Alaska cruise in September: What to expect (and why it’s worth it)
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September in Alaska has a bit of a rebellious streak. While summer crowds head home and the midnight sun starts hitting snooze a little earlier, Alaska gets dressed up in fall colors, animals get wonderfully active and the whole state leans into a quieter, more primeval kind of magic. It’s not peak season — and that’s exactly the point.
Is September the best time to cruise Alaska? We’ll let you figure that out, but here are some perks that might sway you: golden-hued forests, migrating whales, probably even a glimpse of the Northern Lights (which are typically most visible from August through April). And when you cruise with Princess®, you’re not just watching Alaska from a distance — you’re living its story with expert-led excursions, rustic lodges and the kind of views that will have you hearing the call of the wild. Here, we’ll cover the experiences, the environments and the exciting ports of call that make September in Alaska something you won’t want to miss.
Key takeaways
- September equals fewer crowds and more active wildlife. It's the shoulder season sweet spot — quieter ports, lower fares and animals on the move.
- Fall colors and Northern Lights? Yes please. Autumn foliage lights up the landscape by day, and the aurora might just light up the sky at night.
- Weather does its own thing. Pack for sunshine, drizzle, breezes and everything in between — layers are your best travel buddy.
- Excursions make the adventure. From glacier walks to whale sightings and gold panning to zip-lining, Princess excursions turn it all up to 11.
Why choose an Alaska cruise in September?
September in Alaska offers a unique experience. The summer crowds have thinned, making popular spots more accessible. This season often brings more budget-friendly options, allowing you to enjoy the state's beauty without peak-season prices.
And it’s no secret that Alaska is known for its vast wilderness, towering mountains and abundant wildlife. In fact, it's home to 3 million lakes, over 12,000 rivers and an estimated 100,000 glaciers. September marks the transition from summer to fall, enhancing the scenery with vibrant autumn plant life and increasing wildlife activity as animals prepare for winter.
Princess Cruises offers curated excursions that get you to where Alaska is the most… Alaska. Whether you're interested in culture, gold rush history, fishing, glaciers, sightseeing, outdoor adventures or just being there, the only limits to your adventure are the hours in the day.
Weather and scenery in September
When you think of Alaska, do you picture summer sun and warm breezes? Probably not. Summer in Alaska is beautiful and fun, but if you want to see the Great Land that’s inspired and excited visitors for centuries, plan your visit just as summer ends. September brings cooler temperatures and a chance to witness Alaska's stunning fall transformation, and will give you an opportunity to see the state in a whole new light.
Crisp air and fall foliage
Alaska temperatures in September typically range from about 45 – 70°F (depending on whether you visit near the beginning or the end of the month), creating a refreshing atmosphere for outdoor activities. Forests transition to vibrant hues of red, orange and gold, creating technicolor landscapes that will make you think you just landed in Oz.
Northern lights opportunities
Alaska’s unique hues aren't only available when the sun is shining high; things can get absolutely luminous at night when solar winds set fire to the sky with the Northern Lights. With darker evenings, September increases the chances of witnessing Alaska’s world famous aurora borealis, and Princess Cruises offers Northern Lights viewing excursions for those visiting the city of Fairbanks, Alaska. And we’ll be honest here: If seeing the sky dance with the colors of a haunted rainbow isn’t on your bucket list, maybe you need a new list…
Weather
Much like Alaska, September likes to do its own thing, and that means the weather forecast might not always be reliable. Rain, mist and chilly breezes like to drop in unannounced, especially when you’re out exploring glaciers or wandering forest trails. But don’t let that stop you — just pack smart. Bring layers you can peel off or pile on, a rain jacket that laughs in the face of drizzle and a pair of shoes that won’t blink at a muddy path. A cozy beanie doesn’t hurt either, especially when the wind decides to get involved.
Alaska wildlife viewing in September
More than 1,600 prospectors went to Alaska in the late 1800s looking for gold, but when you visit, you’ll discover that the real treasure is the animal friendships you make along the way? OK, maybe that was a little heavy handed, but it’s no exaggeration to say that September in Alaska is like some kind of nature celebration, and wildlife is absolutely dancing with activity. Whales spouting in chilly bays, bears hitting the all-you-can-catch salmon buffet, moose just moosing their way through golden forests — September lines up some of Alaska’s best wildlife moments. Add in a sky full of migrating birds and you’ve got the makings of some seriously memorable encounters.
Whale watching
September might be the tail end of the whale-watching season, but it’s not over yet. Humpbacks are still hanging around, slapping the water with their fins and launching into the air like the world's heftiest ballerinas. Orcas sometimes cruise by too, especially near Juneau and Icy Strait Point. Want to level up your chances of seeing it happen? Book a Princess excursion for expert-led boat tours that know just where to go — that way, seeing these graceful giants up close won’t be some kind of a fluke.
Bears preparing for hibernation
Alaska’s bears don’t mess around in September — they’re on a salmon-fueled mission to pack on the pounds before winter says, ‘lights out.’ You’ll find them along rivers, swiping fish with the kind of focus that would impress an athlete. Brooks Falls in Katmai is a good place to start, but if you’re sailing with Princess, guided tours to spots like Denali offer top bear-viewing action, minus the need for a zoom lens (though one might still come in handy).
Moose, caribou and bird migrations
Moose and caribou get a little more visible this time of year — partly because the cooler air has them moving round more and partly because the males are dressed to impress and showing off antlers (hello… ladies). Meanwhile, the skies turn into a migratory expressway, with waterfowl and raptors rushing to get down south before the weather closes in. If you’ve got binoculars and a bird list — or just a sense of curiosity — make sure you take the time to look up.
Top destinations for an Alaska cruise in September
Alaska isn’t exactly short on awe-inspiring landscapes. It’s all fantastic (no exaggeration) but some places really do stand out. September enhances these places. Cooler air sharpens the views. The reds and oranges of autumn add some ‘pop’ to already impressive vistas. And, as we’ve mentioned before, you won’t have to jostle for room with a ton of other visitors. So, if you're looking for unforgettable places to visit in Alaska, September is your moment. Here are a few top stops that are among Alaska’s most iconic.
Inside Passage
The Inside Passage is kind of like Alaska's version of a scenic drive (if any drive had roads large enough to accommodate a cruise ship). Ports along the inside passage each bring their own flavor: Juneau dishes out glacier adventures and whale-watching thrills. Skagway lets you step into the boots of a 19th-century prospector with gold rush heritage walks. Ketchikan is a cultural deep dive, where you can explore totem parks, Native villages and salmon-filled creeks. Princess excursions here run the gamut — glacier hikes, historic train rides and immersive Native experiences all come standard.
Glacier Bay National Park
Glaciers are hyperdense ice blocks, solid and heavy enough to grind mountains into dust. So, when one sings, it’s hard not to listen. Glacier Bay is your front-row ticket to one of nature’s most powerful concerts. September delivers big when it comes to tidewater glacier viewing, and there’s something extra appropriate about wearing a cozy fleece while hearing massive chunks of ancient ice groan and tumble into the ocean. Princess Cruises makes this experience even richer with opportunities that bring the geology and wildlife to life — for a closer look, consider a small boat tour that takes you right up to the ice (just not when it’s crashing down).
Denali National Park
If you’re feeling land-curious, a visit to Denali National Park is a smart September play. The park’s main season winds down by mid-month, so timing is everything. But if you go early enough, you’ll find Alaska’s interior in full fall mode. Scenic chartered flights over Denali are a must, and photo safaris offer a shot (camera only, of course) at spotting moose, caribou and maybe even a wolf or two. A stay at the Denali Princess WIlderness Lodge makes it easy to add this land adventure to your cruise, so you don’t have to choose between mountains and the sea.
Icy Strait Point
Icy Strait Point is an Alaska secret that’s too good not to share. Located near the Tlingit village of Hoonah, this port packs a serious punch: world-class whale-watching tours, one of the longest zip lines in the world and real cultural connections that will give you more to take home than just souvenirs or photos. Book a Princess excursion and you’ll not only learn the local legends — you’ll live a few of your own.
Excursions and activities for September cruises
You can cruise through Alaska with your camera glued to the ship railing— or you can let it lead you someplace even better. September is an amazing time to go beyond the ship and into the wild, with cooler weather, fewer crowds and Princess® excursions designed to make the most of every stop.
Glacier tours and adventures
Mendenhall Glacier, just outside Juneau, is a stunner — and seeing it in person beats any photo, no contest. Princess excursions can take you right into the heart of it all: Hike the trails that snake through the surrounding wilderness, glide across glacial lakes by kayak or take to the skies in a helicopter for a gravity-defying view you won't get at sea level. It’s the kind of stuff that core memories are built on.
Wildlife-focused tours
Alaska’s wildlife doesn’t care about tourist seasons, they’ve got salmon to chase, skies to soar, trails to tromp... September is prime time for bear-viewing, as big brown bruins hunker down near rivers to load up before hibernation. Hop on a Princess tour and you might catch them fishing completely unfazed by onlookers. Whale-watching in Juneau and Icy Strait Point still holds surprises too — humpbacks and orcas don’t mind a late-season curtain call. And with eagles, moose and the occasional sea otter crashing the party, it’s never just a one-animal show. Guides with Princess add layers to the experience, giving you the kind of behind-the-scenes scoop that makes every sighting more than just a ‘wow’ moment.
Cultural and historical experiences
Alaska’s not just about the wilderness — it’s also home to rich traditions and stories that stretch back centuries. You can walk through history with a gold panning excursion in Skagway or visit Totem Bight State Park in Ketchikan to see intricately carved totem poles that tell ancient stories in three dimensions, followed by a local lumberjack show. Princess excursions that focus on culture bring these stories to life, blending breathtaking landscapes with local legends, traditions and hands-on experiences.
Adventure activities
Looking to get your adrenaline pumping? Alaska’s got you. Zip-lining over rainforest canopies, hiking glacier-fed trails and even hopping on a dog sled (yes, even in September, thanks to wheeled carts) are all on the menu.
Planning tips for an Alaska cruise in September
September in Alaska feels like a state sized breathing exercise — calmer ports and potentially deeper experiences. It’s a time when small details shine, and a little planning can help make sure they don’t slip by.
Packing essentials
Alaska's September weather can be unpredictable. Layering is key: pack thermal layers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable, waterproof shoes for excursions. Don't forget accessories like a woolen or fleece hat, gloves and a scarf to keep warm during outdoor activities. At the same time, you don’t want to be wrapped up for the arctic when a burst of late summer sun blasts through the clouds, so keep a small daypack handy for storing layers as the weather changes throughout the day. For wildlife and northern lights photography, bring a camera with a good zoom and a tripod. Binoculars are also useful for spotting distant wildlife and bringing the scenery a bit closer.
Best deals and savings
September is considered the ‘shoulder season’ for Alaska cruises, often resulting in lower prices and fewer crowds. Princess Cruises offers various promotions during this time, including discounts on fares and onboard perks. Booking excursions early is recommended to secure spots on popular tours, as availability can be limited. Of course, that’s not the only reason to visit Alaska with Princess; it’s just the one that speaks most directly to your wallet.
Staying flexible with itineraries
Just to reiterate: The Alaska weather does its own thing. It’s part of Alaska’s charm, but it can lead to potential last-minute changes in itineraries or seasonal closures. But that’s OK, because Princess Cruises' experienced staff are adept at adapting plans to ensure a seamless experience, providing alternative activities or excursions when necessary. And, in the event that an excursion needs to be canceled for reasons beyond Princess’ control, they back you up and deliver a full refund. So feel free to sign up for the adventure, safe in the knowledge that if plans shift, you won’t have to swallow the cost — and you might just end up discovering a detour that’s even cooler than the original.
September is Alaska’s best-kept secret
September in Alaska offers a unique experience that sets it apart from your standard summer fare. And with fewer crowds and potential savings, it's an ideal time to explore the state's natural beauty. Princess Cruises provides curated excursions and luxurious onboard amenities to enhance that journey. So mark your calendar, because when it comes to cruises, Alaska in the fall is your chance to rise.
Ready to embark on the ultimate autumn adventure? Cruise to Alaska in September with Princess and discover a different kind of autumn magic in the wide and wild north.