Hello, all. We are considering an Alaskan cruise next summer. I've rented several videos from the library on cruising Alaska, and from these videos, it appears that the weather in Alaska is constantly cloudy and overcast.

Obviously, we would prefer sunny, dry weather. When would be our best bet to encounter this?

Karen

NOTE: I am aware that no one can predict weather. I am aware that it can rain in one place and not another. I am aware that Alaska is the largest state in the USA. Please don't think I have an attitude. If I don't put in so much info, there are those who will merely reply that there is no way to answer such a broad question. Sigh.

Well I'm sure you will get lots of responses, but here's my .02. I cruised mid-may last year and regretted it because we just missed the bears and slamon spawning season. The whales were just arriving but the weather was great with no rain. The ship could not get too cloce to the glaciers because of the falling ice chunks, which will continue to desolve as summer continues. Since nature is important to us the next time we will go back in July - August. I am willing to sarifice rain and wasps to get to see more. That being said, May was still great, and our favorite cruise. Have a great trip

btw, we did see bears, but they were just coming out of hybernation. Also I guess the eagle spotting wasn't as good. But I am thinking you better try to book soon, the best deals may already be gone as the Alaska cruises really fill up fast.

I'm just starting to think about a cruise/tour to Alaska. Can someone tell me the downside to going that first week in September? Thanks!

Alaska weather is fairly unpredictable. It can rain or be overcast at anytime. However, generally speaking, the best chance for sunny, dry weather for cruising is found during the last two weeks of July and first two weeks of August, which is reflected in the higher cruise rates charged during that period.

Suggest you post this q on the 'cruise' forum. In the meantime, we cruised Inside Passage leaving Ketchikan on Aug 5 (or thereabouts) last year. Our FIRST day was rainy, overcast and after that it was misty. One would normally consider that a horrible day. But the pictures I have of the mist rising from the forests are incredible. Every other day of our cruise was blessed with high 60's/low 70's sunny blue sky days. It was cold around the glaciers, of course..but beautiful skies! This is also the time when the salmon swin upstream. Another plus!

We went the last week of August and found that there were absolutely no mosquitoes. The guide at Denali NP told us that we wouldn't have ever gotten out of the bus a few weeks earlier because of the bugs. We did see a lot of whales and seals. The weather was in the 60s with occasional drizzle, but that's not unusual there anytime.

We've gone the 3rd week of May and the 3rd week of August--August was by far the best. Watching bears catch salmon by hand was astonishing! The weather was crisp, but a parka was nice for glacier walks during the shore excursions. The prices were within 15%, so I think August was worth a little more.

I recommend going before Sept. My favorite and most traveled is mid- late August into Sept. Anything past the first week can get more iffy.

Statistically, June is the driest and sunniest month (in *Southeast* AK) but others are correct that wildlife viewing opportunities may be better later in the summer.

Sun does not equal Warmth in the SE necessarilly. If you come from the Southern half of the United States you will probably be cold at least some of the time. A water-proof rain slicker is a must, as well as a hat and gloves, especially out on the water.

As said above, June is the "best weather" month but July/August are the " best viewing " months. And every summer seems to be different as to amount of rain, but it's a safe bet you'll have some.