Alaska’s cruise season runs from about May to September, and every month offers something different. The right time depends on what matters most to you: lower fares, long summer days, wildlife or warmer weather. Here is how the season breaks down.
Alaska month by month
| Month | What to expect | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| May | Cooler days, snow on the mountains, fewer crowds | Value and quieter ports |
| June | Longest days of the year, around 18 hours of daylight in Juneau | Long evenings of scenery |
| July | Usually the warmest and busiest month | School-holiday family trips |
| August | Peak season continues; more rain toward late summer in Southeast Alaska | Salmon runs and wildlife |
| September | Cooler and wetter, with fall colors and thinner crowds | Value, and a chance of northern lights |
Each month links to a page with live sailing counts, the cruise lines sailing and departure ports for that month.
Inside Passage or Gulf of Alaska?
Inside Passage cruises are usually round trips from Seattle or Vancouver. They visit ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway and cruise past glaciers. Round trips from Seattle typically include a stop in Victoria, British Columbia, so bring a passport or other accepted travel document.
Gulf of Alaska cruises sail one way between Vancouver and Seward or Whittier, near Anchorage. They often reach more glaciers and pair well with a land tour to Denali. You will need to fly into one city and home from another.
Which cruise line?
Most major lines sail Alaska each summer. Princess Cruises and Holland America Line have long histories in Alaska and are well known for their cruisetours that combine the cruise with lodges and rail travel inland. Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity and Carnival bring their big-ship amenities north, while smaller luxury and expedition ships offer a more intimate experience.
Packing for Alaska
- Layers. Temperatures can change quickly between ports and glaciers.
- A waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes that can handle rain and wet decks.
- Binoculars for spotting whales, eagles and bears.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen. Long summer days and reflection off the water and ice add up.
See every month at a glance on our cruise calendar, or request a quote and we will compare Alaska sailings for your dates.
