8 Great Reasons To Cruise To Alaska In May
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Drawing people from Alaska and other states who want to catch “the big one” in Sitka’s waters. It’s also a great plan if you’re traveling with your family as everyone can participate. In general, you should plan for nice, long days you can take advantage of to pack even more into each day of your Alaska itinerary. Talking about the weather in Alaska is a tricky matter, mainly because the weather varies a lot across the regions. The best time to cruise Alaska for whales is from mid-June through mid-August. We are proud to offer the best tours Alaska has to offer with Alaska shore excursions at wholesale prices.
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The warm weather and long hours of sunlight mean you’ll want to pack sunglasses and sunscreen. You should still wear layers when visiting the port, but if you’re planning active shore excursions like hikes or glacier walks, you’ll want to stick with lightweight clothing. Early June is when the Alaska cruise season kicks into high gear. The warming weather allows cruise ships to travel through the Arctic waters providing unique opportunities for passengers. Winter activities such as dog sledding, snow shoeing and skiing are possible. A popular attraction during Alaska’s winter is viewing the northern lights (aurora borealis).
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Just like the weather, how much sunlight Alaska receives varies depending on the region. Leading toward the summer solstice on June 21st, May boasts some of the longest days of the year and gets longer as the month goes on. Have a question or looking for advice about the best time to visit Alaska? Use the comments below and we’ll answer your questions about the best time to travel to Alaska.
Sea Conditions
Those booked on a whale watching excursion, will see sea lions and bald eagles too. With long daylight hours and drier weather, mountains will still be frosted with snow. If the weather’s too brisk outside, watch the glaciers from the bow’s observation lounge. North American cruises always offer the lowest prices in shoulder season.
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Additionally, some cruise lines may have restrictions on swimwear in public areas or require specific attire for certain activities such as rock climbing or ice skating. In conclusion, packing the right gear and essentials is crucial for enjoying safe and comfortable excursions and outdoor activities in Alaska in May. Like July, nights and early mornings can be very cold, so late nighters and early risers should be prepared to bundle up for icy temperatures. May is considered part of the shoulder season in Alaska, meaning it’s less busy compared to the peak summer months of June, July, and August.
Be sure to pack high-quality rain gear for excursions along with warm, layered clothing and a hat and gloves. Many cruise lines also have limited early cruise ships departing for Alaska in April. Norwegian Cruise Lines has the first departures of the season in early April from Seattle. Alaska is a special place to cruise because it’s very different from standard tropical cruise destinations. Cruises to Alaska don’t occur during the months of January, February, March, November and December.
Alaska Cruise Weather: June
If you’re planning a cruise tour to Denali National Park and Preserve, it’s worth noting that the bus service doesn’t begin until late May. The road through the park is only partially open until early June. Check out our guide to Alaska cruise weather for May, June, and July. In addition to monthly stats, discover the other seasonal variations that can help you pick the perfect time to cruise. However, the shoulder season has become more prevalent in recent years, making great deals harder to find. Knowing when to book your cruise can help you save money on your trip.
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So if you’re cruise includes a visit to Ketchikan, it wouldn’t hurt to pack your rain gear. I worked on cruise ships many years ago, and did two full seasons in Alaska. Alaska’s weather is unpredictable but generally May is drier than September. Plus you will see more snow and ice whereas September is greener. We’ve cruised in May and didn’t even need jackets when we were at Columbia Glacier. So, the best month to travel to the Great Land depends on what you want to do.
Tips and Tricks for Traveling to Alaska in May
If you like this guide to the best time to visit Alaska, you’ll love our comprehensive travel planning services. Our experts have more information on when to visit Alaska, planning your Alaska trip or the best time of year to visit Alaska. When you are ready to book the trip of a lifetime, just give us a call, our experts are ready to help.
As the month progresses, temperatures rise slightly, and daylight hours increase. Choosing to cruise in the early spring of Alaska will impact your experience. Less travelers might sound appealing, but many port towns aren’t fully “tourist operational” until late June when summer workers start to arrive. Orca whales (which are actually members of the dolphin family) are a fairly common site on an Alaskan cruise. “Resident” orcas (who stay near shore and feed on fish) are easy to spot and fun to watch from the cruise ship or on a whale-watching excursion.
Stick to the broad guidelines above and as previously stated, follow the advice of your packing lists. Checking the weather before your Alaska trip will only serve to frustrate your preparations and offers little insight into what conditions will be like when you arrive. Weather in various Alaska destinations is unpredictable and travelers should prepare themselves for a range of conditions, no matter what month you travel. We have developed comprehensive Alaska planning guides for our booked clients, with expertise culled from years of our own living, working, guiding and traveling in Alaska. On clear nights, you could have a chance to spot the northern lights — though they won't shine as brightly as they do in winter.
Sunglasses and sunscreen are also essential to shield your eyes and skin from the sun’s rays, which can still be strong even in the cooler temperatures. Check with the park service for updated information on road and trail conditions. Mosquitoes begin to emerge in May, particularly in wet and wooded areas. While they may not be as prevalent as later in the summer, it’s still advisable to bring insect repellent and protective clothing, especially if you plan to spend time outdoors.
While this Alaska by Month guide is a valuable resource for planning when to go, wildlife and weather can never be fully predicted, especially in a land as powerful as Alaska. Life in Alaska is greatly affected by latitude variances, as slight latitude shifts can result in big seasonal and light changes. The nature of small ship cruising is to be flexible and nimble, and this ethos should be applied to any trip in Alaska, by land or sea. After all, the surprise in what you experience while in Alaska is a big part of the fun. Layers are essential for a comfortable Alaska vacation, using fast-drying wicking materials. A raincoat and rain pants are also must-haves, as is a warm hat and gloves.
I've been to Alaska twice, once the 1st week of May, and once the 2nd. The first cruise the weather was warm enough not to wear ajacket, the second one was cold and rainy. For all the fishing lovers out there, Sitka Salmon Derby is your opportunity to show how well you know how to handle that fishing rod. The Sitka Salmon Derby has been going on for 68 years already.
Due to the shorter daylight hours, September provides the best opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis from an Alaskan cruise. As school returns to session, cruise prices dip and provide travelers with last-minute bargains to take an Alaskan cruise. The warm weather makes it one of the best times to witness the calving of glaciers. The Alaska cruise season generally runs from May to September, with occasional cruises in April and October.
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