🐻 Best Time to Cruise to Alaska

An Alaska cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime journey into some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth — from towering glaciers to wildlife-rich fjords. But with a short sailing season and changing conditions, timing your trip can make all the difference. Here’s your month-by-month guide to choosing the best time to cruise to Alaska.

🗓️ Cruise Season Overview: May to September

Unlike year-round cruise destinations, Alaska’s cruise season runs from late April to early October. Each month brings unique advantages depending on what you’re hoping to see — from whales and bears to the northern lights!

🌱 May: Early Season Value & Wildlife Starts to Stir

Why go:

Lower fares and fewer crowds
Long daylight hours for sightseeing
Excellent chance of spotting bears emerging from hibernation

Who it suits:

Budget-conscious travellers
Nature lovers eager to avoid the peak-season hustle

Watch for:

Some shore excursions (like dog sledding) may not be running yet
Weather can still be crisp, especially inland

☀️ June: Longest Days & Peak Wildlife Viewing

Why go:

Near 20 hours of daylight in northern ports like Seward
Excellent for whale watching (humpbacks, orcas)
Popular for outdoor excursions like hiking and kayaking

Who it suits:

Active travellers
Families planning around school holidays

Watch for:

Higher demand means cabins may fill quickly — book early!

🌺 July: Peak Summer & Warmest Weather

Why go:

Warmest temperatures of the season (around 15–20°C)
Abundant wildlife and blooming wildflowers
Glacier calving (ice chunks falling dramatically into the sea)

Who it suits:

First-time cruisers
Multi-generational families

Watch for:

This is the most popular month — expect more tourists and higher prices

🍂 August: Great for Fishing & Fewer Families

Why go:

Prime salmon fishing season
Excellent wildlife sightings continue
Waterfalls are fuller after summer melt

Who it suits:

Couples and solo travellers
Anglers and wildlife photographers

Watch for:

Rain increases in August, particularly in coastal ports

🌌 September: Fall Colours & Aurora Potential

Why go:

Golden foliage and crisp air make for scenic cruising
Best chance to see the northern lights (especially on land-based add-ons)
Lower fares as the season winds down

Who it suits:

Photographers and nature lovers
Travellers combining cruise with land tours (e.g., Denali National Park)

Watch for:

Cooler temperatures and a higher chance of rain
Some shops and excursions may start to close for the season

Our Pick for Kiwi Travellers

For New Zealand travellers, we recommend late May through early July for a mix of great wildlife, long daylight hours, and relatively stable weather. If you’re a photographer or looking for northern lights, early September is worth considering.

🚢 Let Us Help You Choose the Perfect Alaska Cruise

At Cruise Company, we’ve helped hundreds of Kiwi travellers tick Alaska off their bucket list — and we’d love to help you too. From small expedition-style ships to luxury lines like Regent and Silversea, we can match you with the perfect itinerary.

📧 Enquire today at info@cruisecompany.co.nz