexible and want to stretch your budget without sacrificing the overall experience.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

You can see wildlife all season, but some windows are better for certain animals.

• Late May through mid‑June

• Great for spring wildlife—bears emerging from hibernation, migrating birds, and early whale activity.

• June through August

• Strong for whales, bears, eagles, and marine life in general; brown bears and moose are often seen feeding along rivers and shorelines, and humpback and orca sightings are common.

• September

• Salmon runs and fall movements (like caribou and some bear activity) can be excellent, with fewer crowds on whale‑watching tours and in ports.

If wildlife is your top reason for going, late May through August is a safe bet, with late May–mid‑June often highlighted as a sweet spot for both animals and crowd levels.

Best Time for Glaciers and Scenery

Alaska’s glaciers are stunning all season, but they’re most consistently accessible during:

• June, July, and early August

• This is when cruise lines emphasize scenic glacier days at spots like Hubbard Glacier or Dawes Glacier, and visibility tends to be best.

Even in May and September you’ll usually see impressive ice, but routes and conditions can be more weather‑dependent at the very edges of the season.

Best Time to Avoid Crowds

If you want fewer people both onboard and in port:

• Look at May and September sailings. Schools are in session, so there are typically fewer families, and many travelers prefer the warmer midsummer months.

• Weekday departures can also be a bit less busy than peak‑Friday or weekend sailings on popular lines and routes.

Shore excursions are often easier to book in these months, and you’ll have more elbow room in restaurants, shops, and on viewing decks.

Best Time for Northern Lights

If seeing the northern lights is a major goal, an Alaskan cruise isn’t the most reliable way to do it—but there is a narrow window:

• Late September

• Nights are finally dark enough during the cruise season to make aurora sightings possible, especially on itineraries that stay out later or go farther north.

That said, for truly consistent aurora viewing, a winter land‑based trip in Alaska or the Yukon is a better choice than a summer cruise.

How to Choose the Best Time for You

Ask yourself:

• Do I care more about weather or price?

• Am I traveling with kids on school break or adults who can use shoulder‑season dates?

• Is my top priority wildlife, scenery, glaciers, value, or quiet ports?

Quick recommendations:

• “I want the warmest temps and longest days.”

• Aim for: mid‑June to mid‑August.

• “I want to save money and avoid crowds but still have a great experience.”

• Aim for: May or early/mid‑September.

• “I’m all about wildlife and glaciers, and I don’t mind wearing layers.”

• Aim for: late May–June or July.

• “I’d love a small chance at northern lights on my cruise.”

• Aim for: late September (understanding it’s still a bit of a long shot).

Whichever month you choose, booking early—especially for peak‑season balcony cabins and popular excursions—will give you more options and better pricing.

Call one of our experienced travel advisors to help you plan your Alaskan cruise. It's a trip of a lifetime!