Best time to cruise Alaska: complete month-by-month guide

The best time to cruise Alaska is in the summer when beauty and adventure instill a newfound sense of wonder into the Great Land. Lush green landscapes are sprinkled with delicate, magenta flowers while the horizon dons frosted Alps and royal blue skies. Locals gleefully prepare for peak fishing season, and iconic wildlife take their graceful positions among the pristine backdrop. Each summer month brings new and exciting adventures – peaceful hiking trails in June, fruitful fishing expeditions in July, and extraordinary flightseeing tours in September. So, the best month for an Alaska cruise depends entirely on which excursion you want to embark on during the summer season. The Alaska cruise season typically runs from May through September, with each month offering different benefits such as wildlife viewing, long daylight hours or fewer crowds. Here’s everything to know about the Land of the Midnight Sun.

As the summer sun peaks over the snow-capped mountains, beloved wildlife reawakens from their winter slumber and the Great Land comes to life. This breath of fresh air yields longer days and more time to explore forested canopies and coastal waterways. June brings maximal daylight with over 18 hours of golden sunshine in the Southeast and Inside Passage regions. Alaska also experiences exceptionally long daylight hours in June and July, allowing more time for scenic cruising and wildlife viewing. Princess travels to Alaska during this season so guests can maximize their time on shore and enjoy the beautiful scenery from their ship. Take a relaxing ride on the Goldbelt Tramway for an unparalleled view of Juneau’s exquisite features, or journey into the vast waters for a chance to observe 50-foot humpback whales in their natural habitat. July and August are also peak months for wildlife viewing, when bears gather near salmon runs and whales are frequently spotted along the coast. From emerging wildlife to lasting sunlight, early June through late August welcomes some of the most iconic moments known to the Great Land.

Breathe in the tranquility of the shoulder season when you sail to Alaska in May or September. These shoulder season months often bring fewer crowds and lower cruise prices compared with peak summer sailings. With fewer crowds in May, take a step inside Alaska’s finest fisheries and taste fresh king salmon — a local delicacy — as they’re plucked from the cool waters. Revel in the rousing vibrations of May sunlight and look out for humpback whales as they make their first appearance of the year. Or, explore the outdoors on a peaceful boat tour through deep fjords and enjoy a relaxing train ride up the sweeping mountains. As the driest month of the year, May provides optimal conditions to experience the great outdoors. While temperatures cool off in September, witness schools of halibut glisten beneath the Alaska waters and try your hand at casting a reel. Or, strap into a dog sled and venture over frosted terrains that make for an unforgettable ride. While the end of the cruising season brings darker skies, guests can discover the secrets behind the mystifying Northern Lights. Although catching a glimpse of the lights is rare, learning about them is just as enchanting.

With the warmth of summer breathing new life into the outdoors, May through September continues to be the most popular season to travel to the Land of the Midnight Sun. That said, the best time to cruise Alaska during these months depends on what experiences you’re looking to have. On any of our cruises to Alaska, embrace the beauty of life in the Great Land and leave craving more. 

The best time to see the northern lights on an Alaska cruise with Princess is during the shoulder seasons, particularly in late September when darker skies provide the best chance to view the aurora during the Alaska cruise season.specifically from late September to early May. Although most cruises operate during the summer months, some late-season cruises in September offer a chance to witness this stunning natural phenomenon. The darker nights and clear skies during this period provide optimal conditions for viewing the auroras. Consider a cruisetour that travels to destinations further north like Fairbanks for the best viewing opportunities.

To see whales, the best time to cruise Alaska is from May to September, with peak whale-watching season in June and July. During these months, humpback whales migrate to Alaska waters to feed, offering spectacular sightings. You might also spot orcas, gray whales, and minke whales during your cruise. Princess Cruises offers whale-watching excursions, ensuring you have the best chance to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.