Saturday, April 20, 2024

Alaska Weather What to Expect and When to Visit on a Cruise

weather in alaska in august for cruise

While it can be freezing cold at times, the weather can also be pleasantly cool. The low temperatures typically range from the mid-thirties to the low forties Fahrenheit, but the highs can get up to the upper fifties. Although the average daily temperatures throughout Southeast Alaska are in the 60s Fahrenheit in August, extreme highs near 90 and lows below 20 have been reported. Expect the temperature to fluctuate by 30 degrees or more in a single day regardless of when you cruise.

Alaska Cruise Weather by Month

You get to eat German food and drink special beer releases by the one-liter stein in true Oktoberfest style. August is actually a great time to paddle in areas that usually have a ton of mosquitoes, like Swan Lake Canoe Trail in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. If you are an experienced paddler, visit Eklutna Lake or Portage Lake in Southcentral Alaska. Birds also haven’t started their migration, so you can spot both songbirds and seabirds as you cruise along the coast.

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Hatcher Pass typically opens up in July, depending on the specific Hatcher Pass weather conditions. Mt. Denali is another option for cruisers, but be sure to check on the Mt. Denali weather with your cruise line. Many cruise ships begin their summer deployments to Alaska in May before peak season begins in June. Cruise lines that package land tours provide a coach or glass-domed railcars to transport passengers inland.

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Temperatures can reach anywhere from the low 30s to upper 80s depending on your month of travel as well as the port of call. We always recommend that you dress in layers to prepare for whatever weather comes your way. To help you get ready for your awe-inspiring adventure, learn about Alaska cruise temperatures by month.

Entertainment and Onboard Activities

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. ” These are among the most common questions we receive, and indeed an important consideration when planning Alaska travel. ​​August in Alaska is a busy month, full of fun events and activities to fill the days of your itinerary. Below I’ve compiled seven events that you can consider during your visit.

September in Alaska

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. 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. As Alaska small ship cruise experts, we advise clients that the best time to cruise Alaska is May 15 through September 1. If we had to choose one, the best month for an Alaska cruise is July.

Special Events in Port

Since I grew up in Alaska, I’m a fan of just about everything in the Land of the Midnight Sun. I also know that your experience can vary widely depending on the month you choose to visit Alaska. Here’s what you can expect each month on your upcoming Alaska cruise along with what you really need to pack. Lisa Fritscher is a freelance writer specializing in disabled adventure travel.

weather in alaska in august for cruise

Icy Strait is also a good choice for whale watching, because whales are abundant (though not guaranteed). Its untouched landscapes, abundance of wildlife, and magnificent glaciers will add to your enduring memories. With changing weather, tour operators may choose to discontinue their excursions early, and those that run may be subject to cancellation. Guests taking a cruise and land tour to Denali are away from the light pollution of Alaskan cities. Good viewing locations are also available in Anchorage and Fairbanks. I have seen them in trees, on poles near harbors, or trying to catch dinner during salmon runs.

Small ship cruises in May will likely view whales, but they will be individuals or smaller groups of two or three spread about looking and waiting for food. Keep in mind that Alaska and the Yukon make up an enormous mass of land; in fact, combined they are about half the size of the lower 48 states! As you can imagine, it can be difficult to speak in generalities about the climate for a place so vast. However, we’ve broken down the weather in Alaska by season and area, with advice on what to expect, so you can choose the best time to cruise to Alaska. Cruise season in Alaska is just five months long, running from May to September, although Holland America Line offers Alaska cruises in late April and early October. Alaska's pristine waters are renowned for their bountiful seafood harvest, and August presents an opportune time to indulge in the freshest catches.

When embarking on an Alaska cruise in August, travelers can savor an array of dining and cuisine options that showcase the region's rich gastronomic heritage. For those with a penchant for gastronomic delights and cultural exploration, culinary and cultural tours offer a delightful immersion into Alaska's local flavors and traditions. From seafood tasting tours that showcase the region's bountiful marine harvest to visits to local markets and eateries, these excursions provide a delectable journey through Alaska's culinary landscape. Additionally, cultural tours may include visits to historical sites, museums, and artisan workshops, offering a deeper appreciation for the region's history and artistic heritage. From warm, sunny days to cool, rainy evenings, having the right gear will enhance your experience and ensure you’re comfortable no matter what adventures you embark on. The weather is generally mild, but with increasing chances of rain as the month progresses, it’s important for visitors to be prepared for a variety of conditions.

But not everyone can schedule their trip during this time and as we’ve noted, each season has its benefits. If you plan your trip during the peak season, then plan ahead and book early as these are the dates that sell out first. And while, of course, Alaska is open for travel year-round, the primary tourist season begins in June and ends in August.

If you love blueberries, then you’ll want to experience the Blueberry Festival held at Alyeska Resort in Girdwood every year. August is a great time to fish for coho or silver salmon and halibut. If you’re in Anchorage, you can actually fish for salmon downtown in Ship Creek. If you head south, the Kenai River and Russian River are also great fishing spots for salmon. August days stretch into the evening as the sun doesn’t set until well after 8 p.m. With all of this daylight, you can still enjoy all of the same June and July activities during August.

Explore Alaskan cruises and learn more about each fun-filled trip to the 49th state. To help you find the best time to cruise to Alaska, Cruise Critic is breaking down the Alaska cruise season month by month to help you plan your bucket-list trip. Read on for average Alaska cruise prices, things to do in Alaska and everything else you'll need to decide which is the best month to cruise Alaska for you. The temperatures in September are slightly cooler, with highs of 55 and lows around 40 degrees fair height.

You can find salmonberries and cloudberries, but I love picking wild blueberries and turning them into blueberry scones! I usually find blueberries in Hatcher Pass, Arctic Valley, and Whittier. August is a great month to see whales in Alaska, especially if you want to see humpback whales and beluga whales. Take a boat tour in coastal areas like Kenai Fjords National Park and Juneau and look for humpback whales bubble net feeding.

We provide expert advice, insightful reviews, and comprehensive guides to help seasoned and novice cruisers create their ideal sea journeys. Whether you desire adventure, luxury, or exploration, High Seas Cruising is your compass to unforgettable cruise vacations. During May, you’ll find several whale species along Alaska’s inside passage. By this time of the year, most of the whales will have completed their migration from the warm waters of Mexico to Alaska, where they will spend the summer. By following these recommendations, you can ensure your safety and enjoy your cruise to the fullest.

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