Thursday, April 11, 2024

Alaska cruise in early May Good idea? Princess Cruises Cruise Critic Community

weather in alaska in may for cruise

Alternatively, birders might want to time their cruise with the Copper River Shorebird Festival, which takes place early in May in Cordova. Check ahead to make sure your itinerary will stop here, as it's usually only featured on longer 14-day cruises to Alaska. You can take an ocean charter to fish for halibut in May; this is also when king salmon fishing season begins.

Benefits of Alaska Travel in September:

Not all cruise ships have repositioned for the Alaska season in the early weeks. So, these weeks offer fewer crowds in ports, vessels sailing at lower capacity, and less chance of shore excursions selling out. With fewer cruise passengers boarding ships, the process of embarkation can be much quicker.

Tours & Activities

Layering your clothing is essential to adapt to the varying temperatures throughout the day. Most of the month of June in Alaska is either cold or pleasantly cool with very cold temperatures being less frequent than in May. The lows can be as low as forty-three degrees Fahrenheit, and the highs can get up to the sixties on average.

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So far, we've gone once in early May, once in mid-May, once in mid to late August, once in mid to late Sept and the rest in the first week of Sept. May is a bit cooler than later in the summer, but the difference is not huge. Days are longer (for example, sunset in Juneau is around 9 pm in early May vs. 8 pm in late August). There is more snow in the mountains in May, so the scenery is even more spectacular. There are fewer bugs in May than there are later in the summer.

Best time for Active Glaciers Cruise in Alaska 2024 - Best Season - Rove.me

Best time for Active Glaciers Cruise in Alaska 2024 - Best Season.

Posted: Wed, 30 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

As September begins, the sun dips below the horizon signifying the inauguration of fall. The lush green forests transition into vibrant hues of gold and saffron while the mountaintops become freckled in snowfall. Daylight quietly recedes and the growing twilight perfectly contrasts the luminous green lights of the Aurora Borealis. The enchanting colors invite you to marvel at the miracles of Mother Nature that so often act as the inspiration for treasured postcards.

weather in alaska in may for cruise

Anchorage Matanuska Glacier Walk Tour

weather in alaska in may for cruise

Protecting your head with a hat or cap can also help prevent discomfort caused by strong gusts. July is known as the hottest month in this section of Alaska with the hottest day of the year falling on July 9th. Temperatures range on average between fifty and sixty degrees with mostly cool afternoons and evenings and chilly mornings and mid-day hours. Road conditions can vary in May, especially in more remote or mountainous areas where snow and ice may still be present.

There is also potential for viewing orcas, gray whales, and walruses. In April, towns along the Inside Passage will have just over 15 and a half hours of sunlight and will be gaining daylight every day. Because of its latitude, Alaska experiences extremes in daylight in the summer and darkness in the winter. The average rainfall in Juneau during the month of April is 2.77 inches.

The best time to see the Northern Lights is between late August and April, typically peaking in March. If you cruise to Alaska this month, you can enjoy more shop and restaurant options in port towns but expect things to be slightly more crowded. Small-ship Alaska cruise lines like American Queen Voyages and Uncruise can go further into narrow passages and get closer to shoreline wildlife like Dall sheep and bears. That being said, the weather and wildlife in Alaska are notoriously unpredictable. You might take a float plane to see bears and, sadly, not see a single one. If you cruise to Alaska in June, you can expect warmer and drier temperatures, fewer children onboard, increased wildlife sightings, and more cruise offerings.

Alaska is still gaining sunlight as the Summer Solstice approaches, so you’ll experience longer days during your May cruise. While prices in the early season are generally less expensive, your experience during a May cruise will look different from during the high season in July and August. For major cruise lines, the Alaska cruise season runs between May and late September, including Viking and Disney.

Both September and October are ideal times to see the stunning Northern Lights, otherwise known as aurora borealis displays. October in Alaska can see lows can be as low as 28° Fahrenheit, and the highs can reach up to 40° Fahrenheit. You can also expect more precipitation, which can result in some snowy weather. I hope you are able to plan and fulfill all of your fantastical travel dreams! Feel free to click around my site to discover more exciting destinations and itineraries.

With a variety of venues to choose from, you’ll undoubtedly find something to satisfy your taste buds at every meal. Alaska’s culinary scene is a delightful fusion of local flavors and international influences. Joining a cooking demonstration on the cruise ship can offer insights into creating delectable dishes inspired by Alaska’s abundant seafood and fresh produce. Learn new recipes and techniques while indulging in mouthwatering delights that embody the flavors of the region. Accessories can make a significant difference in your comfort and enjoyment during your May cruise in Alaska. Consider bringing a warm hat or beanie, gloves or mittens, and a scarf to protect against chilly winds.

After a long winter, Alaska begins to wake up in April, and that includes the wildlife. A few big ships, such as the 4,000-passenger Norwegian Bliss out of Seattle, begin their season this month with discounted early season pricing. Since Alaska cruises command the highest prices, you’ll benefit from shoulder season prices by sailing in May. Guests will also enjoy the driest time, see fewer crowds, and sail on ships with empty staterooms. Alaska, however, brings globetrotters to experience its vast undeveloped landscapes with stunning tidewater glaciers. Those traveling to Alaska in May, won’t experience the high daytime temperatures, but the chance of rain along the coastal areas is minimal.

Your views will likely include snowy mountains, but they are gorgeous nonetheless. An April sail date is one way to save money on your Alaskan cruise. Just expect cooler weather, fewer wildlife viewing opportunities, and less active ports with some shops that are still shuttered. Arguably, the biggest draw is the marine animals, with opportunities to see pods of humpback whales, gray whales, orcas, sea lions, sea otters, and more. Locals typically call the months of April and May “break-up” because the snow and ice begin to break apart and melt after the long winter.

May in Alaska invites travelers to embrace the changing seasons and immerse themselves in a wide range of outdoor activities and cultural experiences. For cruise itineraries in Alaska, August high temperatures will be somewhere in the upper 50s and low 60s. We’ve reached the pinnacle of summer temperatures, and the rainier season has just begun. July and August are considered peak seasons to cruise to Alaska for good reason.

Packing layered clothing is crucial, as sea breezes can make temperatures feel even cooler. Fog is another characteristic weather pattern in Alaska, particularly along coastal areas and near glaciers. In May, fog can occasionally roll in, creating an ethereal atmosphere that adds an air of mystery to your cruise. While it may limit visibility at times, it also lends a unique beauty to the landscapes you’ll encounter. However, sightings are less common compared to the peak aurora season from late August to April.

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