Alaska...what month?
 

What is the best month to go on an Alaska cruisetour?
Thanks

I am no fan and would never consider a cruisetour- superior via independent travel. But my preferred and most traveled time is mid-late August. Just superb, excellent wildife viewing and sometimes shoulder season rates. :)

JW-

Best time for Alaska is MID JULY as the weather is the best and that is the time that there is less fog around the glaciers....

I have gone MANY times in August and NEVER encountered "fog" around the glaciers. Physics- will have the fog lifting due to the cold air settling. Clear views. :)

July is most popular because it is the most popular vacationing time for US residents.

I prefer first of June. May and June are typically dryer months - less rain.

You will find answers all over the board on this one as people's preferences are different.

We went to Alaska on HAL's Zaandam in mid-Sept. and the days were pleaantly sunny and warm in all the ports except Ketchikan which was having a mild rain....the norm for that port they say. We only encountered one cold morning at sea and the fact that we were on deck at 8AM may have had something to do with it. The shopping bargains were excellent in the ports as they all had terrific end of the season sales. I would not hesitate to go in September again.

We went to Alaska on HAL's Zaandam in mid-Sept. and the days were pleasantly sunny and warm in all the ports except Ketchikan which was having a mild rain....the norm for that port they say. We only encountered one cold morning at sea and the fact that we were on deck at 8AM may have had something to do with it. The shopping bargains were excellent in the ports as they all had terrific end of the season sales. I would not hesitate to go in September again.

I have been 4 times. My late August trip was 7 days of rain and all excursions were cancelled. Made for a long week.

My thwo trips in early June were perfect weather as was my trip in late June.

We went first week of August and the weather was perfect. Some clouds and a bit cool in the mornings in College Fjord and Glacier Bay, but the clouds were above the tops of the mountains and tended to clear by mid morning. Our cousins went in May, which I thought would be too early, and had great weather also. My aunt went several years ago in late July and had snow. So I think the thing is - you never know!

Anytime prior to September 1 should be fine. I personally prefer late July/early August.

Hi,
We went mid June and had great weather, even in Ketchikan. If viewing bears is important to you, don't go before mid July.

Depends on your preference... May offers incredible rates. I just saw a deal on Princess for a balcony cabin at half ($700)what I paid last mid August ! Had great weather - wore shorts everyday !

I agree - a week of rain makes for a very long week. My July 4th cruise in Alaska had tons of rain and wind all week. We didn't use our balcony at all.